CHAPTER 69: IT’S ME, LUCAS

Lucas’ POV

The clatter of spoons and the low hum of conversation filled the royal dining hall as it faded around me, like a scene playing out behind a thick veil. My fork hovered over my plate, the roasted venison and potatoes untouched since Iris had left the table. Her absence left something in the air as the more I remember her sad eyes etching into my mind. I glanced at the empty doorway, my chest tight with the urge to follow her, to make sure she was okay. Father’s warning echoed in my head, stay focused, no distractions but the pull was stronger than his words.

I set my fork down, the soft clink barely audible over Darius’s booming laughter as he recounted some old hunting story to the triplets. Liora and my father, beside me. They all seemed happy at least for the moment. I couldn’t sit here any longer, pretending to eat while my thoughts churned.

"Excuse me," I said, my voice low, pushing my chair back and then stood. The chair legs scraped against the stone floor, drawing a brief glance from Father. His eyes narrowed, a silent command to stay put, but I ignored it, my heart pounding as I spoke. "I’ll be back in a moment."

Darius waved a hand dismissively, still chuckling. He and the triplets were all focused on the conversation. "Go, go, Lucas. Don’t let the food get cold!" Darius tone was jovial, oblivious to the tension coiling inside me. Liora’s gaze flicked up, her lips parting slightly as if she wanted to say something, but she pressed them shut, her fingers tightening around her knife.

I turned and strode toward the doorway as I followed the path Iris had taken. The air grew cooler as I left the warmth of the dining hall behind. My pulse quickened, each step driven by the image of Iris, remembering her fragile voice as she’d excused herself.

Something was wrong, more than just the weight of the triplets’ choice or the expectations pressing down on her. I needed to know what.

The corridor branched toward the restrooms, a small alcove tucked behind a door. As I approached, I heard a soft, muffled sound like a sob, barely audible, but it hit me like a punch to the chest as I realised whose voice it may be. I pushed the door open gently, the hinges creaking, and stepped in. There she was, standing near the far wall, her back to me, her shoulders trembling. Iris’s blonde braid hung loosely, a few strands escaping to frame her face, and her hands were pressed against her eyes as if she could force the tears back.

"Iris?" My voice was soft and cautious, but it still made her flinch. She spun around, her eyes red and glistening, her cheeks streaked with tears.

"Don’t come closer," she snapped, her voice sharp and filled with anxiety, her hands raising as if to ward me off. "Just... stay back."

I froze, my hands half-raised, palms open to show I meant no harm. "Iris, what’s wrong? Talk to me. It’s me Lucas." I took a tentative step forward, but she backed away, her movements jerky, her eyes wide with something consumed by fear.

"You’re all the same," she spat, her voice rising under the weight of her emotions. "All of you... evil, manipulative, using me like I’m some piece in your game!" Her hands balled into fists as her sobs turned to rage, her nails digging into her palms, and fresh tears spilled down her cheeks. "You think I don’t see it? Forcing me into this... this marriage with no love, no choice, just because I do not remember my past and can’t determine my future? I hate you all!"

Her words hit hurt my heart, each one slicing deeper. How do I explain to her that I’m not like them. I shook my head, my throat tightening. "Iris, that’s not true. I’m not like them. I care about you." My voice was steady, but my heart was racing in sadness, the weight of her pain pressing against me. "I see you hurting, and I can’t just sit there and do nothing."

She laughed, a bitter, broken sound that echoed in the small room. "Care? You? You’re part of this. You call yourself Lucas. You’re one of them, following their orders, Aren’t you? Her voice dropped to a whisper, her eyes searching mine, desperate for something to hold onto. "Nobody cares. Not really."

"That’s not true," I said, taking a slow step forward, my hand outstretched. "I care, Iris. I see you. I see how hard this is, how much you’re carrying. You don’t have to go through it alone."

She stepped back, her back brushing against the wall, her breath hitching. "Stop it," she yelled, her voice shaking. "Just stop." But her retreat slowed, her eyes locked on mine, and I saw the flicker of doubt and the part of her that wanted to believe me.

I took another step, my voice low and calm. "I’m not here to hurt you. I’m not here to push you into anything. I just want you to know you’re not alone." My hand was still outstretched, trying to pull her slightly to my embrace, and I held her gaze, willing her to see the truth in my words.

She didn’t move this time. Her tears slowed. I closed the distance, slow and careful, until I was close enough to feel the warmth of her presence. "It’s okay," I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper. "You’re safe with me."

From what it seems, her tears were drying up but she let out a choked sob, her shoulders slumping. I finally reached for her, my arms wrapping around her gently, pulling her into a hug. She stiffened at first, her hands hovering as if unsure, but then she melted against me, her face pressing into my chest. Her tears soaked into my dress, warm and wet, and I held her tighter, one hand resting on her back, the other cradling her head.

"I’ve got you," I whispered, my voice filled with emotion. "You don’t have to be strong all the time."

Her fingers clutched around me tightly now, her sobs quieting but her body still trembling. The scent of her hair and something faintly sweet filled my senses, and I closed my eyes, wishing I could take her pain away, wishing I could shield her from the weight of the prophecy, the pack, everything.

Suddenly, a soft voice broke the silence. "My lady? Iris, are you alright?"

I froze, my arms still around Iris as we both turned toward the doorway. Lila stood there, her eyes filled with surprise at the position she found I and Iris. Her hands were clasped tightly in front of her, her brow furrowed as she took in the scene.

Iris pulled back, her eyes darting to the floor as she wiped at her tears with the back of her hand. I stepped away, my arms falling to my sides, the warmth of Iris still lingering on my skin. I gave her a small nod, my expression soft, hoping she understood I wasn’t abandoning her.

"I’m fine, Lila," Iris said, her voice hoarse but steadier now. She smoothed her dress. "I just... needed a moment."

Lila’s gaze flicked to me, her expression unreadable, but she didn’t press. "I’ll walk you back," she said gently, stepping closer.

I nodded at Iris, my throat tight, and turned to leave. "Take care, Iris," I said quietly, my eyes lingering on her for a moment before I forced myself to walk away.

Reaching Lila, I stopped. "You mustn’t say this to anyone." I warned and left.

The corridor felt colder now as I made my way back to the dining hall. The clatter of plates and Darius’s voice greeted me as I stepped through the doorway, the warmth of the room chilling in my bones. I slid back into my seat and picked up my fork, staring at the food I had no appetite for.

Liora glanced at me, her eyes narrowing slightly, but she said nothing, her attention shifting back to the triplets. Father’s gaze lingered on me for a moment, his expression unreadable, but I avoided his eyes, focusing on the plate in front of me.

Darius’s voice cut through the murmur of conversation, his tone shifting to something more formal. "Gentlemen," he said, addressing the triplets, who looked up from their plates, their expressions attentive. "As the future alphas of our pack, you’ll need someone strong, loyal, and capable by your side. A personal guard to ensure your safety and the strength of our alliance."

He paused, his eyes sweeping the table before settling on me. "I’ve given this a great deal of thought, and I’ve made my decision. Lucas is the strongest warrior we have. He’s proven himself time and again, and I believe he’s the perfect choice to serve as your personal guard."

A murmur of surprise rippled through the table, and I felt the weight of the triplets gaze on me. Kael’s lips curved into a slow, approving smile, his eyes glinting with something like amusement. "A fine choice," he said, his voice smooth, almost teasing. "Lucas is a solid pick."

Zane nodded, his piercing gaze meeting mine briefly before he smirked. "Good to have someone like you watching our backs," Zane’s words came sarcastically.

Cade leaned back in his chair, his expression more reserved but still warm. "At least we know you’ll always be there when we need you," he added.

I forced a small nod, my throat tight. "I’m honored," I said, my voice even though my mind was still in the restroom with Iris, her tears staining my tunic. Their approval only deepened the knot in my stomach. I was being woven deeper into their plans, their alliance, their game, and I wasn’t sure where I stood anymore. I am only following my father’s instructions.

Just then, movement at the doorway caught my eye as I saw Lila guiding Iris back into the room, her hand resting lightly on Iris’s arm. Iris’s face was composed now, her eyes still red but dry, her braid neat again. She moved with careful grace, her dress catching the light as she approached her seat. Lila’s expression was soft, protective as Iris sat.