?Chapter 1098:


    “What about the werewolf forest?” I asked, my tone colder than before. “Has anything unusual happened there?”


    He shook his head, his gaze still fixed on the floor. “Your Majesty, there have been no reports from the forest either. It appears… all is well for now.”


    I narrowed my eyes, my fingers drumming an anxious rhythm against the armrest of my throne.


    The weight of my apprehension pressed down on me like a heavy shroud, making it difficult to breathe.


    My sons were clever; if they wished to hide something from me, they would do so effortlessly.


    “Send someone to investigate immediately!” I ordered. “I want to know everyst detail of activity in Marehelm and the werewolf forest!”


    “Yes, Your Majesty!” The subordinate snapped to attention, bowing hastily before retreating in a flurry.


    Once alone in the grand hall, I clenched my fists, the sense of unease swelling inside me.


    “Am I overthinking this?” I murmured, rubbing my forehead, desperate to calm my racing thoughts.


    “No, that can’t be it! Even if Makenna survived, even if my sons loved her, they wouldn’t truly rebel against me for a woman! And Bryan, of all people, wouldn’t forsake the wealth and power of the Lycan royal family even if he uncovered some secret from the past.”


    I tried reasoning with myself, yet the gnawing unease refused to relent. It only grew stronger.


    Just then, the sound of hurried footsteps thundered outside the hall.


    “Your Majesty! Your Majesty!” A guard burst through the doors, his forehead glistening with sweat. “The werewolf forest has fallen! Cody… they killed Cody!”


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    “What!” I sprang from my throne, disbelief sharpening my focus instantly. My pupils dted as if my ears had deceived me.


    The werewolf forest was heavily guarded, and I had stationed Rowell and Carl there too. How could it have possibly fallen?


    “What did you say? How could this happen?”


    Makenna’s POV:


    As winter melted into spring, I spent those recovery days nestled at the Pierce family residence.


    The three princes remained entangled in the chaos Cody had left behind—even Jett and Alden had be rare sights, vanished into their duties.


    I drifted through the Pierce family’s estate alone, boredom clinging to me like a second skin. asionally, I sought Maia’spany, our conversations the only respite from endless hours.


    Today changed everything. After finishing my chat with Maia, I headed toward my room. On my way, Alden appeared before me, his face flushed with nervous energy.


    He stepped into my path, his gaze flickering anxiously, and spoke with quiet hesitation. “Makenna, I’d like to invite you to make wine with me.”


    “Make wine?” Surprise rippled through me before curiosity took hold. My lips curved upward as I asked, “Sudden interest in winemaking?”


    Alden’s blush deepened to crimson. He lowered his gaze, his voice barely above a whisper. “I heard from Maia that you’ve been feeling boredtely. So… I thought I’d take you along.”


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