Chapter 112: Chapter 112 – Setup

Lilly's POV

Hendrix crossed to the door and cracked it open, keeping his body between whoever was outside and the rest of us. “Yes?”

On the other side, a nervous servant wrung her hands. “Forgive me, sir, but Lady Ria sent me to inform Luna Lilly that there is a delay on her side. She will be attending to Luna Lilly’s needs soon.”

Adira glanced at me, her eyes wide with alarm.

“Thank you,” I called out, my voice steadier than I felt. “I don’t mind.”

The servant nodded and hurried away, leaving the hallway eerily silent.

Adira grabbed my arm before I could move. “Lilly, wait. Are you sure you want to do this? This could just be a setup.”

I smiled at her. I knew from the very beginning that this was a setup, but it was my only chance to lure Angelica out using her own game.

I suspected that Angelica would do something tonight; I had prepared myself to face her, knowing that this confrontation could reveal her true intentions and allow me to turn the tables in our ongoing rivalry.

“I know it’s a setup,” I replied softly.

“Then don’t go!” Adira said, worry dancing in her eyes.

“I have to,” I said, my voice final. “This is our only chance to capture her and bring an end to her evil schemes.”

I sighed. “The only things I need to know are what kind of game Angelica is going to play—and how far she’s willing to go.”

My gaze shifted to my mating gown—I couldn’t become queen until this problem was resolved. I needed to do this—not only for me and Lex’s relationship, but also for the sake of our families, friends, and pack. Angelica wouldn’t stop until she got what she wanted. This was the perfect opportunity to end it all before it slipped through our fingers.

Hendrix’s hand closed around my shoulder, and my gaze met his. “You’re not going alone. I’ll be close. If something goes wrong—”

I shook my head. “If you follow, she’ll hurt Damien. You know she will. I have to go alone.”

Adira’s eyes filled with tears, but she blinked them away. “Just… come back. Whatever happens, promise me you’ll come back.”

I squeezed her hand. “I promise. But if I don’t—find Angelica and make her pay.”

Hendrix pressed something cold and small into my palm—a silver charm shaped like a wolf. “For luck,” he said with a wink. “And it’s a tracker. I’ll keep tabs on you the whole time…”

Adira smiled and lifted her wrist. “I have a similar one…” That explained why Harold could find her so quickly.

I closed my fingers around the charm, feeling its weight settle in my heart. “Thank you.”

I clipped it onto my bracelet, knowing that Angelica would never expect it.

“I’ll see you soon,” I said, hurrying toward the door. My gaze lingered one last time on the mating gown before I disappeared down the hallway.

It didn’t take me long to reach the gardens; they were in full bloom, and all kinds of sweet fragrances filled the air.

I inhaled deeply, savoring the scent.

“Goddess,” I muttered a silent prayer, “protect my pups and keep them safe.”

I stepped forward slowly, my nerves gnawing at my bones. This would be the first time I stood up to Angelica, and after years of abuse, I was overwhelmed by a mix of anger and sadness.

I stepped deeper into the garden, Asena on high alert.

“Do you sense anything?” I asked.

Asena’s ears perked up and moved side to side. “No,” she finally said.

I narrowed my eyes as my heart rate spiked. The suspense was killing me from the inside out.

My gaze shifted to the sky—the sun was setting, painting it in pretty pink and orange pastel colors; it was almost time for the mating ceremony to begin.

I suddenly wondered if Lex had been informed of my disappearance. Would he come looking for me, or would he listen and follow Adira’s instructions?

How would Zack react if he knew I was missing?

My mind was still racing with questions when I felt a sudden prick in my neck. I gasped, startled, and instinctively grabbed at my neck. Whatever I’d been injected with spread through my veins faster than wildfire; it burned hot and cold at the same time, leaving me in excruciating pain.

I managed to turn around, coming face to face with Angelica’s smug expression. She held a syringe in her hand.

“It’s nice to see you again, Lilly,” she sneered. “Sade told me you caused a lot of trouble for her. Such a disobedient little slave. We’re going to fix that!”

“What did you give me?” I managed to say.

My vision blurred and my head started to spin—the drug was taking effect. I fought to stay conscious.

“Something that will knock you out just long enough before I kill you.” She smiled, her green eyes full of excitement. “Nighty night, Lilly!” she said as she waved.

I tried to fight, but my limbs turned to lead and my knees buckled beneath me.

My body went limp before I could do anything and I crashed to the floor.

“That was easier than I thought,” Angelica said. She snapped her fingers, and a moment later I was lifted and carried away.

I drifted in and out of consciousness as they carried me, and as expected, she didn’t take me far.

My gaze landed on the huge wolf carrying me—his face marred by a scar over his eye, and he reeked of rogue. He caught me staring and growled, but before he could do or say anything, my head lolled back and darkness consumed me.