The Alpha's Forsaken Feisty Mate

Zenna clenched her fists as she stared at Radulf’s unconscious body. His skin was marred with wounds, not large ones, but enough to shake her deeply.

Doctor Josiah worked quickly beside the bed, his brows furrowed in deep concentration. After examining the wounds and drawing a sample of blood, he looked up gravely.

"A poison was used on Alpha Radulf," he announced.

Zenna’s eyes widened. "What do you mean?" she asked.

Josiah nodded toward the deep cut along Radulf’s ribs. "I believe someone laced their claws or fangs with a slow-acting toxin. It wasn’t enough to kill him instantly, but just enough to weaken him. He must have been too focused to notice the symptoms as they crept in."

"It’s possible," Savio stepped forward from the shadows of the room. "Radulf never once fainted after a fight... not even during wartime. Whatever this is, it was planned."

"Who could it be except for the Alpha King?" Zenna muttered. Her insides were burning with a rage, which was hard to explain.

"Yes," Savio replied gravely. He turned to the doctor. "Josiah, what exactly can this poison do? And is there a cure?"

Josiah hesitated before replying. "The poison... it’s beyond my current knowledge. I need time to study the blood sample I’ve taken. Only then can I determine its nature. But from what I’ve observed, it appears to be designed to sap his strength gradually."

He paused, eyes flickering toward Radulf’s unconscious form. "Defeating a dominant Alpha like Radulf through brute force is nearly impossible. So... perhaps the Alpha King resorted to trickery. Since the effects are unknown, I can’t determine a cure yet."

Zenna’s heart sank promptly. The fear in her eyes turned swiftly into fire. "I’m going to the palace," she declared, rising to her feet.

"You can’t," Savio said firmly, stepping between her and the door.

"I will demand the cure from my father," Zenna said. Her eyes turned silvery as they began glowing. For a moment, Savio faltered, stunned by the sheer power radiating from her.

Just then, Pia burst through the doorway, out of breath. "Luna! There’s someone here who insists on seeing you!"

Zenna didn’t look away. "Tell them to leave," she snapped.

"But... the person refuses. They said it’s urgent," Pia insisted.

Savio looked at Zenna and said gently, "See who it is. We’ll find a way. I promise you."

After a pause, Zenna exhaled through clenched teeth and gave a nod, her glowing eyes slowly turned normal. She walked out of the room as Pia led her way.

As Zenna stepped into the living room, her eyes fell on a young man seated on the far end of the sofa. He was younger than her, barely out of his teens, by the look of him. At the sight of her, he rose instantly and bowed with respect.

"I don’t have time for idle chatter. Who are you, and what is it you want? I’ve never seen you before."

The young man lifted his gaze. "Lady Zenna," he said carefully, "I understand the urgency of your situation. But please... can we speak in private?" He hesitated a bit. "I urge you—it’s important."

"If you can’t speak here, then you may leave," Pia said sharply, stepping protectively closer to Zenna. "Luna, shall I call the guards? He caused quite a stir trying to enter the mansion."

"No," Zenna said firmly, eyes fixed on the young man. "Follow me. Pia, stay here."

She turned and led him up the stairs in silence. The tension between them hung thick in the air until they reached the corridor. Zenna finally stopped and turned to him with a guarded expression.

"Forgive me for not introducing myself earlier," the young man said, lowering his gaze in respect. "I am Jakob Cuvine. Back in Herah... you saved me."

Zenna’s brow furrowed. "When did I save you in Herah?"

"The berserk wolf... that was me," Jakob said quietly.

Zenna’s eyes widened in disbelief. "What?" she breathed. "If that’s all you came to say, you’re free to leave. My husband is gravely injured, and I don’t have time for vague tales."

"That’s why I’m here," Jakob said quickly, his voice trembling slightly but firm.

Zenna blinked, caught off guard. "What do you mean?"

Without another word, Jakob unhooked the cloth bag slung across his shoulder and rummaged inside. He pulled out a small, timeworn box and offered it to her with both hands.

"My mother passed away last year," he said. "Before she died, she gave me this and told me that if I ever met a woman with silver eyes, I must give it to her. It will protect her. When you calmed me in the Herah market... I knew it was you. I couldn’t approach you then, but after learning you lived in the capital, I came here."

Zenna stared at him, the shock making her temporarily forget the chaos in her life. She carefully accepted the box and opened it.

Inside was tiny flask, shimmering faintly in the light. Beneath it lay a neatly folded letter.

Zenna pulled it out slowly, her hands slightly trembling as she unfolded the parchment and began reading.

"Dear Zenna,

This is your aunt, Clara. I’m sorry I never approached you... but it was the only way to keep the last of our kind safe.

Your mother is alive.

You must find her and save her.

This flask holds a special tonic, meant only for you. If you’re ever injured, take only one drop of this.

I wish I had the chance to see you, just once, to hold you close like my sister once did. But fate had other plans. I’m so sorry, my child.

With love,

Your Aunt,

Clara."

Zenna stood frozen, her fingers trembling around the fragile letter. ’Mother... is alive?’

A thousand thoughts clashed inside her, none making sense. All her life, she had believed her mother was gone and she never even cared about her.

Her eyes darted to the tiny crystal flask nestled beside the letter, its contents glowing faintly.