"Hmm, that's a pity," Kaven said without explaining further. Gray chewed on her lips again for the second time around, feeling anxious and suffocated being locked in such a small space with such an intimidating and charismatic man. "Uh, so." She cleared her throat. "Didn't you want to have a smoke? "I don't smoke," Kaven replied, and one of his mouths was tugging upwards. Gray's face dropped into confusion. "But you said-""I lied." He cut her off and kept his eyes fixed on her before sitting forward again. "I just want some privacy."Gray's eyebrows shot up as her mouth formed an 'oh'."Did you just want to escape the loud music?" she asked dumbly. Of course, he is a werewolf. Anything that makes a loud sound makes their ears feel like exploding. "Something like that," he murmured. Kaven's lips quirked as he reached forward and grabbed the hem of Gray's shirt, tugging her forward between his legs. "I like your shirt. You got a good taste," he said. Gray's shirt was a simpl

"What? He gave you his phone?" Cammi asked Gray when they met the next morning. She was dressed formally, while Cammi was in her usual attire. She was free to visit her since Judah wasn't around yet. "Yeah, but I don't need it. You know I hate calls and texting," gray replied. "But a phone is convenient if you want to keep some private conversation from the bond," Cammi said. "It's not like Judah can hear my thoughts. The bond is incomplete," Gray told her. "My Queen, it is time," Senna said and bowed to Gray, but she gave a questioning look at Cammi.Gray gave Cammi an apologetic smile before she followed Senna out of the castle. Today was the day that she would explore the grounds, getting to know the townsfolk there. She had arranged and tasked a high-rank wolf group to assist every werewolf living there. The townspeople welcome her, trying to shake her hand and asking how she has been. Gray remembered that the town looked deserted; she decided to rebuild everything, storing

Cesar was studying Judah. He knew this pup so well. He wasn't the one next to the throne, and it should have been him.Although they were not blood-related, Cezar couldn't see the ruling instinct of Judah. He saw it in his older brother Levai who was dead years ago. He heaved a sigh and turned his back on Judah. The former king asked him to guide Judah to lead the kingdom if he died, but he only could see the opposite. Judah would only make the kingdom crumble. Seeing a weak King, the enemies might take it as their chance to snatch it away from him. And he couldn't let it happen."Do as you like. But I'm warning you, Haquihanas is unique," Cezar said before dismissing Judah. He only wished Judah would wake up and observe everyone inside his castle. After two days, Judah and Faye returned to the kingdom. Gray has ignored them. She busied herself with her daily routine as a Queen while trying to distract herself from Kaven's messages and the fact that she knew about the former king's

Gray woke up early and found Judah still sleeping next to her under her blankets. He was sleeping face-planted on the bed, but Gray still saw a unique swirling mark on his exposed neck. She's not even sure if she would feel happy or not. The fact that she had already marked him meant she would be tied up with him whether she liked it or not. The aching on her gums finally disappeared. Partially hating herself, Gray decided to get ready and start her day despite not being in the mood to go to work. She didn't want to be in a room with Judah. "Mayumi," I called my servant when I left the room. Mayumi was slightly startled when I called her name. "My Queen, are you feeling well now? Aren't you supposed to be still in your heat?" she asked. "I'm fine. My heat's over. When Judah decided to come out, tell Senna I wanted everything inside my room changed, bedsheets, pillow case, everything. I don't want any single scent of him left inside my room," she said. There was confusion on Mayu

Mayumi nodded at Gray, and tears started to form in her eyes. "He was murdered," she replied. "The night that you and Judah were supposed to complete the mating ritual was when he was found dead. The howl you heard was the call from his brother," Mayumi explained before she wiped Gray's tears. "He suspected everyone, including you, Gray. But you cannot blame him, and I'm apologizing on his behalf."Gray stared at Mayumi. She was a good woman, probably the same age as her father."Why didn't he tell me? I don't know why he has to keep it from me. I'm his wife, and he should never keep a secret from me. I understand his situation, but I had never wished or killed someone except my old Alpha," Gray replied. "He has his reason, Gray. But if you two could talk, you would resolve your misunderstanding."Mayumi had served her dinner that night. Gray refused to join the royal dinner with anyone. Instead, she enjoyed watching the foolish moon shining upon her right through her open windows.