<h4>Chapter 123: Chapter 123 A Pull</h4>


    Upon hearing the news, the Alpha King burst intoughter. Whether it was from sheer amusement or disbelief at the audacity of the situation, no one could tell.


    "Excellent! Just excellent! Looks like they’re plotting something." His tone sharpened. "Keep a close watch on those people. Report everything back to me. And for now—don’t let them anywhere near my daughter, Addison. I have a feeling we’re in for quite a show..."


    As he spoke, a contemtive look settled over his face. The inconsistencies he had noticed before—the strange gaps in information, the suspicious role Alpha Zion and that woman yed in harming his only daughter—were beginning to make sense. And now, with his birthday celebration approaching, it seemed everything was about toe to light.


    They clearly didn’t know who Addison really was—otherwise, they wouldn’t have dared to show their faces here.


    A dangerous gleam shed in the Alpha King’s eyes. He looked every bit the predator on the hunt, his mind already working through a dozen strategies. The Royal Beta, standing quietly beside him, could practically hear the gears turning—and he knew one thing for certain: someone was about to be outmaneuvered.


    The Alpha King still had no idea what Zion’s group was nning, but one thing was certain—everything woulde to light at his uing birthday celebration. Only now was he beginning to realize that there might have been a grave misunderstanding. A theory was forming in his mind, but too many pieces were still missing, and the truth remained elusive. The only one who could fill in the gaps was Addison.


    Yet, when he recalled the state his daughter was in upon returning to the Royal Pce—wounded, both in body and spirit—he hesitated. Her physical injuries have already healed, and the emotional scars are barely scabbing over. Stirring up her memories of the past, especially the painful ones, was something he desperately wanted to avoid.


    But with Zion now walking freely within the pce walls—and with trouble clearly following in his wake—they might have no choice but to rip the bandage off and confront the truth head-on.


    Still, this wasn’t the moment. The King would bide his time. His birthday was just around the corner. Until then, he would keep ying his part, pretending not to know a thing.


    For now, the Alpha King decided to observe—to see how his daughter would handle the unfolding situation. Would she retreat? Allow others to trample over her? Or would she rise, fight back, and scheme her way to justice? The thought stirred a mischievous spark within him. After all, what fun was there in being a monarch if you couldn’t y a few games of strategy against your enemies?


    Though his heart ached with worry for Addison, he couldn’t deny that this was an opportunity—a hard but necessary lesson. He was torn between avenging her himself and allowing her to stand on her own. As the future ruler, Addison needed to prove what she was made of. She couldn’t forever hide behind her parents, relying on their strength. That would only make others see her as weak, someone easy to manipte or intimidate. And that, he knew, was no trait of a true monarch.


    If he stepped in now, what would happen when he was no longer around to shield her? One day, he would return to the Moon Goddess’ embrace. By then, Addison must be strong enough to lead—and survive—on her own.


    Especially now, with her memory gone, she needed to remember not just who she was, but who she was meant to be.


    After receiving the Alpha King’s order, the Royal Beta gave a slight bow and left without question. He didn’t need to ask—he could already tell his king was up to something mischievous again. Though he had no idea what kind of n was brewing, one thing was certain: someone was about to get a harsh wake-up call.


    He moved quickly to wee the iing guests. Most of the Alphas and their core members had already arrived days earlier and were restingfortably in the guest wing—a separate pce entirely from the Royal Pce where the royal family resided. That meant there was little concern about Alpha Zion or his entourage identally crossing paths with the Royal Princess.


    Furthermore, Addison’s quarters were heavily guarded. Trusted Royal Guards were stationed at every corner, ensuring that no one could enter or leave unnoticed. With that security in ce, the Royal Beta felt confident: Alpha Zion wouldn’t learn of Addison’s presence unless the Alpha King allowed it.


    The Royal Beta was also well aware of Addison’s situation. Although the full details of what had happened to her during her time in the Midnight River Pack remained unclear, one fact was certain—she had barely escaped with her life. That alone was enough to earn his hostility toward anyone from that pack.


    So, when he stepped out through the main gate and spotted Alpha Zion’s massive midnight-ck wolf approaching from the distance, a low growl instinctively rumbled from his chest. He was a loyal subject of the Alpha King, and Addison was their future monarch. That meant her enemies were his enemies, without question.


    Zion, still several meters away from the main gate, suddenly felt a wave of hostility pierce through the air—it was sharp and direct, instantly putting him on alert. He looked up instinctively, only to meet the intense gaze of the Royal Beta. For a moment, their eyes locked, and the tension was obviously prickling. But just as quickly as it came, the hostility vanished, as if it had never been there, like a mirage, leaving Zion to wonder if he had imagined it altogether. He gave his head a slight shake and continued forward without ncing around again.


    When he finally reached the entrance, the Royal Beta greeted him with a formal bow. It was a small but respectful gesture, customary when receiving an Alpha from another territory. Though they stood below the Alpha King in both rank and strength, Alphas were still leaders in their own right and deserved proper recognition.


    "Wee, Alpha Zion, and wee to your people. We are honored to host you in our humble abode," the Royal Beta said with a respectful nod, gesturing for them to follow him inside.


    As they proceeded, he deliberately veered to the left, choosing a route that would lead them farther away from the main pce. It was a subtle but intentional detour, following the Alpha King’s instruction to prevent any possibility of Alpha Zion encountering the Royal Princess. Everything seemed to be going ording to n—until fate intervened.


    Just as they stepped into the left wing leading toward the Guest Wing, the sound of giggles and yful shrieks echoed through the air. The Royal Beta’s ears twitched. It was unmistakable—it was the twins. Theirughter rang out from the Royal Training Arena. Judging by the noise, they were in the middle of their self-defense drills.


    Though the arena was still some distance away, both he and Alpha Zion were werewolves—creatures with exceptional hearing. The moment the yful sounds reached them, Zion’s footsteps came to a sudden halt. He turned his head slightly, gaze sharpening as he looked in the direction of the arena.


    The Royal Beta clenched his jaw subtly. Trouble, it seemed, was already brewing.