In the weeks that followed, the castle remained lively. Visitors came and went—kings, nobles, warriors. Among them were King Nikklaus, King Xavion, Duke Angus, and Commander Zeke.
Another night brought another party.
The lounge was filled once again with music, laughter, and power. Over a hundred guests mingled as drinks flowed freely and alliances formed behind carefully placed smiles. Aphrodite stood among them, quiet as always—observing, existing.
Commander Zeke approached her, already holding a drink. "Enjoying yourself?" he asked with a grin.
Aphrodite nodded politely. "Yes."
Across the room, Princess Sylvara stood with King Nikklaus, speaking closely, laughing softly. Everything looked perfect—but something felt off. Nikklaus felt it.
His gaze kept drifting—not to Sylvara, but to Aphrodite.
And then he saw him. Commander Zeke.
Too close. Too comfortable.
Something inside Nikklaus tightened. A low, controlled growl built within him.
Mine. His wolf stirred violently.
Take her.
Nikklaus clenched his jaw. Not here. Not now.
His eyes flicked briefly toward Queen Alaria—watching, always watching.
"I can't," he thought. "Not like this."
His wolf snarled in response. Then watch her get taken.
At the bar, Commander Zeke downed drink after drink. One. Two. Three. By the time he returned, his control was gone.
He stepped closer to Aphrodite again—too close.
"Come here," he said, grabbing her arm.
She didn't resist. She never did.
"You're pretty," he slurred. "If you're not taken… I want you."
She looked at him, calm, confused. "Why?"
The word hit wrong.
His grip tightened. He leaned in, trying to kiss her. She turned her head. Then she slapped him.
The sound echoed, sharp and sudden. Silence fell.
Zeke's expression twisted. "How dare you—"
His fist connected with her face and she hit the floor.
Everything inside Nikklaus snapped.
NOW. His wolf roared. Go help your mate.
"I can't," Nikklaus forced himself to think. "Not like this."
Then you're weak.
Zeke grabbed her again, dragging her up before striking her again and again.
No one move they just watched. Even the king and queen— smiling.
That was the breaking point.
Before anyone else could act, Nikklaus moved. Fast. Precise. His fist slammed into Zeke's face, dropping him instantly.
Silence followed. Nikklaus stood over him, breathing steady, controlled—dangerous.
Then his eyes lifted to her.
Aphrodite lay on the ground, hurt, yet strangely calm.
"I had it," she said softly.
His expression darkened.
No. She didn't.
He extended his hand. She hesitated for only a moment before taking it.
Their hands touched. And something shifted.
A flicker. A spark. Something neither of them understood.
"Thank you," she said quietly.
Nikklaus said nothing. He released her, turned, and walked away as if nothing had happened.
Slowly, the music returned. The party resumed—like it meant nothing.
Princess Sylvara approached quickly. "Why must you draw attention to yourself?" she snapped. "You are not some helpless girl."
"I wasn't—" Aphrodite began.
"And if our parents see you getting close to someone like him?" Sylvara continued. "They will destroy you."
"Why do you care?" She asked.
Sylvara smiled coldly. "Because that king is mine."
She blinked. "Who is he?"
Sylvara laughed lightly. "I plan to be his queen."
Across the room, Nikklaus heard everything—and laughed.
Sylvara froze. "Do you think he heard us?" she whispered.
"You were loud," Aphrodite replied calmly. "Everyone heard it."
Sylvara's expression hardened. "How dare you speak to me like that? Do I need to remind you what you are?"
Aphrodite's expression dropped instantly. "No… I'm sorry."
Sylvara smiled. "You're lucky this is a party. As for our parents… they will know." and she walked away.
Duke Angus approached soon after, speaking casually with Aphrodite. They talked for some time—until Queen Alaria appeared.
"Oh, Aphrodite," she said sweetly. "I see you're enjoying yourself." She paused. "Come with me."
She lowered her head. "Yes, your majesty."
They walked in silence through the halls until they reached her room. The door closed behind them.
Queen Alaria turned to her, her expression unreadable.
"Are you okay?" she asked.
Aphrodite blinked, confused. "I am… thank you."
Queen Alaria smiled. But it didn't reach her eyes.
The room felt colder. Heavier. Like something unseen had shifted. She stood there, silent… waiting. Because she knew— this wasn't over.
And somewhere, deep within the castle walls, something else had begun to stir.
Do you think Queen Alaria will harm Aphrodite?
Do you think King Nikklaus will save her?
What do you think will happen next?