Chapter 28

Von

I returned to the palace late at night, I was feeling quite tired. The fight between me and the rogue had drained me, completely.

Right now all I craved was the softness of my pillow, but there was no time for rest I still had other things to attend to—like who started the fire and who was behind Landon’s attack.

As I walked through the courtyard, I ran into Landon. I saw the neutral look in his eyes change to a hardened gaze.

What was wrong with him?

"Why the hell did you go after the rogue without telling me?" Landon demanded, stepping into my path.

I exhaled sharply. So, that was the reason why his expression changed.

Landon could act like a child sometimes but I still loved him regardless.

“Why are you suddenly quiet?” His voice broke into my thoughts.

I groaned. “I didn’t tell you I was going after the rogue because I didn’t need you there."

Landon’s brow furrowed. "Stop acting like you can handle things on your own. I would’ve helped. I should’ve been there."

I shook my head. "And if you had been? Then what? Do you think I wanted you to get caught up in that mess? You have already been through something terrible tonight. The last thing I want is for you to go through something worse."

Landon scoffed. "I’m not a child. Just because I was attacked once doesn’t mean I’m weak."

“I never said you were weak!” I pointed out. “I’m just trying to protect you.”

“I don’t need your protection, Von. I want to be there for you. To assist you in the little way I can.” His expression softened.

“For now, I think you shouldn’t do any of that.” I stood on my words.

“You’re acting unfair Von.” He spat.

I wasn’t going to argue with him. I was too damn tired. "Fine," I muttered. "Believe what you want."

Before Landon could respond, one of my guards approached us, with a look in his eyes that gave me the impression that something was wrong.

I sighed. I don’t know how much I could think. If something truly occurred then I would have a lot to handle.

"Your Majesty," The guard’s voice dragged me out of my thoughts. I watched as he took a bow before lifting his head to stare a me.

"What is it?" I asked, already bracing for more bad news.

"It’s about Rae," the guard said cautiously. "We tried to stop her from leaving the palace, but… we failed. She managed to escape."

I closed my eyes for a brief second, exhaling through my nose. Again?

I muttered to myself, "Is she trying to break the world record for running away the most?" I was fucking tired of her games.

The guard shifted uncomfortably. "We searched for her, but—"

The guard's voice trailed off as I thought of our last encounter I guessed that was the reason why Rae left. She was probably angry.

I wasn’t going to give her that satisfaction of leaving. Although letting her go would bring me so much peace I reminded myself of her benefit to me.

She was my breeder!

As those words spread into my head. I realized it was high time I planted my seed in her so I could get rid of her quickly.

“We were going to do all we can to make sure she—“ The guard’s voice returned as I put my attention back on him.

"—It’s not your fault," I interrupted him. "I’ll handle it from here."

I turned to leave, already planning my next move, when Landon spoke up.

"I’m coming with you," he said.

I narrowed my eyes at him. "No need. I can handle it."

"Von, I’ve watched you handle everything alone for a while now. I’m not standing by this time." His voice had this firm tone to it.

I considered arguing, but it wasn’t worth the effort. He was too damn stubborn. "Fine. Let’s go."

Before we left, I turned to my guard. "Gather the others and search the opposite side of the pack’s territory. If she’s out there, I want every path covered."

With that, Landon and I set out into the night.

As we moved through the forest, Landon broke the silence. "How bad was the rogue attack?"

"Bad," I admitted. "The rogue had gone into hiding when I arrived there. I had to find him and when I did I made sure I put an end to his existence."

Landon exhaled. "I keep hoping for a day when we won’t have to deal with rogues anymore."

I let out a dry laugh. "If that day ever comes, I’ll be the first to celebrate."

We continued searching, and slowly, I began to have this weird feeling in my chest. We have come across no single trace of her.

I pushed that feeling away as I told myself we still have other areas to touch in the kingdom.

After hours of searching, we returned to the palace, empty-handed. I stood in the grand hall, waiting for my men to report back. When they finally arrived, their expressions told me everything before they even spoke.

"We couldn’t find her, Your Majesty," one of them admitted.

A wave of frustration surged through me, but I forced it down. "Dismissed," I said curtly. The men left without another word.

Landon stepped beside me, resting a hand on my shoulder. "You’re too worked up over a breeder, Von," he said, in a firm voice.

I said nothing. Maybe he was right—maybe I was too worked up. But she was my breeder. And I needed to find her.

"Thanks for your help," I muttered, already making my way toward the guest room. "It’s late. I’m calling it a night."

Landon nodded heading in the direction of his room.

I was halfway to the guest room when someone stepped into my path.

It was Anna.

"Your Majesty," Anna’s voice was urgent.

I stopped. "What is it?"

"It’s about Rae," she said.

My shoulders tensed. "What about her?"

She glanced around as if making sure no one was listening. Then she lowered her voice.

"Rae didn’t run away," Anna said carefully. "She was taken."

My entire body went still.

"Taken?" I repeated. “By who?”

Anna leaned closer. "By Landon."