hapter 65
Juno’s POV
I stared at the ceiling, my stomach tight with anxiety as Augustin stoked my hair. We were supposed to be leaving soon to meet his mother in Goldenvale. After my run–in with Evanth at the club, I fel nervous about this meeting.
‘What’s going on in that head of yours, Berry? Augustin asked, his deep voice interrupting my thoughts.
“I’m worried about meeting your mother,” I admitted. “What if she doesn’t approve of me?”
Augustin pulled me closer, his warm scent enveloping me. “She’ll see what I see in you.”
“And what’s that?” I asked, relaxing into his arms.
“Strength. Intelligence. Beauty.” His lips brushed against my forehead. “And a stubbornness that rivals my own.”
I laughed despite my nerves. “That last one might not win me any points.”
“My mother respects strength of character. You have that in spades. He sat up, pulling me with him. “Besides, I’ve already made my feelings for you clear. Her approval would be nice, but it won’t change anything between us.”
I wanted to believe him, but I couldn’t shake my unease. Growing up! Matthew had no parents to impress, no family dinners to navigate. Meeting Augustin’s mother felt like stepping into uncharted territory.
Freya had been the most concerned when I told her about the visit. She’ll either demand her son choose between you and her, or she’ll give you a chance,” she’d warned.
A knock at the door interrupted my thoughts. Bryloch stood in the doorway, his expression grave.
“Alpha King, I apologize for the interruption, but there’s an urgent matter regarding Kieran and Forestvale that requires your
immediate attention.”
Augustin’s jaw tightened. “How urgent?”
“Very,” Bryloch replied.
Augustin sighed and turned to me. “I’m sorry, Berry. I need to handle this,”
“It’s fine,” I said. “Go. I’ll wait for you to contact me when you’re ready.”
He kissed me quickly, his lips warm against mine. “I’ll be as fast as I can.”
I watched him leave with Bryloch, their hushed voices fading down the hallway. So much for our carefully planned day. I glanced at
the outfit I’d laid out. It would have to wait.
With nothing better to do, I decided to visit Scarlett. Maybe she could distract me from my nerves. When I knocked on her door, I heard a frustrated curse before she called, “Come in!”
I found her sitting by the window, a small embroidery hoop in her hands. She was attempting to stitch what might have been a flower–or possibly a misshapen star.
‘I didn’t see you at breakfast this morning,” I said, settling into a chair across from her.
Scarlett snorted. “That’s because I’ve been in here all morning, torturing myself with this.” She held up the embroidery, which was
1/3
Chapter 65
even worse up close. “I thought I’d try something new. Turns out I have no talent for it.”
As she lowered the hoop, something caught the light. A diamond ring on her finger that d
“Scarlett,” I grabbing her hand. “Is that what I think it is?”
definitely hadn’t been there yesterday.
Her face broke into a smile. “Bryloch asked me to marry him this morning. About an hour ago, actually.
“And you said yes.”
‘I did. She laughed, tears glistening in her eyes. “Immediately, without even thinking about it.”
“That’s wonderful! But wait–why aren’t you two celebrating? Why are you alone in your room stabbing fabric?
‘I needed some time to process.” Scarlett set the embroidery aside. thought I was done with all this–marriage, commitment. After Maddox…” She trailed off, her eyes darkening momentarily. “But Brych is nothing like him. He’s good to me, Juno. And I’m terrified.”
“Of Bryloch?”
“No, of fate stepping in again. Of trusting someone with my heart when it’s been shattered before.” She twisted the ring on her finger. “It’s strange to be scared and happy at the same time.”
I squeezed her hand. “I understand. But Bryloch is a good man.”
“Better than good,” she agreed. “I just need to be brave enough to accept
- it.
We sat in comfortable silence for a moment before I remembered why I’d been free to visit her in the first place.
“Do you know what’s happening with Forestvale? Augustin was called into an emergency meeting about it.”
Scarlett’s expression turned serious. “You don’t know? Kieran has successfully split Forestvale. Matthew doesn’t have complete control anymore.”
“What do you mean?”
“Parts of Forestvale have joined Fireland. From what I understand, Kieran is likely preparing to wage war on Matthew to take over
completely.”
“How do you know this?” I asked, my heart racing.
“I overheard bits of Bryloch’s conversations. I don’t have all the details, just fragments. You should ask Augustin for the full story.”
I couldn’t believe Matthew had lost control of parts of his territory. How could the other Alphas in Forestvale allow Kieran to manipulate them like this?”
“Fear is a powerful motivator,” Scarlett said grimly. “Kieran has promised them protection from Clifflands. After what happened to us…” She didn’t need to finish that thought.
“I hope Matthew gets the help he needs to fight back,” I murmured.
“You still care about him.”
“Not the way I used to,” I clarified. “But I don’t want to see him destroyed.”
2/3
Chapter 65
I spent almost two hours in Scarlett’s room before returning to my dwn. I didn’t feel like wandering the my mind. I linked Augustin.
Are you still in the meeting?
Yes, came his terse reply. It’s complicated. I’ll find you when I’m done.
gardens with so much on
I paced the room, worry for Matthew gnawing at me despite everything. Whatever he’d done, I didn’t want him dead or his territory fractured. Eventually, the stress of waiting wore me down, and I curled up on the bed, drifting into an uneasy sleep.
I jerked awake to the sound of commotion in the hallway. Blinking groggily, I looked toward the window. Evening already? Augustin had been gone all day.
Before I could gather my thoughts, the door burst open. Four Clifflands guards stormed in, their expressions grim.
I sat up in bed, confused and instantly wary. Guards never entered Augustin’s chambers without announcement. Something was
wrong.
Evanth strode in behind them, his face tight with anger.
“Bind her, he ordered.
Chapter Comments
LIKE
POST COMMENT NOW
