?Chapter 465:


    yton, unaware of what had happened yesterday, was only more confused. “The lion at the Royal Animal Farm is dead? What does that have to do with Makenna and her friends? Could they have killed it?”


    The soldier’s slight nod was all the confirmation he needed.


    “What happened exactly? How did you get mixed up with the lion at the Royal Animal Farm?” yton’s confusion was written all over his face.


    My stomach churned, and I lowered my voice. “I’ll exin everythingter, when there’s time.”


    Before I could say more, a soldier stepped closer, his tone firm but respectful. “Miss Dunn, His Majesty is waiting. We must move quickly.”


    yton’s hand shot out, grabbing my wrist and pulling me behind him. “No, Makenna. You can’t go.”


    The soldiers exchanged uncertain nces. One of them, braver than the rest, dared to advise, “Your Highness, resisting like this will only provoke His Majesty.”


    But yton stood his ground, his voice edged with defiance. “Then let my fathere to me. I’ll answer for it.”


    A wave of gratitude rushed through me, but I couldn’t let him face this alone. Stepping out from behind his protective stance, I caught his eye and smiled softly. “I appreciate it, Your Highness. But I need to go. This has to be dealt with.”


    yton’s brow furrowed, worry etched in every line of his face. “I’m afraid something might happen…”


    I squeezed his hand, hoping to reassure him. “Don’t worry. I’ll be fine.”


    He hesitated but finally relented, though he insisted oning along.


    We soon arrived at the grand hall. The atmosphere was stifling, thick with tension. Towering stone pirs loomed overhead, casting long, heavy shadows, and the dim light barely pierced through the solemn gloom. Each step made my heart race faster.


    Soon, Evie and Alice were ushered into the hall by another group of soldiers. Their faces were ashen, their hands trembling with fear. I couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy for them.


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    Leonardo sat upon his throne, his face carved into a grim mask, like a storm ready to break.


    His eyes, cold and calcting, narrowed when theynded on me. The weight of his gaze alone sent a chill down my spine.


    “Makenna,” he growled, his voice low and dangerous. “How are you?”


    I dipped into a respectful bow. “Your Majesty, I am well.”


    His face darkened further at my response. “Then exin what happened yesterday,” he demanded.


    Evie and Alice flinched at the sound of his voice, their fear more pronounced now under his scrutiny.


    I took a steadying breath, stepping forward to meet the king’s gaze head-on. “Your Majesty,” I began, keeping my voice calm, “if you summoned us here, you must already know about the incident at the Royal Animal Farm.”


    His eyes narrowed even more, as if daring me to continue. “Hayley has already informed me,” he said icily. “Yesterday, she punished Alice by ordering her to clean the farm. Due to Alice’s ipetence, the lion escaped… and died.”


    So, it was Hayley. She had her hand in this after all. My fists clenched at my sides, but I kept my voice steady as I spoke. “Your Majesty, Alice is a timid she-wolf. She’s far too scared to even approach a lion, let alone release one.”


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