Chapter 51

“I won’t get caught,” I interrupted, meeting her gaze with unwavering determination.

Kaelin nodded, satisfied. She reached into a pouch at her side, pulling out a small silver amulet with a faint green glow at its center. “Take this,” she said, handing it to me.

I took it, the metal cool in my palm. “What is it?”

“Protection,” she replied. “You’re in the castle now, there will be a lot of evil eyes around you. People waiting for you to fail in a way. This should help you, but don’t rely on it too heavily—it can only do so much.”

I slipped the amulet over my head, its weight settling against my chest. “Thank you.”

Kaelin leaned forward, gripping my hands tightly. “Promise me you’ll finish what we started, no matter what. They don’t deserve mercy, Arin.”

“Remember what they did to your people, our people. How they treat us like we are lesser than them. How they treated you! Don’t you ever forget that please.” 

“I promise,” I said, my voice steady.

Kaelin released me, sitting back with a nod. “Then go. Be careful. And remember, the closer you get, the more dangerous this game becomes.”

I stood, tucking the amulet beneath my cloak. “I’ll be fine. I always am.”

As I made my way back through the forest, the amulet’s gentle weight against my chest, I couldn’t shake the memory of Rowan’s face. He didn’t recognize me, but I couldn’t tell if that was a blessing or a curse. Either way, I had a mission to complete, and nothing—not even the ache in my chest—would stop me.

...................

The moon hung low in the sky as I slipped back into the castle, my heart pounding in my chest. Every shadow seemed alive, every creak of the floorboards a potential threat. I pressed myself against the stone walls, my breaths shallow as I edged toward the servant’s staircase that led to my wing.

Kaelin’s words still echoed in my mind. Don’t get caught.

I reached the door to my chambers and quickly slipped inside, closing it behind me with a soft click. Only then did I let out a breath of relief. My pulse was still racing as I leaned against the door, listening for any sounds of pursuit. The castle was silent. I’d made it.

Turning around, I froze.

A dress—an elaborate, stunning red gown—was laid out across my bed. Its deep emerald fabric shimmered in the faint moonlight, the intricate embroidery catching the light like tiny stars.

I walked toward it cautiously, my fingers brushing against the delicate material. Who had left this here? And why?

The next morning, I made my way to the garden where I knew Lucian would be waiting. He wanted to meet me for breakfast, he claimed he had something very urgent to discuss. The sunlight filtered through the trees, casting dappled shadows on the ground. He stood near a fountain, his usual carefree smile brightening his face as he spotted me.

“Good morning, my beautiful fiancée,” he said, taking my hand and kissing it lightly.

I forced a smile, though my mind was still occupied by the dress. “Good morning, your Higness.”

His eyes narrowed slightly as he studied me. “You weren’t in your chambers last night.”

My stomach twisted, but I kept my expression neutral. “I couldn’t sleep, so I went for a walk. The castle was stifling, and I needed some fresh air.”

He tilted his head, as if weighing the truth of my words. “Is that so?”

“Yes,” I said firmly. “I couldn’t have gone far. I’m sure the guards would have noticed if I had.”

He nodded slowly, a flicker of doubt still lingering in his eyes. “Very well. But next time, let me know. I worry about you, Arin.”

I offered him another smile, doing my best to appear grateful. “I will.”

Lucian’s smile returned, broader this time, as if he’d already forgotten his suspicions. “Did you like the dress?”

So he had left it. My unease deepened, but I nodded. “It’s beautiful.”

“I’m glad,” he said, taking my arm and leading me toward a shaded bench. “I had it made for you.”

“Why?” I asked, genuinely curious. “What is the occasion?”

He turned to me, his grin widening. “Our engagement celebration. It’s happening in two days.”

I blinked, caught off guard. “Two days? That’s...  so sudden.”

“Not sudden,” he corrected. “Necessary.”

“Necessary?” I echoed, narrowing my eyes. “Why the rush? I haven’t even informed my people about the wedding.” 

He hesitated, glancing away as if considering how much to tell me. “I’m a man of action, Arin. I don’t see the point in waiting when we both know what we want.”

“You want to marry me, but why now?” I pressed. “What aren’t you telling me? There must be a reason why you are in such a rush 

Lucian sighed, running a hand through his hair. “You’re persistent, aren’t you?”

“Always,” I said, crossing my arms.

“Fine,” he relented, leaning closer. “I want a family. A family of my own.”

His words hung in the air, heavy with implication.

“A child?” I asked carefully, though my mind was already racing.

“Yes,” he said, his tone softening as if he were sharing a secret. “I’ve always wanted a family, which is why when my exwife lost our son, I was devastated, but I knew I had to go on. One way or another.”

“But why the urgency? You are still very young.” I asked, refusing to let him sidestep the question.

Lucian hesitated again, his gaze shifting to the ground. “Because I’m tired of living in my brother’s shadow,” he admitted.

The weight of his words hit me like a blow.

Lucian continued, his voice quieter now. “I was the Crown Prince before you know? Before my father died. But then my Brother had managed to manipulate him before his death and I lost my place.” 

“Our pack works like other packs. Without an heir of my own, I’ll always be second to my brother. But if we have a child together...” He paused, glancing at me. “Our child would have a claim to the throne. A strong claim.” 

The pieces clicked into place, and I stared at him, my stomach churning. This wasn’t about love or even attraction. This was about power.

“You think having a child will change things?” I asked, my voice steady despite the storm brewing inside me.

“It will,” he said confidently. “Rowan doesn’t have an heir, and he likely won’t for some time. If we act quickly, I would secure our legacy. I will challenge my brother’s, Arin.”

His words were meant to sound enticing, but they only solidified the truth I’d been trying to ignore.

Lucian didn’t care about me. He cared about what I could give him. But why me? I still couldn’t understand that. I was not like many of the purebred werewolves in the court. He would certainly have a better chance with them than me. 

“So if King Rowan does have an heir, he loses the throne? I asked, testing him.

Lucian’s jaw tightened. “Yes, eventually. He would be believed to have failed as an alpha for not ensuring the safety of the pack’s future.” 

I forced a smile, nodding as if I understood. “You’re very ambitious, Lucian.”

“Ambition is a necessity in this world,” he said, his smile returning. “But don’t worry, Arin. You’ll benefit from this just as much as I will. Won’t you? Your father is an uncle to the emperor of Braam. He has significant power, when the time is right for me to challenge my throne, I will need your country’s full support.” 

I nodded again, though my mind was already spinning. This wasn’t what I had planned. Lucian’s motives were clear now, and they didn’t align with mine. I knew they never would, but to hear them now, they were more sinister than I had imagined.