All Chapters of The Alpha King's Chosen : Chapter 71 - Chapter 80

Lucian's POV I didn't sleep. I sat in my study and watched the night pass through the window. When the sky began to lighten, I knew I couldn't wait any longer.I walked to her room. The castle was still asleep. I stopped outside her door and took a breath. Then I knocked softly."Aria," I said. "It's Lucian."I heard movement inside. A moment later, the door opened. She was already dressed. Her eyes were wide and awake, like she hadn't slept either."Can we talk?" I asked. "In my study."She nodded, silent and stepped into the hall. She closed her door behind her and followed me.We walked through the quiet corridors. She didn't ask any questions. I led her into my private study and closed the door. The room was cold, lit by a single lamp.She stood just beside the door, waiting. She looked nervous."I need to tell you something," I said. I stayed by my desk, leaving space between us. "Something I should have told you before."She just looked at me, her hands clasped in front of her.

The guard pushed the heavy doors open.The noise hit me first. A low rumble of voices that cut off into silence as I stepped inside. All eyes turned to me.The room was huge with a high, arched ceiling. A long table dominated the center and around it sat at least ten men and women. They were all dressed formally, their faces a mix of curiosity, suspicion and cold judgment. I recognized Baron Vane immediately. He sat near the head of the table, his thin lips pressed together.And then I saw Lucian.He stood at the far end of the room, behind a grand chair that was clearly his. He wasn't sitting. He was standing straight, his hands resting on the back of the chair. Ronan was a step behind his left shoulder. Lucian’s face was a mask of calm authority, but the moment I entered, his eyes found mine.It was just a second. But in that second, the noisy, terrifying room fell away. His grey eyes held me steady. There was no smile, no warmth. But there was a silent, fierce intensity. A message.

Dawn was barely breaking when I slipped out of my room. I hadn't slept much. My mind wouldn't quiet down.I needed to move. To breathe air that wasn't heavy with last night's memory.The gardens were empty this early. Dew soaked into my slippers as I walked down the gravel path. The sky was pale gray, slowly turning pink at the edges.I knew what I needed to do. I needed to leave. Go back to the academy. To a life that made sense.But first, I needed to calm my racing thoughts. I sat on a stone bench under an oak tree, watching my breath make little clouds in the cold air.I didn't hear him approach. One moment I was alone, the next I felt a presence behind me.I turned.Lucian stood there, dressed in simple clothes. His hair was messy like he'd just woken up. He looked as tired as I felt."Couldn't sleep?" he asked quietly.I shook my head.He came to sit beside me on the bench, leaving enough space between us. We sat in silence for a minute, watching the garden wake up."I want to g

I sat on the edge of my bed with the letter in my hands. I hadn’t written to Leah. I’d promised I would. But everything happened so fast. The attack. The castle. Lucian. I forgot.Guilt sat heavy in my stomach.I unfolded the paper.Aria,I hope this finds you. I’ve sent letters to the academy, but I never heard back. I was starting to worry. Then I heard about the attack in the forest. Are you alright?Things here are strange. Your parents are quiet. The pack feels hollow without Theo. Cassie acts like she’s in charge now. It doesn’t feel like home anymore.I miss you. I worry about you out there alone. Please write back when you can. Even just a line. I need to know you’re safe.Be careful, Aria. And be brave.Your friend always,LeahI read it again. Her words were kind and full of worry. They sounded like the Leah I remembered. The one who brought me food in the attic. The one who sat with me when no one else would.So why did I feel cold?Maybe it was guilt. I left her behind. I

I was braiding my hair in the mirror when someone knocked at the door.“Come in,” I said.Lucian stepped inside and leaned against the doorframe. “You’re up.”“I couldn’t sleep.”He crossed the room and sat on the edge of my bed. “I told Kael not to come today. No training.”I finished my braid and turned to look at him. “Why?”“I thought you needed rest. And I wanted to spend time with you.”I hesitated. “Okay, thank you, Lucian.” I sat there a moment before blurting out, “I think I should write the letter today.”I glanced at my desk; the blank sheet waiting. “I just don’t know where to start.”“Just start,” he said. “Tell her you’re safe. Tell her you’re sorry it took so long, anything at all.”I got up, took the paper and pen, and sat again beside him.Dear Leah, I wrote.My hand didn’t shake this time.I got your letter. I’m safe. I’m sorry I didn’t write back sooner.I looked at Lucian. “What now?”“Ask her something. Make it about her.”I thought for a second.You said things a