We''ve finally arrived.


    The atmosphere inside Lucienne''s main dome was suffocating, the air thick with tension and the faint scent of old wood and cold steel. I really hate being here despite being graced with the beauty of Lucienne''s wealth and glory.


    Dominic and the rest of his pathetic entourage had already been detained and their protests silenced by Killian''s men. On the other side of the room, I stood, my hands clenched tightly in front of me as I watched the Lycan King search for his prize.


    He moved with the authority of an imposing leader, eyes as bright red as his enemy''s blood scanning the rows of relics with great curiosity. I almost missed the faint flicker of appreciation this notorious man had for the main vault. Perhaps he liked the objects collected here. There was no way it was about gold or other shinny items here. A King would have grown tired of that kind of thing by the time their vault reached the count of ten.


    I had told him that he was free to search at will, admitting that I had no idea what the craved heirloom looked like it was true. I had never heard of such a thing, let alone seen one.


    Killian''s voice broke the silence.


    Fascinating, isn''t it?"


    I blinked, the man ying with his lips as he nced at me over his shoulder.


    "This vault, these trinkets... they hold so many secrets. And you yourself don''t seem to know much about it. Am I correct?"


    Instead of answering, I just keep my head down. Killian knows more about me than I care to answer.


    I frowned. "What exactly are you looking for, Your Majesty?"


    He smirked, turning back to the rows of intricately carved boxes. "Something very useful in war. A device that can create portals—to anywhere at any time. Imagine the power, the control."


    My stomach twisted at his words. A portal? Such magic sounded too great for this pack to possess.


    "And that''s what they and you are excited about, Your Majesty!"


    It was no wonder those traitors insisted on not handing it over.


    "I didn''t know Ravenhold had such a thing." I admitted.


    Killian''s smirk deepened, his fingers tracing a gilded chest before he continued. "That''s because you didn''t."


    never wanted you to know. Apparently. The heirloom was looted, stolen from another pack


    He paused for a moment, adding. "Your fake family... ne Quiet the dishonorable, wouldn''t you say?"


    The weight of his revtion hit me like an angel''s hammer of death. My breath caught in my throat as the implications began to sink in.


    "Dominic... and Nathanic!?",


    My hand flew to my mouth, shaking my head. "They... lied that it belonged to the Lucienne family? Including to you, Your Majesty!"


    They were


    y were more insane and didn''t have a single brain cell. How could they so easily lie such a thing to a bloodthirsty King!


    Killian''sughter was low and mocking "Lying is too mild a word, darling."


    I massaged my temples, letting out a lour


    out a loud, undignified sigh. I was at a lo


    loss for words for their actions.


    "They fabricated a whole history around it, iming g it as a family treasure. Typical. You shouldn''t be surprised especially with all his betrayals to


    you, Luna."


    My knees felt weak as the truth was revealed: If what Killian said was true, what would be of the pack! What would happen to them now?


    As if reading my mind, Killian stopped his search and looked at me.


    "Are you worried about that pack? The same pack that you didn''t even know the name of until recently?" he asked almost amused.


    I stiffened at his words. "I''m only worried about that pack because of the people who are in it. They don''t deserve it"


    12:44 PM


    Killian tilted his head, a faint smile ying on his lips.


    "How noble"


    Killian resumed his task. A few momentster, his search came to a halt. With a satisfied gleam in his eyes, he pulled an ornate artifact from the shelf. It glittered faintly, its surface engraved with runes that seemed to pulsate withtent power.


    I blinked. So, it''s definitely the object that everyone here wants? That is to be unpredictable in terms of form but quite impressed with it.


    "Found it," he announced, his voice triumphant. Killian held the heirloom aloft, studying it with an almost reverent gaze. Then, slowly, his attention turned back to


    me.


    "You have been so loyal Killian reveals, his tone very soft. "To dare to give this to me... this is a meaningful gesture to me, my luna."


    His eyes burned with intensity. "Are you truly willing to let this go?"


    1 swallowed hard, my fingertips trembling slightly under that gaze.


    "For you. Then yes."


    The sharp intuale from Killian was barely imperceptible, but I could catch it. Before I could process what was happening, he set the heirloom aside and crossed the distance between us in an instant


    His hands gripped my arms, pushing me back against the cool stone wall. My breath hitched, and then his lips were on mine. His kiss is fierce, possessive, leaving no room for resistance. A moan escapes my mouth as his teeth graze my lower lip, his tongue exploring every corner of my mouth. His hands trace my sides, noting every inch of my curves with a precision that makes me shiver.


    When Killian finally pulled away, I was breathless, my heart pounding against my ribs. His crimson eyes locked onto mine, filled with a mixture of triumph and something darker.


    "Your devotion to me is much appreciated," Killian hisses, his breath feeling warm against my skin. "Are you willing to let your king show you his blessings to you... and as a bonus, bring you the heads of your traitors?"


    I stared at him, my body heated as the weight of his words took hold of me in a malevolent way.


    "Yes, Your Majesty."