Chapter 118: Don’t Make Me a Murderer
Another violent burst of laughter echoed through the room, loud and thunderous. Delighted, Althea slid the tip of her shoe beneath Lorelai’s chin, lifting it so the princess had no choice but to meet her gaze again.
"See? Replacing your mother with me was the easiest part," the queen taunted, a glimmer of amusement in her eyes. "I had quite a bit of trouble erasing him..." She stopped abruptly, clearing her throat as if carefully choosing her words. "But don’t you worry. This time, it will be easier. Once I’m done, he won’t trouble you anymore."
Lorelai swallowed hard, the mix of her blood and saliva trickling down her dry throat. With the searing pain ripping through her head, she struggled to make sense of Althea’s words. All she could focus on was the agony that consumed her. She would have done anything for it to stop—she was even ready to beg the queen.
She was ready to die if it meant an end to this suffering.
Althea’s grin widened, and she grabbed the princess by her hair, jerking her back up to her feet despite Lorelai’s struggle with pain. Once Lorelai was standing, the queen slammed her against the wall, pressing a cold black dagger into her trembling fingers, its sharp blade aimed directly at Lorelai’s stomach.
In that moment, as if by some twisted magic, the pain abruptly ceased. Lorelai gasped, sucking in a breath as she fought to steady herself, panting heavily.
She clenched her fists, wincing as the blade’s sharp tip brushed her body, the cold metal finally making her fully aware of the danger she was in. A series of violent shivers coursed through her, while Althea smiled, savoring the princess’ distress.
"Lorelai," she spoke softly, her voice warm, pulling Lorelai’s attention back. "Look at me."
The princess obeyed, her wide green eyes locked onto the queen’s. Althea continued, "Kill the lycan king and bring me his blood."