Chapter 284: A Princess’s Return
Natalie~
I felt the familiar tug of power as Jasmine and I tore through the veil of realms, emerging into the grand throne room of the palace. My bare feet pressed against polished marble, still humming with residual magic from my arrival. The chandeliers above flickered as if bowing to the surge of power vibrating from my veins. My arms tightened protectively around Alex’s tiny frame, feeling his soft breathing against my chest.
I blinked, taking in the scene before me.
Zane’s energy was the first thing I noticed—dark, powerful, laced with fear and rage. He stood before the gilded throne, his eyes blazing as he towered over Nathan, who was pinned down on his knees by two massive palace guards. The King sat rigidly on the throne, his gold crown tilted slightly as he leaned forward, his wolf’s fury seeping from every pore.
"Where is Alexander?" Zane’s voice was a lethal growl, vibrating with so much fury. "What did you do with my son?"
Nathan threw his head back and let out a sharp, mocking laugh that echoed off the walls. His eyes gleamed with reckless defiance as he met Zane’s deadly gaze. "Your son?" he scoffed, a smirk curling his lips. "Do your worst, faceless prince. I don’t care. Kalmia took him. She snatched your precious boy right out from under your nose."
He tilted his head, eyes burning with taunting amusement. "Go ahead. Rip me apart if it makes you feel better. But it won’t bring him back."
Zane’s hand shot forward, grabbing Nathan by the throat and lifting him effortlessly off his knees. "Wrong answer," he snarled, his eyes flashing red. Nathan gurgled, his feet kicking against the floor as the guards stepped back with wary respect.
"Zane..." I whispered, my voice trembling as tears slowly began welling up in my eyes. I couldn’t help it—the sight of him, his power, his protectiveness, it was overwhelming. "Zane..."
His head snapped up, and for a moment, all time froze. His eyes widened in shock, then melted into raw relief as they locked onto mine. Before I could take another breath, he was in front of me, his arms wrapping tightly around me and Alex. His warmth enveloped us like the safest blanket in the world.
"Natalie..." His voice broke against my ear as he pressed kisses to my temple, my hair, Alex’s soft curls. "You... you saved him... you brought him back to me."
I felt his tears dampen my cheek as he buried his face against mine, his shoulders shaking with silent sobs. I pulled back slightly to look into his beautiful, tormented eyes, brushing his damp lashes with my thumb.