<h4>Chapter 248: Journey to the Lycan Kingdom</h4>


    <strong>***************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 248</strong>


    <strong>~Snow’s POV~</strong>


    Zara’s words cut through the awkward tension, making everyone freeze. All but Kaid.


    "Ivan," she repeated, "...he’s working with Melvin. He was the one who captured me."


    cier snarled in the back of my mind, the name igniting a fresh wave of rage. My fists clenched at my sides as I fought to maintain control.


    "I knew that snake was still lurking," Zade muttered, his face darkening. "We should’ve finished him when we had the chance."


    "Ivan." Kaid’s deep voice rumbled, his eyes narrowing as he stepped closer. "This makes things personal."


    "It’s already personal," I snapped, turning toward him. "Ivan’s been a threat to Zara for years. If anyone’s going to deal with him, it’s me."


    "Then why didn’t you already?" Kaid retorted.


    Before the argument could re up again, Zara’s voice cut through. From her tone, one could tell how exhausted and frustrated she was. "Enough! This isn’t about who gets to fight who. Right now, we need to get to safety, and I need answers. Everything else can wait."


    Leaning casually against a nearby tree, Golden God smirked. "Looks like thedy has more sense than the rest of youbined."


    Kaid growled low, but I forced myself to focus on Zara. She was right. Every second spent arguing was another second wasted.


    "Fine. We’ll deal with Ivan and Melvin after we get you healed."


    Zara nodded, her gaze softening slightly as she looked at me. "Thank you, Snow."


    Kaid’s eyes lingered on her before he turned to Richard. "Get the chopper ready. We leave immediately."


    "You heard him," Richard said briskly, already moving.


    Golden God straightened, adjusting his rifle. "I’ll keep watch. You never know when another rogue might decide to get brave."


    "You’reing with us?" Kaid asked, his tone sceptical.


    Golden God tilted his head, smirking. "Not a chance. I’ve done my part. I’ll hang back and make sure no one follows."


    "I don’t trust him," Kaid muttered under his breath as he turned away.


    "You don’t have to," Golden God called after him, grinning. "But you’ll thank meter."


    ****************


    The helicopter ride was tense and quiet, save from the des as the only sound apanying us while we soared through the night sky. Zara rested against me, her breathing even but shallow. I could feel the weight of her exhaustion, the strain of everything she’d endured.


    Kaid sat across from us, his gaze never leaving her. The intensity of his stare made cier bristle, but I forced myself to ignore it.


    This wasn’t the time for petty territorial disputes, no matter how much Kaid’s presence grated on me.


    Zade leaned back, his arms crossed, while he put on a mask, controlling his anger.


    Everything that hapd happened today tested and enraged us.


    With Zara’s life on the line, we basially became helpless a nd Melvin was right.


    She hd be a weakness.


    Zara nced a me and intertwined our fingers, cing our locked hands on my thgh.


    But she ws also my strength.


    I knew Zade was already nning his next move, calcting how to strike back at Ivan and Melvin.


    As for me, all I could think about was Zara. Every time her breath hitched or her body tensed, my chest tightened with worry.


    "We’re almost there," Kaid finally broke the silence.


    "Where exactly is ’there’?" Zade asked rather sharply than iontended.


    "My kingdom," Kaid replied. "My priestess will see to Zara’s injuries."


    Zade frowned, his mistrust evident. "And how do we know she can be trusted?"


    Kaid’s eyes shed with irritation. "Because unlike some, I don’t fail the people I care about."


    Zade opened his mouth to retort, but I held up a hand. "Enough. Let’s just get Zara the help she needs. We can sort everything else outter."


    As the helicopter began its descent, I nlooked down. Below us, the sprawling expanse of Kaid’s territory came into view, the vast forests and mountains bathed in moonlight.


    Thending was smooth, and as soon as the doors opened, Kaid was out, barking orders to his waiting guards.


    A woman in flowing robes approached, her aura radiating calm and authority. Her dark hair shimmered in the moonlight, and her blue eyes assessed Zara with a mix of concern and determination.


    "This is Priestess..." Kaid said, his tone softening slightly.


    "Siona," Zara muttered, shocking everyone. Judging from the look on her face, she looked equally shocked to see thetter.


    I nced at Kaid. At first, his shock was evident but after that, there was a knowing smile stered on his face.


    "I see you’ve met," Kaid added, walking closer to Zara.


    Zara nced in my direction before looking elsewhere. "Good. She’ll take care of her," Kaidmented.


    "I’ll need space to work," Siona chimed, ncing at everyone, "on all of you," her voice soothing.


    "I’m staying with her," I said immediately.


    "As am I," Kaid added, stepping closer.


    Siona’s gaze shifted between us before she sighed. "Fine. But if either of you interferes, you’ll answer to me."


    Zade stayed behind, watching the exchange with a scowl. "I’ll make sure no one else gets near if you don’t behave. Zade’s tone left no room for argument.


    We were led down from the helipad to the king’s pce. Both Zara and I were taken to a private room.


    From the looks of things, it belonged to Siona.


    As Siona began her work, I held Zara’s hand, my heart aching with every wince and shudder.


    By the time we were done, both Zar and I were asked to rx while she treated Zade outside.


    "I’m sorry," I began and Zara shook her head gently.


    "No, you and Zade did plenty. Just your presence alone was everything. Thank you, Snow."


    Before Zara got to finish what she was saying, I scooted close to her, wrapped my hand around her waist, and kissed her deeply.


    I kissed Zara deeply, pouring all my emotions into it—the fear, the relief, the anger, and most of all, the love.


    Her lips were soft but slightly chapped, a reminder of everything she’d been through.


    She leaned into me, her hand resting lightly on my chest, her fingers curling into the fabric of my shirt.


    <i>"Boy, I missed her."</i>


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