جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 170

Chapter 161: The Ritual ChamberAVELINE'S POVMy entire body was still buzzing from that kiss.From the way Thorne had grabbed me, claimed me, made promises that had heat pooling between my legs despite the fact we were literally running toward our possible deaths.That was insane and I loved insane.'Focus,' Aries snapped, but even she sounded breathless. 'We can be horny later. Right now we need to not die.''I'm focused,' I shot back, though my hand kept drifting to where Thorne's had been on my hip, remembering his possessive grip.The tower stairs seemed endless. My legs were burning, lungs screaming for air, but I pushed through because stopping meant Malachar won.And fuck that.We burst through the final door into a massive circular chamber at the top of the tower.And immediately I wished we hadn't.The ritual was already in full swing.Malachar stood in the center of a massive magical circle drawn in what looked like blood, his arms raised, that same red lightning crackling

Chapter 163: Aftermath of WarAVELINE'S POVMalachar's body hit the ground with a loud thud, head rolling away from his torso.Dead. Finally, actually dead.The ritual circle's light flickered once, twice, then died completely, the black flames extinguishing like someone had blown out a candle.And I just stood there, numb, because my mother was gone.Again.For real this time. No consciousness hiding in my baby. No last-minute magical loopholes. Just... gone."Aveline," Thorne's voice, gentle as he shifted back to human form and moved toward me, standing naked but that was the last thing on my mind now. "Princess, are you—"I held up a hand, stopping him. If he touched me right now, if he showed me any kindness at all, I was going to completely shatter.And we were still in enemy territory. Still had to get out of this fortress alive."I'm fine," I lied through my teeth."You're not fine—""I'm FINE," I repeated, my voice sharp enough to cut. "My mother just sacrificed herself for t

Chapter 165: Recovery and RevelationsTHORNE'S POVThe debrief twelve hours later was tense as hell.Every territory leader who'd contributed forces wanted answers. Wanted to know why Morgana escaped. Why we didn't pursue her. Why we let a loose end remain when we had the advantage."Because my warriors were exhausted," I said flatly, staring down the Vampire Lord who'd been particularly vocal about his complaints. "Because pushing further would've resulted in more deaths for minimal gain. Morgana without Malachar is significantly less dangerous. We made the strategic choice to secure our victory and regroup.""Strategic choice or weakness?" the Fae Queen asked, her voice dripping venom.I let Caelum's power leak into my voice, just enough to make everyone in the room uncomfortable."You want to call me weak to my face?" I asked pleasantly. "Because I just ripped the head off an ancient dark mage who's been preparing for centuries. I broke his wife's fingers for fun. I led a strike te

Chapter 167: Unexpected VisitorsAVELINE'S POVTwo weeks after the battle, someone unexpected showed up at Silverthorne's borders.A woman. Alone. Claiming to have information about Morgana."She's waiting in the interrogation room," Taylor reported during our morning meeting. "Wouldn't give her name. Just said she needs to speak with you and King Thorne immediately.""Could be a trap," Eric pointed out."Everything's a trap lately," I muttered. "Might as well spring this one and see what happens."Thorne gave me a look. "Your decision-making process needs work.""You're the one who taught me to face threats head-on.""I taught you to be strategic about which threats to face," he corrected. "There's a difference.""So we're not going to talk to her?" I asked.He sighed. "We're talking to her. But under guard. With magical restraints. And if anything feels off, we're ending the conversation immediately.""See? Strategic," I said cheerfully.The woman in the interrogation room was maybe

Chapter 169: Party PreparationsAVELINE'S POVThe day of Christy's party arrived faster than expected.I woke up to her bursting into our chambers without knocking, arms full of dresses and makeup."Rise and shine, Luna!" she announced cheerfully. "We're getting ready together and you don't get a say in it."Thorne groaned beside me, pulling a pillow over his face. "What time is it?""Time for you to leave so we can start the girl time," Christy said, already shooing him toward the door. "Out. Go do Alpha King things. We'll see you tonight.""This is my room," he pointed out."Not anymore alpha king," she said sweetly. "Now scoot if you may."He looked at me for help. I shrugged."She's terrifying when she's determined, you made her your head gamma" I said. "Better just go with it."He muttered something about tyrannical women and retreated, still half-asleep.Once h