Darius POV
“My sister?” I asked again, needing to be absolutely certain. Toran nodded frantically. “Yes, Your Grace,” he confirmed, his voice rushed with urgency. A sickening twist formed in my gut. My sister. The only family I had left. “Where is she now?” I whispered, careful not to wake Rian, who lay sleeping soundly beside me. “The pack hospital,” Toran replied. I gave a brief nod, silently dismissing him with a flick of my fingers. Then I carefully pulled the duvet up to Rian’s chin, letting my fingers brush over her hair briefly before I turned and followed Toran out. The halls were quiet as we moved quickly through the palace and toward the hospital. A burning sense of dread simmered beneath my skin. When we arrived, I saw her—Avery—lying on the hospital bed, her body bruised and battered. Elira, the palace healer, stood beside her, dabbing her wounds gently. She looked so fragile. My chest tightened at the sight. She’s the only family I have left. And someone dared to touch her. I turned to Toran, my voice cold and laced with fury. “How did this happen?” He lowered his gaze, shame clouding his expression. “I don’t know, Your Grace. The head warrior mind-linked me. She was coming back from town when she was attacked by rogues… but we couldn’t track them. No trace left behind.” “What do you mean no trace?” I snapped, but before I exploded, I forced myself to breathe and turned to Elira. “How is she?” Elira bowed her head slightly, keeping her tone calm and steady. “She’ll be fine, Your Grace. Just a few surface wounds. Nothing fatal. She’s resting, and I’ve given her something for the pain. She should be up soon.” I exhaled slowly, letting some of the pressure inside me release. “Get me the head of the guards. Now.” Without another word, I turned and stormed out of the hospital, heading straight for the court. The moment I entered, the elders—stiff and gray like ancient trees—rose and bowed deeply. I barely glanced at them as I strode to my throne, dropping into it with a scowl. I was tired. Angry. Not in the mood for games. “Well? What is it?” I asked, my voice flat, my eyes scanning the room with disinterest. Elder Rayrus stepped forward, nodding toward the others before speaking. “Your Majesty, we’ve heard… troubling reports. That you locked your betrothed in the dungeon… because she taught that omega a lesson for disrespecting her.” I stared at him, letting the silence stretch uncomfortably. Then I stood. “Are you questioning my orders? My actions?” I asked, voice laced with steel. My eyes began to glow red. Rayrus hesitated. “But, Your Majesty—” He didn’t finish the sentence. With a flick of my hand, I reached for his life force and ripped it from his chest. He gasped, eyes wide in disbelief, before he collapsed to the floor, lifeless. A thick silence hung over the room. The other elders dared not move. Dared not speak. I descended the steps of the dais slowly, purposefully. “You summoned me for this? To question me over a traitorous bitch who dared to lay hands on someone under my protection?” My voice echoed in the marble chamber. “Let this be a warning.” I glared at each of them. “Question me again, and you’ll end up like him. Try me.” Without waiting for a response, I turned and marched out of the courtroom. The head of the guards was waiting outside. Perfect. “You. Follow me,” I commanded. He hurried after me, clearly sensing my mood as we made our way to my office. Once inside, I slammed the door and turned on him. “Now tell me—what happened at the border? Where were you while my sister was being attacked?” He stuttered. “M-My King… I… I didn’t—” He didn’t even finish before I lost the last of my patience. With a snarl, I grabbed the sword resting on the wall behind me and slashed it across his neck in one clean motion. Blood splattered across my desk and dripped onto the floor. He collapsed instantly, dead before he hit the ground. “Toran,” I mind-linked, my voice calm. “Get the cleaners and some guards. I want this mess and the body gone from my office. Now.” Without waiting for his reply, I headed back to the hospital. By the time I arrived, Avery was awake. She looked up the moment I entered, a small smile tugging at her lips despite the pain. “Look who the wind dragged in,” she teased weakly. I rolled my eyes and walked over to sit on the edge of the bed. “Avery,” I said softly. “How are you feeling?” She sighed and leaned her head back against the pillows. “I’m fine, Darius. Just tired. I’ll be okay.” I frowned. “I told you to stop going out alone. You know it’s not safe.” She waved her hand dismissively. “I’ll survive. But I heard you locked up your betrothed over an omega? Since when do you care about anyone else besides me?” I hesitated, then gave her a look. “She crossed a line. She hit Rian.” Avery raised a brow. “Rian? Is that her name?” I nodded, my voice lower now. “Yes. And she’s my mate.” Avery’s eyes widened, and she tried to sit up too fast, wincing in pain. I immediately reached forward to steady her. “Careful, Ava,” I murmured, adjusting the pillows behind her back. It struck me then—aside from Avery and now Rian, I couldn’t touch anyone else without harming them. But Rian… she’d survived my touch. Avery stared at me, her eyes growing glassy with emotion. “You found your mate,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “The goddess… she’s so cruel. How will you ever touch her without hurting her?” I smiled, unable to hide the relief in my chest. “That’s the thing, Avy. I already did.” Her brows pulled together in confusion. “What do you mean?” “I touched her. And she didn’t die.” Her lips parted in shock. “You… touched her?” I nodded. “Yes.” She let out a gasp and suddenly threw her arms around me in a tight embrace. “Darius! I’m so happy for you. You deserve this. You deserve happiness!” I smiled against her shoulder, a rare warmth spreading through my chest. Then she pulled back and gave me a sharp look. “Wait. Have you claimed her yet?” I hesitated. “I can’t, Avy. I’m scared. I don’t want to hurt her.” Her eyes narrowed immediately. “Are you kidding me right now?” I blinked. “What?” “Where is she?” she demanded, already swinging her legs off the bed. “She’s in the chamber. Resting.” “Good. I’m going to check on her.” She tried to stand, but I caught her arm gently. “Not yet, Avery. She’s recovering. She needs rest. Just give her a little more time.” She looked at me for a long moment, then slowly nodded. “Alright. But I want to meet her soon. Properly.” “You will,” I promised. When I returned to the chamber, the room was dim, the soft rise and fall of Rian’s breath the only sound. I stepped quietly to the bed, but before I could sit, her voice cut through the silence. “You came back.” I froze. She hadn’t opened her eyes. She just… knew. “Of course I did,” I said softly. A beat of silence passed before she added, almost in a whisper: “I thought you wouldn’t.” My heart clenched “I’m ready “ she said Wo looked at her confused “ for what?” I asked “ For the rejection “Rian’s POV The kitchen always smelled of warmth fresh bread, roasted meat, and the faint trace of honeyed wine. It reminded me of the safe corners of my past, even if those were few and fleeting. I hadn’t meant to stay long. Just to check in on Mira,the maid who had taken a quiet liking to me since my arrival. She offered smiles, soft bread rolls, and silence when I needed it. But today, there was tension in the air thick and coiled, like a storm waiting to break. Mira was there, bustling between the tables, her dark curls bouncing as she spotted me. Her smile was genuine, a rare treasure in this place. “Rian! I didn’t think you’d come,” she whispered, hugging me and handing me a slice of warm bread. I accepted it gratefully, the simple kindness grounding me. “I wanted to see you,” I said softly, settling onto a nearby bench. “Oh, how much I’ve missed you.” “I heard what happened. I’m glad you’re okay now,” she said gently, and before I could reply A
Rian’s POV A groan slipped past my lips as blinding sunlight spilled into the room, striking my face with unforgiving warmth. I blinked against the harsh rays, my body stiff and sore, every muscle aching like I’d been run over by a car. But the worst of it by far was the harsh sting on my back. It throbbed with every breath, sharp and angry beneath the bandages Elira had wrapped around me last night. The pain was a cruel reminder of everything that had happened. I shifted gingerly, sitting upright with a wince, and everything that happened last night with Darius came rushing back **LAST NIGHT** He stared at me in confusion his face unreadable. “Rejection?” he had asked, his voice low and unreadable. I nodded slowly, not bothering to hide the tremble in my limbs. “You hate me,” I had said, my voice breaking. “And I’m ready to be rejected again. It’s not the first time.” The silence that followed was thick and suffocating until he growled. A low, thr
Darius POV “My sister?” I asked again, needing to be absolutely certain. Toran nodded frantically. “Yes, Your Grace,” he confirmed, his voice rushed with urgency. A sickening twist formed in my gut. My sister. The only family I had left. “Where is she now?” I whispered, careful not to wake Rian, who lay sleeping soundly beside me. “The pack hospital,” Toran replied. I gave a brief nod, silently dismissing him with a flick of my fingers. Then I carefully pulled the duvet up to Rian’s chin, letting my fingers brush over her hair briefly before I turned and followed Toran out. The halls were quiet as we moved quickly through the palace and toward the hospital. A burning sense of dread simmered beneath my skin. When we arrived, I saw her—Avery—lying on the hospital bed, her body bruised and battered. Elira, the palace healer, stood beside her, dabbing her wounds gently. She looked so fragile. My chest tightened at the sight. She’s the only family I have
Darius POV I carried her to my chamber, her trembling body cradled against my chest. Each step I took was quick, purposeful, but careful too aware of every flinch, every broken breath she took. The sight of her earlier, bound and whipped, had stirred something dark and primal inside me. A gnawing pain. A fury I could no longer suppress. She didn’t deserve this. Not her. I laid her gently on the bed, her body limp but still conscious, and mindlinked Elira immediately. “Come to my chamber. Now.” My voice was rough, cracking with frustration and simmering rage. She arrived moments later, her healer’s satchel slung over her shoulder, filled with herbs and glistening vials. She bowed quickly. “Your Grace.” Without another word, she moved to Rian’s side, kneeling beside the bed. Her fingers were already working, assessing the wounds. “She was whipped,” I said flatly, jaw clenched. “Across her back.” Elira nodded grimly, her hands hovering over Rian’
Rian’s POV Days passed, but I hadn’t seen the King since he gave me this room. Not a glance. Not a word. Just silence… and distance. I still rose early each morning and went to the kitchens, though no one ordered me to. The routine grounded me. Chopping vegetables. Scrubbing pans. Hauling baskets of laundry. It reminded me of who I was and who I wasn’t. Whispers followed me everywhere. They thought I couldn’t hear them, but I did. “She’s still alive?” “What kind of witchcraft is keeping her breathing?” “He must be playing with her. He’ll get bored soon.” Sometimes they didn’t even bother to lower their voices. Madam Serah gave me a tight-lipped nod when I arrived each day, allowing me to work but never treating me as anything other than an outsider. Others avoided me completely. Except Maya. She met me with a kind smile every time. She stood close when others stepped away, shared her portion of bread, and once, even brushed my hair when she found me crying in the corn
Rian’s POV I got back to the room, and Mira sprang up the moment I stepped in, her eyes red and puffy. She’d clearly been crying. “Rian, are you okay?” she asked, rushing toward me and wrapping her arms around me tightly, like she was afraid I might vanish. “I’m fine, Mira,” I murmured, though the words shook in my throat. I didn’t feel fine. Not at all. But how could I tell her that? She pulled back and stared at me like she was trying to find cracks in my skin. “You survived…” she breathed, tears forming again. “I thought you were dead. I thought he ” Her voice broke, and she pulled me into another hug. “I was so scared,” she whispered. “No one survives the King’s rut. No one.” I stiffened, her words sinking in. I had survived something meant to destroy me. That thought alone made my stomach churn. “I don’t know how,” I whispered. “But I’m still here.” “This is unbelievable,” she said, pulling back, her face pale but soften