Chapter 76: The Heart of a Pure Soul 

Ruby’s POV 

“Ruby, you’re not okay.” 

I scoffed internally. “Go back to the inner. I’m still alive.” 

“After what you just witnessed?” 

I no longer responded to my wolf as I decided to cut off the connection. I didn’t want Leia to feel what I was feeling right now. That was the risk of sharing a soul. 

My steps faltered as I finally emerged from the underground prison. My knees barely had the strength to support my body, which felt so light like I had left a part of myself behind in that place. My chest should have been filled with satisfaction and joy at having witnessed the traitors receive their punishment firsthand. (Killian made sure of that.) 

Unfortunately, it wasn’t. All I felt was emptiness. 

With trembling hands, I tried to brace myself against the stone wall, but my body lacked the strength to hold its own weight. I collapsed to the floor, my knees hitting the ground, and from there, I cried. My sobs broke free, piercing through the air that felt colder than before. Tears streamed down my face, unstoppable, as if all the suffering I had swallowed whole was now clawing its way out. 

I wished they had never existed in my life. I wanted to forget every betrayal, every wound, every torment they had carved into my body and soul. But more than anything else, I just wanted to live in peace. Even though this vengeance was forever etched into my hands, deep down, all I truly longed for was serenity. Nothing more. 

Just as I was beginning to lose control of myself, “Let me carry you.” 

I recognized the owner of that baritone voice. attempt to drive him off. 

“Leave, Killian.” 

a 

warm hand caught me swiftly. 

Stinctively swatted his hand away, a growl escaping me in a feeble 

True to his nature, he ignored what anyone else had to say. Killian Rudwick lifted my body onto a stable surface and kept me steady there. 

“Who would’ve thought you had a head as hard as stone? 

“And yet you still entertain this people!” I snapped. 

A few seconds later, I realized my mistake. I ed a few apologies for my erratic behavior. Biting my lip, I tried to stifle 

the sobs that wouldn’t stop falling. 

“I thought I could be as strong as steel with this revenge. It’s humiliating,” I berated myself. 

My sobs grew louder. Meanwhile, Killian had already 

pulled me into his arms. He didn’t say a single word. That was 

generous enough, because right now, all I wanted was to break apart. 

Both of my hands clutched his expensive clothes. “I’m tired, Killian. Really…” 

My voice shattered into pieces, just like my heart had long been fractured. I didn’t know how long I cried. Eventually, Killian murmured soothing words, pressing a gentle kiss to the corner of my tear–streaked eye. And that was when I saw it. 

The reflection in those dangerous Crimson eyes. 

There was a hint of guilt. 

“I didn’t anticipate that it would affect you this much.” 

I frowned between my sobs. Then, Killian continued, 

“For whatever it’s worth… I made mistake, Ruby.” 

Had I been fully conscious, I would have reacted dramatically. The infamous tyrant had just admitted to a mistake. That had never happened in the history of that man. Unfortunately, the world around me spun like a top, and in an instant, darkness swallowed me whole. 

The last thing I heard was an apology whispered into my ear. 

### 

Since the incident where I fainted, I have been entirely under the care of various healers. I was almost overwhelmed by how many of them I had to meet. Surprisingly, Killian hadn’t left my side even once except for today. I had grown sick of all the medicine. Fortunately, I was finally free to do whatever I pleased. 

As for the previous incident, I tried not to dwell on it too much. A small part of me felt embarrassed. After all, I had been the one arrogant enough to witness that bloody scene firsthand, acting as if I were some kind of formidable villain. But the 

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Chapter 76. The Heart of a Pure Sod 

truth was, I didn’t have the kind of mental fortitude for that. 

I had just finished my morning tes when one of the royal attendants entered my room, bead bowed holding an endoge sealed with the crest of the Rovermoon Pack. My pulse quickened as I reached for it. I already knew was from Lake Sente I only hadn’t expected his letter to arrive this soon. Hastly, I sipped my finger under the war substate parchment, my eyes scanning his rushed handwriting. 

Jake’s Reply: 

[Dear Luna Ruby, 

I have received your letter and the information you provided. I can’t say I’m surprised, but seeing it in writing made me fe something. Camilla’s deception, her betrayal. It still stings, even now. But my priority has always been my child. Thank you for confirming what I feared and for the warning, Luna 

I will not abandon my child. No matter what it takes, I will claim them. I don’t know what Camilla will do when coxtecated, but I refuse to let my own flesh and blood grow up in the filth of their mother’s comption. If a trial comes, I want to be 

there. 

I know I’m taking a great risk by stepping into the King’s territory. The rumors of his cruelty have spread for and wide, bel have no choice. Please, tell me what I must do, I will arrive soon. 

Jake Smith] 

A sigh escaped my lips as I neatly folded the letter and placed it on top of the stack of documents before me fta the case, all I had to do was wait for his arrival. 

My gaze shifted to my desk, which was cluttered with parchments Winterdawn Pack’s restructuring plans, reports from the Beta and Gamma, and a list of potential candidates to replace Dominic as Alpha. 

I rubbed my temples a little firmer. Just because I was chained to this kingdom forever didn’t mean I could ignorete domino effect caused by those four criminals. I was immensely grateful that Killian was willing to take the pack under tis protection until a new Alpha was chosen. 

Because of that, the elders had sent me a list of powerful wolves who had proven themselves worthy. Afterward, the final decision would be made through a traditional selection trial. The top five candidates had already been chosen, and in the coming weeks, they would compete to prove who was most deserving of leadership. 

I was quite moved when the elders expressed their concern and apologies for having been blind to Nathaniel and his group s crimes. They even still wanted me to be their Luna. But that was impossible, as I had no intention of marrying the new Alpha. I was far more content working behind the scenes for the pack I loved my first home since the day I was bom 

A sudden sharp knock on the door jolted me from my thoughts. 

“Come in.” 

The door opened, revealing one of the palace guards. “My lady, there is a guest waiting for you in the main hall. He dams to be Beta Jake Smith.” 

I had just read his letter not long ago, and now the man had already arrived. I rose to my feet, smoothing the silk fabric of my gown. 

“Thank you. I’ll see him now.” 

The guard led me through the winding main corridors of the palace. Jake was dared stepping into dangerous territory, and I prayed he would watch his tongue around Killian. 

As we entered the hall, I spotted him immediately. He stood rigidly, his posture tense, his eyes scanning the grandeur of the palace with a mix of awe and unease. Dressed in a fitted dark tunic and travel–worn boots, he looked different from the last time we met. There was still a spark of life in him, though the shadows beneath his eyes remained. I feel bad for him. When his gaze met mine, a flicker of relief crossed his face. 

“Jake,” I greeted him with a small smile. “You’re bolder than I expected.* 

“Or just more desperate,” he chuckled with a hint of dry humor before bowing his head in respect. “Thank you for taking the time to see someone like me, Luna.” 

“Nonsense. Please, have a seat, Jake.” 

Before he could respond, the air in the room shifted. A dark presence swept in behind me, and I didn’t need to turn around to know who it was. The hairs on my arms stood on end, and I felt his body heat even before he spoke. 

“So, this is the banshee’s former lover.” 

At first, confusion flickered across Jake’s face at the mention of the banshee. I gave him a subtle cue, and understanding dawned upon him. He straightened his posture as much as he could, his hands clenched at his sides as he carefully lifted his gaze to meet the sharp crimson eyes of the Lycan King. 

“King Killian,” I interjected quickly, stepping between them, my fingers brushing against his forearm. “This is Jake Smith. 

Chapter 76: The Heart of a Pure Soul 

The one who helped me uncover the evidence against Camilla.” 

Killian didn’t respond immediately. Instead, he tilted his head, studying Jake like a predator assessing its prey. 

“A Beta. Bold enough to step into my kingdom,” he remarked. 

Jake swallowed hard. Sweat trickled down his temple. “It is an esteemed honor to be here in your residence, Your Majesty. I had to come due to an urgent matter.” 

Killian raised an dark eyebrow. “I can see that.” 

“You are well aware that I have the history with Camilla. However, even though she betrayed me, that child is still mine.” Jake stated firmly. 

“I will do whatever it takes to ensure he is raised knowing the truth, Your Majesty.” 

For a moment, silence stretched between them. Then, to my surprise, Killian let out a small chuckle. “At least you have backbone.” 

I exhaled, the tension I hadn’t realized I was holding finally easing from my shoulders. Killian turned to me, his gaze softer than it had been moments ago. “Do you want Mr. Smith to be present at the trial?” 

I nodded immediately. “Jake Smith has every right to be there, Killian.” 

Killian cast one last look at Jake before stepping back. 

“Very well. I grant you permission to be there with my Ruby. But know this, Beta-” His voice dropped to a low, primal growl, his wolf rumbling beneath it. “Step out of line, and you won’t leave my kingdom alive.” 

Jake visibly paled. “Understood, Your Majesty.” 

“Great!” 

Killian left with a kiss on my cheek, and I flushed at the gesture. Jake had just become the first public witness to whatever was happening between Killian and me. But he seemed entirely unfazed by it. Because the main priority is his unborn baby. I wasn’t sure whether I should feel thankful or something else entirely. 

“Shall we continue our long conversation from earlier?” the Beta asked. 

I let out a breath. “Yes. The sooner, the better.” 

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