LOGIN"Guards!" Lucien's commanding voice echoed through the palace corridor. "Search every corner of the palace. The intruder couldn't have gone far. Find whoever dared to spy on us." "Yes, Alpha Prince!" The guards immediately bowed before rushing down the hallway, their armored footsteps fading into the distance as they scattered throughout the palace in search of the mysterious figure who had been secretly watching the Alpha Prince and his mate. A heavy silence settled once they were gone. "Lucien..." Elara called softly, unable to hide the fear lingering in her voice. "Who could possibly be spying on us?" Her gaze unconsciously drifted toward the blood-stained blade still resting in his hand. The crimson coating its edge sent a shiver through her body. Noticing where she was looking, Lucien quietly lowered the knife until it rested by his side, gently pulling her attention away from the weapon and back to him. "I don't know," he admitted, his expression darkening. "But I hope th
A sudden chill crawled down Elara's spine. Goosebumps erupted across her skin as an uneasy feeling settled deep within her chest. It was as if invisible eyes were fixed on her, silently observing every move she made. Her head snapped around, scanning the almost empty hallway. Someone was watching them. The unsettling sensation refused to leave. Beside her, Lucien immediately noticed the shift in her expression. His body instinctively tensed as he stepped closer. "Elara," he called softly, his emerald eyes narrowing with concern. "What happened?" She hesitated before answering, still searching the shadows. "I... I felt someone's gaze on us." She forced out a nervous laugh, attempting to brush it aside. "Maybe I'm just imagining things." Lucien wasn't convinced. He knew his mate well enough to recognize when she was genuinely disturbed. Without another word, he took another step toward her. Instinctively, Elara stepped back. His brows furrowed. "You're certain someone was w
The moment Elara pushed open the chamber door, she froze. Her eyes widened in utter disbelief. What... ? Right in front of her chamber, seated on an ornate regal chair, was Lucien. He was asleep. His head rested against the high back of the chair, his arms folded loosely across his chest, and despite his composed expression, the awkward angle of his body made it painfully obvious that he hadn't slept comfortably. A sharp ache settled in Elara's heart. But along with the concern came a wave of irritation. She had specifically told him to rest. Out of everyone in the palace, Lucien needed sleep the most after everything he had endured. Yet instead of listening, he had chosen to spend the night outside her chamber like a stubborn guardian. This impossible man... Careful not to wake him, Elara walked toward him with feather-light steps. Every movement was slow and deliberate, afraid that even the faintest sound would disturb his precious sleep. As she reached him, her gaze shif
"Father..." Leo whispered, the word barely audible as it slipped from his trembling lips.But Kael had already stepped outside the chamber.Without turning back.Without offering comfort.Without sparing even a glance at the son he had just shattered.The heavy chamber doors closed with a dull thud, and the sound echoed through the silent room like a final verdict.Leo remained frozen where he stood.Every word Kael had spoken replayed endlessly inside his mind, each sentence cutting deeper than the last. His hands flew to his head as he squeezed his temples tightly, shaking his head as if he could force the voices away.But they wouldn't stop.They kept coming.Again.And again.And again.The mighty beta who could slit a man's throat without hesitation, who never flinched in battle, who carried himself with unwavering pride...was nowhere to be seen.In his place was a broken man.A devastated man.If anyone were to see him now, they would never believe he was the same Leo feared acr
Kael stood frozen in the doorway. For a moment, he couldn't process the sight before him. Leo looked utterly shattered. His silver eyes were swollen and red from crying, tears still clinging stubbornly to his lashes. His usually neat hair was a complete mess, strands falling across his forehead. His lips were swollen, and faint marks stained the skin of his neck. He looked exhausted, devastated...like someone had ripped his heart out and left him standing. "Father..." The word barely left Leo's lips. Kael's gaze slowly shifted past his son. At the end of the chamber, near the bed stood Theo. The Alpha wasn't even looking at them. His back was turned, shoulders slumped beneath a burden that seemed far too heavy for one man to carry. The personal royal guard who always stood tall now looked broken. A dangerous silence settled between the three of them. Without saying a word, Kael stepped forward. His hand shot out and wrapped tightly around Leo's wrist. "Father, wait...."
"Then let's end this." Leo's words rang in Theo's head like a spell. For a heartbeat, silence followed. Then Theo moved. In one swift motion, the Alpha threw the blankets aside and climbed out of bed. Before Leo could react, a firm hand wrapped around his wrist and yanked him forward. A startled gasp left the Beta's lips as his back slammed against the cold stone wall. Theo caged him there instantly. His hands gripped Leo's shoulders tightly, preventing any escape while Leo struggled against him. "Have you completely lost your mind?" Theo roared. The force of his voice made Leo flinch. "Do you even hear yourself? Do you know what nonsense you're spouting right now?" The room seemed to shake with Theo’s anger. Leo's breath hitched. He lowered his gaze, unable to meet those furious golden eyes. Never...not once in all the years they had known each other... had Theo raised his voice at him like this. And that terrified him. "Leo." Theo's voice dropped into a dangerous growl
"Crush?" The word hit Theo harder than it should have. He had never crushed on anyone. Not really. His life had been filled with battles, responsibilities, and the endless search for the person destined to be his mate. He might have admired people before. He might have even found a few enemies a
Lucien's gaze remained fixed on Elara's retreating figure until she disappeared around the corner. Only then did he release a heavy sigh. For a brief moment, he allowed himself to lean back against the stone pillar, rubbing his temples. His life was already complicated enough. Unfortunately, fa
Queen Vivienne's calm expression cracked for the briefest second. And Lucien noticed it. His green eyes darkened dangerously. The entire chamber had fallen into suffocating silence, no one daring to speak as the weight of Lucien's accusation settled heavily over everyone present. Vivienne slowl
Everyone took in the words said by the king.Lyra's eyes widened in shock while Theo subtly stiffened.Even Kael looked momentarily caught off guard.But Elara..."To take over the throne, you need your Queen beside you."Ragnar's words echoed relentlessly inside Elara's mind.Again.And again.And







