Elijah POV
I never cared about pda before; but to go all wolf on a random woman in an elevator was something even I would be shy about. I wondered what happened to her in that club? Before I could get a word out, she bolted out the elevator.I cursed at losing her so quickly to my touch. There was something about her that woke parts of me that I thought were sealed shut. I wanted her tonight and my wolf didn't take defeat easily.I decided to chase after her, after all she was a young girl running straight into the forest alone. What was she even thinking? I followed her faint scent I knew she masked with perfume and magic. Before reaching her I heard the growls and knew immediately it was Rogues. I cursed again, but welcomed the challenge. I had to be careful though. No one could see my true wolf, not until the time was right.I removed the hearts of all three wolves then changed back. I had enough foresight to remove my pants before shifting and put them back on. After her little panic attack in the elevator I'm sure showing up completely naked would probably overwhelm her again. Goddess, I really want to overwhelm her though.Once I arrived back at the lake, she was neck deep in the water completely still. I wasn't sure what the hell she was doing, but it looked like she just gave up. Red swirled around her body in the blue waters and I knew it was from her cuts.Fuck! She must be really hurt. The last cut in her thigh was really deep. I saw the Rogue's claw dig into her skin and her blood just started gushing out.I stomped through the water feeling an amazing sensation wrap around my body. It almost felt like magic, but that was impossible. I wrapped my arms around her and picked her up. Her body instantly relaxed into mine and I nearly purred at that. What the fuck was happening?Once we reached shallower waters, she jumped from my arms then splashed water in my face. Seeing her playfulness brought mine to the surface. I went from full animal lust, to protective Alpha, to worried friend in less than 30 minutes from this little wolf.As I chased her through the water, I let my emotions go. My body relaxed and heart swelled with her laughter. Then she said my name, a name that no stranger should know. It was the name given to me at birth, but one that I shouldn't have said. I was so lost in her beauty when I first touched her all reasoning left my brain.Now she stood there, waist deep in the water taunting me. "You are the worst knight in shining armor, Alpha Elijah."I instantly lost my breath at her words and my eyes turned black with lust."You want me to rescue you little wolf?" I challenged, stalking towards her.I could smell her arousal as my body connected to hers. She was afraid of the contact, but also craved it. Then I saw it again, something that should be impossible. Her eyes began swirling with thin silver lines. She was a silver wolf, something rarer than even myself. I should question her, but my wolf took control. 'She will be ours' he demanded.The second I laid her on the beach I had one thought and one thought only. I was tearing off this underwear then ramming so deep inside her. My midnight wolf needed to claim her silver one. She was powerful and beautiful, a strong female for my wolf to mate with and he wasn't letting my human side even attempt to reason with him. What happened after that I would have to worry about later.My large hand gripped her underwear tight in my grip, but before I could tear it into shreds, growls came from the tree line. This time it wasn't a Rogue though. A powerful wolf ready to kill at sight approached us. I was now on the Alpha King's territory and this could be considered trespassing."You have to be fucking kidding me!" I said through gritted teeth, letting out a roar of frustration. My wolf was more powerful than any I came across and he demanded obedience, something I spent years trying to control. I had one mission in life and I wasn't going to lose track now.We both jumped up and straightened ourselves. I wasn't sure what to do. I couldn't shift in front of her. No one could see my true wolf. I normally had a mirage spell so my wolf looked tan with black spots, but I was running low on herbs. I was leaving the club to meet my witch ally when I bumped into the temptress fidgeting next to me."You should run." She said with frantic eyes."I don't run. I know the Alpha of this land. They won't do anything.""Yeah, I know the Alpha too." She replied softly, but before I could ask her to elaborate there was a pure white wolf positioned in front of us ready to attack.A white wolf was uncommon but not rare. Considering the little wolf next to me was a silver one and I was a midnight one, I wasn't sure what to think. I had a burning need to keep her safe and it was overriding anything else I felt.The white wolf had salvia pouring from his barred fangs warning us both that we were not to move. I very slowly reached my arm out and slid her behind me. She gushed at my protectiveness then quickly pulled in her emotions."Listen little wolf, why don't you call your Alpha, and we can sort this out. We mean no harm, just a little lost." I said with a cocky grin.The white wolf was anything but little, but I knew I was more powerful, and now so did he. I was trespassing on the King's land which meant it could be our deaths. If I could calm this feral wolf before removing his head I could speak to the King and explain.Then the wolf howled for back up approaching me with a deadly glare. He wasn't backing down despite the waves of submission I was releasing. I couldn't let my full aura out, but it was enough to make him cower. This wolf was on a mission though. Something was fueling his drive to defy even me.I held the woman closer to my back and I could feel her muffled moan as she pressed up against my ass. "Seriously! Not the time baby." I whispered to her with a husky voice full of lust. Her arousal was clouding my judgment and I needed to watch every move of this white wolf. One blow from his claws could kill her instantly."Sorry." She said looking up to me with her big innocent eyes. The side of my lips curled up at her sudden need for my protection. My tongue darted out, sliding across my bottom lip. I had no idea what was happening, but I completely forgot about the feral wolf ready to devour us, and I wanted nothing else than to finish what we came so close to doing twice now.The white wolf didn't appreciate the blatant lack of respect and swatted his claws at me. Blood poured out of my chest sending rage instantly through my body. My eyes turned pitched black, and I let out a deafening roar from my lungs.She gasped at my overwhelming power radiating from my very pissed off wolf. She quickly raised her hands to my chest and I felt a calm roll over me. The pain subsided slightly and I swear she was healing me. I knew that was impossible, then it occurred to me. Was it possible she was my mate? I knew a mate's touch could calm your soul, ease your pain, and heal you slightly, but we weren't mated yet.I shook the thought from my head. I was the most powerful Alpha to exist. I knew when two were fated and I would know if we were. No, there was something unusual about this little silver wolf.Before I could rip the white wolf to pieces, then question this temptress, she spun around ripping what appeared to be a red wig from her head.A thick messy bun of brown hair sat on her head. She pulled out the band and long wavy curls cascaded down her back. I liked the red, but this long silky brown made her even more beautiful."Leave now or I would gladly rip your throat out, Nate." She commanded with a strong Luna tone making him whimper. He shifted and grabbed his shorts wrapped around his ankle then quickly pulled them on."Fuck Elena, where have you been? Serenity said you were kidnap. Everyone is on high alert."The young boy pulled her into a hug. I could see the rage in her eyes and all she wanted to do was throat punch his ass, again. He was the same boy from the club she was running from. What was happening in this very messed up pack?She pushed him off her. "I was not kidnapped, and this man saved my life from Rogues that attacked me. Let him pass. Now!""Of course, princess." Nate said and bowed his head at her."What the fuck did he just say?" I asked, frozen in my place. Was I lied too? Was her name actually Elena? Is she actually the princess?"What the fuck are you doing Elena?" Another's alpha voice boomed out as he walked from the tree line. Definitely a weak Alpha trying to exert his little power."Fuck!" Elena let slip out as she turned and looked him in the eye. "I'm doing whatever I want, apparently just like you." She spat out to him.There was some serious tension between them. I knew she wanted to hurt the Nate boy, but this Alpha, she wanted to kill. He grabbed her arm rough enough to leave a bruise and got in her face. Before he could begin speaking, I growled as I pushed him off her."Don't ever grab her like that again, little wolf." This time I purposely used my overwhelming Alpha tone making everyone pause in awe. I could sense they were all of Alpha blood, even the damn lying temptress, but I was definitely of more power and strength. Something I'm sure they didn't know existed outside the council."Elena get your ass home!" He ordered, but she scuffed back at him. He could command others and even weaker Alphas, but no one could command her.Her defiance radiated off her in waves and it was making my head cloudy again. Fuck! I really wanted her tonight. She is so strong willed, defiant, bossy, and my wolf wanted to make her bend to his will."You will let this man pass and then I will go home, but not because you told me to... but because that's where I fucking live and... I'm tired." She got lost with her words as her anger was boiling over. I smirked watching her body wiggle in frustration."You're a 17-year-old girl with no wolf wandering the woods at midnight. You will not give me orders!" The Alpha's voice raised in frustration, wanting to drag her home.He was afraid of both Elena's strength and mine as I stood beside her. I wanted to interrogate her, then destroy her body, but right now, I would defend her.Wait! What did he say?"Oh fuck, 17!" My hand raked down my face. "Listen Serenity or Elena, whatever the fuck your name is. Go home! I'll be fine and let's not speak of anything that happened here, ever."Tears welled in her eyes how I dismissed her. There was no lust or desire left in me and she saw it. She was not only my enemy, but a fucking child. Rare wolf or not, I'm not a creep like that."Fuck you! I was trying to help, but fine, figure it out yourself." She went to walk past the Alpha, but he grabbed her arm, softly this time "Baby, what is happening? You never just disappear. You don't act like this. You don't wear shit like this. Tell me what happened?" His voice turned sweet, almost loving.Fucking great! I was stuck in some teenage drama shit."Let go of me, Tyler. I'm not in the mood for your bullshit." She ripped her arm away from him and ran back into the woods. I really hoped towards her house. That child had some serious issues to work out."Follow her. Make sure she is ok and find Serenity." Tyler ordered Nate. I wasn't sure, but it appeared Nate was his Beta, or at least his future one. This little punk kid was definitely not full Alpha of his pack yet."What the hell did you do to my girl?" Tyler asked me with venom in his voice. He was really getting on my nerves. I needed to diffuse this whole situation though."This is a big misunderstanding. I'm Alpha Ryker, visiting from the Night Shade pack. That girl ran from the rooftop club crying straight into these woods. I followed her and caught up just as Rogues were chasing her. I helped her cross the river and that's when your Beta showed up. I don't know why you made her cry, but I'm guessing you fucked up pretty bad." I was way too exhausted to be dealing with this bullshit. I scolded my wolf for getting so excited over that stupid little girl.I wanted to rip this little Alpha boy's body apart, but I came too far to ruin things now. I would never put a woman above saving my family, let alone some bratty little child."I didn't do anything! Not that it's any of your business. Thank you for helping her though. She sometimes forgets she isn't as strong as the rest of us. I'll let her father know how you helped. He would want to show you his appreciation.""That's not necessary. I'm guessing she isn't going to want her father to find out where she was or what happened." The last thing I wanted was attention or to get caught up in their teenage drama."Well, I don't fucking care what she wants. She obviously needs to be reminded of her place and the dangers out here."I turned my back to him then jumped over the Lake. I didn't have the time or the patience to explain teenage hormones to a weak Alpha.I didn't know why, but I didn't want Elena to get in trouble either. I really didn't like how Tyler spoke of her needing to know her place. She was the future Queen and rightful heir. She would always be more powerful. How she had no wolf when I saw silver in her eyes made no sense either. I knew that she was able to hold her own, better than that weak Alpha believed."Are you crazy! There are Rogues out there!" Tyler yelled to me.I didn't care about these pathetic Rogues though. I could easily take ten of them before breaking a sweat. Hell, I was so pissed I welcomed the challenge.Fucking seventeen. I feel like a dirty pedophile now. Argh! I'm only twenty-two, but still that's like 5 years difference and she's a minor.Oh goddess, thank you for the interruption both times. I know I cursed your name, but I didn't know. If I had taken advantage of her, I wouldn't have been able to live with myself. I might be a monster, a killer, but I'm not a rapist. I would never force myself or manipulate my way into their... Fuck! I need to find something to kill or something to fuck.My thoughts drifted to the elevator, then to the river. Both times I had her body pressed flush against.... No! no fucking, something to kill it is.Just as I shook the horrible images my body craved from that little temptress, growls erupted from my right, then two more from my left."My lucky day" I said as I shifted mid lunge toward the first Rogue, tearing it limb from limb.Elena POV"El! El! ELENA! Please just stop for one second." Nate pleaded. He was a tall boy with sandy hair and green eyes. He was built of Alpha blood, so he was tall with a muscular body given from birth. He always had kind eyes though. Most Alpha's radiate power making them self-absorbed and cocky. Nate had Alpha blood, but was raised to be a Beta.He shared the same father as the future Alpha, his half-brother Damien, of the Blood Moon pack. Their father, Alpha Edward, was a ruthless leader. Their pack lived by strict military order. Alpha Edward took a chosen mate, but didn't let her mark him so he could keep his forced mistress. He had a son with each woman and decided it would be best to raise his bastard child, Nate, as the future Beta."Fuck off Nate!" I spat back as I continued to run to my house. It was a four-story grey stone mansion used as both my home and pack house. It was a house, but built to resemble a castle. "Come on El! Just stop one second and tell me what's g
Elena POVI woke with a dreaded feeling of guilt. I had to make it up to Tyler and for fuck's sake I needed forget about Ryker's large hands on my body."I love his tender touch, sweet kisses, and loving eyes. I do not want to be groped with rough hands or kissed with a dominating tongue or feel his large hard -""Oh Princess, I didn't mean to interrupt you. It's almost time for breakfast and I wanted to get your hair ready." Helena said. She was an older woman in her fifties and had been my head maid since birth."I'm sorry, Helena. I was just remembering a poem I read once." I let out a nervous giggle with a blush. What is wrong with me? The more I told myself not to think of something the more I did. Stupid how the brain worked that way."No worries, I barely heard what you said princess. Where is your handmaid? You should be dressed." Helena asked, grabbing a white sundress from my closet.I just remembered Serenity slept next to me and I ripped her blanket off, hitting her in t
Ryker POVI was disgusted looking around the table at this so called royal family. The only redeemable person here was the princess, but she was already too far gone. She was nothing but a timid little girl with no idea what power she held. She would submit to any monster that commanded her and that could not be the future of the wolves. They needed a strong leader that was willing to sacrifice anyone or anything for our kind. Elena was not that, yet I knew a part of me wished she were. I was definitely attracted to her and my wolf wanted to claim her. Despite my urges I knew some temptress was no reason to condemn an entire species. I wouldn't enjoy it, but I would kill her if the time came. No tainted bloodline could remain in power.Luna Theresa seemed bored at the attention her daughter was receiving. She quickly turned the conversation to upcoming events. Boasting how grand they make everything from the full moon to her daughter's 18th celebration. She didn't seem to care about
Ryker POVI pulled up to my 2-story home tucked away in an immense forest. Unlike most packs the Night Shade pack's house was only used for events and I lived in a separate home. My family was taken in by the former Alpha when I was 14 years old. Three years later the Night Shade pack was attacked by feral Rogues. We lost a few members including our Beta, our Alpha, and the Alpha's bloodline. It left a whole pack of a thousand members with no leader. We had to either elect a new Alpha or take the Red Moon's offer to disband our ways and join them as servants to the royal pack. Since I was the oldest and of Alpha blood I was looked to as a leader, even though I was only seventeen.I became the youngest Alpha and took my brother Christopher as my Beta. Chris was the only person I could trust from the pack and he was also one of the few people that knew all my secrets. Together with our sister, Hope, we turned the lazy pack into warriors and mandated pack events. I wanted to keep the
Elena POV"Time to train hoe!" Serenity said smacking my ass. I jumped from my bed rubbing my cheek. That girl had way too much energy. "Why am I the hoe when you're the one that fucks every hot guy within 5 ft." I walked into my bathroom to wash my face."Girls! You need to stop acting like this. I don't care if you're in your bedroom or not." Helena scolded us. Shit! I didn't even see her there. "Yes, Helena. I'm sorry." Serenity replied giving her puppy eyes. Helena rolled her eyes at how we both try to fane innocence all the time.I peaked my head out with a mouth full of toothpaste "Not sorry Helena." I gave her a smile full of foam. She had already reprimanded me for apologizing the other day so I couldn't help but apologize by not apologizing. The second my eyes left Helena's I jumped back thinking I saw a shadow grow out from my window, creeping it's way to my vanity. I shook my head and rinsed my mouth. What the hell was that?'Are you messing with me Davina''Nope, I'm no
Ryker POVI was getting the layout of the grounds when I felt something odd close to the gardens. I honestly didn't expect to find anything interesting out here but I wanted to know every inch of their pack grounds. As I came to the back of the flower beds lined with 10ft hedges I felt it; magic. There had to be a lot of magic being used for me to sense it but I didn't understand how that was possible. As I rounded the corner I felt an uneasiness to turn and run. I knew it was an enchantment to make any prying eyes want to flee.I used my wolf eyes to zoom in on the open field. At first I saw nothing but a few blades of grass out of place. As I zoomed in more I saw the wrinkles in the air. It was like a hot summer's day or the air above a fire. There were subtle waves of nothingness all across the field. I knew there was a mirage spell at work. I quickly mind-linked my mom and brother. 'Hey, I'll send a transfer spell later, but there is a large protection spell in the back of the
Elena POV I could tell that Tyler was fuming from what just happened. He wanted to put Ryker in his place, but he was too weak compared to him. I, on other hand, felt his waves of submission roll right off me. I could sense his overwhelming power, but I didn't feel a need to submit to him. In fact, it fueled something inside me to defy him. Davina definitely wanted to show him she was more powerful too. I wasn't sure if it was a good thing or not, but I liked how it felt. My body filled with confidence, then I felt it emanated out of my pores. "We are definitely going to the lake now. Go get Serenity and meet us in the gardens." He said kissing my check then ran out of the doors. I jumped up screaming, "Yes!" I quickly covered my mouth and giggled as I rushed to my bedroom grabbing Serenity from the wash room. We were going to go to our old hangout spot. I thought if I could just get everyone there we would fall back into who we use to be. Old friends just hanging out and being ki
Meredith POVI needed to figure out how to get the keys from the guard so I could make a copy. He wore them around his belt and I wasn't exactly sure how to get him to remove them. My time was running out though. My son gave the order for our attack first thing tomorrow and if we couldn't get in the dungeon then the attack would be for nothing. Sure, we would get more intel on our enemies defenses, but all I really wanted was my daughter back. My husband and eldest son died years ago, making my sweet boy, Ryker, the oldest Alpha and our next leader. He was strong, but he wasn't born for this. He was once carefree, a wise ass jokester, always getting into trouble with Chris. I swear my eldest boy and husband were exhausted chasing after them. It was Ryker's decision if we would fight for all wolves, but as the years went on I couldn't bring myself to care as much as I use to. I watched my family become ripped about. My sons and daughters were stripped of their innocence, denied a pr
Damien POVElena and I stayed in her room hiding from everyone. We had so much drama in these few short months that we were both on edge."Oh, Elena dear. Why is Alpha Damien here?" Helena walked in rubbing her head confused.Elena looked to her sensing something was off. "Are you ok?" She asked."Fine my child. Just seem to have misplaced some time. I guess I'm getting old, no worries though. Would you like me to bring you some dinner?" Helena smiled and her eyes held that soft motherly innocence that we hadn't seen in so long."What do you mean, misplaced time?" My tone let my Alpha aura slip through. I knew something was off and I didn't like it. Not just for Helena sake, but that she was so close to my Queen."I don't know exactly. I woke in the pantry earlier and feel like weeks have passed. In truth, I don't remember being here in the castle that much the last month or so. Like I zoned out or something.""Or something." I growled. My eyes went blank for a few moments mind linkin
Serenity POV"I can't believe you came here, Nicholas. It was foolish and you could have been killed." I huffed in aggravation at my mate."Well, it was worth it because if I didn't we wouldn't be together. I know you had every intention of leaving me." He pouted."I did not!"He gave me a look telling me he knew that was a big fat lie. "Ok, fine, maybe I was thinking about it, but it hurt like hell." I punched him in the shoulder before getting out of the car."Awe! What was that for, beast?" He whined, standing next to me by the front door to our house."That was for making me like you so much. Now what are we going to do about him?" I pointed to the door where my father was close by waiting for us."No clue. Let's just wing it, I guess." He said, grabbing my hand and leaning closer."Wing it? You have gone rogue little witch boy.""I'm not that much younger then you S and I didn't go Rogue. I was born a witch and always will be. Your moon goddess and Hecate linked us together for
Elena POV"I'm sorry S. I was such a foolish child. I can't live without you. Please forgive me!" I pleaded."Seriously, I should be begging you. I lied to you your whole life. You're like my sister, my only true family. I should have told you everything years ago."We stayed in each other's arms for a long time, apologizing over and over. "Ok, I think we both agree we are sorry and forgive each other. Come sit with me and tell me everything." I pulled Serenity to my bed and we laid down side by side.We spent an hour catching up from Serenity's true heritage to meeting her father and unlocking her powers. She even mentioned a certain boy, Nicholas, but pretended like it was nothing. I told her about Tyler's betrayal, my father and Luna Marissa affair in both the bedroom and with experimenting on species. I went on about my love for Ryker and that I finally lost my virginity, which of course Serenity wanted all the details of. I gushed telling her about how Nate and Hope found each
Serenity POVI waited in the small village all night unable to find sleep. I missed Nicholas, but I knew nurturing our bond would only cause more pain. Once he realized the life we would have, he would reject me. Right now, I needed to focus on saving Elena and my friends. Hearing Chris say that Elena and Damien were searching for me filled me with so much happiness. I spent months away from everything I ever known. I thought the people I loved, hated me. That they all viewed me as a traitor and a filthy witch. Now I knew they love me too and I used that to push me forward. I dressed in a long elegant green and beige dress. My dark skin seemed to glow and my black hair was half up with lose curls. I masked my powers from my witch heritage, but didn't lock them away. If I needed to fight I would be ready too. The herbs I gave Chris were harmless, and I prayed he didn't figure it out it until it was too late to do anything about it.I hid myself in the crowd, watching Elena and Damien
Ryker POVI tore apart the forest in my wolf form, taking down one rogue after the other. I could tell which ones were feral beast that spent years losing their humanity. I wasn't sure if this was a way to release pent up anger or some offering to the goddess that I could still help our kind by ridding those that harmed others. I cursed our goddess, but still felt a devotion to her. My wolf was at odds with me, wanting to take complete control, but I wouldn’t let him have it. He would run back to Elena then we would all die.The words Elena spoke of my betrayal kept replaying in my mind. Her eyes held no longing or compassion for me anymore. Her love for me vanished and I feared I would never see it again.~ "There is nothing between us Ryker, not anymore. You broke my heart and betrayed my loyalty. Leave and don't return." Elena's voice echoed over and over as I tore the Rogues limb from limb.My wolf argued that she didn't understand the dangers. That we needed to capture her and b
Hope POV"Oh thank the goddess. Where have you been, mom?" I gave her hug but scolded her for leaving my younger siblings alone. "I was at the castle. After everything that happened I ran back here. Ryker stripped Christopher of his Beta title. He can't do that. We can't let this family fall apart. He is too invested in that damn girl who just crowned Tyler as King."Nate growled at my mom for speaking so disrespectful of Elena. "You will watch your tongue about our Queen. I'm done playing by the Shadow's rules." Lucian came forward and we could both feel the immense power radiating from his aura.I took a second to swoon over his power then smacked his shoulder. "Enough, this is my mother, you will not growl at her, understood. As far as Ryker and Chris are concerned they can sort their own shit out. Right now, we need to get our people to safety. Go pack a bag mom!"Nate smiled at my bossy tone and my mom looked between the both of us about to speak, but retreated to her room inste
Nate POVI looked around the forrest, looking out to our pack house, my home in the distance. This might be the last time I saw these lands. I let out a long sigh then turned and left. I shifted into my white wolf, grabbing my bag in my mouth and headed to Hope. Lucian was desperate to see her. He needed to sense our pup growing inside her. It filled me with a new purpose that I couldn't wait to fulfill.When I arrived to the Shadow Moon's territory people were running around like crazy. I didn't bother shifting to ask what happened though. If there was danger then I couldn't wait another second to find Hope.Her scent grew stronger near the cells which made me let out a ferocious growl. Elena told me she was taken prisoner, but I didn't actually think Ryker could put her in a dungeon. At that moment, I no longer cared who the Alpha was or what anyone's rules were. I was getting my mate and we were leaving to do this our own way in this world.Two large men guarded the cement doors.
Meredith POVI watched the ceremony from a distance with a shattered heart. Everything we worked for was for nothing. Both my boys defied the goddess and now all the Shadows would feel her wrath. I didn't want to admit it, but I was growing fond of Elena too. This new life she was about to lead would be one of a loveless marriage filled with nothing but to please others. I was sad for my son mostly. As much as I wanted them apart and I knew Ryker loved her. This could break our Alpha and our family. Too many secrets have lived between us for too long. I rushed back to the castle to change back to my body. I needed to be there for my sons when they returned home.I left Helena's body in the kitchen's pantry with enough sleeping potion to keep her knocked out for a few hours. If I wasn't able to return I at least wanted Helena to have a chance to get her life back. Elena was going to need her and her husband truly loved her. Helena was a good person and she made a good life here in t
Elena POV"No father! Please don't do this! It's a misunderstanding." I grabbed my father's shirt, kneeling before him, begging him to not kill Nate. The King's eyes turned black then back handed me across the face. The entire crowd gasped at the sudden hit he gave me across the face. They screamed for their Queen to not be harmed by the Savage king.My father cursed at his rash behavior. He knew he couldn't let his emotions take over, but everyone knew he hated to be challenged. I needed to do something."You want to be Queen, then kill this traitor and the crown is yours. Show our people that you will protect them." The King took a blade from a guard and handed it to me.I wrapped my fingers around the blade and the King took his seat. He knew I had to do it or I would lose the faith of our people. I looked out to the crowd in a panic of what to do.I slowly walked to Nate, giving Ryker a look of disgust. This time he caught my eyes and a sharp pain of guilt ran through him. I stoo