Four

~Adinah~

"Betrayed you?" He seemed genuinely perplexed. "Is this about the arranged marriage?"

I nodded, realising that he had yet to grasp the complexity of my motives. "It's more than that. It's about lies, deceit, and the destruction of everything I held dear."

His gaze lingered on my face, assessing the honesty in my words. "And where do I fit into this revenge plan of yours?"

I smirked, a dark resolve settling in. "You're a powerful king, and you want me to leave the pack. I'm a pawn in your departure. A political move for you."

He raised an eyebrow, considering my words. "So, you propose an alliance? You want to use me to achieve your revenge?"

"In a way," I admitted. "But it's not just about using you. It's about mutual benefit. You get to lead the pack without any consequences, and I get the resources and influence to execute my revenge plan."

A moment of silence hung between us as he processed the proposition. "You're a cunning Luna, Adinah."

"I learned from the best," I replied, a bitter smile playing on my lips. "Now, are you in or out?"

He leaned back, studying me with an intensity that made me squirm under his gaze. "If we're going to embark on this dangerous path together, I need to know the full extent of your revenge. Who are we dealing with, and what's your endgame?"

I took a deep breath, collecting my thoughts, before disclosing the sinister plot Jeremy had woven.

"Jeremy is more than just a rival for the pack," I began, my voice steady despite the turmoil within. "He's planning to annihilate my entire family, starting with my father and siblings. His lust for power knows no bounds."

Killian's eyes narrowed, a hint of concern flickering across his stoic expression. "Why target your family?"

I hesitated for a moment, choosing my words carefully. "He sees them as obstacles to his dominance. Eliminating them secures his position in the pack."

"There's more. He's been sleeping with Sienna, my supposed best friend. The betrayal runs deep, and their alliance threatens not only my family but the entire pack and possibly the kingdom."

He remained silent, absorbing the gravity of the situation.

"By marrying me off, I've merely fueled his jealousy, making him more unpredictable. But now, I'm outside the pack, unable to confront him directly."

Killian finally spoke, his voice measured. "How can I assist you in executing this revenge plan?"

I leaned back, studying him as I pondered my next words. "I need a strategic ally. Someone who can strike when Jeremy least expects it."

His piercing gaze met mine. "What's in it for me?"

"A loyal bride," I replied, my tone resolute. "I'll be your Luna, standing by your side, ensuring the alliance endures. You'll have my unwavering support."

A contemplative silence enveloped us as Killian absorbed the proposition.

After what felt like an eternity, he spoke. "I will consider your proposal, Adinah. But understand this: alliances come with a cost, and I expect you to uphold your end of the bargain.”

I nodded and gave him my words, and the journey was once again enveloped in an uneasy silence, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

Killian's contemplative demeanour hung in the air, making me question the decision I had just set into motion. This was crucial for my revenge, but it came at a cost: an alliance with the imposing Killian and his mysterious mother, Margaret.

As we arrived, the grandeur of the Lycan palace sprawled before us. It was completely different from the familiar comfort of the werewolf packhouse. I took a deep breath, mentally preparing for the challenges that awaited.

He stepped out of the car, and as I moved to follow, Margaret appeared, her presence overshadowing the beautiful surroundings. Her eyes met mine but flickered away as if I were a mere speck in her world.

"Killian, my son!" she exclaimed, ignoring my presence entirely. Her gaze, filled with adoration, was fixed solely on him.

I stood there awkwardly, a sense of insignificance creeping over me as they shared a warm embrace. It was clear—I was nothing more than an unwelcome intrusion into her perfect world.

“Mum, this is Alpha Eldrick’s daughter; please show her around and make her comfortable.” He quickly introduced us.

And as he disappeared into the palace, I found myself standing alone with her. A shiver ran down my spine, a foreboding sense of what was to come.

Margaret wasted no time. She cornered me, her eyes narrowing with disdain. "You must be Adinah, the Luna my son has brought along."

I nodded, bracing myself for the confrontation that seemed inevitable.

She tilted her head, a condescending smile playing on her lips. "A gold digger and a filthy dog—that's what you are. Don't think for a second that you'll gain anything from being here."

Her words cut through me, but I refused to show weakness. "I'm here for an alliance, nothing more."

She chuckled, a mocking tone underscoring her words. "Alliance, huh? We'll see how long that lasts. You may have fooled my son, but you won't fool me. I'll be watching you."

The threat hung in the air, heavy. I met her gaze, refusing to let her see any vulnerability. "I have no intentions of causing trouble."

She leaned in, her voice a venomous whisper. "Listen well, little Luna. If you try anything fishy with Killian, if you betray him or our pack, I won't hesitate to make you regret it. You're nothing to me, and I won't allow you to ruin what my family has built."

“I just got here, Your Majesty; at least cut me some slack before you start judging.”

She batted her lashes in disbelief before retorting, “She talks back? Is this the kind of woman he intends to make his queen? I’ll not let this marriage take place.”

With that, she turned and walked away, leaving me standing alone in the opulent entrance of the palace.

“Such a drama, Queen.” I muttered under my breath.