“You mean murdered? Not everything is solved by that.”
“You think? You killed your mate; that was a solution, wasn’t it?” Kaius’s counterpoint landed like a blow.
“You need the elders to rule; they are meant to be guardians to the king, and only the elders can name one fit as king; if you kill them all, then nothing of such would happen and…” Ophelia’s words tumbled over each other in her anxiety.
“You worry a lot, mother. I don’t make hasty decisions; this has been well thought of, and I do not need an elder by my side to rule. The confidence in Kaius’s voice was absolute.
“I should have known you would come up with a crazy idea like this Resignation settled over Ophelia’s features.
Kaius turned to Frost. “Take her to the Moon Chamber and ensure she’s comfortable. Lock the door – no one enters except the elders when they come to take her testimony.”
Frost nodded, moving to Ophelia’s side. “This way, ma’am.”
“You’re essentially imprisoning me,” she protested.
“I’m protecting you from your own misguided nobility.” Kaius softened momentarily. “Go. Rest. Let me handle this.”
Frost guided her to the door, pausing to look back at Kaius. “And the guards who know?”
“Already being taken care of.” Kaius’s expression remained impassive.
A cold knot formed in my stomach. People were dying, would continue to die, all to protect Ophelia’s secret–a secret Kaius now intended to claim as his own.
The door closed behind them, the lock engaging with a decisive click Suddenly I was alone with Kaius, the weight of everything I’d just heard pressing down on me like a physical force.
Kaius please…” I crossed the room to him, reaching for his hands. I cannot lose you, please.”
“You won’t.” His confidence was unwavering.
“They would hurt you, Kaius.” The thought of him being punished, perhaps executed, for a crime he didn’t commit was unbearable.
“I have to do this.” His hands tightened around mine.
“No, you don’t have to; you aren’t at fault this time; you don’t have to do anything.” My voice rose with desperation.
He pulled me closer, one hand moving to cup my face. “I will always come back to you; that is my promise.”
“You might be really, really strong, but you aren’t invisible; you could be killed. Please, Kaius, don’t make a promise you cannot keep. Tears burned at the corners of my eyes.
“Do you trust me?” His amber gaze held mine, searching.
I hesitated. After everything–the lies, the manipulations, the contractual nature of our relationship–did I trust him? “I want to.”
“Then believe I would be back for you.” His lips found mine, a kiss that felt like both a promise and a farewell.
1/2
Chapter 110
I clung to him, memorizing the feel of him, the scent, the taste–afraid it might be the last time. When he finally pulled away, his expression had shifted to the cool, controlled Alpha I’d first met.
“Whatever happens next, remember that you are the Luna of this pack. No matter what is said about me, no matter what you hear, hold your head high.” His thumb brushed away a tear I hadn’t realized had fallen. “You’ve come a long way from the timid wolf I first met. You’re stronger than you know.”
With that, he released me, moving to the door. “Stay here until Frost returns for you. The pack will be in chaos once word spreads that I’ve claimed responsibility for Alaric’s death. You’ll be safer in my quarters.”
“And you?” I asked, though I already knew the answer.
“I have elders to convince of my innocence… or my worthiness despite my guilt.” His smile was sharp, predatory. “Don’t worry, little wolf. This is a game I’ve been preparing to play my entire life.”
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