Chapter 61 061

Chapter 61 061
Draven’s POV

I couldn’t shake off the feeling that something was wrong after Aveline woke up from sleep. She looked different, like she had come across something that made her doubt everything, and the uneasiness wouldn’t let me sit still.

This was the most critical time of her life, but also the most dangerous. Everyone’s eyes would be on her, especially after what happened in the hallway today when she wasn’t able to control her powers.

It might not gain enough attention since the person attacked was an Omega, they might underestimate her strength, but that wouldn’t change the fact that the silver-eyed wolf was back.

She was back to stay, and conquer.

The thought alone made me shiver.

“Your Majesty, Your Majesty!” I heard people greet as I walked toward the maids’ quarters, but I didn’t bother with any of them. All that mattered in that moment was Aveline.

“Where’s Aveline?” I asked, unable to find her in the room she shared with the others.

The maids were surprised to see me but quickly composed themselves.

“Your Majesty, my name is Thalia, and..” one of them began, but I cut her off.

“I asked where Aveline is. I never asked for your name,” I reprimanded sharply.

“I apologize, Your Majesty. Aveline is not here at the moment, but I will let her know that..” she tried to continue, but I didn’t allow her to finish as I left the quarters immediately.

“Where could she be?” I murmured, but instinct told me to check the lake, even though part of me doubted she’d actually go there.

I decided to head toward the lake, but I bumped into Aldric on the way, and I noticed he was headed to the maids’ quarters. I could tell he was going to see Aveline, especially after witnessing his interaction with her earlier. Aldric never did anything without a motive, and this felt like one of his ploys.

“Your Majesty,” he bowed, and I sneered.

“What brings Your Majesty to such a lowly place?” he asked with false politeness.

“Lowly? This is my palace. I can go anywhere I choose, so why are you meddling? And if I may ask, what are you doing here?”

He looked shaken by the question but quickly gathered himself, letting out a dry laugh. “I’m just checking if the workers are doing their duty. It’s my role to help Your Majesty keep the palace running,” he said, and I shook my head.

He had such a glib tongue.

“Aldric, I’ll give you a piece of advice,” I mumbled, remembering the sight of him laughing happily with Aveline earlier.

He was a subordinate, and it was my duty to remind him of his place.

“Everything in this palace belongs to me, and it’s best not to covet what isn’t yours,” I said. “I already allowed you to covet one of my women, how dare you think of going further?” I rumbled, watching shock flash across his eyes.

I couldn’t believe he thought I wouldn’t notice his affair with Yan when they were right under my nose. I didn’t bother with them because they weren’t worth the trouble.

But I would use that card to destroy him if he dared to covet Aveline. A Beta having an affair with a royal concubine that was treason and would never be overlooked.

I brushed past him while he was still frozen in shock and continued toward the lake.

My eyes lit up when her intoxicating scent wafted into my nose. My guess hadn’t been wrong after all. I approached, but the sound of a loud growl made me pause in my tracks.

A growl? Could it be that Aveline had shifted?

I ran toward the lake and took cover behind the trees as I searched for her. My breath seized when I saw a giant silver wolf shining brilliantly under the moonlight, making my knees weaken.

“She looks beautiful,” my wolf purred, clearly impressed to see our mate. But behind that beauty was a legendary myth none of us could deny.

A disaster that no one could control. But I wouldn’t let that happen. I would prove the prophecy wrong.

I wanted to walk to her, but a chilling presence filled my mind, and I staggered backward.

“You must get her now! If you don’t, you’ll be killed!” the voice howled, freezing my limbs with its force.

I tried to shut him out, but it drained me, and because my wolf was cut off by him, I had to fight with my own will. It was harder than I imagined.

“Get out of my head! Aveline is not a threat to me—you are!” I growled, shutting my eyes tightly as I tried to force him out.

“No! You can only conquer the world if that evil silver wolf goes extinct! Or did you forget the prophecy? Attack her now!” he roared, trying to control my movements. But his agitation revealed something I hadn’t considered.

Aveline was more of a threat to him than to me.

“No,” I deadpanned.

My gaze trailed to Aveline, who had now shifted back, basking in the moonlight with her bare form. My cheeks flushed as I watched her.

I didn’t realize he had been pushed out until that moment. My focus on her made everything else fall silent. I would have to deal with him later.

I rushed toward her when I saw her looking clueless and shivering from the cold. I couldn’t keep my distance when the woman I loved was suffering.

“Your Majesty, what are you doing here?” she asked, concern and shock in her voice.

“No matter what happens, I’ll be here to protect you. So don’t wander without me,” I said, wrapping my cloak around her trembling body.

“I… met my wolf today. She’s beautiful,” she whispered, her voice low, and I pulled her closer.

“I don’t know why we can’t be together, but what if we can be together after all?” she asked. I couldn’t answer. Not yet. Not until I could protect both of us from everything lurking in the shadows.

She didn’t push for answers. We just stayed like that, holding onto each other.

“Should we take shelter in the cave?” she asked, tugging on my clothes.

“But it’s not raining…” I muttered, noticing her flushed face. A smirk tugged at my lips. “Should we?”