Chapter 97: When it’s a Dead End 

Ruby’s POV 

I stood frozen, my breath caught in my throat as Leonidas held the small potion bottle between his fingers, rolling it carelessly as if it were nothing more than a trinket rather than damning evidence in this case. Meanwhile, my ever–loyal servant trembled beside me, her eyes darting between us, guilt written all over her face. 

“Luna, please forgive me!” 

“Amara, it’s all right. This isn’t your fault,” I said gently, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. My voice carried a hidden message, and I knew she understood. She bit her lip, nodded, and quickly stepped away, leaving me alone with Leonidas. 

I swallowed hard, trying to suppress the trembling that threatened to overtake me. “Would you like to come inside? This will be more than just a conversation.” 

“I appreciate the offer, but I have a better place in mind,” he replied flatly, slipping the potion bottle into his pocket. “Our king wouldn’t take it well if I stepped into his lady’s chambers. I’d rather not risk my life, my lady.” 

Leonidas straightened, his sharp gaze never wavering from mine as he gave me an unreadable expression. I knew it was silent condemnation because I was, without a doubt, hiding something. 

“I have the perfect place for this discussion. Let’s go.” 

There was no room for denial. No more time for pretense. With a heavy heart, I nodded, and without another word, Leonidas pulled me away from the safest place I had in this palace: my chambers. The crease on my forehead deepened as he led me further into a part of the castle I had never set foot in before. 

And then, at last, we arrived at what seemed to be the military hall. 

I took in my surroundings, and it was truly vast–grand, even. The walls were lined with weapons, ancient banners hanging above them, a testament to the kingdom’s brutal history. Long wooden tables stood scattered throughout the space, maps spread across their surfaces, and shelves filled with scrolls detailing battles of the past. This was a place of war and strategy. Killian’s domain. 

“Your friend fell silent when Killian came to ask about you.” 

The words struck me like a blow. My eyes widened to the size of plates, and my hand instinctively flew to my chest in panic. 

“W–what? This is the first I’ve heard of it!” 

“Because you’ve stirred up the entire palace without even realizing it. Killian is the real demon, Ruby. And you think you can win in this your plan? Goddamn it, you know that all too well.” 

The one–eyed Beta leaned against the massive oak table, crossing his arms as he fixed me with an unwavering intensity.” You know, I was willing to let it slide when you first started acting strange. I thought it was just stress. But then, seeing you constantly on edge, restless–and now this?” 

He lifted the bottle. “I believe I’m owed an explanation.” 

felt like a cornered wildcat, trapped by a man holding a wooden club, ready to strike. I hadn’t anticipated this at all. I thought I was on the right path with my plan, that no one had noticed a thing. 

I took a deep breath. There was no point in lying anymore. Not to him. 

“It’s an herbal remedy. For my health as a mother.” 

The room fell as silent as a grave. 

‘I shifted uncomfortably, lowering my head, whispering a silent prayer that Leonidas wouldn’t be furious with me for being foolish enough to keep such a colossal secret. 

From the corner of my eye, I saw his entire body tense, as if I had just struck him. His one eye widened slightly, then narrowed as realization sank in. He looked from the potion to me, then back again, the weight of my words settlir 

“You’re pregnant.” 

It wasn’t a question. It was a statement. A stunned, disbelieving whisper that filled the vast hall with its weight. I nodded, unable to form any words. Leonidas let out a humorless chuckle, rubbing his temple as he muttered a curse under his breath. 

“Killian is going to lose his damn mind over this 

His fingers raked through his hair in frustration of the world.” 

Successfully unlocked! 

estly can’t evanpicture him as a father. It’d be like watching the end 

“He doesn’t know,” I admitted sourly, clutching my dress with sweaty hands. “And I don’t know how to tell him, Leonidas.” 

Leonidas stared at me as if I had just grown three extra heads. 

1/2 

Chapter 97 When it’s a fiead End 

“So, all this chaos is because you, well, have a baby?” 

“Y–yes, it is.” 

“For God’s sake, Ruby. Did you seriously think you could keep this a secret?” His voice was a mix of exasperation and disbelief. “Ruby, you’re pregnant! Did you think your stomach wouldn’t grower 

“Of course, I realize that, Leonidas! I’m not an idiot!” I shot back weakly 

“God, my head hurts,” Leonidas groaned, running a hand over his face and shaking his head. “Ruby, do you even understand what this means? What he’ll do if he finds out on his own?” 

I felt the sting of tears threatening to fall. I wasn’t sure I could hold them back anymore. “It’s just a matter of time. I have my reasons too!” 

“Don’t act like I’m the idiot here, Ruby,” he hissed. 

Leonidas exhaled sharply, pacing back and forth in front of me. This news was bound to shake the entire palace. 

“You’re playing with fire, Luna, Killian may be obsessed with you, but he is still the Lycan King. And now, you’re carrying his heir. You should have told him the moment you found out.” 

I swallowed the lump in my throat. “And what if he doesn’t want it? He’s never said anything about children. What if he→ Leonidas scoffed, shaking his head. “Do you really think Killian would reject something that belongs to him? Ruby, if anything, this will only make him chain you to his side forever.” 

His words sent a chill down my spine. Wasn’t that exactly what I feared the most? That my freedom, the small illusion of control I had. Would be stripped away completely? 

It felt like today had slapped me over and over again. Of course, there was no love between us. But at the very least, the child I carried would have a worthy life. No matter what happened to me, the baby would always come first. 

Before I could form a response, the doors swung open, and Amara’s panicked voice echoed through the hall. “The Lycan King is coming!” 

Everything froze. My heart lodged itself in my throat as I turned to Leonidas, whose face darkened instantly. “Well, Luna,” he murmured, tossing the potion bottle onto the table, “it seems your secret is about to run out.” I went deathly pale. Oh God, no!