VALERIAI trembled as King Aldric appeared through the door, furious—completely enraged.I pulled away from the Lycan who had been tending to me, instinctively curling into the corner of my bed, shivering, clutching the sheets tightly against my chest as if they could somehow shield me from his fury."I was only giving her medicine, sir," the Lycan replied, standing and placing the brew on the bedside table before turning to face him."You could’ve ordered a maid for that. I don’t want you near her," Aldric growled, his voice rough and strange, like when he had been chained."Fine. I just wanted to help—she was on the verge of death.""There’s much to discuss about that. Now leave. Call the housekeeper. I want the entire staff gathered in the kitchen," he ordered, and the Guardian left, walking toward the door.Lycans aren’t as submissive toward Aldric as the others, but the hierarchy between them was still obvious—he was the King, and he ruled over them all.At the door, the Guardian

VALERIAI couldn't even catch the scent he mentioned—but of course, he was a far superior species."How clever... Valeria tasted the food that wasn’t poisoned, but when she covered it with the tray, that blue powder fell onto the food," the housekeeper summarized exactly what we were all thinking."Maybe it activates with heat and blends with the food's aroma, making it impossible for His Majesty to detect."Suddenly, loud commotion echoed from the back door, and the cook burst into the room, sobbing uncontrollably.A massive man nearly dragged her in by the arm, shoving her to her knees on the cold tile.I was a bit startled by his sheer size—the tension in his bulging muscles made his arms look even bigger than Aldric's.A dark beard, sharp electric-blue eyes, and the fact that he was bald only made this Lycan appear even more savage.I was certain... he was one of the Guardians."Your Majesty, I've been your cook for years! How can you believe the accusations of this whore who only

VALERIA"Y-Your Ma—""Don’t even think about it," Aldric snapped, his voice sharp, and the man’s lips clamped shut as if glued together.I had noticed he preferred to keep a low profile, avoiding the mention of his title whenever possible.The newcomer remained frozen in the middle of the room while the guests at the tables avoided direct eye contact with us—yet it was obvious they were all eavesdropping on the drama."Valeria, go to the room," his deep voice ordered, and I nodded, watching him head toward the exit with that wolf who, despite his submissive demeanor, definitely seemed like an Alpha.I climbed the creaking old stairs up to the third and final floor while the coachman fetched the luggage.The narrow hallway led to the so-called "largest" room available, as indicated by the number on the key."You’ve got to be kidding me," I muttered, on the verge of pulling my hair out. "I’m screwed."Sighing, I removed my cloak and glanced around.A tiny bed was shoved against the wall

ALDRICI should push her away completely—distance her from me for good.But the very thought makes every fiber of my being roar in protest.Valeria clearly carries secrets and a painful past.She deserves a good werewolf. Someone who can love her unconditionally.Not a Lycan.Not even Quinn, who seems to have taken some interest in her.I won't allow it.He’s not worthy of my little she-wolf.No one is.All Lycans carry violence and darkness within them—the curse of destroying what we love most.And Valeria will be no exception.I’ll end up breaking her into pieces with my own hands.*****VALERIAWe headed toward the Alpha's house, walking through half-empty streets.This pack felt gloomy and damp.No one spoke much, and the few who dared glance our way did so with suspicion and fear.I walked beside the King.I should be trailing behind him like a servant, but he had ordered me to stay at his side, as if I were his equal.Once, that might have stirred something in me.Now, it made n

VALERIA"Really? I thought I heard you murmuring something," she approached me with suspicion."No, I was just thinking out loud. Did you manage to sort things out with your boyfriend?"I descended the steps and found her sitting on the last one, suddenly bursting into tears.Between sobs, she confessed her struggles with her mate and her parents—being the Alpha’s daughter wasn’t easy."Don't be like that. There’s got to be a solution. Don’t you have anyone who supports you? Maybe a sister?""No! Why are you asking me if I have a sister?!" she snapped, lifting her gaze defensively."I mean... Sorry, I didn’t mean to be rude. All of this has me really nervous. And no, I don’t have a sister or anyone else."I nodded, though her reaction felt strangely defensive for such a simple question."Oh no, it’s way too late! My parents will kill me, and the King must be furious searching for you! Let’s go, let’s go now!"She shifted from distress to panic, grabbing my hand and practically draggin