Zephrine

Finished

The third day of the council arrived slower than I expected. I had no idea what Princess Mearez bsaid /bbto /bNyroth, but he hadn’t stepped into my chambers once. I could feel his anger, jealousy, even lingering in the air.

bBy /bafternoon, when the sun was still high, the door finally creaked open. I paused mid–bstroke /bwith my hair brush, turning to see Nyroth standing in the doorway.

I had dressed carefully today. If they were going to send me to the rogue town, I intended to go looking my best just in case needed to spill blood along the way,

His gaze lingered on my hair for a moment before sliding down to my dress.

“Come on out,” he said curtly. “They’re waiting in the council chambers.”

I set my brush down and headed for the door, nning to pass him without a word, but his voice followed me.

“Have you made your decision yet? I hope the arrival of the Lycan princess bhasn’t /bdistracted you from making the right choice.

I nearly scoffed. He probably thought my options were so limited I’d have no choice but him.

I turned slowly, meeting his eyes with a cold stare.

“What judgment did they pass on Luna Tahlia?”

His brows drew together.

“Why are you concerned about herb?/b”

“Because she’s been framed.b” /b

His frown deepened as he stepped closer, his hand mping around my arm.

“Keep your voice down, or you’ll end up in a worse position than you are now. How can you say s she’s framed when there’s evidence…

“The evidence was forged,” I bcut /bhim off. “Her son deserves that Alpha throne, not some thief, liar, and mate–stealer.”

His jaw tightened, his face hardening as he leaned in, his breath brushing my cheek.

“Watch your tongue, Zeph, or you’ll lose it. Luna Tahlia is a murderer, and she’ll pay for it. She’ll be disgraced at the moon square next bweek/bb, /band her bastard son will be executed by poisoned. Now move.”

He shoved me baside /band strode toward the council room, leaving bthose /bwords ringing in my ears.

What? Luna Tahlia disgraced publicly? Her son sentenced to death?

My chest tightened, panic wing up my throat. If that boy died, I’d never forgive myself.

bI /bchased after Nyroth, my heart pounding, but I couldn’t match his pace. By the time I reached the door, he’d already stepped inside.

I followed, scanning the room. Nyroth took the head bseat /bas Alpha, Kai standing behind him. Pam and Olivia were here, likely to gloat.

Three Hue elders sat stiffly, along with four hard–eyed rogues. I doubted I’d survive the journey to rogue town with those men watching me.

To them, I wasn’t the Alpha’s mate. I was nothing but a woman who had gone from the rogue bAlpha /bto the Lycan bKing/b. A rumor sealing my fate.

“Zephyrine.one elder began, then paused. “Does she have ast name?”

“Ashmere.” I thought, but didn’t speak

* Finished

“No, she doesn’t, Pam snapped before I could answer. “She’s a rogue. An orphan who’s been sleeping her way up the ranks

Her smirk widened when she met bmy /bgaze.

“Why? Did I say something untrue? Didn’t you open your legs for the Lycan King so he’d help you kill the rogue Alpha, you

“You speak like you’ve got proof, widow,” I shot back, my voice cutting sharp.

Her face drained of color. The room went still. Even Nyroth looked startled that I dared talk back to his mother.

“You dare…” she began, stepping toward me, but the sound of the massive Hue gates swinging open silenced her.

I felt it then. The warmth, making my knees weak. My heart trembled.

Footsteps approached, the door opening.

Lycannar Blood stepped inside. Dressed in ck, hair btied /bin a tight knot, his piercing eyes found me instantly.

I forced myself to look away but then I saw him. Chantel

My breath caught. This was the first time I’d seen him in daylight. Even with his bangs shadowing his gaze, he was dangerously handsome.

I didn’t look back at Lycannar. Instead, I focused on the elder who’d been speaking, willing him to continue. But his tongue seemed frozen. Especially when the Lycan King crossed the room and stopped ba /bfew steps from me.

The silence thickened. Slowly, he breached /bfor me but I was ready for itfn0c9f Follow current nov?ls on find(?)ovel/fn0c9f

I pped his hand away, my re sharp with rage. His eyes softened, apologeticb, /band that bonly /bstoked my anger.

“Why are you justing now?

“Listen…”

“Why in the empire are you justing?!” My voice cracked as I shoved him in the chest, my fists striking him again and bagain/b. “Why are you only showing up now?!”

Chantel moved as if to interfere, but Lycannar stopped him with a raised hand, his gaze never leaving mine.

“I came bas /bbsoon /bas I could,” he bmurmured/b, voice deep and lowb, /band I hated it, hated how my chest tightened at the sound

I pushed him bagain/b.

“I hate you,” I whispered, bfrustrated/b, my eyes burning.

He reached for me anyway, pulling me into his arms. For the first time, he held me.

“I’m sorry,” he said softly. “I’m here now.”

Tlet

bmy /b

forehead rest against his chest, letting him stroke my hair right there in front of everyone,

That was the moment Lycannar made his first public im on me. And from there, I knew this war had only just begun.

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