The Alpha's Forsaken Feisty Mate

Radulf stepped out of the chamber, casting one last glance at Zenna before the heavy doors shut behind him. Selina had requested a private conversation, and though he left without protest, the tension in his shoulders betrayed his unease.

Zenna turned her gaze toward the High Priestess, curiosity flickering in her eyes. "Why did Madam Selina send my husband away?" she asked.

Selina studied her for a moment before speaking. "Radulf’s heart burns with vengeance. His hatred for the Alpha King blinds him, and he is desperate to seize any opportunity to bring about his downfall. However, you must be the one to keep him grounded."

Zenna’s brows knitted together. "Me?"

"The Alpha King has his eyes on both of you," Selina continued. "He harbors ambitions, which he intends to fulfill through Radulf and, by extension, through you. I did tell your husband this because he is already aware. And yet, he chooses to ignore it, convinced that he is the most powerful werewolf in the kingdom."

Zenna’s fingers curled slightly. "And how am I supposed to do that? Are there people who can help my father?"

Selina took a deep breath and said, "Radulf is so consumed by his thirst for justice that he may place his trust in the wrong people. When a man has lost everything, he will do anything to reclaim what was taken from him. And when that moment comes, he may not see the trap before it’s too late." She held Zenna’s gaze before continuing, "You must be the one to pull him back before he loses himself completely."

Zenna swallowed hard, nodding as she absorbed the weight of the High Priestess’s words. "It seems something big is on our way, isn’t it?" she asked.

Selina hummed in agreement. "But don’t let that waver your resolve, Zenna. You’ve endured so much over the past four years, yet you’ve remained strong. Hold onto your faith—it will guide you through this storm as well." Her warm smile carried reassurance, easing some of the weight on Zenna’s shoulders.

Zenna hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "I have one more question."

Selina inclined her head. "Go ahead, ask me."

Zenna took a deep breath. "If we hadn’t come here... would you have ever told us the truth?"

Selina’s expression remained serene. "You were destined to come and find me, Melissa. Everything that unfolds in our lives is guided by fate. The people we meet, the paths we take. It is never mere coincidence."

Zenna considered her words, nodding thoughtfully. "I believe in destiny too," she admitted before shifting the conversation. "Then... how am I supposed to awaken my wolf? Do you know of a way?"

Selina’s gaze softened, and a knowing smile curved her lips. "You’ll awaken it soon," she assured her. "In time, when you are truly ready."

"I’m eagerly waiting for that moment," Zenna admitted, her fingers fidgeting with the fabric of her dress. A lingering thought tugged at her, and she hesitated before voicing it.

Selina observed her closely. "It seems you have another question on your mind," she noted with a gentle smile.

Zenna lowered her gaze. "Radulf has never told me he loves me," she murmured. "Not even once. I sometimes wonder if... if he still resents me for what my father did to him." A quiet sigh left her lips. If she had a mother, she would have confided in her about these worries. But in Selina, she had found someone who carried the warmth of one, and so the words spilled from her heart.

Selina’s smile deepened at Zenna’s innocent confession. "Love is not always spoken. It is shown," she reassured her. "I am certain Radulf is confessing his love through his actions. Perhaps he will find the words soon, but until then, watch how he treats you. That will tell you more than any words ever could."

"No one has ever told me they loved me," Zenna admitted softly. "So, I suppose I expect it from my mate." She sighed, her fingers curling into her lap. "I know Radulf’s actions speak louder than words, but... just once, I wish to hear him say it."

Selina’s expression grew gentle, understanding the ache in Zenna’s voice. "Radulf’s heart is burdened with pain, Zenna," she explained. "What he endured, what he witnessed, no child should ever have to face. He once believed in love, in the power of that word. But everything was taken from him, shattered before his eyes. That’s why he fears speaking it aloud."

Zenna listened intently, her heart squeezing at the thought.

"He doesn’t want to lose you," Selina continued. "He may not say it, but his fear of losing you is proof of his love."

Zenna looked at the high priestess with widened eyes. "I will do my best to heal him," she said.

"I believe you will," Selina assured her with a warm smile.

Zenna nodded, a newfound determination in her eyes. "I suppose it’s time to leave, then." She rose to her feet, and Selina followed, walking with her out of the chamber.

In the corridor, Radulf stood waiting. His gaze immediately softened when he saw Zenna, who was smiling radiantly. As she approached him, he instinctively reached for her hand, but stopped just short, as if unsure whether he should. Instead, Zenna closed the distance and stood by his side, her presence steady and reassuring.

Radulf turned to Selina, his voice laced with gratitude. "Thank you, Madam Selina. I will always be grateful for your guidance."

Selina’s wise eyes met his. "The Moon Goddess has her blessings upon you," she said. "Remember, Radulf, that forgiveness and love are the greatest strengths a man can possess."

Radulf held her gaze for a moment before nodding solemnly. He then turned to Zenna. "Let’s go."

Together, they bowed in respect to the High Priestess, who watched them with silent blessing, praying for the path ahead of them to be one of light, love, and redemption.

~~~~

In the palace, Nina carefully selected a modest yet elegant dress, its soft fabric flowing gracefully as she moved. She adorned herself with minimal jewelry—a delicate chain resting against her collarbone and a pair of simple earrings that caught the candlelight just enough to add a subtle touch of radiance.

Tonight’s dinner with the Crown Prince was more than just a formality; it was an opportunity—one she hoped would allow her to understand Leon beyond his title. Would he be kind? Distant? Or would be again treat her coldly?

A palace servant arrived, bowing slightly before gesturing for her to follow. Nina walked through the grand corridors, her heart beating steadily with anticipation.

As they reached the main dining hall, she took in the sight of the long, polished table, its surface adorned with exquisite silverware and flickering candelabras.

"The Crown Prince will arrive shortly," the servant informed her before stepping back.

Left alone in the vast space, Nina exhaled softly, her fingers grazing the back of a chair as she steadied herself.

As Nina’s gaze swept across the elegantly set table, she became aware of the Crown Prince’s presence. The soft sound of his footsteps echoed in the grand dining hall, and before she even turned, she knew it was him.

Leon entered with effortless grace, his expression unreadable yet commanding. Their eyes met, and for a brief moment, time seemed to still. Nina lowered her head in a respectful bow.

"Your Highness," she greeted, her voice smooth yet composed.

"Take a seat," Leon instructed, his tone neutral but firm.

Nina obeyed, settling into the chair opposite him at the long table. Though the distance between them was vast, she could still feel the weight of his presence. The servants moved swiftly, placing exquisite dishes before them. Silver lids were lifted, revealing a feast worthy of royalty. As Leon reached for his napkin, unfolding it with an effortless elegance, he regarded her thoughtfully.

"I expected you to dress extravagantly for the occasion," he remarked casually.

Nina tilted her head slightly, watching him with quiet curiosity. "I felt it was better to dress simply," she responded. "Did Your Highness not approve?"

Leon’s lips quirked in an almost imperceptible smirk. "No," he admitted. "It’s pretty."

A flick of his fingers dismissed the attending servants, leaving them in an intimate silence.

"Let’s begin, then," he said, turning his attention to the meal before him.

Nina picked up her fork, but her focus remained on him. She expected him to talk to her, but it turned out to be a silent dinner. She looked down on her plate and decided to eat first before initiating any conversation.

"Say whatever is in your heart," Leon said before taking the steak in his mouth and looking at her. As he chewed and swallowed it, he continued, "Aria doesn’t know about me much while from Zenna you won’t find out anything."

Nina couldn’t believe that even he knew where she had gone or did Aria tell him about this?

"In the palace every movement is recorded and reported, Nina," Leon replied to her before she could form her question.