Defying the Rogue Alpha

Ava practically floated back to her room in the concubines’ quarters, her steps light, her heart even lighter. It was as if she had been walking around with an invisible weight on her shoulders, and now she could finally breathe. The news had already spread like wildfire through the fortress, carried by hushed whispers and astonished gasps. The Alpha was alive. The mighty Lucas Raventhorn had somehow survived a silver bullet. To everyone else, it was nothing short of a miracle. But to Ava, it was proof that the Moon Goddess had been watching over them both.

She barely had time to settle on her bed before Zari burst through the door.

"Is it true the Alpha is alive?" she asked, her large eyes practically bulging out of her face.

Ava smiled, still giddy, her body thrumming with excitement and relief. "Yes, Zari. It’s true."

"Wow," she breathed, shaking her head in disbelief. "The man really is immortal. I heard it was a silver bullet. A silver bullet, Ava! How does one just...recover from that?"

Ava shrugged, feeling her lips stretch into an involuntary smile. "I guess the Moon Goddess is on his side."

More than that, the Moon Goddess was on her side, too. She had given Ava the strength, the ability to heal him, to save the man she loved. And now, that man was hers. Or, well, he would be soon.

She barely managed to stifle the delighted giggle bubbling in her throat as she stretched and flopped onto her mattress. The last twenty-four hours had been a whirlwind; an emotional rollercoaster of fear, desperation, and impossible hope. Now, exhaustion settled into her bones, making every muscle ache. But she didn’t mind. It was the kind of exhaustion that came after a battle well-fought. She had won.

"Can you get me a cup of tea, Zari?" she asked, sighing contentedly.

The request was simple enough, so she was surprised when Zari froze. Just for a second. Barely noticeable. But Ava caught it, the way her shoulders tensed, the hesitation in her voice when she responded.