Chapter 16 - Queen Alara’s Insidious Plan

Fiona’s POV.

I glance at the marriage license plate on the kitchen counter, my fingers tracing the elegant cursive script that declares me as Mrs. Micah Lancaster. The reality of it all still feels surreal—me, Fiona, now married to one of the most powerful Lycans in the kingdom. A rush of excitement tingles through me, and my cheeks flush with a mixture of joy and anticipation.

I can't help but recall how Micah protected me during the banquet. The memory warms me from within, like a cozy hearth on a chilly evening.

I happily go about preparing dinner, the clinking of pots and the sizzle of ingredients filling the air. Tonight, I've decided on a simple yet elegant meal—roast chicken with rosemary, accompanied by buttered asparagus and creamy mashed potatoes. Cooking has always been my way of expressing love and care.

Glancing at the clock repeatedly, I realize I'm more nervous than usual. Micah is often late due to his long working hours, but tonight I nervously insisted he arrive earlier. I've set the table meticulously, with candles casting a soft glow across the room. I just wanted to do something nice for the two of us and the idea of us sharing this meal together fills me with giddiness.

Finally, the doorbell rings. My heart leaps into my throat as I hastily pull off my apron and rush to the door, cheeks flushing with excitement. I swing it open, expecting to see Micah's face.

But it's not Micah standing there.

Instead, a wave of confusion and apprehension crashes over me as I find myself face-to-face with one of the nobles from the banquet. His presence is unexpected, and the malicious smirk on his face sends a chill down my spine.

"Good evening, Miss Fiona. You must be eagerly waiting for me!" Nathan Ashcroft says with a sinister edge to his voice.

Before I can say anything, Lord Ashcroft lunges toward me, his expression darkened with a disturbing lust that sends a chill down my spine. A scream lodges in my throat as I scramble back, but he keeps advancing, his eyes leering at me, making my skin crawl.

"You... you must be mistaken," I stammer, trying to gather my wits as fear grips my heart.

He laughs, a sound devoid of warmth. "Oh, don't play innocent with me, Fiona. Wasn't it you who sent me that text message inviting me to your place?" His voice drips with mockery.

"Telling me how you already have feelings for me from seeing me at the banquet and how you want to take advantage of Micah working late tonight. You really wanted to enjoy the thrill of cheating on Micah with me, what’s wrong now?"

My mind races in confusion and terror. I never sent any such message. This is a nightmare, unfolding in my own home.

"No, I swear, I never—"

"Why pretend now?" he interrupts, his grip tightening on my arm. I wince in pain, feeling helpless and trapped. "You invited me here for a reason, didn't you?"

"I don't know what you're talking about!" I plead, my voice trembling.

He ignores my protests, pulling me forcefully towards him. I struggle against his grasp, panic rising within me.

"Let me go!" I cry out, desperation coloring my voice.

But his grip only tightens, his face contorted with a disturbing desire. "Stop lying," he hisses. "I know your game, Fiona."

Tears blur my vision as I continue to fight against him, my mind racing for a way out of this nightmare. "Please, I didn't—"

"Enough!" he snaps, his eyes flashing with anger. "You baited me and I will have your body now!”

He shakes me so hard that my teeth rattle and I catch my tongue between them, tasting blood in my mouth. Tears stream down my face uncontrollably. He feels more like a monster than a man, and I know fighting him is futile. I need to be smart about this.

Trying to calm myself, I take a deep breath and wipe away my tears. I force myself to stop shaking so visibly, pretending to soften my attitude.

"Okay," I say with a tremor in my voice, "but let me freshen up first. I want to be clean and be my best version for you."

I have to force out the words and swallow down the disgust that crawls up my throat. It's sickening, but I know it's the only way to placate him, stroke his ego, and buy myself time.

His eyes gleam with evil satisfaction as he nods and lets go of my arm. I slowly back away, my heart pounding loudly in my chest. Every step I take feels like a step closer to a cliff's edge.

"I'll be right back," I manage to say, my voice barely steady.

To my horror, he follows me at a distance, a cruel glint in his eyes. I force a tremulous smile and step into the bathroom, my mind racing for a plan. As soon as I'm inside, I have a single moment to act.

I whirl around, my hands shaking as I yank open the bathroom window. Adrenaline floods my veins as I climb up onto the ledge, the cool night air rushing against my face. With one last glance back at the looming figure in the doorway, I take a deep breath and jump.

The ground rushes up to meet me, and I land hard on my back with a jolt of pain shooting through me. I bite back a cry, scrambling to my feet despite the ache.

Lord Ashcroft's voice echoes from above, filled with rage and surprise.

"Fiona! What do you think you're doing?"

Ignoring the pain, I stumble forward and dart into the darkness, my heart pounding with fear and determination. I can hear him cursing behind me, his footsteps heavy as he gives chase.

"Stop!" he shouts, but I don't look back. I push myself to run faster, desperate to escape.

Heart pounding, I sprint through the darkened woods surrounding Micah’s estate. Every step is a painful reminder of my vulnerability. The echo of Lord Ashcroft's pursuit reverberates behind me, his heavy footsteps growing closer with each passing second.

I can't outrun him; I don't have the supernatural speed because of my dormant wolf, and there's no refuge nearby.

Desperation fuels my movements as I dart down unfamiliar and narrow paths, my breaths ragged and uneven. My mind is clouded with terror, making it impossible to focus on anything but the primal instinct to escape.

I attempt to mind link Micah, but my fear blocks the connection like a thick fog. Panic grips me as I struggle to clear my thoughts, to summon the bond that should come naturally to a wolf, even a dormant one like me. But, it isn’t there.

"Fi-on-a," Lord Ashcroft's singsong voice cuts through the night, chilling me to the bone. "How long are you going to run from me, my dear?"

His taunts drive me forward, adrenaline pumping through my veins. I push myself harder, muscles burning with exertion. But he's relentless, whistling the tune hauntingly close.

I risk a glance behind me and see his silhouette gaining ground, his form illuminated by the distant lights. He's enjoying this chase, reveling in my fear.

A scream of terror escapes me as he extends his hand and it skims the tips of my hair. I look back ahead too late and slam into a wall of muscle. Uncontrollable whimpers leave my mouth as I slowly lift my head to see who is in front of me.

For a moment, my world comes to a halt.

Warm fingers grip my shaking shoulders.

My throat is parched, I can barely breathe.

Then, familiar icy blue eyes meet mine and a tidal wave of relief crashes over me with such ferocity, my knees buckle.

It’s going to be okay. It’s all going to be okay now.

For before me, looking like he would raze this universe to the ground, is Micah.

My husband.