Chapter 427 Collapsed

Chapter 427 Collapsed
“For now, yes,” Ryker answered. “It is the safest place until the Blood Moon passes.”

The group climbed into the carriages. Ryker sat beside Elara, his arm around her shoulders. The caravan rolled forward, heading back toward the palace as the sun began to lower in the sky.

During the ride, Elara rested her head on his shoulder. “I am a little scared,” she admitted quietly.

Ryker squeezed her gently. “I know. But I will be right there with you. No one will touch you or your family while I am around.”

Augustine watched them from the opposite seat, a soft smile on her lips. “It is good to see you two together. The palace will feel less frightening with family close by.”

Camilla nodded, looking out the window at the passing fields. “I have never stayed in such a grand place before. Will we have duties there?”

“You can help where you wish,” Ryker reassured. “But your safety comes first.”

The journey back felt longer than the trip out. Ryker kept glancing at Elara, his hand never leaving hers. He could feel the tension in his own body, the approaching Blood Moon, the king’s absence, the responsibility on Audrey’s shoulders. Bringing his mate and her family to the palace lifted some of that weight.

When the palace gates finally came into view, torches already lit along the walls, Ryker let out a slow breath. Guards nodded to him as the carriages passed through.

Servants hurried out to help with the chests. Audrey herself appeared at the top of the steps, holding a shawl around her shoulders against the evening chill.

“Welcome,” she offered with a tired but genuine smile. “I am glad you are all here safely.”

Elara curtsied, still holding Ryker’s hand. “Thank you for allowing us to come, Your Majesty.”

Audrey waved off the formality gently. “We are all in this together now. Please make yourselves at home.”

Ryker bowed to Audrey. “Thank you again, my queen.”

As the group was shown to their rooms, Ryker led Elara toward his own chambers. Once inside, he closed the heavy door and pulled her close again.

“Now, where were we before we were interrupted?” he murmured, tilting her chin up.
Elara smiled up at him, her blue eyes bright. “I believe you were kissing me.”

Ryker grinned and did exactly that, lifting her slightly off the ground. The worries of the Blood Moon still lingered, but for tonight, he had his rosebud safe in his arms.

~

The violent tremor ripped through the palace like thunder from the gods themselves. Stone walls groaned, tapestries shook violently, and distant screams echoed from the lower halls. Audrey jolted awake, her heart slamming against her ribs. She had barely managed a few hours of restless sleep since Darius departed.

She threw on her dark cloak over her white flowy nightdress and rushed toward the royal nursery. The twins’ room was in chaos, servants scrambling, guards shouting orders. Faye and Ruby, the trusted governesses, stood protectively in front of the cradles, faces pale.

Audrey pushed past them and gathered both Am and Tia into her arms, hugging them tightly to her chest. Their small, warm bodies pressed against her, Am letting out a soft whimper while Tia clutched at her gown. Tears burned in Audrey’s eyes as she fought to stay strong, breathing in their sweet scent.

“My babies,” she whispered, voice cracking. “I have to go to your father. The darkness has taken him, but I will bring him back to you. I promise. Mama will bring Papa home.”

She kissed their foreheads repeatedly, holding them close for a long moment, memorizing the feel of them. Her heart ached with the fear that this might be the last time she saw them.

Turning to them, she said firmly, “Faye, Ruby stay with my children. Do not leave their side for anything. Keep them safe inside these chambers until I return.”

Both women bowed, eyes wide with worry. “Yes, Your Majesty. We will guard them with our lives.”

Audrey handed the twins back reluctantly, pressing one final kiss to each of their heads before stepping away. The silver crescent moon necklace around her neck glowed hot beneath her palm, pulsing like a warning.

She met the Oracle and Ryker in the war room. The Oracle was already there, her robes disheveled, eyes wide with rare panic. Maps and glowing crystals lay scattered across the table.

“The protection spells have collapsed!” Ryker reported, breathing hard. “Allistair’s wards are failing. The dark wolf has broken free and is rampaging south. Two villages are already in ruins.”

Audrey clutched her necklace tighter. “Then we go. Now.”

The Oracle protested. “Your Majesty, the journey takes three full days. We have less than two before the beast reaches the heartlands—”

“We make it possible,” Audrey cut in. “My husband is out there. I will not sit here while he destroys his own people.”

Before leaving the palace, the Oracle stepped onto the highest balcony overlooking the grounds. She raised her hands, chanting ancient words that made the air shimmer. A dome of golden light spread slowly over the entire palace, reinforcing the remaining wards.

“This will hold for now,” the Oracle said wearily as she rejoined them. “It should keep the worst of the darkness out until we return.”

As the knights assembled in the courtyard, Ryker suddenly turned and sprinted back into the palace. He burst into his chambers where Elara stood waiting, eyes wide with fear.
“Ryker—” she began.

He crossed the room in two strides and pulled her into a fierce kiss, hands cupping her face. “I have to go. The wolf is loose. The queen needs me.”