Chapter 196
Chapter 196
Madilyn's POV
"I have to go down there. I have to save her," I whisper, my voice calm but burning with resolve.
Harrison’s hand stays pressed against the window, his knuckles white, his eyes locked on the chaos unfolding on the street below. Beside him, his pregnant wife sobs uncontrollably, the sound cutting through the stillness like glass shattering. It’s gut-wrenching. I force myself to look away. I can’t afford to break now.
Our apartment is protected—shielded by Mason’s magic. The same kind of barrier that once guarded the Bloodmoon mines. No one can break in. No enemy can step past the invisible wall. Jayden’s tried already. That’s why he’s taken hostages. This isn’t about them.
It’s about me.
I breathe in deeply and head to Ariana’s bedroom.
A soft night light casts a golden halo around her tiny face. She sleeps soundly, breaths slow and innocent, tiny hands curled beneath her cheek. I stop at the doorway. My heart clenches so hard I feel breathless.
Will this be the last time I see her?
Tears blur my eyes. I dreamed of so much for her. A full life. Laughter. Hope. Now I wonder if I’ll live long enough to see her smile again.
No. Not now, Madilyn. No weakness.
Mason is out there fighting. And I must do the same.
I kneel beside her bed and gently brush strands of hair from her forehead. I press my lips softly against her skin, letting them linger.
"I hope you grow up strong. Stronger than me," I whisper. "May the moon always watch over you."
I tear myself away.
Back in the front room, a plan sparks in my head. I move to the window and throw it open. The cold rushes in, sharp and unforgiving. But I hold steady, locking eyes with Jayden below.
“Bring the girl to my doorstep. We’ll make an exchange. She comes in—I go out. You swear a blood oath that no more hostages will be taken. In return, I surrender myself to you.”
Jayden’s wicked grin stretches across his face. His eyes glint with madness.
“These people mean nothing to me,” he sneers.
He slices his palm open. Blood spills, dark and heavy, soaking into the dirt beneath him. The scent is sharp and metallic.
“I vow to release them—including the girl.”
It’s done. A werewolf blood oath isn’t easily broken.
I step toward the door.
But Harrison blocks me.
His eyes—swimming with pain—lock with mine.
“They’ll kill you,” he says, his voice cracking. “And then use your death to destroy Prince Mason’s rule… and take Bloodmoon.”
His words strike like lightning.
“You’re our future queen, Madilyn. You can’t sacrifice yourself.”
A man, forced to choose between his wife and his king. No one should have to make that choice.
“I want to save my family,” he breathes. “But I’m also a soldier. And her life—my wife’s—can’t outweigh the life of royalty.”
He believes that. Truly believes it. That commoners are meant to die for the crown.
I step toward him, voice hard and unwavering.
“Why should my life be worth more than hers?” I say. “If you see me as your future queen, then know this—it is my duty to protect my people. Now move aside.”
His mouth parts. He falters. But still, he doesn’t move.
“Mason ordered me to keep you safe,” he says. “If I let you go… he’ll never forgive me.”
I place my hand over his heart.
“Mason would honor your loyalty. But now, you must listen to me. When the door opens, pull your wife in and lock it. Keep her and Ariana safe. Nothing else matters. Do you understand?”
He trembles, but he doesn’t move.
I harden my tone.
“I said—do you understand? This is not a request. It’s an order.”
And suddenly, I feel something rise in me. Something ancient. Fierce.
Maybe this was always my fate. Maybe every wound I’ve ever endured prepared me for this moment—to walk into danger with my head held high.
Harrison finally drops to his knees.
A fist over his heart. Tears streaking his cheeks.
“Yes… My Queen.”
The words almost shatter me.
But I lift my chin and step outside.
The cold stings. Blood coats the ground. Bodies lie broken across the pavement. Civilians. Guards. Innocent people caught in a war they never chose.
Kara stands a few feet away, arms wrapped around her belly. Terrified.
Jayden’s soldiers line the area, weapons drawn. She’s close enough for Harrison to grab her, but I’ll have to walk straight into enemy territory to take her place.
I whisper, “When we’re close, take her and lock the door.”
Harrison nods once, face like stone.
We walk.
Every step is heavy.
As planned, he lunges, grabs Kara, and rushes her back toward the apartment.
I take her place.
Jayden doesn’t even look at Kara. His eyes are on me alone.
Behind me, Harrison clutches his wife tightly, kissing her tear-streaked face and the curve of her stomach. For one second, the world slows.
But then I see it—he whispers something to her.
And shoves her through the door.
Lock.
He turns to face me again.
“Harrison, no,” I breathe, stunned. “Go back. Be with your wife.”
He gives me a bittersweet smile.
“You protected my family, My Queen. Now let me protect you.”
Then—
His claws flash. His silver eyes burn. His teeth bare.
Jayden’s men step forward.
And Harrison steps in front of me.
A shield.
A soldier.
A sacrifice.
A storm about to break loose.