Semua Bab The Alpha King's Mate: ZORYA'S CURSE: Bab 41 - Bab 50

Blue fire cracked in the dead of night, throwing jittering shadows across the walls of a tent that looked like it had withstood the tests of time. Animal skulls; foxes, wolves, and a few larger unidentifiable beasts hung from fraying cords, their hollow eyes catching the light like silent witnesses. There were also leather pouches bulging with dried herbs and roots, their scents sharp and earthy, mingling with the acrid tang of smouldering incense. Strings of dark, dried blood beads rattled when the wind slipped between the seams. On low wooden shelves were bone fragments, sharpened claws, and jagged teeth carefully arranged. A pile of ash mixed with burnt offerings lay in one corner, while water-stained parchments and crude sketches littered the ground, sticky with red and black candle wax that had solidified with time.In the middle of the tent sat a shrunken figure on an animal skin mat with bones, dried herbs, and a cloak of raven feathers trailing the floor. She was blind. He

His gaze lowered slightly further, locking fully with the tall man as the man staggered, involuntarily taking steps backward, before realizing and forcing his feet to stand. His eyes shifted from Regaleon to his comrade who was now dead, and his expression twisted in fury.“Why—you!” He shouted in anger, pointing his sword at Regaleon. “Kill him.”The men rushed without thinking, without learning from what had just happened to their fellow comrade. They rushed in blindly on impulses and Shane shook his head.The first blade came from the left, fast and desperate, and Regaleon did not even look at it. His hand shot out, catching the man’s wrist mid-swing before twisting sharply. Bone cracked loudly and the sword fell. In the same breath, Regaleon drove him backward into another attacker, sending both crashing to the ground.A second rogue lunged from behind, claws extended, teeth bared in a half-shifted snarl, but Regaleon pivoted with inhuman precision, his elbow slamming into the man

Kyla gasped. “You are sending His Majesty’s gift to Lady Greyson? Is this okay?” Her wide eyes shifted to Maera and Selene quickly, as if to see their reactions, before turning back to Lillia. But Lillia just smiled, softly. “Yes, Kyla.” She answered. “I believe this is why he opted to have my dress and mask made, rather than letting me do it.”Ever since she had read the note he left, his strange restraint and calculated distance began to make sense. But her maidens, however, watched her with surprise written in their expressions, perhaps at how calm she was, despite knowing she was a target not only by a dark magic user, but also Elder Greyson.“If Elder Greyson has secured an alliance with a rogue clan, then the corruption runs deeper than we assumed.” Lillia continued. “It won’t be difficult for Elder Greyson to find details about my dress and mask.”“So you mean His Majesty deliberately did this as a front to cover up the secret dress and mask you will have made?” Kyla's expres

By evening, Lillia’s waist and shoulders ached in ways she had not known possible. Selene had moved from posture, to walking drills, to balancing with a goblet filled to the brim, spilling more times than she could count. Then, they moved to turning without letting her hem drag, and finally to sitting and rising with a straight posture that kept Lillia from clutching the chair like a warrior preparing for battle.“You’re slouching, Lillia. You are not mounting a horse.” Selene cautioned gently and Lillia unconsciously straightened.“At this rate, I would start seeing Selene in my dreams.” An exasperated sigh escaped Lillia. “And right now, I honestly would prefer horses, because my body feels terrible.”Even Maera allowed herself a small laugh at that, as maidens from the Queen’s quarters began walking into the courtyard, where Selene, Maera and Kyla all sat with Lillia, enjoying the evening air. One after the other, following the first maiden that pushed in a cart of food, they ent

Since I sent word, I haven’t heard back. It has been silent, very silent. I also heard there was an increase in security.” Selene looked at Lillia seriously. “It is very suspicious.” “No doubt about that. Why would they suddenly increase security? What exactly are they guarding against?” “Lady Montclair perhaps.” Maera answered firmly, looking at Selene. “Has there been any behavioral changes in the highborn ladies?” “No. I didn’t receive any intel on that, but I will send word.” “My best guess, Lady Montclair has started displaying strange behaviors and a tight security has been formed to prevent information from getting out.” Maera continued. “Information that could tarnish their impeccable image, until they figure out what is wrong with her.” “Your guess may be spot on.” Selene nodded thoughtfully. “I will try my best to get intel from House Montclair.” “You do that.” Lillia whispered as the music slowed to a stop. The pair backed away naturally with Selene bowing to Lil