159 Chapter 159
159 Chapter 159
Betrayed By Blood
Selena stopped right at the large black gates of the palace, a sharp breath escaped her lips as she drew her cloak down. Before her were the palace guards scrutinizing each visitor before allowing them in.
The sight of the gates made her stomach churn, a sharp contrast to the last time she had been here when she still had the king’s favor.
Taking a slow breath, she approached the guard stationed by the entrance. He barely spared her a glance as she whispered, “Bird.”
His face flashed with recognition, and he gave her a curt nod. Without another word, he turned on his heel and walked away.
Selena forced herself to stay still, ignoring the anxious drum of her heartbeat. She wasn’t foolish enough to think this would be easy.
Not less than ten minutes later, the guard returned, motioning for her to follow. Instead of leading her through the grand entrance, he walked off toward the side of the palace, guiding her through the back gate.
The path was dark, hidden from the main courtyard, and the further they walked, the colder the air seemed to become. She rubbed her hands together.
She had known this was a mistake.
But she had no choice. Not after what she got from Fin.
As Selena stepped through the back gate, the heavy iron doors groaned behind her. She kept her head high, her expression schooled into one of indifference, but inside, her nerves were shooting up the roof.
Finally, they reached another set of doors. The guard gave her a brief glance, then knocked once before pushing them open.
Immediately, Selena could tell this place was different. It wasn’t his office yet it looked like one. The king was dressed in deep crimson, his dark gaze pinned on her the moment she entered. His fingers tapped idly against the armrest.
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Selena swallowed hard and stepped forward. She dropped to one knee, bowing her
head. “Your Majesty.”
The room was silent, he didn’t respond to her greetings, and so she couldn’t look up at him. Not yet.
Alaric stood up, the chair screeching on the marble–tiled floor. He walked towards her, but she couldn’t look up, the only thing she saw was his shoes. She opened her mouth to speak, but suddenly, a sharp yank had her gasping in pain.
Pain flared through her scalp as the king gripped her hair, dragging her head back to force her gaze to his. His expression was unreadable, but the cruel amusement in his eyes was unmistakable.
“Back so soon, little bird?” he mused, tilting his head as if studying her. “Have you finally come to your senses?”
Selena clenched her jaw, forcing herself to meet his gaze despite the pain.
“I came to bargain,” she choked out.
The king’s lips curled into a slow, mocking smirk.
“How bold of you to assume you’re in any position to bargain,” Alaric’s grip tightened, pulling her up to her feet by her hair. Selena bit the inside of her cheek to stop a cry from escaping.
With a sharp tug, he let go, shoving her backward. She barely caught her footing before he stepped forward, crowding her.
“I should kill you where you stand,” he murmured, his fingers brushing over the side of her throat, a mockery of a caress. “For your betrayal. For your foolishness.”
Selena forced herself not to flinch. “I didn’t betray you.”
Alaric’s laugh was low and cold. “Oh? So you didn’t withhold information from me? You didn’t give up on your duties and do what I asked. You didn’t disobey me?” His eyes darkened, his hand shooting out to grip her jaw, forcing her head back. “You have no idea how many nights I imagined wringing that neck of yours.”
Her breath hitched. His fingers dug into her skin, his hold bruising.
“Tell me,” he continued, voice smooth yet laced with menace, “what exactly makes you
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think I won’t tear you apart, piece by piece, until there’s nothing left but your broken bones at my feet?”
Selena trembled, tears stinging her eyes. “B–because I have something you want,” she stammered.
Aiaric’s grip faltered for a fraction of a second, so quick most wouldn’t have noticed. But she did.
Then, his hand shot downward, wrapping around her throat, squeezing just enough to make her pulse race.
“You always were a reckless little thing,” he murmured, tilting his head. “You mistake my patience for mercy.”
Selena clawed at his wrist, her lungs tightening. Spots danced in her vision. “P–please, my king. I brought you something you’d like if only you’d release my brother.”
Alaric’s grip loosened, and he dropped her, turning to walk towards his chair. Selena fell to her feet, coughing wildly. “You’re in no position to make requests, Selena,” he said.
Turning to look at her, “This better be good, Selena. Or I’ll make sure you leave this palace in pieces.”
Selena coughed violently, clutching her throat as she gasped for air. Her body trembled from the lack of oxygen, but she forced herself to stay upright. She had known this wouldn’t be easy. Alaric was a cruel man, and he took pleasure in reminding others of his power.
But she had something he wanted. Something that would shift the scales in her favor. Even if it were only for a moment.
Swallowing her pain, she raised her head. “Cain’s mate,” she rasped, voice hoarse. “She… she found something.”
Alaric’s eyes narrowed, his fingers tapping once against the armrest of his chair. “You’re wasting my time, Selena,” he warned.
Selena shook her head quickly. “It’s not just anything. It’s the Ember Stone.” The room fell deathly silent.
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For the first time since she entered, genuine intrigue flashed in Alaric’s gaze. His fingers stilled. His body went unnaturally still, like a predator about to strike.
“The Ember Stone?”
Selena nodded frantically. “Yes. Avery was the one who found it. Alpha Cain is keeping it safe. He doesn’t want anyone to know about it yet.”
The silence stretched.
Then, in a blur of movement, Alaric was on her again. His hand shot forward, grabbing her face in a bruising grip.
“And you let me sit in ignorance while Cain holds something as sacred as the Emberstone?” he growled.
Selena whimpered, shaking her head. “I–I came as soon as I confirmed it—” he cuts her off with a sharp resounding slap.
Pain exploded across her cheek, sending her sprawling to the floor. Blood filled her mouth.
“You should have crawled here,” Alaric spat out. “You should have bled your way to my feet the moment you heard.”
Selena trembled, pressing her palm against the cold floor to steady herself. “Please,” she gasped. “I can help. I can get you more information. Just–please, my king, let my brother go.”
Alaric exhaled sharply, his nostrils flaring. He turned, pacing to the other side of the room, his mind already spinning with possibilities.
“Prove yourself,” he said, voice smooth but deadly. “Bring me something worthwhile, deliver me what I want, and maybe I’ll consider sparing that pathetic excuse for a brother you’re so desperate to save.”
Selena clenched her fists, her body shaking. If only her brother hadn’t taken up the offer from Fin. If only he were smarter, then he wouldn’t be in the claws of Alaric, and she wouldn’t have to betray the one person she’s found solace in.
But she had no choice now.
Bowing her head, she whispered, “Yes, my king”
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