Ninety two
*Freya*
Rafe looked so vulnerable lying there, his handsome face unnaturally pale, dark lashes fanned out against his sculpted cheekbones. Tears prickled my eyes as I stared at him.
I’d always found him breathtaking, but now, with the knowledge of what he’d risked for me, what he’d sacrificed, he’d never seemed more beautiful. Or more beyond my reach.
Rafe was everything I’d ever wanted. Strong, brave, compassionate. A true leader who inspired loyalty in all those around him. His people adored him, and with good reason. He always put their needs before his own.
And this time, he’d put my life before his. The king of the werewolves had bargained with his mortal enemy, spilled his own blood, all to save a lowly, wolfless nobody like me.
I didn’t deserve his selflessness. Especially not when my very existence apparently posed a threat to him and everyone else I cared about. But I couldn’t stop myself from needing him, like I needed air in my lungs and a heart beating in my chest.
Fresh guilt swamped me as I studied the cruel looking burn marks snaking up his forearms, physical proof of how my untamed powers had lashed out and wounded him. I wondered if those scars would always serve as a reminder that loving me came with a price.
A price far too high for anyone to pay.
“I’m so sorry,” I whispered brokenly, stroking the silken strands of his dark hair. “I never meant for you to get hurt. I swear I didn’t know what I was…”
My voice cracked on a sob and I had to look away, fighting for composure. I didn’t even fully comprehend what I was yet. But I had to find out. And more importantly, I had to ensure that I never put Rafe in danger again.
Even if that meant staying far away from him.
The thought sent a blade of anguish slicing through my heart, but I refused to shy away from the hard truth. If my powers made me a threat, then I needed to learn to control them. And if I couldn’t, then I needed to let Rafe go. For his own protection.
But first, I had to find a way to help him survive the damage I’d already done…
As I pondered my options, my mind drifted back to the dream I’d had just before waking up to this nightmare. My mother’s spirit had appeared to me, her face drawn with worry as she’d warned me to be careful of both friends and enemies. At the time, I hadn’t understood what she meant. But now, the pieces were starting to fall into place.
Someone had poisoned me, that much was clear. And there were only a few people who would have had the access and motive to do so. My evil stepsister Kelly topped the list – she’d always been jealous of the attention Rafe paid to me, even though I’d never encouraged his interest. Then there was Jessica, who made no secret of her desire to be queen. She’d been casting me venomous looks for weeks.
And of course, there was always the possibility that Rafe’s Gamma Rafael was behind this. He’d never approved of Rafe’s fascination with me, seeing me as an unworthy match for his royal brother. Could he have been desperate enough to resort to murder?
I clenched my fists, anger and determination surging through me. I didn’t know who was responsible for this cowardly act, but I was going to find out. And they were going to pay dearly for what they’d done.
“I’m going to get to the bottom of this,” I promised Connor, my voice hard with resolve. “I won’t rest until I discover who tried to kill me.”
Connor’s brow furrowed with concern. “And how exactly do you plan on doing that? We have no leads, no clues to follow.”
I hesitated, knowing he wasn’t going to like my answer. “I’m going to speak to the shadow witch,” I admitted. “She’s the one who saved my life. If anyone can help me uncover the truth, it’s her.”
Connor’s eyes widened with shock and disapproval. “Absolutely not,” he said firmly. “Sersia may have agreed to help us this time, but she’s still extremely dangerous. You have no idea what she might demand in return for her aid.”
I opened my mouth to argue, but he cut me off with a sharp gesture.
“Freya, please. I’m begging you, for once in your life, don’t go running headlong into trouble. Let Rafe and I handle this. We’ll find out who’s responsible and make sure they face justice.”
I wanted to believe him. I wanted to have faith that he and Rafe could protect me, could unravel this mystery and keep me safe. But I knew better. This was my fight, my battle to wage.
And one way or another, I was going to win it. No matter the cost.
“Why do you think she’s so dangerous?” I asked Connor, my curiosity getting the better of me. “What exactly does the shadow witch do?”
Connor sighed heavily, rubbing a hand over his face. “Sersia is one of the most powerful witches in the realm,” he explained. “Her magic is dark, fueled by secrets and shadows. She can grant favors, but there’s always a price to be paid.”
He fixed me with a stern look. “And that price is never what you expect. I’ve heard stories of people who went to her for help and ended up losing everything – their wealth, their status, even their very souls.”
I felt a flicker of unease at his words, but I forced it down. I needed answers, and if the shadow witch was the only one who could provide them, then I had no choice but to seek her out.
“I understand the risks,” I said quietly. “But I can’t just sit here and do nothing. Not when there’s a chance I could find out the truth about who I am and why someone wants me dead.”
Connor’s expression softened, and he reached out to take my hand in his. “I know you’re scared and confused right now,” he said gently. “But please, Freya. Don’t do anything rash. Let us help you.”
I squeezed his hand, grateful for his support. But even as I nodded in agreement, I knew deep down that I couldn’t keep my promise.
Three days from now, I would sneak out of the palace and meet with the shadow witch. I would learn the truth about my heritage and the mysterious witch blood that flowed through my veins.
And maybe, just maybe, I would finally understand why I had always felt like an outsider in my own pack. Why I had never truly belonged.
But first, I had to keep my plans a secret. I couldn’t risk Connor or Rafe finding out and trying to stop me.
No, this was a journey I had to make alone. No matter where it might lead me in the end.
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