chapter two

Chapter Two

The Truth

I couldn't move. My hands trembled as the doctor's words sank in.

"Here's your medication," Dr. Morris handed me some pills. "Take them twice daily. You're free to go now."

Freya helped me back to the maid quarters. As soon as we got to my room, she closed the door.

"Who's the father?" she asked.

I sat on my bed, unable to look at her.

"Iris, tell me."

"Lucas," I whispered.

Her eyes widened. "The prince? When?"

"The night before he chose Mitchell. He said he would pick me as his Luna."

"You need to tell him," she said.

I nodded. Freya was right. He needed to know.

My heart pounded as I walked to the royal wing. I searched everywhere until I found him in the garden.

"My Lord," I bowed. "I need to speak with you."

Lucas barely looked at me. A guard stood beside him.

"Can we talk privately?" I asked.

"Whatever you have to say, say it here." His voice was cold.

"But—"

"Speak or leave. I don't have time for omega servants."

Tears stung my eyes, but I forced myself to speak. "I'm pregnant."

The words hung in the air. Lucas's face darkened.

"That's not my concern," he said coldly. "Get rid of it."

My hand instinctively went to my stomach. "But it's your baby. You know it is."

"Listen well, omega," he stepped closer, "I don't care whose baby it is. You'll take care of this problem, or I'll make sure you regret it."

"How could you?" My voice broke. "You promised me—"

"Seduced my mate and now trying to trap him with a bastard child?" Mitchell's voice cut through the air. I turned to see her standing there, her face twisted with disgust. "You heard him. Get rid of it."

I stared at my adoptive sister in shock. "Mitchell..."

"Don't look at me like that," she sneered. "You're nothing but a servant who forgot her place. Do as he says before things get worse for you."

I fled from there, tears blinding my vision. When I reached the servants' quarters, Freya was waiting.

"Iris!" She caught me as I stumbled in. "What happened?"

Through broken sobs, I told her everything.

"This is dangerous," Freya said, her face pale. "The doctor mentioned earlier that you have a weak constitution. Getting rid of the pregnancy could kill you."

"I won't kill my babies," I whispered, hands protectively over my stomach.

"But if you stay here..." Freya glanced around nervously. "Lucas and Mitchell won't let this threaten their position. You know how ruthless they can be."

"The Lycan King is your only hope now. He needs to know what his son has done."

My heart pounded as I made my way to the king's study, I pretended like I was coming to clean the kings study. The guards barely glanced at me.

I slipped inside, finding the Lycan King at his desk. He looked up, his golden eyes piercing through me.

"Your Majesty." I dropped into a deep bow, my whole body shaking. "I... I need to tell you something about your son."

He set down his quill, studying me with an unreadable expression. "Speak."

"King Alex is our only choice," Freya whispered, squeezing my hand. "He needs to know what his son did to you."

My heart pounded as I made my way to the king's study,

The guards stationed outside straightened as I approached.

"I'm here for the evening cleaning," I managed to say, holding up my supplies.

They exchanged glances but stepped aside. The Lycan King sat at his desk, papers spread before him. He looked up as I entered.

"Your Majesty." I set down my cleaning supplies and knelt. "Please forgive my interruption, but I must speak with you about Prince Lucas."

He studied me for a long moment. "Rise and explain yourself."

Standing on shaky legs, I gathered my courage. "Two weeks ago, before the mating ceremony, your son discovered I was his true mate. He... he took me to his chambers, promised we would be together." Tears threatened but I forced them back. "Now I carry his child, but he refuses to acknowledge either of us."

The king's face remained impassive. "You understand the gravity of your accusations?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. I wouldn't dare unless it was true." I placed a hand protectively over my stomach.

"The pack doctor can confirm my condition."

He rose from his desk. "Nathan," he called to his guard. "Fetch my son."

Few minutes later, the guards arrived with prince Lucas.

"Father? What's this about?"

"This omega claims you mated with her and now deny your unborn child." The king's voice was measured. "What do you say to this?"

Lucas's laugh held no warmth. "Surely you don't believe her? She's just another servant trying to cause trouble."

"Then a paternity test should settle this matter easily."

"Of course." Lucas's eyes glinted dangerously.

I swallowed hard and reached into my apron pocket.

"Your Majesty, I... I already have proof." I pulled out the medical papers. "The pack doctor confirmed my condition."

The king reached for the documents, but Lucas snatch it from my grip. He curled his hands ready to tear them apart.

"Lucas." The king raised his hand, stopping his son's motion. "Hand those to me."

Before Lucas could move, the door burst open. Mitchell strode in, her face twisted with fury. "Your Majesty, you can't believe a word she says!"

She turned to me, her voice dripping with venom. "How dare you? After everything my family has done for you?"

"We took you in when you had nothing. Gave you a home, food, clothes - and this is how you repay us? By accusing my mate?”

I flinched at her words. This was the sister who had once shared her blanket with me during cold nights, who had smuggled extra food to me when I was hungry. Now she looked at me like I was nothing.

"The king needs to know the truth," I whispered.

"Truth?" Mitchell laughed bitterly. "The truth is you've always been jealous of me. And now you're trying to steal my mate!"

"Enough." King Alex cut her off

"While these papers confirm her condition, we will conduct an official paternity test tomorrow.

————

When morning came, I woke early,anxious for the truth to be out. As I finished my morning duties, Freya rushed to find me.

"Iris, your sister Mitchell was looking for you. Your mother wants to see you at home."

My heart sank. Had my adoptive mother discovered what was happening?

"Did she say why?" My voice trembled.

Freya shook her head. "Just that it's urgent."

After completing my tasks, I made my way home. When I arrived, I found Mitchell and my adoptive mother waiting in the parlor.

"So," my mother's voice was cold, "you think you're carrying royal blood now?"

I froze in the doorway.

"Mother, I—"

"Don't call me that!" She stood, her face twisted with rage.

"It's not like that," I pleaded, backing away. "The bond is real. He—"

"Mother, please." Mitchell's She stepped between us, her face softening with concern. "Let me talk to her."

Mitchell took my hand, just like she used to when we were younger. "Come with me, Iris. Let's talk outside."

Relief washed over me, at her action. Maybe she finally understands me.

She led me through the back door, toward a small room behind the house.

"Mitchell," I whispered, "I'm sorry. I never meant for any of this—"

"Shh," she squeezed my hand. "I know. It must have been hard, keeping this secret."

We reached the storage room door. She opened it, gesturing for me to enter first.

"We can figure this out together, like we always—"

The door slammed behind me. Lucas stepped out of the shadows smirking.

"Mitchell?" My voice shook as I turned to her. The sympathy had vanished from her face.

"You actually believed I'd help you?" She pulled out a container of fuel. "That I'd let you ruin everything?"

"Please," I backed away until I hit the wall. "The babies—"

"Will never exist," Lucas finished, pulling out a lighter. His smile was cruel as Mitchell began pouring the fuel.

"Moon Goddess," I prayed, tears streaming down my face as the scent of fuel filled my lungs and then the fire burning my skin. "Please... give me another chance..."

To make them pay for killing me and my unborn child.

I WILL COME BACK FOR YOU ALL, YOU WILL ALL PAY