Chapter 31

Von

The sharp pain in my stomach was intense, and it was caused by the intruder.

He had kicked me, and as I grabbed my stomach he saw this as an opportunity to take control.

He pushed me backward and then positioned himself on top of me, trying to push the knife closer to my chest.

I knew one wrong move could mean my end. So I stayed still. The room was dark, and no matter how hard I tried to make out the person’s face I couldn’t.

“Who are you?” I called out, my voice strained. “What do you want?”

The figure stiffened at the sound of my voice. He hesitated, and that was all I needed.

I seized the moment, gathering every bit of strength I had left, and I threw the person off me.

He stumbled backward, falling to the ground, and into the dim light that filtered in from the window.

My breathing stopped.

It was Landon. It couldn’t be.

“Landon!” I voiced and he turned to look at me with a shocking expression.

“How could you?” I snarled, standing up quickly and lunging at him. I grabbed him by the throat and shoved him back, slamming him against the wall.

“Von, wait—let me explain!” Landon’s voice shook, but there was no way I was going to listen.

“No, you don’t get to explain!” I shouted, my grip tightening. “I know everything, Landon. Rae told me everything!” I should have believed her.

His eyes widened.

“Tell me why you did this,” I growled, shaking him.

Landon’s face fell. “Von... I didn’t mean to—”

“Don’t you dare lie to me!” I yelled, shaking him again. “Why would you do this?”

He looked at me, his expression was filled with guilt and fear. “I was... I was sent by someone.”

My stomach twisted as I heard him speak. Who else could have wanted me dead?

“Who?” I demanded, voicing my concern.

Landon hesitated, his eyes darting to the side. “I... I can’t say.”

“If you don’t speak you’re going to regret it!” I growled, flashing my hands which had transformed into claws in his direction.

Landon gulped, looking like he was about to crumble. “It was Silas. He... he threatened to kill me if I didn’t do it. He—he kidnapped my mate. I found out that I had a mate a day before the attack. I don’t know how Silas found out about her but he told me If I didn’t cooperate, he would end her.”

I stared at him, disbelief clouding my mind. “Silas? That son of a—” I stopped myself, taking a deep breath.

There was something off about his words. If Silas was behind this Landon could have told me, but he didn’t. Probably because he also wanted me dead.

Landon reached into his pocket, pulling out his phone.

“Look, I can prove it.” His voice picked up. “Silas has been controlling everything. He sent me these orders.”

I watched as he tapped a few buttons and played a voice note from his phone.

The sound of Silas’s voice filled the room. “Landon, how’s the plan going? I hope you have been able to kill Von.”

I listened to the recording, feeling the anger boil in my blood.

“You think this makes you any less guilty?” I snapped, pacing in frustration. “You helped him, Landon. You turned against me. You knew what he was doing, and you still played along!”

Landon’s voice faltered. “I didn’t have a choice! I was trying to save my mate. I had to do it to keep her safe!”

I turned away from him, fuming. I tried to calm my nerves and after much silence, I spoke up.

“Where is Rae?” I asked.

Landon lowered his gaze. “She’s at Silas’s house.”

I felt my rage explode, the claws on my fingers digging into my palms. “Get in the car. We’re going to Silas’s house.”

Landon’s eyes widened. “What? No—”

“You have no choice but to come with me,” I interrupted, grabbing him by the arm and dragging him toward the door. “We’re getting Rae, and we’re going to settle this.”

I didn’t wait for him to say anything else. I pulled him into the car and slammed the door shut, telling the driver to take us straight to Silas’s place.

When we arrived, I saw the familiar sight of other councilmen’s cars parked outside. I didn’t waste any time.

I informed the driver to make sure Landon stayed in the car then I marched toward the door, slamming it open.

“Silas!” I shouted, my voice booming through the building.

The councilmen snapped their heads my way, their eyes widening at my sudden entrance.

I moved closer to them with my eyes fixed on Silas. “I know what you’ve been planning Silas,” I growled, my fangs flashing. “And I’m not here for your excuses.”

Silas looked up, and he flashed me a shocked expression. “What are you talking about, Von?”

“Stop acting clueless!”

“I’m not. It seems you have lost your mind and How dare you interrupt my meeting?”

I stepped forward. “I am the Hybrid King. I rule over you, Silas, and I have every right to do whatever I want. Now, you’ll tell me where Rae is, or I’ll end you right here.”

Silas scoffed, leaning back in his chair. “You need to stop this Von.”

“I know Rae is here, stop pretending.” I snapped. “Landon’s in the car. He told me everything. He said you sent him to kill me.”

Silas’s eyes flickered. “Landon?”

“Yes.”

Silas' eyes moved away from mine and they landed on the other councilmen.

“You may leave.” He dismissed the councilmen in the room.

“You have no right to tell them to leave. They are going to stay here and hear the truth.” I said, turning my gaze to the others.

Silas rolled his eyes, and his action irritated me.

“Are you going to speak or do I have to make you?” I asked.

Silas stood up wearing a firm look. “You have got everything wrong, your majesty.” He said. “Landon’s a liar. He’s also the mastermind behind the plan. He came to me some days ago telling me he wanted to get rid of you. He also told me he knew you weren’t cooperating and I was getting tired of you. His deal was simple he kills you and I help him become the next hybrid king. I only agreed because I was growing tired of you forfeiting my words and doing whatever you pleased.”

The councilmen around the table gasped in disbelief.

Silas waved them off. “Shut up. I was doing this for the council. You’ve all seen how Von’s ruled. It’s time for a change.”

I didn’t believe him. Not for a second. “You expect me to believe that?”

Silas smirked. “I have proof.” He played another recording, this time with Landon’s voice.

The recording was clear. It was Landon’s voice, confirming everything Silas had said.

I felt my heart sink.

Landon had lied to me again. He made up that bullshit story to make me pity him.

He had played me.

“You’re both guilty,” I muttered under my breath.

Silas grinned, and I wanted to wipe off that grin off his face but I kept my cool. I needed to find Rae, once she was safe I would deal with Silas.

“Where is Rae?”

Silas motioned toward a door at the back of the room. “She’s in there.”

He opened the door, and I rushed inside. Rae’s eyes locked onto mine as she lifted her head.

“Von,” she whispered, rushing toward me.

She looked pale, almost lifeless. I grabbed her and held her close.

“Are you okay?” I whispered, brushing the hair from her face.

She nodded weakly, looking up at me. “I’m fine now. You came for me.”

Silas’s voice interrupted us. “Now that she’s free, it’s time to deal with Landon.”

I turned to face him, fury burning in my chest.

Before Silas could say another word, I lunged at him, shoving him against the wall. He gasped, his eyes wide with fear.

“What are you doing Von?” He asked in a shocked tone. “I had no fucking hand in this. It was all Landon’s plans I only—“

“Say your last prayers, Silas,” I growled. “This is the end for you.”

His voice cracked as he begged, “Please—please, don’t—”

I sank my fangs into his neck, silencing him forever.

When his body dropped to the ground, I looked at the councilmen, who had watched the whole scene unfold in front of them.

“If any of you dare double-cross me like Silas did,” I warned, my voice cold, “you’ll regret it. Now, get someone to dispose of his body. He doesn’t deserve a proper funeral.”

The councilmen nodded silently.

I turned away from them and grabbed, Rae’s hand in mine. Without hesitation, I walked past them.

As we left the room, I could feel the weight of everything I had just done.

The saddest part was that it wasn’t over yet. I still had to deal with Landon— a friend who had become my enemy.