Kaius guided me toward the main table where a group of nobles sat in elegant attire. My stomach knotted when I recognized Alaric and Ophelia among them–the Alpha King’s cold eyes following our approach while his mate sat veiled and silent beside him.
“I heard about what happened to your mate, Alaric said as we took our seats, his voice carrying just enough to ensure those nearby
would hear.
Kaius’s hand tightened on mine. “Did you?”
“You killed six or more to teach others a lesson.” There was neither approval nor condemnation in Alaric’s tone–just a statement of fact.
“I’ll kill more if I have to,” Kaius replied evenly.
Alaric’s gaze
shifted to me, studying me like a specimen under glass. You really like her, don’t you?”
“She’s my mate; what more to that does there have to be?” Kaius’s voice remained calm, but I felt the tension in him.
“Their blood is literally on your hands; after all, they are your people; you know that, right?” Alaric contínued, ignoring Kaius’s response.
“They were traitors,” Kaius said sharply.
Alaric leaned forward slightly. “You hadn’t even fought them…”
“They were ten against one,” Kaius cut in. “Even the best of your men would not be able to fight them off.”
I felt Frost’s hand squeeze mine gently under the table–a gesture of support I hadn’t expected but appreciated deeply. The tension around the table was palpable, every word between father and son weighted with years of conflict.
“That’s right, apologies,” Alaric said, not sounding apologetic at all.
His gaze returned to me, more intense than before. “She’s a beauty, I must admit. I hope you enjoy her while she lasts, just like I had taught you to.”
The casual cruelty in his words made my blood run cold. I forced myself to meet his gaze, refusing to show weakness.
“They tried killing me; they deserved to be punished,” I said, my voice steadier than I felt.
Alaric smiled, ignored my words and turned to Kauis. “Always remember this, you make them into what you want them to be; you- can’t let them control you. She tried that, but see where it got her.”
He gestured toward Ophelia, who sat rigid and silent, her veiled face turned slightly away. I felt a surge of anger on her behalf–and fear for myself. Was this what awaited me if I defied Kaius? Would I be reduced to a veiled shadow, afraid to speak?
Kaius’s voice cut through my thoughts, cold and dangerous. “You know why you are so weak, Alaric; you can only show strength to the weaker ones. You’ll never do that with someone who would put you in your place. This should be the last time you speak of my mate and my Luna like that; otherwise, you’ll have a problem with me.”
Alaric’s smile tightened. “Apologies…”
But he wasn’t done. With a swift motion, he reached across the table and lifted Ophelia’s veil, exposing her scarred face to everyone at the table. A collective gasp rippled through those nearby.
1/2
υπαρι ว
For a moment, no one moved. Ophelia sat frozen, her scarred face revealed to a room full of people for the first time in what must have been years. The cruelty of the gesture was breathtaking.
Then, to my astonishment, Ophelia spoke.
“You will not disrespect me before my people.” Her voice was quiet ut clear, years of suppressed dignity suddenly finding expression.
She stood and replaced her veil with graceful dignity before walking way from the table. The silence that followed was profound..
Kaius broke it, his voice carrying across the hall.
is feast is over, Alaric; you may leave.”
Chapter Comments
LIKE
POST COMMENT NOW
