The Warning Bell

The Warning Bell
Ivy’s POV

The warning bell rang continuously until the echo vibrated through the pillars of the hall.

“EZRA!” Leo’s voice thundered through the hall as chaos exploded around us. Warriors shifted into position while people screamed and scrambled for safety.

“Your Majesty,” Ezra appeared beside us instantly, eyes sharp and alert.

“Secure the humans here. Make sure not a single hair on their heads is harmed,” Leo growled.

“Yes, Alpha,” Ezra replied and immediately began gathering my father, Uncle Marcus, and Rosa.

“Don’t worry,” Daniel said as he stepped forward. “I’ve got the Blackwoods. The king needs his beta next to him.”

He reached for my family, pulling them away from the chaos. “Daniel!” I called suddenly.

He looked back.

“Take him too,” I said, pointing at my biological father.

But the man shook his head stubbornly. “Our kind do not run from fights. We stand. No matter how frail or old…”

“There’s no time,” Daniel cut him off and threw him over his shoulder like a sack of rice, ignoring his protests. The rest of my family followed him toward safety.

In minutes, the hall was cleared of civilians. Only Alphas, warriors, and palace guards remained…standing in formation, ready for whatever threat was coming.

Leo’s hand found mine and he laced his fingers between mine so tightly I could feel his pulse. “Don’t ever leave my side,” he muttered.

“I won’t,” I said.

He exhaled harshly. “Good.”

“You think this is war?” I asked, my voice low.

He didn’t look away. “I don’t care if this is a war or a trap. I care about one thing…you stay alive. Do you hear me? “I will not lose you again, Ivy.”

My chest tightened, but before I could respond, the massive double doors swung open with a heavy boom.

Guards marched in a group of rogues. Ten of them. Their scent filled the room like rotten smoke. But they weren’t fighting. They walked in calmly…too calmly, their hands raised in surrender.

None of this made sense. Rogues didn’t ask to be escorted. Rogues didn’t walk willingly into a hall full of Alphas unless they were insane… or planning something bigger.

Then I saw her.

Olivia.

She was standing in the middle of the rogues, clutching her bag and tablet to her chest like a shield. Her face was pale. Terrified.

“Olivia!” I yelled and tried to run to her…but Leo blocked me with his arm.

“Malrik,” Leo growled as he glared at the rogue leader.

Malrik chuckled lazily. “Your Majesty. Is she someone you know?” He pointed at Olivia, who flinched hard.

“She is someone my queen values. Let her go,” Leo said coldly.

“Okay,” Malrik said easily, shocking everyone. “You can go, miss. We found her on our way here. She was lost so we gave her a free ride. We’re not here as enemies today.”

He laughed like it was a joke. I didn’t find it funny.

Guards rushed Olivia out safely. Only when I saw her clear the door did I finally breathe again.

Leo stepped forward. “Enough games. Why are you here, Malrik?” Leo asked, voice like ice.

“This is a celebration for the entire realm, no? Why can’t we be here?” he said casually.

“This is royal land,” I said sharply. “You have no business here unless you’ve come to pledge allegiance to the throne.”

Leo squeezed my hand like he wanted to stop me, but I held my ground. These rogues can’t ruin my coronation and leave unharmed.

“Aha!” Malrik clapped. “You’re far too kind, Your Highness. But no. That’s not why I’m here.”

He signaled his men.

One by one, the rogues dropped to their knees.

Malrik broke a wooden carved stick in half. People gasped. Warriors tensed. Leo’s aura flared, warning him…but Malrik kept walking until he stood in front of us, but at a distance.

Guards moved instantly, blocking him.

“Let him through,” Leo ordered.

Malrik approached slowly. Then he knelt…right there on the floor in front of Leo, and raised the longer half of the stick to Leo.

“I wave my white flag, Your Majesty. The day I ever bring war to your throne again, wipe out my entire family line from the face of the earth.”

Leo studied him with cold eyes. “You have caused bloodshed in almost every pack represented here. Why should I let you walk out of this hall alive?”

“Because I want to make it right,” Malrik said simply. “My people and I will remain wanderers. Protectors of the people from the shadows. Watchers of the forest. This is my truce.”

Leo looked at Ezra. Ezra stepped forward and took the stick.

“Why the sudden change, Malrik?” Leo asked carefully. “You’ve been my enemy for years. It can’t be that you’re suddenly bored.”

Malrik’s eyes flicked to me, then back to Leo. “Men can change because of several reasons. Yours is standing right next to you.”

He didn’t lie. Leo had changed. For me.

“Rise,” Leo said. “Swear it in blood.”

The High Priestess came forward. The stick was blessed. 

Malrik extended his arm and she sliced his palm.

His blood hit the wood in tiny droplets.

The air trembled as the oath was sealed.

“It is done,” Shina announced.

Malrik bowed to the king and I, stretched his hand to the rogues and they retrieved the other half of the stick. 

After Leo gave his approval nod, they began to leave…escorted by guards.

The tension started to ease…just a little…until Malrik stopped.

He turned back slowly.

“Your Majesty,” he said. “One more thing…”

Instantly the tension snapped back like a whip.

“Allow me to speak with you,” Malrik said. “Privately.”

Murmurs spread through the hall like wildfire. Suspicion. Distrust.

Leo raised a hand and the noise stopped.

He looked calm…but I could feel through the bond he wasn’t fooled. He didn’t trust Malrik fully yet. Blood oath or not.

Still, he nodded.

Warriors stepped aside to let Malrik approach again.

Leo started walking toward the eastern exit with him.

I followed…but he stopped and turned back.

“No,” he said quietly. “You stay here, my love. I’ll be back.” He kissed my cheek and left.

I watched him until he disappeared around the corner.

My chest tightened with unease.

This didn’t feel right. This didn’t feel safe.

This didn’t feel like peace.

Everything will go smoothly, right?