Chapter 69
Chapter 69
Ruby’s POV
“How long are we going to stay here?”
“Okay, fine. Everything is nice by my standards. But it’s all just walls!”
“We’re going to die of boredom, Ruby!”
Leia had been whining for a while now. I tried to ignore her. Sadly, unsuccessfully. Technically, every emotion your wolf feels is a reflection of your own, and that included this unbearable sense of confinement, like being trapped inside a box.
“Now you’re ignoring me. You’re so mean, Ruby,” Leia whined like a child.
“I’m sorry, Leia. I share the same frustration as you. But-”
“Then why don’t we just leave?”
My frown deepened. I blinked, trying to process my wolf’s words. “You mean…?”
“Get some fresh air, Ruby!”
I sighed. “I don’t think that’s a good idea, Leia.”
“Listen, Ruby Lucienne. We are not prisoners here, and I don’t recall that king ordering us to be locked in this room forever!” she emphasized every word.
“True. This is just my small way of showing gratitude since he’s been kind to us, Leia,” I replied softly.
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Leia scoffed, “Oh, come on. You sound like the old Ruby I used to hear when you were with Dominic. Stop acting like that!”
Her words hit me straight to my core. I exhaled, rubbing my face. Old habits died hard. Back then, I had been so intoxicated by love that I reshaped myself into the perfect, obedient woman–just to hold onto Dominic’s affection and attention. And in doing so, I lost who I was.
“Dominic is Dominic. Killian… well, he’s a tyrant who got caught on your hook.”
My eyes widened, a faint warmth creeping up my cheeks.
“W–wait. What do you mean ‘my hook“?”
Through our connection, I could practically see Leia rolling her eyes.
“Forget it. Now, get out of this place and enjoy the freedom of life!” Leia huffed in frustration.
My headache worsened. I massaged my temples, glancing around the room. Finally, my gaze settled on myself.
“Maybe it wouldn’t hurt,” I murmured.
In the end, I gave in to Leia’s request. My wolf was overjoyed. Half of her boredom was instantly replaced by excitement when I told her we’d be going on a little adventure.
“You’re the best!” she cheered.
I chuckled. “Thanks for the compliment, annoying Leia.”
The Sundrench Kingdom was nothing like the rumors had claimed.
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Sat, 20 Apr
Chapter 69
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When I first gathered the courage to step outside my safest place here, I expected something dark and unpleasant where a reflection of its ruthless king. But what I found was a kingdom straight out of one of Martha’s old fairytales, a breathtaking realm where towering ivory stone spires kissed the sky, their golden filigree gleaming under the sunlight.
Its streets were paved with smooth cobblestones, lined with vast gardens bursting with flowers in every imaginable color. Soft music drifted from afar, the melody floating through the air as I walked.
It had taken me two whole days of staying here to finally notice all of this. I owed a small lack of regret to Leia’s persistence. If not for her, I would have only visited three places–the throne room, the banquet hall, and the bedroom I currently occupied. That alone wouldn’t have given me the full picture of what this kingdom truly was.
“Beautiful…”
Despite my admiration, my thoughts were restless. I hadn’t seen Killian since the night before. I knew better than to expect any special attention from him. He was a king, and his world was nothing like mine. But I’couldn’t help the dull ache that settled in my chest. At the very least, it lessened as my feet carried me through this little exploration.
I bit the inside of my cheek. The temptation to shift into my wolf form was strong. But I had no idea where I was even going; I just wanted to see more.
The castle was massive, with endless hallways and staircases twisting in all directions. Every time I thought I had reached the same hall, I realized I had taken a wrong turn. As embarrassing as it was to admit… I was completely lost!
A gentle voice interrupted my confusion.
“Luna Ruby? Are you lost?”
I turned to see Head Maid Beatrice, her kind, aged eyes assessing me for a moment as she stood with a small group of servants. A quiet chuckle escaped her lips as I fumbled for a response. I could already imagine my face turning as red as a
tomato.
How embarrassing!
“Um, I may have taken a few wrong turns,” I admitted sheepishly.
“No need to worry,” she said with an amused smile. “This castle is a labyrinth for newcomers. If you’d like, I can guide you.”
“Really?!”
Her wrinkles became a bit more pronounced as she smiled.
“Yes, Lady Ruby. It would be an honor to accompany the King’s guest,” she replied warmly.
Suddenly, a small pang twisted in my stomach. For a fleeting moment, I saw a tiny piece of Martha in Beatrice. This wasn’t the first time I’d thought of it.
It hurt to be reminded of the most important parts of the people you love.
“I appreciate your kindness, Head Maid,” I responded, a small curve forming on my lips.
The elderly woman accepted my gratitude with a polite bow. She stepped beside me, waiting for permission, and together we walked through the many hallways as she explained different sections of the castle. The group of servants from earlier had returned to their respective duties. I was relieved. The Head Maid seemed to understand that too many people made me uncomfortable. I wasn’t used to such excessive service.
My blue eyes wandered over the new sights. There was a grand ballroom, sunlit corridors, and even an observatory overlooking the vast lands of the Sundrench Kingdom. But my favorite was the library—a towering structure of intricately carved oak, its shelves filled with ancient texts and long–forgotten histories.
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Chapter 69
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“His Majesty has maintained this collection for centuries, Beatrice said as I marveled at its sheer size. “He values knowledge as much as power.”
That piqued my curiosity. The idea of putting Killian Rudwick, and knowledge in the same sentence felt more terrifying than unfitting. There was no way he had become this formidable without an extraordinary mind. A hunger for knowledge refined the rough edges of his cunning and skill.
“Forgive me if this is too forward, but… what can you tell me about this kingdom’s history?” I asked.
Beatrice gave me a knowing smile, as if she had expected the question. “The Sundrench Kingdom has stood for over a thousand years, ruled by the Rudwick bloodline. But it was Killian who shaped it into what it is today. Before him, this land was in chaos, constantly at war…”
Our pace slowed. I listened intently.
“He took the throne by force, eliminating all who opposed him, but since then, the kingdom has flourished. Under his rule, there is peace–but only because no one dares to challenge him,” she added, her gaze distant.
A realization struck me. Killian was immortal. Clearly, this head maid’s lifespan didn’t compare to his.
“Everyone is intrigued by the immortality the King of this prosperous kingdom has obtained,” I said carefully, stepping onto dangerous ground.
Luckily, Beatrice did not react negatively.
“It is an open secret. Those who understand magic must have already found clues.”
I blinked slowly. “I am not one of those people. So, what is it?”
“You have seen our King’s crimson eyes, haven’t you, Lady?” she countered with a question of her own.
I nodded in response. For a moment, she offered a soft smile and gazed toward the window.
“That is the result of using dark magic and the immortality he gained through its power,” Beatrice explained plainly.
“What? Killian- I mean, King Killian is capable of wielding dark magic? I thought…” I trailed off, still processing the revelation.
“Our King’s parents were renowned sorcerers in their time. Because of that, he was born with two different magical cores,” she interrupted gently, turning back to look at me. “That is why our King is so powerful. He is the perfect hybrid–blooded Lycan.
I absorbed every word she said. Killian had never spoken much about himself, and even now, he remained an enigma. Looking back, I realized I knew almost nothing about the man.
Unlike him.
He could read me like an open book, and to be honest, that irritated me more than anything else.
“Is there anything else you’d like to ask?”
I jolted out of my thoughts at the sound of Beatrice’s voice. I wanted to ask more about him–to understand him in a way I never had before.
But instead, I asked something else.
“Perhaps a slightly personal question. Would that be alright?” I hesitated.
“Any question from you, Lady Ruby, I will do my best to answer,” she responded with impeccable politeness.
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Chapter 69
I nodded in gratitude. “Do you enjoy working and living in this kingdom?
Beatrice looked momentarily surprised, as if she hadn’t expected the sensitive question. But I genuinely wanted to know, even if just a little. And then she answered, her tone holding pure sincerity.
“I do, my Lady.”
My checks puffed slightly, like rising dough. That meant Killian treated his workers well. A stark contrast to Dominic. And he was nothing more than an ordinary Alpha.
“Then I’m glad to hear that,” I said with a small smile.
We continued walking. And yet the itch of curiosity refused to fade, especially with Leia constantly urging me to dig for more information about the tyrant.
However, before I could, a sudden commotion erupted from the main hall.
Beatrice and I exchanged glances before quickly moving toward the source of the noise. My heart pounded as we reached the entrance, and then–my gaze locked onto the very person who had been making me restless all morning.
Killian stood in the center of it all, his clothes slightly torn and drenched in blood. His crimson eyes burned with uncontrollable rage, his fists clenched. The air around him was suffocating, thick with the scent of death.
The guards and servants had already stepped back, too afraid to approach. My breath hitched. My middle finger for the fear.
“Killian!”
Without thinking, I rushed forward, ignoring the stunned looks from everyone around us.
He lifted his head, his sharp gaze snapping to mine.
And in an instant, the tension in his body loosened. He exhaled sharply, as if releasing something he had been holding in for far too long.
“You’re back,” I whispered, reaching for him. My fingers brushed against his arm–his body still thrumming with restrained violence.
“I am,” he rasped.
I didn’t care that he was covered in blood. I didn’t care about all the eyes watching us.
The only thing that mattered was that this crazy tyrant was here. That he had come back to me.
“You’re hurt,” I gasped, frantically checking his shoulder for wounds.
“It’s not my blood,” he said darkly.
I made a face. “Who cares if it’s yours or not? There must be some injuries-*
“Did you just scold me?”
“Eh?”
I swallowed hard, suddenly realizing: ‘yes, I had just scolded him. great
I shook my head and forced myself to summon the bravest attitude I’d ever had in my life.
“Yes. And I’ll apologize for it properly later.”
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07:31 Sat, 26 Apr
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Chapter 69
I gently placed my palm against his cheek. “Come with me.”
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For a moment, he said nothing. Then, to my surprise, he obeyed. His hand closed over mine. Strong and possessive. Together, we left the hall, the whispers of servants and guards fading into the background.
Well, there was a giant wolf to tend to today. Revenge could wait.
