The Lycan King's Second Chance Mate: Rise of the Traitor's Daughter

Natalie~

The air in Zane’s chambers felt thick, buzzing with an energy that gave me goosebumps. The muffled whispers and hurried footsteps outside the door sent my heart into a frantic gallop. Jasmine stirred within me, her presence a warm, fierce pulse in my chest, ready to spring into action. I glanced at Zane, his icy blue eyes already glinting with the predatory glow of Red, lurking just beneath the surface.

"Did you hear that?" I whispered through our mind link, my voice tight with unease.

"Yes," Zane growled back, his tone sharp as a knife. He was already on his feet, his broad shoulders taut, every muscle coiled like a spring. The easy warmth we’d shared moments ago—curled up in his oversized hoodie, laughing about cosmic pranks—was gone, replaced by the lethal edge of the Night Alpha.

I slid off the bed, my bare feet hitting the cold floor, and crept toward the door. "Do you think it’s... another test?" I asked aloud, my voice only a whisper, trembling despite my best efforts to keep it steady.

Zane’s gaze flicked to mine, his wolf flashing behind his eyes with a fury that made my breath catch. "I don’t know," he said, his voice low and deadly, each word dripping with menace. "But either way... we’re ready."

I nodded, swallowing hard, and reached for the door handle. My fingers trembled, but Jasmine’s strength surged through me, steadying my hand. "Let’s go, big guy," I muttered, forcing a smirk to hide the fear clawing at my insides. "Time to see what the Moon Goddess is throwing at us now."

Zane’s lips twitched, a ghost of a smile, but it vanished as he stepped in front of me, his massive frame shielding me as he pushed the door open. The hallway beyond was a nightmare painted in crimson. Blood streaked the marble floors, pooling in the crevices between tiles, glistening under the bright chandeliers. Dead wolves—palace guards, their fur matted with gore—lay scattered like broken toys, their lifeless eyes staring into nothing. The air reeked of iron and death, thick enough to choke on.

"Oh, Goddess..." I gasped, my hand flying to my mouth. My knees wobbled, but Zane’s arm shot out, steadying me.