Unrecognizable

LORRY SPRINGSTONE'S / KELLY THOMPSON'S POV

Just hearing my ex-husband's name sends chills down my spine. Yet, I force myself to stay composed, almost as if I were hearing it for the very first time. Given that he is the ruler here, I know it’s best to keep my lips sealed and avoid saying anything disrespectful. They call it a crime of lese-majeste for a good reason.

Mr. Braxton's gaze is haughty as he reflects on our earlier encounter. I can sense the hostility bubbling beneath his surface; his inner wolf is restless, itching for the moment when Mr. Brandon lets it take the reins to teach me a lesson I won’t forget anytime soon.

The tension between us thickens, each of us staring intensely at the other. I refuse to let this messenger’s arrogance intimidate me; he thinks he’s so much better than me, just a mere human (at least, that’s how he sees it).

The atmosphere lightens a bit when a young servant from the pack steps into the scene.

"Miss Lorry Springstone, is that you?" she asks, her voice carrying a hint of respect.

Her gentle tone brings me some comfort, easing my earlier apprehensions.

"Please follow me," she instructs, turning to lead the way toward the castle, which is a couple of hundred meters from where we are.

As I trail behind her, a wave of excitement washes over me, triggering a flood of pleasant memories. But as we reach the gates and the guards swing them open for us, a rush of dread hits me.

Once the massive metal gate clanks shut behind us, panic surges within me. I can’t shake the fear of being arrested for the poisonous pill incident. Regret washes over me since I missed several chances to escape when I was still outside. And now, here I am, stuck inside this castle.

As my anxiety grows, I keep close to the young servant until we arrive in a sprawling, lavish room. In the center stands a woman with pronounced wrinkles on her forehead, clad in a loose, yellow cotton dress — the uniform of the head housemaid. I recognize her immediately; she’s Tina Dom, the chief Omega and majordomo of the castle. Aside from her wrinkles, she looks just as I remember from six years ago when I was forced out of the pack.

Seeing me, she quickly bends slightly at the knees in respect. I'm taken aback by her gesture of honor. It seems she recognizes me as the former Luna Queen. During my time as the Alpha King's wife, Tina and I got along well, so perhaps that’s why she still feels compelled to show me this respect despite my departure.

Then, she speaks up.

"Doctor Springstone of Liverpool, here you are at last! It’s such a pleasure to finally meet you in person. Welcome to our castle!" Her grace is unchanged.

Relief washes over me. To her, I’m a different person — and that feels like a blessing.

"Linda, you may leave us now. Thank you," she tells the young servant who brought me here.

Linda bows her head slightly and bends her knees before quietly departing, leaving me alone with Tina. Or at least, that’s what I assumed, until I take a moment to survey my surroundings.

"Doctor Springstone, please come with me," Tina urges, walking toward a bed situated at the back of the room.

I'm curious but follow her anyway, only to be met with the sight of a small boy around five or six years old, sound asleep under a blanket.

"Doctor Springstone, isn’t he adorable?" Tina whispers softly, and I nod in agreement.

"But there’s a sad story, doctor. This little boy is the king’s son — the next in line for the throne. Yet, he may never take it because he’s gravely ill. He’s suffering from severe psychological trauma and has secluded himself. What’s worse is, he refuses to eat. When we try to help, he just throws the food up. We’re all very worried about his health, and the king is even more so. Please, do something before it’s too late," Tina divulges, erasing the smile I had just a moment ago.

A sense of guilt overwhelms me for not listening to Mr. Braxton back in my office in Liverpool. This boy looks so much like my son, Eden. What if this really is him, and I failed to help? How would I feel? Those thoughts gnaw at me as I stand there, desperate to redeem myself.

Just then, the boy stirs, sensing our presence. His innocent eyes open wide, and fear overtakes him. He begins to panic and screams loudly.

"Eddy, no, don’t be afraid! It’s the doctor. She’s here to help you," Tina reassures him in a soothing voice.

But I’m taken aback by what she calls him. Eddy — so close to my son's name, Eden. Still, now isn’t the right time to delve into those thoughts; there’s a child in distress right in front of me, and I need to focus on that.

I step closer to Eddy, speaking gently.

"Hi Eddy, I’m Dr. Lorry Springstone, but you can just call me Lorry. From this moment on, we’re friends, okay?"

His startled expression suggests he’s not used to being approached this way. Is isolation a part of the reason he’s withdrawn? That’s something I need to explore as I assess his condition.

As I prepare to continue my assessment of the boy, I hear a door creak open. Tina and I turn to see a tall, imposing figure striding into the room, adorned in royal attire, complete with a scepter and a sparkling crown on his well-defined head.

I recognize him instantly: the Alpha King himself, His Majesty Jason Bentley of the South pack. He’s also my ex-husband, and we share a past that wasn’t too long ago.