Chapter 6 The Royals
Lyra
Sometimes, I honestly can’t believe how unfortunate I am.
Of all the people in the world I could have stumbled upon in that hidden oasis, why did it have to be him?!
Why did I have to meet the Lycan Prince in such a compromising, terrible situation? Goddess!
I rack my brain, wondering how I could have been so stupid. How didn’t I know that place definitely belonged to him? I had spent years treating it as my secret sanctuary, never imagining that someone else would claim the same spot. A royal at that!
The memory flashes in my mind, making my skin flush with heat despite the cold air in the hall. I was literally in that tub with him. I can still feel his hard, powerful body pressed against mine and the way his hard as steel arms felt as they wrapped around me. Even now, with a whole crowd between us, I can feel his power suffocating me. It radiates off him in waves, making my heart jump in my chest. I try my best to look away, staring at the floor or the back of someone’s head, but it’s useless.
I can still feel his gaze on me. It feels like a wall, trapping me in one place and leaving me breathless. Why do I feel this way?? I don't even know him! yet my body seems to recognize him in a way that terrifies me.
The heavy silence of the hall is broken when my father, Alpha Rafa steps forward. His voice is gentle and forced, unlike how arrogant he usually sounds. “Everyone. Kneel before our rulers. King Geo, Prince Kai, and Princess Kara. Welcome your highnesses.”
Every wolf in the room immediately drops to their knees, the sound of our knees hitting the stone floor at the same time. We all keep our heads bowed low in a show of total submission. I do the same, sinking to the ground, but I can't help the small spark of satisfaction that I feel.
For once, I am not the only one being humbled. Seeing the Alpha and Luna bowing down, their necks exposed and their pride tucked away, feels like a tiny bit of justice for how they've treated me.
"Rise," the King commands. His voice is deep and carries a natural authority that makes the very walls seem to vibrate.
As everyone stands, I try to remain invisible, but as soon as I look up, my gaze clashes with Prince Kai’s again. It’s like a magnet. I suck in a shallow breath, my lungs suddenly feeling too small. His green eyes suddenly turns into a predatory red color right before my eyes.
A strange sensation washes over me. Even though he’s standing yards away, I can somehow feel him on my skin. For a second, it feels as if he’s standing right behind me, his strong fingers wrapping around my neck and his powerful body pressing into my back. It’s an overwhelming, possessive energy that shouldn't be possible.
I tremble, my hands shaking at my sides as I wonder what kind of monster he is. What does he want from me? And why does he look at me like I’m already his?
The King doesn’t wait for the formalities to settle. He stands tall, his presence casting a dark shadow over the entire hall. We can all feel his power.
"I will cut to the chase," he says, his voice like stone. "I do not like wasting my time. Someone from this pack stole my Neel Diamond necklace from the royal vault. I am giving you exactly sixty seconds to bring the thief forward. If the culprit is not produced, every single member of the Valeria pack will perish today."
Everyone in the hall gasps in shock and fear, followed by the sound of some people crying and murmuring in fear. Panic begins to set in. Some wolves try to stand and run for the exits, but the royal guards are everywhere, blocking the way. I look at my father, Alpha Rafa, and see a look of genuine shock and terror on his face.
Who would be stupid enough to steal from the sovereign? It was a suicide mission. Everyone knew not to mess with the Royals.
Suddenly, a memory flashes in my mind like a lightning strike. A few days ago, I was cleaning the hallways when I passed by the Luna’s private chambers and saw Luna Sarah holding a necklace. It was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. The diamond was a deep blue that seemed to glow with its own internal light. I remembered how she was admiring it greedily. When the Alpha had asked her where it came from, she just brushed him off, saying it didn't matter because it was hers now.
My heart begins to hammer against my ribs so hard as I silently wonder if that was the same diamond. Could she really do something like that?
If the King finds it here, he will definitely murder our Alpha and Luna. He has wiped out an entire pack for less before.
Luna Sarah steps forward, her face looking perfectly gentle and innocent. She bows to the king before raising her head up, her voice smooth and steady. "With all due respect, Your Highness, as the Luna of Valeria, I can personally assure you that no one here would ever dare to steal your priceless jewel. We are loyal subjects."
The King tilts his head, a cold, scary smile stretching across his lips. "Is that so?"
Luna Sarah nods firmly. "It is, my King."
In a movement so fast that I could barely see it, the king lunges and grabs my father by the throat and sinks his sharp, deadly claws deep into his neck. Blood immediately starts to drip out of his neck, staining the Alpha's dress. “Your highness!” My father cries in pain, his tone pleading.
Every one in the hall starts to scream and cry in horror of what’s happening. Fear grips my bones so hard. Oh goddess!
"Silence!" the King’s voice booms, shaking the foundations of the building. "If I move my claws another inch, your Alpha is dead. You have thirty seconds left. Fish out the thief, or watch your leader die."
We all watch in frozen silence. I feel a wave of nausea rolling through me. Is he really going to kill my father right here in front of us? I look at Prince Kai, but his face is unreadable, his eyes still locked onto mine with that same intensity.
After a few seconds, no one says anything still. "Alright then," the King says, ready to end the Alpha’s life.
"Wait! Stop! Please!" Luna Sarah cries, dropping to her knees and burying her face in her hands. "Please, don't kill him! I know who took it! I know where it is!"
The King pauses, his claws still buried in my father's flesh. "Who?"
"It was my daughter,"
What? Does she mean Daisy took it? Or…
Luna Sarah trembles, her shoulders shaking as she slowly raises a finger. Then points them directly at me. She cries, her voice cracking with fake sadness. "It was my second daughter, Lyra. When I saw her with it, I asked her where she got it but she said it was a gift. I had no idea she stole it from the king himself! Please pardon us your highness!!"
No. No. This isn’t happening. I feel the blood drain from my face, leaving me cold and lightheaded. My mother is blaming me for something I didn’t do.
I look around, expecting someone to stand up for me, but all I see are the accusing, fearful glares of my pack mates. My own mother is sentencing me to death for a crime she committed.
I try to open my mouth, but no words would come out. Tears stream down my face as the king turns to me with accusing eyes. Everyone is looking at me with anger.
I’m going to die.
