You are the white wolf, remember!
Eliza’s POV
I woke up with a start and sat upright. Looking around me, I quickly realised I was back in my room. But how? The last thing I remembered was looking at Yelda and hearing my name called.
My mates?
How did I get back here? I couldn't remember, but my head hurt like hell. Raising a hand to rub my head, I glanced at myself in the mirror and frowned.
I had to find Rylan and find out what had happened to me. Where was everyone?
Suddenly, the door flew open, and there stood Bernard, the bodyguard my father had insisted I should have to keep me safe.
“Where is everyone, and how am I back here?” I demanded to know from him; I strode towards him and pushed him hard against the wall, causing him to tumble and a look of shock on his face.
“Princess Eliza. Wait a moment. You’re not thinking straight.” He stuttered as I rushed out of the room and ran down the hall to where I knew my father and brother would likely be. I stormed into the room and saw my father with Theron and Lara. The quadruplets were seated at the long table, eating like nothing had happened. I stared at them all questioningly. My father looked up and smiled when he saw me.
“My darling, you’re awake. Join us.” He gestured for me to take a seat. I frowned curiously.
“What happened last night?” I wanted to know, ignoring his request. The smile wiped off of his face.
“Eliza, what are you talking about? Last night?” My father approached me and reached for my hands, but I stepped back, shaking my head.
“How did I get back here?” I started to get hysterical. At that moment, Rylan and his brothers stood up in unison and came to me. Their faces mirrored the same expression.
“Princess, you have been out cold for the last three days. Yelda was not who we thought. She wanted your power. She was sucking the life out of you.” Rio explained, but his words made absolutely no sense to me. It was all jibber jabber that gave me a headache.
“But she helped us; she got rid of Morgan. He’s dead, isn’t he?” I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. Yelda was my friend, and she helped me. What was Rio talking about?
“He’s right.” Theron stood up and looked me straight in the eye. I looked across at him and squinted.
“She wanted to harm me? For what?” I was confused. “Why would she help get rid of Morgan if she wanted to hurt me too?” I sat down and furrowed my brow.
“Princess Eliza. It’s the truth. She’s weakened without you.”
I shook my head in disbelief, trying to wrap my mind around the chaos that had unfolded. My heart raced as pieces of the puzzle danced just out of reach. I almost felt dizzy from the weight of the revelations.
“But...no, it doesn’t make sense!” I exclaimed, my voice rising in frustration. “Yelda was loyal to me! I trusted her.” My eyes darted around the room, searching for reassurance, but the concerned faces of my family only deepened my sense of dread. How could she do that to me?
“That’s exactly what she wanted you to think,” Rylan interjected, his tone severe yet soft. “She played the part perfectly, creating trust while she schemed. You were vulnerable, Eliza. And she took advantage of it.”
“Vulnerable?” I echoed, my confusion morphing into anger. “You mean to tell me that it was just a ruse all the time? Was it all fake?”
“Yes!” Theron said, stepping closer. “She needed you. Your power, your strength—it’s what kept her alive and her plans operational. When your mates were there calling to you and your Wolf, she revealed her true intentions. She thrived on drawing your energy, Eliza. It was a gamble she lost when we intervened. She is gone now. You needed the rest, so you have been out for the last three days. It is all the truth. It’s over with now, and you’re safe.”
I struggled to digest their words, each bit feeling like a punch to the gut. The warmth of friendship I felt for Yelda started to chill, replaced by betrayal. “But she was my ally against Morgan. She helped us win those battles. Why turn on me now? And you waited for me to wake up? But what about Creek? Your packs?” I gasped.
“You don’t need to worry about the packs, Eliza. Those are being taken care of and are safe. As for Yelda, her endgame wasn’t just to eliminate Morgan.” Rylan's voice was grave as he spoke. “Yelda sought ultimate power—control over everything, even you. She was willing to sacrifice anyone for it. You were just a stepping stone in her plan."
I leaned back, my body sinking into the hard chair, trying to comprehend the stark reality of the betrayal. “You said I’ve been out for three days. What... what did you do?” Panic clawed at my throat, a visceral fear creeping in.
Rio stepped forward, his eyes heavy with concern and resolve. “We confronted her. It wasn’t easy, but we had to protect you. We sealed her away, but it came at a cost. We almost lost you in the process.”
“Cost? What do you mean?” I felt a knot forming in my stomach.
“Your power was being drained at an alarming rate. When Yelda was defeated, the backlash sent you into a state of suspended animation. That’s why you couldn’t wake up, but you’re strong. You’re the white wolf, remember.”