Chapter 29

**Zade**

The scent of rain mixed with sand filled the air, sharp and earthy. I didn’t know why, but I was addicted to it. The rain poured heavily outside, and through it, I could hear the faint footsteps of my workers. Even in moments like this, when I was supposed to rest, I stayed aware. This kingdom had to stay organized, even in the dead of night.

I was never fully asleep. I couldn’t remember the last time I had a deep, peaceful sleep. Not with the weight of everything on my shoulders. Witches, alphas, betas, humans—thousands of enemies waiting for a moment of weakness.

Turning my head to the left, I grabbed the pillow tightly, pressing it closer. At least it was soft, just the way it should be. Small comforts like this were rare, and I clung to them when I could. 

But still, I was restless—really restless. Well I'm always restless. Carrying the kingdom all to my Self was pretty Much work. I opened my eyes gently and took my phone to check the time.

Five a.m. Already. I sighed, my breath heavy with the weight of a night that had felt endless. My body ached for rest, but my mind wouldn’t allow it. There was always something lurking—another threat, another plan, another decision to make.

The rain outside grew louder, hammering against the glass like a relentless drumbeat. It matched the storm in my chest. No matter how hard I tried to silence it, the chaos inside me never seemed to stop.

I turned my head to the window, watching the raindrops race down the pane. My thoughts drifted, unbidden, to her. Ashley. The woman who had somehow slipped past my defenses, not just into my kingdom but into the deepest parts of me.

Why did I think about her so often? Why did her green eyes haunt me even now? She was supposed to hate me, fear me. And yet, when she looked at me, I wanted to be more—something I wasn’t sure I could be.

I groaned and pushed myself up, sitting on the edge of the bed. The cool air of the room kissed my bare skin, sending a shiver through me. “What are you doing to me, Ashley?” I muttered, running a hand through my hair.

The storm outside mirrored the chaos inside me. I could hear the faint howls of wolves in the distance, their cries blending with the rain. My people. My responsibility. And yet, no matter how much I gave, it never felt like enough.

The kingdom demanded everything.

Standing, I walked to the window, staring out at the darkened landscape. The rain obscured the view, but I knew what lay beyond—the forests, the mountains, the villages. My empire.

A bitter smile tugged at my lips. Everyone saw the king, the power, the strength. No one saw the weight. The loneliness.

I leaned my forehead against the cool glass, letting it ground me for a moment. My reflection stared back, tired and haunted. The crown was invisible, but I could feel its crushing weight.

“Five more hours,” I muttered to myself, forcing my shoulders back, straightening my posture. Dawn would come soon.

Almost immediately, a heavy knock came at my door. Even without opening it, I knew who it was—and I was beyond shocked. I rushed to the door like I’d been waiting for her, swinging it open.

Ashley stood there, her head bowed, staring at her feet. The lack of eye contact was typical for her, but it felt heavier this time.

I stepped aside, opening the door wider. “Come in,” I said, and she quietly walked past me. I closed the door behind her, and i was curious to know why she had come to me.

"I'm scared," she mumbled, her voice barely above a whisper.

Her fragile state struck something deep within me. I used to hate seeing her weak, but now it felt like my responsibility to make her feel safe.

“The storm... it scares me,” she added, and I heard the silent sob in her voice. She wasn’t just avoiding eye contact because of shyness. She didn’t want me to see her tears—but I already had.

She was unraveling, having a moment of breakdown and I couldn’t ignore it. I walked up to her and placed my hands gently on her shoulders. “You’re safe with me. It’s just a harmless storm. You’re here now, and nothing will harm you,” I said softly.

I pulled her into a hug, feeling the warmth of her body pressed against mine. I held her tightly, wanting her to forget all her fears. There was something deeper behind her fear of the storm—I could sense it—but this wasn’t the right time to ask.

When I finally broke the hug, I lifted her chin upward, making her look at me. Her big eyes fixed on my lips for a moment, and I couldn’t help but wonder what she was thinking. Then her gaze shifted to mine, locking us in place.

Damn, it was hard to resist her. My hand moved to her cheek, gently wiping away her tears.

Our faces were so close now, our lips just inches apart. And then I kissed her. She didn’t respond at first, maybe out of shock. Hell, I was shocked too. But then, slowly, she kissed me back.

I lifted her effortlessly into my arms, carrying her in a bridal style without breaking the kiss. Each step toward the bed felt long, the heat between us undeniable. Once I reached the bed, I gently placed her down, positioning myself over her.

Neither of us was ready to pull away. The kiss deepened, her hands tangling in my hair, gently running through it, while my hands traced the curves of her body with care.

When I finally broke the kiss, I looked into her eyes, my breath slightly uneven. “You are so beautiful, Ashley,” I said.

Her lips curved into a smile—a real one. I could see the tension from the storm melting away. For a moment, nothing else existed but us.