Chapter 152
Elowen's POV
I stared at Ronan, my fingers tightening around the bedsheet beneath me. The question burned in my throat, sharp and sudden.
"What about your parents?" I asked.
His jaw clenched. Just for a second. Then he shrugged, like it was nothing.
"My biological mother is dead," he said. His voice was flat. Too flat. "Once she'd served her purpose, my father didn't need her anymore."
The words hit me hard. I blinked, trying to process what he'd just said so casually.
"Purpose?" I repeated.
Ronan turned to face me fully. His expression didn't change, but something flickered in his eyes. Something dark.
"You really think the royals are any different than what I've described?" He tilted his head. "Your Highness?"
My stomach twisted. Did he think I was like that? Like the cold, cruel people he'd grown up around?
Before I could answer, a sharp pain tore through my chest.
Not mine.
Cassian's.
I gasped, clutching my ribs. The bond flared hot and angry, flooding me with agony that wasn't my own. Then another wave hit—Casper's pain mixing with Cassian's until I couldn't tell them apart.
"What's happening?" I gasped.
Ronan's eyes widened. "Elowen—"
I tried to push through the bond, tried to reach them. "What happened? Are you okay?"
Nothing.
No response. Just more pain rippling through the connection.
I jumped off the bed, grabbing Ronan's arm without thinking. "We have to go. Now."
He frowned, confused. "What—"
"Something's wrong," I said, my voice shaking. "I can feel it. We need to move!"
Ronan looked like he wanted to argue, but I was already shoving him toward the door.
I snapped. "You can't feel what I feel. Just move! My mates need us!"
He stumbled forward as I pushed him out into the hallway.
And straight into Alpha Austin.
Ronan grunted, rubbing his forehead. "Damn. Are you made of pure steel? I think I have a concussion now."
But I wasn't listening. My eyes locked on Alpha Austin's face.
"Care to explain," Alpha Austin said slowly, "why you're sneaking a male who is not one of my sons out of your room, young lady?"
I opened my mouth. Closed it. Then pushed past him without answering.
"Elowen—"
I didn't stop. My feet moved on their own, racing down the hallway. I barely registered Ethan stepping out of another room, his eyes flicking between Ronan and me.
He sighed. "Ronan. I'm guessing you're the reason my mate is so frantic?"
Ronan jogged past him toward the stairs. "Are you going to punch me now or later?"
Ethan smiled. Just a little. "Later."
"Coward," Ronan muttered under his breath.
I reached the top of the staircase and started down, my pulse pounding in my ears. But Alpha Austin's voice stopped me cold.
"Elowen."
The command in his tone wrapped around me like chains. My legs locked in place. I gritted my teeth, fighting against the Alpha authority pressing down on my shoulders.
"What happened?" Alpha Austin asked, his voice softer now.
I turned to face him. "I don't have time to explain, Alpha. Cassian and Casper are hurt. Either wait here... or come with me. Now."
His brow furrowed. I could see the questions forming on his face. But if he walked into that room and saw what we'd done to my mother, to Drake...
Everything would change.
"Please," I whispered.
Alpha Austin studied me for a long moment. Then he nodded. "Lead the way."
I bolted down the stairs, my breath coming in short gasps. Behind me, I heard Ronan's footsteps and Alpha Austin's heavier ones.
Halfway down, Ronan leaned closer. "He's not supposed to be dead, right?"
Alpha Austin's voice came from behind us, dry and unamused. "Didn't take."
I bit back a laugh despite everything. When I glanced over my shoulder, Alpha Austin winked at me.
Ronan looked between us, his face scrunched up in confusion. "You sure? Because you look pretty rough."
"Focus, Ronan," I said, reaching the bottom of the stairs.
The hallway stretched out in front of me. At the far end, I could hear voices. Shouting. Something crashing.
My heart hammered against my ribs.
"Is it Drake?" Ronan asked quietly. "Or the one whose name we don't say?"
"I don't know," I admitted.
My legs moved faster, carrying me toward the door at the end of the hall. The noise grew louder. Glass breaking. Someone cursing.
I stopped in front of the door, my hand hovering over the handle. When I turned around, both Alpha Austin and Ethan had followed us.
Alpha Austin's gaze was steady. Concerned.
"Alpha," I said, my voice trembling. "Do you trust me?"
He didn't hesitate. "Without question."
"Then I need you to remember something." I swallowed hard. "When we go in there... whatever you see... there's a reason for it. Please."
His eyes searched mine. Then he nodded once.
I turned the handle and pushed the door open.