Sixty eight
Rafe’s words drifted through the grand hall, becoming a mere background hum to the chaos of my own thoughts. I stood there, feigning attention, while the echo of my mother’s warning reverberated inside my head. The Crimson kingdom was on the brink of terrible danger, and somehow, I was the one with the task to save not just our realm but Rafe himself. What powers did she believe I possessed? Did she know of my protection powers? Was it foresight turning into my dreams or some weird magic stirring within me?
“Freya, aren’t you excited?” The bubbling enthusiasm in Addy’s voice cut through my raging thoughts like a dagger. Her eyes sparkled with the thrill of impending adventure, oblivious to the turmoil in my stomach.
“Are you ready for the trip to the city?” she asked, her words tumbling out in a rush as she clasped her hands together.
I managed a smile that didn’t quite reach my eyes, and nodded. “Of course,” I lied smoothly, my gaze briefly wandering to where Rafe stood. The thought of being alone with him sent a shiver down my spine – not from fear, but from something far more dangerous. The air between us was heavy, charged with an energy that promised to ignite if we got too close. I needed to speak to him, to unravel the meaning behind my mom’s cryptic message, yet every fiber of my being warned that crossing that line again could end in more problems, not clarity.
Rafe’s voice was a deep timbre that resonated through the grand hall, pulling my focus back to the present. “The journey to the city,” he said with a tone of reverence, “is not just a gesture of goodwill. It is a revival of a tradition, one where we connect with the commoners, understand their lives, and share in their joys and struggles.” He stood tall, a presence that commanded attention. “We will bring them gifts, yes, but more importantly, we bring them our presence. They must know their Alpha king cares for their well-being.”
My chest tightened at his words, my mind warring between the admiration for his noble intentions and the anxiety bubbling within me from my mother’s warnings. Rafe was determined to bridge the gap between royalty and commoner, yet I couldn’t shake off the dread that something far more sinister than forgotten traditions loomed over us.
As Rafe concluded his speech, his gaze swept across his audience-until it met mine. Our eyes locked, two forces pulled into an inevitable collision. His stare was intense, a piercing blue that seemed to see past the facade I’d carefully constructed. The room faded away, the murmur of the court a distant echo as we were ensnared in a silent battle of wills.
The air around us crackled with an unspoken promise, a reminder of the fire that had once burned too brightly before being doused by betrayal and fear. My pulse quickened, echoing the thunderous rhythm of my heart as I fought to maintain composure under the weight of his scrutiny.
“Freya?” Addy’s voice was light, tinged with mischief. “Looks like someone’s got your attention.”
With a sharp intake of breath, I broke the stare, my gaze darting to the patterns of the marble floor. Heat crept up my neck, betraying my inner turmoil. I forced a laugh, hoping it sounded more genuine than I felt.
“Your imagination is running wild again, Addy,” I said, though the tremor in my voice suggested otherwise.
“Sure,” she replied, her grin telling me she knew better. But for now, she would keep my secret, her teasing a subtle was a reminder that no matter how fiercely I tried to deny it, the connection between Rafe and me was a flame that refused to be extinguished.
The air in the grand hallway seemed to thin as I made for the towering doors, Addy’s laughter still dancing around me. But a shadow fell across my path, cold and looming. The scent of roses, choking and bitter, gave her away before I even lifted my eyes. Kelly.
“Freya,” she cooed, her voice like silk over glass shards. Anyone could tell she was pretending, her smile was wide but her eyes were sharp and calculating.
My heart hammered against my ribcage, memories clawing their way to the surface-the sensation of falling, wind tearing at my hair as I waited for the ground to meet me. My fingers curled into fists at my sides, the ache of old bruises pulsing under my skin. This witch had tried to kill me and yet here she was, acting like nothing happened.
“Out of my way, Kelly,” I said, my voice low, each word laced with venom. The corners of her mouth twitched, a sick pleasure gleaming in her eyes at the sight of my barely contained rage.
“Or what?” Her challenge was a hiss, her posture predatory. “You’ll tell them all how you clumsily fell? We both know they won’t believe such tales.”
“Stay away from me,” I warned, my glare unwavering, voice steady despite the storm raging within. “I won’t let your obsession with Rafe endanger me again.”
Kelly’s expression twisted, her mean face etched with malice. “Careful, dear stepsister. You wouldn’t want to make an enemy of me-”
“Is there a problem here?” Connor’s voice cut through the tension like a blade, deep and authoritative.
“Everything alright?” he asked again, this time his voice was firmer. Connor’s inquiry was met with Kelly’s swift transformation. The sneer that had marred her features just seconds ago melted into an angelic smile as she turned to face him. Connor moved to stand beside me, his presence a solid reassurance. His eyes locked on Kelly’s, and I could see the muscle in his jaw clench, a clear sign of his disdain for her.
“Of course, my lord, nothing to worry about,” she purred, her eyes glinting with deceit.
“Good to hear,” he replied coolly, not buying her act for a second. He offered me a slight nod, indicating it was time to leave this viper of a sister behind.
I glared at Kelly, stunned by the ease of her duplicity, wondering how someone could so quickly flip from venomous to virtuous. As if sensing my turmoil, Connor reached for my hand, his touch grounding. Without a word, he guided me past Kelly, who was now the picture of innocence. With one last searing look, I turned and stepped away from Kelly, Connor falling into step beside me. we walked away, the echo of our footsteps in the hall, leaving Kelly and her poisonous whispers behind.
“Connor, you don’t need to come to my rescue,” I murmured, once we were out of earshot. A chuckle rumbled in his chest, and he shot back playfully, “And let you have all the fun facing the wolves alone?”
Before I could respond, we entered the grand hall where Rafe held court. All chatter seemed to fade into the background as I caught sight of him-the Alpha, seated regally upon his throne.
***