Chapter 75 Lying King
“War?” Octavio’s gaze widened, disapproval flashing across his face.
“That’s not the best option…”
“I don’t care anymore,” Valerio growled, his voice dark, final. “Someone has to teach the werewolves what a broken treaty entails.”
With that, he turned and left Octavio’s mansion, tension trailing behind him like a storm that had yet to break.
…
Back at the castle, Evyths had been waiting.
Hours had passed.
Too many.
She paced the chamber slowly, her thoughts spiraling, wondering where Valerio could possibly be.
Of course, she shouldn’t have worried.
He was powerful—more than enough to protect himself from anything.
But still… he had left without a word.
And somehowhe felt it.
The tension.
The distance.
The quiet chaos beneath everything.
Her heart had raced more than once that evening.
The crescent moon hung high in the sky, brighter than usual—almost watchful.
Calling.
Her gaze drifted to it again. And again.
As if it spoke directly to her.
“What is happening…?” she whispered.
Unable to stay still, she stepped out onto the porch.
The night air greeted her—cool, laced with the scent of damp earth and something faintly wild.
Everything looked untouched.
Flowers. Furniture. Stillness.
Her hands rested against the golden balustrade as her eyes lifted to the moon once more.
The silence pressed in.
Then, a familiar weight settled over her shoulders.
Warm. Precise.
She didn’t need to turn.
Jasmine.
“You’ll catch a cold.”
Valerio’s voice was low, close.
Relief flickered through her—
But it didn’t last.
Something in his tone felt… wrong.
He wrapped his arms around her from behind.
Holding her close. Too close. Like he was afraid.
“Valerio?” she called softly.
“Yes, my love…”
The words softened her—but only slightly.
His voice carried something else beneath it.
Something heavy.
Evyths turned slowly within his hold, searching his face.
“What is the matter?” she asked, her tone steady. “You left as soon as dawn came…”
Valerio’s gaze dropped.
Avoiding hers. It was subtle but she noticed.
“No… nothing,” he said quietly. “I just had a long day. Meetings were… overwhelming.”
Evyths frowned.
That didn’t sit right. “There wasn’t a meeting today,” she said carefully.
A pause. “I know,” she added. “I looked for you.”
Valerio’s jaw tightened slightly.
“Your mother said something else.”
That caught his attention.
“Oh?” His gaze sharpened just a fraction.
“What did she say?”
“That you went hunting.”
Silence fell.
Evyths crossed her arms slowly, studying him.
“We both know that isn’t true.”
Valerio said nothing.
Instead, he stepped away from her and walked back into the chamber. Removing his cloak and then his inner shirt.
Still not looking at her.
“I’ll be in the bath,” he said flatly.
And just like that, he left.
Evyths remained where she stood, confusion settling deep in her chest.
That wasn’t hunting.
She would have smelled it. So why lie?
Her brows drew together.
Valerio had never lied to her.
Not once.
…
The castle halls felt different that night.
Quieter. Hollow.
Evyths walked through them slowly, her thoughts tangled.
She needed answers.
And if Valerio wouldn’t give them, maybe Elena would.
Her steps were light against the stone, her hair swaying behind her as she moved.
“Evyths?” She turned.
Hana hurried toward her, a bright smile lighting her face.
Evyths returned it instantly, opening her arms.
“I’ve missed you,” Hana said, pulling her into a hug.
“Me too,” Evyths replied softly.
Hana pulled back, studying her face closely.
“You don’t look okay,” she said, concern creeping in. “You look… tired.”
Evyths laughed lightly. “It’s nothing. Just exhaustion.”
Hana didn’t look convinced. “Well… I heard what happened,” she said, lowering her voice.
“Queen Raven… and the temple…” She leaned closer. “And they’re saying you saved the king.”
Evyths blinked.
“Me?” she said, feigning surprise. “I didn’t—”
“They’re also saying it was witch magic,” Hana added quickly.
“Hana,” Evyths cut in gently, her tone firmer now. “They’re just rumors. I’m not a witch.”
Hana hesitated.
Then nodded slowly. “You don’t have to tell me,” she said quietly. “Your secrets are safe.”
A small smile tugged at Evyths’ lips.
“I’ll see you around,” Hana added before heading off.
Evyths watched her leave, her thoughts heavier than before.
Rumors were spreading.
Faster than she expected.
…
As she approached the war room, voices stopped her. Low. Tense.
She slowed.
Thens se heard it. Her name.
Evyths.
She stilled instantly, stepping back just enough to stay hidden.
Inside, Elena and Octavio.
“He won’t listen,” Octavio said quietly. “I’ve tried. He’s set on war.”
“This is madness,” Elena replied. “He could have just told her about the letter instead of hiding it.”
Evyths’ breath caught.
Letter?
“But you know her,” Octavio continued. “The moment she knows, she’ll leave.”
Silence stretched.
“Elena scoffed softly. “After everything her pack did to her?”
“That’s what makes it worse,” Octavio muttered. “Her spirit never breaks.”
Evyths didn’t need to hear more.
The truth settled in her chest.
Cold. Sharp. So that was it.
Valerio knew something and he was hiding it.
Her hand drifted to her stomach unconsciously.
“What’s in the letter…?” she whispered.
She turned slowly.
She needed answers.
Not from Elena.
Not from Octavio.
From him.
…
When she returned to the chamber—
Valerio was there, standing still.
Holding a cloak.
Not just any cloak. His sister’s.
His gaze lingered on it, distant.
Haunted. Evyths paused. She understood loss.
She did but this, this wasn’t just grief.
“What aren’t you telling me…?” she thought.
She stepped forward. He didn’t turn.
Even though he knew she was there.
“Valerio.”
Nothing.
She moved closer, until she stood right in front of him.
Slowly, he lifted his gaze.
Guilt flickered. Clear. Unmistakable.
Her chest tightened.
“How could you lie to me?”
The words came out quiet but sharp.
Valerio set the cloak aside.
“I went hunting—”
“Stop.” Her voice cracked. “Stop lying to me.”
Silence fell hard between them.
“The letters…” she whispered.
That was it.
Valerio’s jaw tightened, his gaze darkened.
Everything he had tried to hold back rose to the surface.
And this time, there was no escaping it.