All Chapters of Alpha Regrets After Banishing Me And Taking My Son: Chapter 71 - Chapter 80

Hazel’s POVUlysses came to find me during breakfast. His face was tight with tension as he pulled out the chair across from me.“Jacob sent word,” he said without preamble. “He’s proposing a ceasefire and peace negotiations.”I set down my fork slowly. “When?”“He’ll arrive within days,” Ulysses said. His jaw clenched. “I don’t believe his sudden interest in diplomacy is genuine. This is clearly reconnaissance disguised as peacemaking.”“Then why agree to it?” I asked.“Because refusing would look weak,” Ulysses said bluntly. “Would make the pack appear afraid of scrutiny.”He rubbed his temple with one hand—a gesture I’d seen him make countless times when stressed.“But there’s another reason I’m telling you this,” he continued. “Jacob’s scouts reported on your role in treating my PTSD. He specifically requested to meet the hypnotherapist who achieved such remarkable results.”My stomach dropped. Another complication. Another threat. Another person I’d have to perform for.“Why are y

Kimberley’s POVI spent the rest of the afternoon observing Ulysses’s routine carefully. Taking mental notes. Planning every detail.He was predictable. Creatures of habit always were. That made them easy to manipulate if you knew their patterns well enough.Every evening, he retired to his study around eight to review territory maps and battle reports. He always poured himself whiskey from the decanter on his desk. Always drank it while he worked. Always left his glass unattended while he bent over his papers, lost in strategic planning.Tonight would be no different. He’d follow the same routine. Drink from the same glass. Never suspect that anything was wrong.I went to the herb storage room in the medical wing just after the dinner hour. The servants had all left for their own meal. The corridors were empty and quiet. No one saw me slip inside and close the door behind me.I found what I needed quickly. Sleeping herbs. The strong kind that Uma kept locked in a special cabinet for p

Hazel’s POVI was eating breakfast with Liam in my quarters when I first noticed the servants acting strange. Two maids stood near the doorway whispering to each other with their heads bent close together conspiratorially.They kept glancing at me deliberately. Then looking away quickly when I caught them staring. Then glancing back again as if they couldn’t help themselves despite their obvious discomfort.Liam was chattering about the fort he wanted to build in the gardens today. Something about using fallen branches and old blankets as supplies. He wanted me to help him construct it. Wanted to show me where the best spot was near the old oak tree.I nodded at appropriate moments. Made encouraging sounds, but my attention was divided between Liam’s words and the whispering servants. Most of it was on those servants and the growing knot of dread in my stomach.Something had happened. Something everyone knew about except me. Something they were discussing in hushed tones while shooting

Ulysses’s POVI woke with my head pounding viciously and relentlessly. The worst hangover I’d ever experienced in my entire life. Far worse than it should have been.My mouth tasted like copper and ash mixed together. My tongue was thick and dry. Every movement sent pain shooting through my skull with sharp intensity.This felt completely wrong. Too severe for the amount of whiskey I remembered drinking. I’d only had two glasses maybe three at most. That shouldn’t have knocked me out like this.I tried to sit up carefully. The room spun violently around me. I had to lie back down and close my eyes until the dizziness passed.When servants brought my morning meal, they looked at me with knowing smiles that made my skin crawl. With barely suppressed excitement and anticipation. With congratulations hovering on their lips unspoken.Something had happened last night. Something I couldn’t remember. Something that made them look at me differently than before.The full horror didn’t hit me un

Elena’s POVI bent over my notes in Uma’s medical chambers with hands that wouldn’t stop shaking despite my best efforts. The tremors were from exhaustion now rather than age. We’d been working for three days straight. Barely sleeping. Barely eating.Analyzing the magical residue Uma had detected on Kimberley was draining work that taxed us relentlessly. Dark magic always took a toll on those who studied it carefully. Siphoned energy. Left traces of corruption behind that made you feel dirty inside.But we were close. So close to understanding what had been done deliberately.Uma entered carrying another vial. This one filled with a sample she’d collected from one of Kimberley’s hairbrushes deliberately. She set it down carefully beside the others we’d been testing.“You look terrible,” Uma said gently. She moved to my side. Put her hand on my shoulder. “You need rest before your health gets worse.”“I’ll rest when this is finished,” I said. My voice was hoarse from disuse. “I owe Haze