Chapter 97: I’ll be ready

~Storme~

It was already so late into the night, past the time a supposed queen was allowed to be outside the royal quarters, unless in times of emergencies. But there were no emergencies in the palace, and if I was caught, especially by the alpha king, there would be no way to escape punishment.

At this time the king should have retired for the night, though. So, there was no threat to me if I safely make it to my room, which was still a minute’s walk from where I was.

I hugged my arms to my chest, the thick grimoire hidden under my hoodie pressing into my ribs. My boots quietly landed on the steps as I climbed them slowly, my body still buzzing from the magic I'd unleashed tonight.

I was almost two staircases to my room, before a voice cracked through the air.

"Where the hell have you been?"

I froze, then turned slowly to meet the alpha king’s face, his brows drawn together.

Shit. He was supposed to be in bed at this time. What was he doing up?

I swallowed hard, willing myself to sta