Chapter 9:The Alpha Returns

That evening, after leaving the beach, I returned to the palace while Victoria stayed behind to enjoy the ocean a little longer. We had spent the entire afternoon laughing, talking, and forgetting, if only for a short while, about the darkness surrounding our kingdoms. It had been a long time since I had felt that carefree.

After entering the palace, I greeted my parents before retiring to my chamber.

The previous night, I had slept in Ethan's room because of the nightmare Damon had caused me. But tonight would be different.

I stood in the middle of my room and took a deep breath.

I have to stop being afraid.

Who was Damon to steal my peace? Why should I lose sleep because of one terrifying man? Yes, he was a beast... a ruthless king feared by every kingdom. But I refused to let fear control my life. If I allowed that to happen, then he had already won without lifting a finger.

I slowly changed into my nightdress and extinguished all but one candle beside my bed. Its gentle flame cast dancing shadows across the walls, making the room feel strangely alive.

"It's just one night," I whispered to myself. "I can do this."

Gathering my courage, I climbed into bed and pulled the blanket over myself. I wasn't ready to sleep yet. Instead, I stared at the ceiling, listening to the silence that surrounded the palace.

For several peaceful minutes, nothing happened.

Then..

A familiar gust of wind swept through the room.The curtains fluttered violently.The candle flickered.

My heart skipped a beat.

No...

Please don't let it be him.

I held my breath beneath the blanket, praying my ears were playing tricks on me.

Then I heard the voice I had been dreading.

"So... you decided to sleep in your own room tonight."

My entire body froze.

Slowly, I lowered the blanket just enough to peek outside.

There he was.

King Damon stood near my window with his arms folded across his chest, his crimson eyes glowing faintly in the darkness. The moonlight spilled over his broad shoulders, making him look even more intimidating than before.

"How did you get in here?" I asked, struggling to keep my voice steady.

He smirked.

"I don't remember needing permission."

I swallowed nervously.

"The palace guards are everywhere."

"They are trying."

His answer was calm, almost amused."They're still alive... if that's what you're wondering."

Relief washed over me."What do you want from me?" I asked.

Instead of answering immediately, he slowly walked toward my bed.

Every step echoed through the silent room.

I instinctively backed away until my shoulders touched the headboard.

"You smell less afraid tonight," he said, studying my face.

"I-I'm not afraid of you."

"No?"His lips curved into another smile.

"Then why is your heart beating so fast?"

I hated that he had noticed.

"I... that's none of your business."

He leaned closer, close enough for me to feel his cold breath.

"I've met warriors who trembled more than you. At least you're trying to hide it."

"I said I'm not afraid."

For a brief moment, neither of us spoke.

His expression softened ever so slightly before returning to its usual coldness."You have courage, Princess Lisa, hope is genuine"

Silence settled between us again.

Finally, I gathered enough courage to ask the question that had haunted me ever since he first appeared.

"Why do you keep coming here?"

His eyes met mine.

"For someone who claims not to fear me... you certainly ask dangerous questions."

"Answer me."

He stared at me for several seconds before turning toward the window."When the time is right, you'll know."

Before I could stop him, another powerful gust of wind swept through the room.

I shielded my eyes."you said you are not afraid, We'll see"A faint chuckle escaped his lips.

Silence filled the room. My heart continued to pound against my chest as we stared at each other. I couldn't tell what was going through his mind, and that frightened me even more.

Without warning, he took a slow step toward me.

Then another.

His crimson eyes never left mine, and a dark smile slowly spread across his face.

"W-What are you doing?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.He didn't answer.

Instead, he continued walking toward me with that same unsettling smile.

Every instinct in my body screamed that something was wrong.I quickly reached behind me, my trembling fingers searching for anything I could use to defend myself.

My hand brushed against a wooden chair.

Without taking my eyes off Damon, I gripped it tightly, ready to swing if he came any closer.

He stopped only a few steps away, that dark smile still resting on his lips.

I tightened my grip on the chair, refusing to let him see how terrified I truly was.