Chapter 12
Ella's POV
I lay in bed, my mind a tangled mess.
Julian's words were lodged in my heart like nails—sounding respectful on the surface, yet cold to the bone. I unconsciously touched the bandage on my neck, the wound still throbbing with a dull ache.
The next day, at the training grounds.
I stood on the sidelines, watching Julian and Kane face off in the center. They were clearly intent on finishing their interrupted duel. Kane struck first, his fist whistling through the air toward Julian's face. Julian dodged sideways, his steps light yet steady. Fists and feet flew, dull thuds echoing continuously.
"Brother's technique is certainly bold and aggressive," Julian said, evading Kane's heavy punch, his tone gentle yet laced with mockery. "The savage skills learned in Blood River territory are indeed powerful."
Kane let out a cold laugh, his knee driving viciously toward Julian's abdomen. "And what real combat experience does a pampered heir like you have, besides being fawned over by the pack?" He lowered his voice, each word sharp as a blade. "How does someone like that deserve to inherit elemental power?"
Julian's expression darkened. Ice-blue light gathered in his hands as he thrust forward, frost spreading across the ground. Kane reacted swiftly, rolling away and grabbing a wooden staff to swing at Julian.
Their fight intensified, dust flying as neither would yield an inch.
Finally, both retreated simultaneously, breathing heavily as they faced each other.
"Looks like a draw," Julian said, wiping blood from the corner of his mouth, his tone calm.
I quickly picked up the prepared water and towel, hurrying toward Julian.
I deliberately avoided Kane as if he were invisible, handing the towel to Julian and respectfully offering the water cup.
"Your Highness worked hard," I said quietly, then raised my eyes slightly, deliberately letting my voice carry to Kane. "After laboring all night, I'm afraid you didn't show your full strength today."
Kane's face turned iron-gray, his fists clenched until the knuckles cracked.
Julian glanced at me with a half-smile, taking the towel and leisurely wiping the sweat from his face.
"Indeed," Julian picked up the thread, "unlike my brother, who has a beauty like Victoria by his side, enjoying pleasures every night, yet still maintaining such vigor."
Kane forced down his anger. "Victoria is indeed a good woman. She's not only beautiful but also leads the warrior squad, having rendered great service to the pack."
"Speaking of the warrior squad," Julian returned the towel to me, his gaze shifting to Kane, "it reminds me of the squad's former leader—the previous 'Silver Fang War Princess,' Stella. That battle she fought with Blood River's Crimson Flame Warlord was earth-shattering. After both were grievously wounded, Stella retreated to the pack's outskirts, refusing to see anyone—sometimes even Alpha Walter is turned away."
Kane's expression shifted.
"After that battle," Julian continued, "Stella fell silent, and the Crimson Flame Warlord disappeared as well. I wonder how Blood River dealt with that great hero." He turned to me, his tone casual. "Ella, you spent so many years in Blood River. Have you heard anything about the Crimson Flame Warlord?"
My heart tightened. I quickly shook my head. "No... I haven't heard anything, Your Highness."
Julian nodded thoughtfully, then looked back at Kane. "Brother, the warrior squad under Victoria's command is the pack's lifeline. You must maintain control over that power." He paused, as if mentioning it casually, "When you have time, you should visit Stella. After all, she's your future mother-in-law. Proper etiquette matters."
Kane's eyes grew dangerous. "Brother needn't worry."
He turned to leave, but Julian spoke up at that moment. "Oh, brother, for next month's celebration ceremony between you and Victoria's families, I'll be bringing Ella along."
Kane's steps halted, a flash of anger crossing his face. He glanced back at me, his gaze sharp enough to tear me apart, then strode away.
Julian turned to me, his tone gentle. "If you want to watch, go ahead and take a look."
I stepped forward, gazing at Kane's retreating back, feeling hollow inside.
That back had once been my everything, but now it had become the nightmare I most wanted to escape.
"My brother has too many things in his heart—power, desire, hatred..." Julian said softly beside me. "You'll never be his first priority."
I lowered my eyes, tears welling up.
I knew he was telling the truth, but hearing someone say it so bluntly still hurt.
Julian said nothing more, just patted my shoulder and turned to leave.
I stood in place and suddenly called out, "Your Highness."
Julian stopped and turned around.
"I don't understand," I bit my lip. "Since I can no longer help you disturb Kane's thoughts, why would you still bring me to his and Victoria's celebration ceremony?" I paused, laughing self-deprecatingly. "Do you really think someone as worthless as me could disrupt their union?"
Julian turned fully, those blue eyes looking straight at me. "Are you afraid?"
"I..."
"Afraid old feelings might rekindle," he walked closer slowly, "or afraid Victoria will tear you to shreds?"
My heart clenched. I quickly shook my head. "No, Your Highness. I'm willing to do anything for you, at any cost. I just... I just worry about becoming a burden to you."
"A burden?" Julian raised an eyebrow. "Ella, do you want to become a Luna?"
I froze, my mind going blank.
Luna? What was he saying?
Me?
I suddenly understood. In Julian's eyes, I had never been some pitiful creature needing protection, nor some bed-warming plaything.
I was a knife—a knife he would use to stab Kane. And for a knife to be sharp, it had to be honed ruthlessly. He wanted to sharpen me into the keenest blade, making Kane watch as something that once belonged to him became his greatest threat.
That was his true purpose.
I took a deep breath and lowered my head. "Your Highness honors me too much. I'm not worthy of you."
A worthless thing without even a wolf form, a piece of trash Kane had played with and discarded. What right did I have to stand beside Julian?
"Not worthy?" Julian laughed lightly, reaching out to lift my chin, forcing me to meet his eyes. "Remember what I said last night? Wearing a gown, you look like a Luna."
He released me, his tone taking on deeper meaning. "Sometimes, bloodline and class are just clothes. They can be taken off and put on."
I stared at him blankly.
"What truly matters," Julian's eyes gleamed with a certain light, "is whether you want it, and whether you have the capability."