Chapter 12
Chapter12
WITH THE WARMTH of the fresh, crisp air enveloping her, Helga felt a sense of peacefulness wash over her. Her fever had finally subsided, and she could feel herself returning to her usual self. As she sat on the gazebo in the backyard of her temporary residence, she savored each sip of her tea, letting the tranquility of the moment soothe her soul. It had been five days since she volunteered as the sole candidate for Luna Selection, and three days since she last saw the Alpha King. In such a short time, she felt like a lot of things already happened, it was as if she was in the palace for a month. And soon, she would face the ultimate test that would determine her future. "Is it possible for me to leave the palace grounds?" Helga asked, looking at Portia who had just set down her cup of tea. The gentle breeze of the late afternoon tousled their hair and clothes, carrying the fragrance of freshly grass and blooming flowers that adored the garden. "Do you want to?" Portia inquired curiously.
"Yes, I wanted to see the capital before my test arrives. I wish to at least enjoy myself before facing what lay ahead of me." Helga responded, her voice sincere but tinged with a hint of sorrow. "I accepted the Alpha king's challenge as a way to prove myself worthy of the title of Queen Luna. But now that the test is approaching. I can't help but feel that I should have allowed myself to truly relax and enjoy myself." A pang shot through Portia's chest as she saw the bitter smile on Helga's face. In the three days they had spent together. Portia had come to appreciate Helga's honest and open personality. She never hesitated to speak her mind or share stories from her past, even if they may be considered embarrassing by some. Despite the hardship and suffering she had endured while growing up, Helga remained open about her experiences, which only made Portia admire her more. It wasn't pity, but rather a sense of respect for her strength and resilience. out of
"I will speak to the Alpha King on your behalf and request permission for you to go to the Plaza, Portia promised, gently placing her hand on top of Helga's. "I have no doubt that you will pass the test, but I want to fulfill your desire regardless."
Thank you," Helga said gratefully, her lips curving into a soft smile as she looked at Portia. The day after tomorrow, she will finally face the dangers of Ardan Woods once again, and she couldn't deny the fear that coiled in her stomach. The trauma of her past experiences still lingered, etched into her memories like scars that would never fully heal. Every now and then, it would resurface and haunt her even in her deepest sleep.
But despite it all, her determination to prove herself worthy of the title of Queen Luna burned fiercely within her. She refused to let the fear consume her and instead channeled it into fuel for her unshakable resolve.
"Helga." Portia's voice interrupted Helga's thoughts, causing her to turn and face her once more. "I have to leave now. My mate has just arrived"
"Huh? Really? Can I come along too? I need to talk to him about something" Helga asked as she desperately wanted to know the outcome of his investigation on Miranda's use of magic. The fate of her life rested on the report that Beta David would tell, it would determine whether or not she was to be executed by the Alpha King. The conversation they had in the throne room replayed in her mind, and she remembered the menacing expression on the Alpha King's face. The consequences were clear: if she was found to be lying, he would not hesitate to end her life.
"Sure, let's head over there," Portia said, nodding and standing up from her chair. Helga followed suit, and they made their way to the main palace. Portia wasn't sure yet what she wanted to ask her mate, but she decided not to push for answers. She had a feeling it had something to do with the investigation that the Alpha King had ordered on Beta David. It was probably classified information, so she didn't want to pry. She figured Helga would tell her eventually. Once they reached the Alpha King's study, Helga looked at Portia who had been using mind link continuously since earlier. She was communicating with her mate about Helga's desire to venture beyond the palace walls and her need to speak with bim. "David said you can go in," she told Helga as they stood in front of the large door, "I will wait out here for you."
Thank you," A warm smile graced Helga's lips as she nodded in gratitude: Portia mirrored her gesture, and with a deep.
breath, Helga summoned the courage to face the Alpha King once more. She knocked on his office door before stepping inside, but to her surprise, there was another unfamiliar man seated on the sofa across from Beta David. His sharp features. were defined by a straight scar that ran from his left brow down to his under eye, adding an air of danger to his handsome appearance. His light brown hair was perfectly styled, almost as if it had been meticulously waxed into place. "Good afternoon, Your Majesty, Beta David, and she began, pausing as she glanced at the third man who appeared to be around the same age as the first two.
"Im Lucian." He introduced himself simply and to the point, but it was enough for Helga to remember the name and who exactly he was. If she remembered it right, he was also the captain of the Royal Warriors.
"Good afternoon. Gamma Lucian," she added before coming closer to where they were, her steps were slow and measured, each one bringing her closer to the Alpha King she hadn't seen in what felt like an eternity. His gaze met hers, still as cold and unyielding as ever, but somehow it held a hint of familiarity and welcome that sent shivers down Helga's spine. She couldn't tell if it was just her mind playing tricks on her or if there was something different about she couldn't help but feel drawn to him like a moth to a flame,Owned by NôvelDrama.Org.
is time. Either way.
"Sit down," Siegren's voice cut through the air, and she quickly complied, taking a seat on the sofa next to Gainma since she was already closer to him. Once settled, she turned her attention to Beta David, eagerly awaiting his report. Even though it seemed that the Alpha King had not kept her secret as she had requested, she wasn't too bothered by it with the Gamma. present. However, the silence between them began to make her uneasy, that was until Beta cleared his throat.
"Should I state my report now?" he asked, glancing at Siegren who was seated behind the large oak desk, draped in a black. silk robe that revealed a glimpse of his toned chest. His long hair, flowing like a waterfall, added to his regal and otherworldly appearance.
Tell us how your investigation went," Siegren said, his voice steady but stern. Helga felt her throat tighten as she looked back at Beta David, her heart beating faster with each passing second of his silence, anxiousness creeping up in her veins. It wasn't until he opened his mouth, and the words he spoke next made her feel all the tension in her body leave through her shoulders.
"Helga's claim was right, Alpha King... Miranda Amos was indeed using magic."