KAEL’S POV
I stood in the doorway, my eyes fixed on Akira as the guard’s hand gripped her arm. A growl rose in my throat, and I took a step forward, my voice low and menacing. “Leave her.”
The guard hesitated, his eyes darting to mine before releasing Akira’s arm. “I’m sorry, my alpha, but the Council has demanded-”
“I said leave!” I hissed, my patience getting thin. The guard bowed his head in submission, his face pale, as I took another step forward.
I turned to face Akira and I could see the fear in her beautiful eyes that glistened with unshed tears. She was innocent, someone framed her for this.
“Akira, come here,” I said, my voice softer now, more gentle.
She hesitated, then took a step forward, her eyes never leaving mine. I could see as she relaxed her shoulders, she had faith that I would protect her. And I would, I had to.
As she reached my side, I wrapped my arm around her shoulders, pulling her close, one hand on her waist, the other on her back slowly caressing. “You’re safe now,” I whispered, trying to reassure her. “I am here, no one will hurt you.”
But I knew it was a lie. She wasn’t safe, not yet. The Council’s accusations still hung over her head, and I had to find a way to clear her name before it was too late.
After some time, Akira was no longer tense and she moved back, breaking the hug.
I looked down at her, staring at the bloodstains on her clothes, and the fear in her eyes. What had happened to her? What had she done? I pushed the thoughts aside, focusing on the present. I had to protect her, no matter what. I must find a way to protect her, keep her safe from who framed her and the council who are now after her.
“Akira, listen to me,” I said, my voice low and urgent. “We need to get out of here, now. The Council will stop at nothing to find you.”
She nodded, her tear-stained cheeks made me feel a tug in my heart. I knew she didn’t understand, but she trusted me. And I would make sure she was safe.
The council would send more men down here unless I took her to my private chambers which no one dares to visit without my permission.
I led Akira out of the room, my arm still wrapped around her shoulders. I knew the Council wouldn’t give up easily, not now that they had accused her of murder.
As we turned a corner, I saw a group of guards approaching us. I thought they would try to get Akira, but then again I’m Kael, no one would touch what I hold without my permission unless the person has a death wish.
“Alpha,” they said in unison.
I gave them a small smile and continued walking.
We reached the end of the hallway, and I pushed open the door to my private quarters. Akira hesitated, looking up at me.
“Come in,” I said, holding her hand and leading her inside. “You’re safe here.”
She nodded, still looking around nervously. I knew she was trying to process everything that had happened. She’s shaken, mentally and physically.
I closed the door behind us, locking it. Then I turned to her, my eyes searching hers.
“Akira, I need to know what happened,” I said, my voice low yet soft. “What do you remember?”
She shook her head, her eyes welling up with tears. “I don’t know,” she whispered. “I don’t remember anything.”
I pulled her into my arms, holding her close. “It’s okay,” I said. “We’ll figure it out together.”
But as I held her, I couldn’t shake the feeling that we were running out of time. The Council wouldn’t stop until they had what they wanted. And I knew I would do anything to protect Akira from them.
I led her to the bed and made her sit.
Akira was still shaken but safe by my side. Just as I was about to call for my most trusted advisor, a knock at the door interrupted us.
“Enter,” I called out knowing who it was, the only person allowed here.
The servant entered, bowing low. “A letter for you, Alpha.”
I took the letter, dismissing the servant. As I broke the seal, Akira looked up at me curiously. Even I wondered who would send me a letter and why now.
The letter was brief, but its words sent a clear message.
“Be careful of those around you. Your biggest threat lies not with your enemies, but with your closest friend. Trust no one.”
I stared at the letter in my hand, my mind racing. Who could have written this? And what did they mean?
“Akira, I need to speak with Zephyr,” I said, trying to keep my tone neutral.
She nodded, still looking worried.
I called for Zephyr, my most trusted friend and advisor. He arrived quickly, his expression showed he was concerned.
“Kael, what’s wrong?” he asked, noticing the tension in the room.
I handed him the letter. “This arrived just now. What do you make of it?”
Zephyr’s eyes scanned the letter, his lips moving as he read it. But for a moment, I thought I saw something else in his eyes. Something like… guilt?
I pushed the thought aside, focusing on Akira’s current state.
“I don’t know, Kael,” Zephyr said, his voice cracking. “But we need to take it seriously.”
“I agree,” I said. “But I want you to focus on finding out who wrote this. I’ll deal with the Council.”
Zephyr nodded, but he avoided my eyes. But I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off about him. I pushed the thought aside, focusing on Akira.
“Akira, I want you to stay here with Zephyr. I’ll go deal with the Council.”
She nodded. But as I turned to leave, I caught Zephyr looking at me. For a moment, our eyes met, and I thought I saw something there. Something like… betrayal?
“What’s going on Zeph?”