Lira gestured politely.
"This way, my Lady."
Liana followed her through the long hallway, Kael's last whisper pounding in her chest:
"Not all in my clan want you alive."
Her heart wouldn't stop racing.
The East Wing was stunning—arched ceilings, glowing blue torches, marble floors that reflected every step. Beautiful, yes… but there was a coldness in the air. A tension that made her skin crawl.
Lira walked ahead gracefully, her neat braids bouncing softly. She didn't look back once.
Liana swallowed.
"Lira… how long have you served Kael?"
"A long time," Lira answered calmly. "I serve the Alpha. That is my purpose."
Her tone was gentle—but carried distance. A layer of secrets.
They turned a corner—and Liana halted.
A group of wolf-warriors stood in the hall. Young. Strong. Their eyes instantly locked on her.
And just like that, the atmosphere turned sharp.
The tallest girl, with silver tribal markings on her arms, smirked mockingly.
"So the human girl finally arrives."
Another wolf chuckled.
"Seriously? That's her? I expected someone… impressive."
Liana clenched her jaw, heat rising in her cheeks.
Lira stepped forward immediately.
"You're blocking the path."
The silver-marked girl raised a brow.
"We're only welcoming our Alpha's… new weakness."
The words hit Liana like a slap.
Another wolf whispered loudly, "He's risking the clan because of her."
A third scoffed, "Humans don't last long here anyway."
Lira grabbed Liana's arm protectively.
"That's enough. Move."
This time, they stepped aside—but their glowing amber eyes followed Liana with pure hostility.
As they walked away, Liana whispered, "Why do they hate me?"
Lira didn't answer immediately.
Then finally, softly:
"Because Kael never brings outsiders into the kingdom. Especially not… women."
Liana blinked.
"So they think I'm—?"
"That you're distracting him."
"That you're dangerous."
"That the witches want you."
"That Kael is acting differently because of you."
"That the kingdom will fall because you exist."
Lira stopped in front of a tall black door with golden runes.
"They fear you," she said.
"And fear makes wolves unpredictable."
Lira pushed open the door.
Liana gasped.
The room was enormous—silver carpets, floating lights, a massive bed draped in velvet, crystal windows glowing with moonlight. A balcony overlooked the entire magical kingdom.
Beautiful.
But isolating.
Lira stepped in, her voice low and serious.
"You must stay here tonight. Do not leave the East Wing. Do not explore. And…"
She hesitated.
"…do not open the door for anyone except Kael."
Liana froze.
"Anyone?"
Lira's eyes hardened.
"Anyone."
A chill crept down Liana's spine.
Lira bowed slightly.
"If you need anything, ring the crystal bell beside your bed."
She turned to leave, but paused halfway out the door.
Her eyes softened—just a little.
"Be careful, Liana. This kingdom is not safe for humans."
The door closed.
Click.
Locked from the outside.
Liana let out a shaky breath.
---
**But the moment she turned around…
She felt it.**
Someone else was in the room.
Not Lira.
Not Kael.
A presence hiding in the shadows.
Her entire body froze.
The hairs on her neck rose.
Slowly… a tall silhouette straightened from the dark corner near the balcony.
Red eyes glowed.
Breathing harsh.
Hungry.
Obsessed.
A cold whisper came from the darkness—
"You thought Kael could hide you from me?"
Liana's blood turned to ice.
That voice.
Evan.
Inside Kael's kingdom.
Inside her room.
Waiting.