Chapter 48
ELARA’S POV
I practically hauled Kael into the library, pushing him through the entrance and slamming the door closed the instant we were hidden from view. My heart pounded against my chest, a wild rhythm echoing the chaos swirling in my thoughts. I spun to confront him, my tone thick with desperation.
“What’s happening?” I pressed, my gaze locking onto his. “What went down?!”
His eyes shadowed, mouth tightening into a severe, unyielding line. “It’s exactly as I told you—”
“No,” I interrupted, shaking my head in denial. The idea that those men could be Darius’s agents was too terrifying to accept.
“It can’t be…right? Darius couldn’t have managed to dispatch his rogue to breach Ronan’s domain and pull it off? It’s unthinkable,” My voice broke, the gravity of the consequences crushing me.
He exhaled unsteadily, his posture sagging a bit. “I already explained. Darius won’t quit; for all I know, he has supporters inside this palace, operating right beneath our awareness and—”
I cut him off again. “What am I supposed to do, then?” I questioned. “I need a strategy, a fix. Anything to ease this overwhelming panic that was on the verge of swallowing me whole.”
He dragged a hand through his hair, his usually composed attitude unraveling. He dropped onto a close stool, staring at the floor. “I don’t know…”
Then he lifted his eyes to mine, probing deeply. “Come with me,” he murmured, his words scarcely audible, almost like a beg.
“What?” I stared at him in confusion, completely thrown. “What do you mean, ‘come with you’?” I suddenly lashed out, my tone edged with irritation.
I needed clarity, not his vague remarks that seemed like yet another goddamn postponement.
“Listen….you can’t remain here. These aren’t your people.”
“And you are?” I shot back, the retort cutting sharper than I’d meant. The rage bubbling under my fear rose up. “Last I recalled, you tossed me aside like a damaged plaything. Something you had no further use for.”
His gaze sparked with a feeling…pain, maybe, but it vanished in an instant.
“You fucking fled!” He fired back. “You abandoned everything, Elara! You simply vanished!”
“You gave me no option!” I shouted in return, the tears at last streaming down. “How was I supposed to stay among those who saw me as garbage? Who only exploited me for my blood and never showed a shred of thanks!”
He stilled, his face moving from guarded to remorseful.
He glanced aside, dodging my stare. “I had no alternative back then…I’m truly sorry… I was foolish. I opted to behave like a coward, dodging it all entirely. But now,” He slowly brought his eyes back to mine, filled with a genuineness I couldn’t reject. “I’m ready to make it right. Elara, if you—”
“No,” I broke in, lifting a hand to halt him. The fury and pain were still too fresh, the faith shattered too completely.
“Just drop it. I’ll handle this by myself.” I declared, pivoting on my feet and leaving him there on the stool in the library. The second I was out, I pressed against the door, weeping quietly.
I lied. I had no idea what to do, and time was running short.
After a few minutes, I pulled myself together and made my way back to my rooms, the burden of it all weighing heavily on me. Upon entering, my sight fell on the carefully folded note resting on my table. My pulse jumped to my throat as I dreaded the worst, but as I drew nearer and recognized the known handwriting, a surge of comfort flooded me.
It was Martha.
Martha had returned home to see her family several days earlier; her father, the Beta of their modest pack, had come personally to the Mountain Dew Pack and taken her back. I was thrilled for her—after fleeing years ago, they had finally contacted her.
I hope everything is going smoothly for her.
With a sigh, I picked up the letter, carefully breaking the seal.
‘Dearest Elara Everything is fine here. I really want to stay for a long time but I can’t, I’ll be back soon. I hope you’re fine and can’t wait to hear from you. Love, Martha.’
A true, warm smile spread across my face. She felt more like a sister to me; Clara, on the other hand, was like a closest friend. I softly refolded the letter and set it on my bedside table. I lacked the strength to pen a reply just then. I fell onto the bed, tugging the covers over myself, crying quietly for a bit until fatigue overtook me, pulling me into an uneasy slumber.
I was roused by Clara, her complexion ashen as she observed me, eyes wide with worry.
“A-Are you awake?” She stammered, hurrying to my bedside.
“Actually, I couldn’t sleep,” I muttered.
“Shall I get you anything? Perhaps a drink or food? You haven’t eaten since…” She stopped when I shook my head dismissively.
“I’m fine, Clara,” I replied, sitting up and facing her. “Do you know where Cael is?”
“Cael?” She cocked her head, brows knitting.
“Hmmmm…..last time I saw him was about an hour ago, I think? He was going toward the palace dungeon. One of the Rogues survived, so I heard.”
My heart faltered. One survived? That was troubling…or perhaps promising? We could extract information from him, assuming he’d speak.
“Okay.” I nodded and rose, heading to my wardrobe, looking for basic clothes to change into.
I selected a simple floral knee-length dress. Once finished, I tied my hair in a bun and turned to Clara, who stood quietly in a corner. She seemed deep in thought.
“I’ll be right back.”
“Oh—” she shook her head, returning to the present, “Alright sure. Shall I do anything for you?”
“Just prepare a warm bath. I’ll be right back soon.” Turning the door handle, I left my room. I proceeded to the dungeon, but as I neared, the guards barred my way with their spears.
“I need to investigate something.”
“I’m sorry, but you can’t,” One of the guards replied, his tone resolute, allowing no debate. “I’m sorry, Miss Elara. No one is allowed to pass without authorization from the Royal Guard, not until the Alpha has recovered.”
My shoulders dropped in resignation, but inside I knew he was correct. I was the cause of all this; I couldn’t just force my way in.
As I started to go, a known voice halted me.
“Miss Elara,” Cael said, coming toward me. I turned to him, meeting his grave look.
“Yes?”
He stopped a few feet away. “I believe you have some questions for me…I’ll answer them.”