*Selena*
Once again, disappointment washed over me like a tidal wave. It was the second time that day my hopes had been mercilessly dashed. Unsure whether Cassandra spoke the truth or wove a web of lies, one thing was unmistakable-her unwavering loyalty to Damon.
“Is there anyone else who can provide information about Arabella?” I queried, my desperation thinly veiled.
“I remain intrigued by the depths of your desperation, my Queen,” Cassandra remarked, her lips curving into a smirk as she regarded me skeptically with her piercing gaze. “What compels you to unearth the past? Shouldn’t you find solace in having the most powerful Vampire as your mate? Rest assured, whatever transpired in the bygone era holds no sway over your future. You and the king are destined for happiness, leaving the past firmly behind you.”
“But I believe that the beginning of a new relationship should be based on truth, and hiding is equivalent to lying,” I retorted firmly.
Her gaze softened momentarily before she replied, “I doubt it, as I don’t know of anyone who is a thousand years old.”
“But surely there must be some literature or records from ancient times, like that portrait,” I countered, but she merely smiled before turning her back.
“The discovery of that portrait was merely a coincidence,” she said as she disappeared into another room, but I sensed she was hiding information from me.
Now, how would I obtain the information I needed? She was my last hope. Regardless, I resolved to continue my search. Silently, I prayed to the Moon Goddess to show me a way. Time was running out.
“Excuse me, if I’m not mistaken, you are King Damon’s mate?” One of the women working there trailed after me, her voice barely above a whisper, as I stepped out of the lair.
I nodded absentmindedly.
“I heard you want to know about the king’s previous life,” she continued, drawing my attention.
Now she had my full attention.
“Umm… yes! Do you know about it?” I asked, hope rising in my voice.
“No, Your Highness. I don’t know about it, but I know someone who can help you with this,” she replied.
“Tell me,” I demanded eagerly.
“The king’s uncle, who has been here since before the king was born,” she disclosed.
Great! I hadn’t expected my problem to be resolved so soon. Thank you, Moon Goddess!
“Do you know where the king’s uncle resides?” I inquired desperately.
“Yes, and if you want, I can take you to him,” she offered.
I smiled, nodding. I was now only a step away from the truth and my goal.
______________
*Avery*
From a distance, I watched as Austin trained with his instructor. Zander had appointed the best trainer for his son, but in my heart, I knew no one could shape Austin’s skills better than Zander himself. As I observed Austin’s movements, it was evident that he was a quick learner, grasping the intricacies of combat with remarkable ease.
Today, a royal bodyguard accompanied him. Typically, either Maddox or Blair would be by his side during training sessions, but both were absent. The absence of Maddox and Blair didn’t concern me; rather, it presented the opportunity I had been waiting for.
As the training session concluded, Austin prepared to return home. With a cheerful smile, I made my way toward him, calling out his name.
“Austin!”
“Avery!” he exclaimed, looking in my direction as he halted in his tracks.
“Yes, little prince! So, you remember me?” I asked, amused.
“Of course. I don’t forget so easily. My memory is photogenic,” he replied with a proud grin. “I know you are my dad’s friend.”
“Yes, sweetie. I am your dad and your mom’s friend, and I also want to be friends with you,” I said with a smile as I ruffled his sweaty hair.
“Don’t do this,” he snapped, removing my hand with fury. “I don’t like when someone touches me.”
The little Alpha had some attitude! I smirked.
“Alright, I won’t touch you without your permission, Alpha!” I bowed slightly, noticing the little boy looked pleased.
“Thank you, Avery, and I am not the Alpha, but my father is,” he retorted.
“Austin, you possess the alpha blood, destined to be the next Alpha King,” I cooed in my sweetest voice, a playful glint dancing in my eyes. “Will the future Alpha accompany me somewhere?” I asked with a mischievous tone.
“Where?” His curiosity was piqued, evident in the way his brows furrowed with interest.
“Great!” I thought to myself, my plan falling into place perfectly. “I’m feeling rather lonely and bored, so I thought of visiting the lake. But alas, I find myself without a companion. Who better than the future alpha to join me?” I flashed him a grin, hoping to entice him with the idea.
“But I’m not allowed to go anywhere,” Austin sighed.
He was sharp, no doubt, but still just a child. I could manipulate him easily.
“Oh, come on, Alpha! Who could possibly stop you?” I goaded, employing all my persuasive charm in the hopes that he would succumb to my subtle manipulation.
“Okay!” He relented, and I couldn’t help but pump my imaginary fist in triumph.
“Let’s go then,” I urged eagerly, though I couldn’t resist adding a playful jab. “But I don’t want your scary-looking bodyguard,” I pouted, feigning a moment of hesitation before breaking into a mischievous grin once more.
“Why?!” Austin raised a brow, his curiosity evident.
“I doubt he won’t let us play in the water,” I reasoned, hoping to persuade him.
“Okay, I won’t take him,” Austin assured, his agreement signaling success. I smiled inwardly, a victorious dance playing out in my mind.
“Wait, Prince Austin,” his bodyguard interjected as we headed toward the lake, halting our progress. Austin paused, turning to acknowledge him.
“I am going with my father’s friend, Avery, so there’s no need to worry. I will be back soon,” Austin explained confidently.
“But the Alpha King has instructed that you cannot go anywhere alone,” the bodyguard protested, his concern evident.
“I’m not going alone. Avery is with me, and it’s my order: don’t follow me,” Austin asserted in his alpha voice, his tone commanding obedience. Even though he was a kid, the alpha aura inherent in his blood was undeniably intimidating.
The bodyguard bowed immediately, acknowledging Austin’s authority.
“Please, Prince, let me accompany you. I promise not to disturb you,” the bodyguard pleaded, demonstrating his quick thinking.
“Okay,” Austin agreed, to my disappointment, relenting to the bodyguard’s request.
Arriving at the serene lake, Austin turned to me with a curious expression. “So, Avery, what do you want to do?”
“How about we try fishing?” I suggested.
“Good idea,” he agreed with a nod.
“Then let me grab the fishing rod and net,” I said, making my way toward the small cottage nestled beside the lake. But before I could take more than a few steps, the tranquility shattered as bloodthirsty rogues emerged from the shadows, launching a sudden attack on the bodyguard.
“Who are you?!” Austin’s voice rang out, filled with defiance, as one of the assailants advanced swiftly towards him.
The young prince displayed remarkable skill in combat, inflicting injuries upon a few of the attackers. I watched in awe at his courage, recognizing his rightful place as Alpha Zander’s heir and destined to ascend the throne after him. Yet, it was a destiny I couldn’t allow to unfold. The bodyguard was killed brutally by rogues though he tried to protect his prince so well and Austin was seized.
“Stop! Let him go!” I cried out, feigning resistance as I moved to fight the rogues, knowing that this was part of our orchestrated plan. They were to wound me superficially and abduct Austin, advancing us to the next phase of our scheme.
With a heavy heart and eyes brimming with tears, I played my part, a facade of sadness and despair clouding my features as I made my way back to the pack house.