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หน้าหลัก / Werewolf / The Alpha King's Forbidden Mate / Chapter 97: Beneath the Surface

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Chapter 97: Beneath the Surface

ผู้เขียน: Amara Black
last update ปรับปรุงล่าสุด: 2025-07-01 01:37:36

The storm outside had quieted, but the turmoil within Serena hadn’t.

She sat curled on the edge of the grand window seat in the East Wing of the Alpha King’s estate, watching the light drizzle drip from the corners of the rooftop like silver tears. Her thoughts were consumed with Elias—his touch, his eyes, the unspoken promises between them—and the question that now clawed at her heart.

How much longer could she pretend that everything was normal?

The door creaked behind her, and she stiffened. She didn’t need to turn to know it was Elias. She could feel his presence in her bones now—like an instinct awakened deep inside her, one she never asked for, but couldn’t imagine losing.

“You’ve been avoiding me,” his voice was low, guarded, laced with something unspoken. A bruise of frustration and hurt clung to every word.

Serena didn’t move. “I needed space to think.”

Elias came closer, his footfalls silent despite his size. “About us?”

She turned to face him then, her heart thudding like a war drum. “About everything. The prophecy. The power that keeps building inside me. Your father’s threats. Theron’s plans.”

A pause. Then, gently, “And me?”

Her eyes softened. “Especially you.”

Elias stepped forward until only a whisper of air remained between them. “Then tell me the truth, Serena. Do you regret the bond between us?”

The question hurt more than she expected. “No. I don’t. But I’m scared of what it’s turning me into.”

“You’re not turning into anything. You’re becoming who you were always meant to be.”

“That’s what frightens me,” she said, voice trembling.

Elias cupped her face, his thumb brushing along her jaw. “You’re not alone in this. Whatever it is, whatever comes next—we face it together. You and me.”

She leaned into his touch despite herself. “Even if your father tries to rip us apart?”

“I’d rip the kingdom in two before I let him.”

His voice was fire, and she drank it in like oxygen. For a moment, the rest of the world vanished—just him and her, two broken souls holding onto something whole.

Their lips met in a kiss that was desperate, slow-burning, and infinitely deep. This wasn’t lust—it was longing. Every press of their mouths spoke of all the words they couldn’t say aloud, all the moments they’d lost and all the ones they’d still fight to keep.

By the time they parted, the air between them was thick with heat and promises.

But the moment shattered with the sound of urgent footsteps pounding down the hall. The door flung open, and Theron appeared, his face grim.

“You need to come. Now.”

Elias straightened. “What happened?”

“There’s been an attack on the eastern border. The Blood Fang pack. They’re not just probing anymore—they’re declaring war.”

Serena’s heart sank. “How bad is it?”

Theron’s eyes flicked to her, then back to Elias. “Bad enough to call the council together. We have casualties. And reports say... someone’s been helping them from within.”

A silence fell over the room, thick and electric.

“Someone from inside?” Serena echoed.

Elias clenched his fists. “A traitor?”

“I wouldn’t call it a traitor,” Theron said carefully. “Not yet. But someone’s leaking information. Too precise. Too fast.”

Serena exchanged a look with Elias, and for the first time, doubt seeped in.

Who else knew about their patrol patterns?

Who had access to the fortress plans?

The thought chilled her.

“Gather the council,” Elias said tightly. “I want everyone who had access to last week’s patrol logs accounted for. And double the night watch.”

Theron nodded. “Already in motion.”

He hesitated, then added, “And Serena... I know we don’t always agree. But I think you should be there, too.”

Serena blinked. “At the council?”

Theron nodded. “You’ve earned your place. Whether the elders like it or not.”

As he exited, Elias turned back to her. “He’s right. We need you. I need you.”

Serena’s heart thundered, not from fear this time—but from a rising sense of responsibility. This wasn’t just about surviving anymore. It was about leading.

Together, they left the room, their hands brushing and lingering before locking fingers.

This was war. But they weren’t alone.

Not anymore.

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