Chapter 68
Inside Gavriel’s bedchamber, the walls felt like they were closing in on Althea. She sank onto the edge of the bed, her hands trembling as she clutched the sheets. Her chest heaved, each breath uneven, as the weight of everything pressed down on her.
She had forced herself to stay cold, to show nothing when Melva was beaten and dragged away. She had kept her face blank, her eyes empty because she wouldn’t give in to what the Queen Mother and Lady Ava wanted. They were waiting, circling her like vultures, eager to see her falter, eager to learn what mattered most to her.
But now, in the safety of the Alpha King’s chamber, her mask fully shattered. Tears spilled down her cheeks before she could stop them. She pressed her palms to her face, shaking her head. “Melva she whispered, her voice breaking. “Please endure this. Please hold on p>
Her tears soaked through her fingers as she bent forward, shoulders trembling. “I promise… I will get you out of this mess soon,” she hummed, as though Melva could hear her through stone walls. Saying it aloud steadied her, even if just a little.
She wiped her face roughly, forcing the tears away. If anyone saw her like this, everything would be over. Melva would be branded her weakness forever. She could not allow that. Not in front of those werewolves who were eager to tear her apart.
Althea stood, her body still trembling, and walked toward the heavy door. She placed her hand on the cold handle, drawing in a shaky breath. By the time she opened it, her face had returned to that unreadable calm, every trace of her breakdown buried deep inside.
Outside the chamber stood Rudy with Trudis and Ben, all three standing stiffly as guards should. But the moment Althea stepped out, Ben’s mouth twisted, his voice sharp with accusation.
“How could you just leave Melva like that? She followed you here, she served you, and now she’s dragged into the dungeon. Won’t you do something?” His tone was biting, almost spitting the words at her.
Trudis gave a scornful laugh, her eyes filled with disdain. “What else should we expect? Cain’s blood still runs through her veins. Cold and unfeeling, just like him.” ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ.net
Althea’s face stayed unreadable, her eyes flat as if their words carried no weight. Inside, her chest burned, but she forced her voice to stay calm and vague.
“Sometimes… in order to survive, it is safer to act as though you don’t care. Otherwise, those you protect will be used against you.” Her words were subtle, almost like a riddle, but it was the only truth she could afford to say out loud.
Ben frowned, clearly not satisfied, and Trudis scoffed again, shaking her head. But Althea didn’t look at either of them.
Only Rudy noticed the redness in her eyes, the faint trace that betrayed her mask. He said nothing, only pressed his lips together as if keeping a secret.
Althea’s gaze finally met his, steady and direct. “I would like to speak to Gamma Simon as soon as possible,” she said firmly.
Rudy gave a quick nod. “Yes, my lady. I’ll send word immediately p>
As Rudy made his way toward the South Palace, he spotted Gamma Simon walking alongside the Alpha King midway through the corridor.
“What is it?” Gavriel’s voice cut straight to him, sharp and direct.
Rudy bowed his head quickly. “Alpha, Lady Althea requested to speak with Gamma Simon p>
“Me?” Simon blurted out, his brows furrowing. His tone carried more surprise and disbelief. But when he caught the Alpha King’s piercing glare, he stiffened immediately. “Why me?” he added, softer this time, almost regretting the question.
“Go,” Gavriel ordered coldly. “I’ll follow. And leave the door open. I want to hear every word exchanged between you two p>
Simon swallowed hard, giving a short nod. He fell silent, adjusting his posture as he obeyed.
Rudy trailed behind them as they changed course.
Gavriel’s pace quickened, his expression hard. Word had already reached him—his guard had reported that his mother and Lady Ava had come to the North Palace. That alone was enough to stir the fire in his chest, and now he wanted the full account.
Without slowing his steps, he spoke again, this time to Rudy. “Tell me everything that happened the moment my mother and Ava arrived. Every detail, Rudy. Leave nothing unsaid p>
Rudy clenched his fist over his chest and nodded. “Yes, Alpha. I will recount everything.” He quickened his pace, keeping up with the Alpha King and Simon. His hands clenched at his sides as he prepared to relay every detail.
“Alpha,” Rudy began, his voice steady despite the tension, “the Queen Mother arrived first, accompanied by Lady Ava. The moment they entered the atelier, the Queen Mother’s fury was immediate. She confronted Lady Althea, accusing her of stepping into the Alpha King’s private space without permission p>
Gavriel’s jaw tightened, and Simon’s eyes widened as they listened.
Rudy continued, “Before anyone could react, the Queen Mother struck Lady Althea. She repeated it twice. The Princess tried to remain calm, but it was clear she restrained herself from showing any emotion. She did not defend herself, though the anger and hate from the Queen Mother and Lady Ava were apparent p>
“Go on,” Gavriel gritted, his voice low and controlled.
“The Queen Mother then turned to Melva and had her beaten, pulling her forward and offering her a choice: serve her as a spy and be spared, or face punishment p>
“What?!” Simon’s voice cracked, and he nearly stopped in his tracks.
Rudy continued, his tone steady but tense, “Lady Ava suggested throwing Melva into the dungeon, saying she had no value if Lady Althea truly didn’t care. The Queen Mother agreed, and the guards dragged her away p>
He swallowed hard, briefly glancing at Gavriel. “Alpha… Lady Althea didn’t flinch. She stayed calm, her expression unreadable. But… I noticed the swell and redness in her eyes. She cried—she cared deeply. She wanted to stop it, but she stayed composed. She even gave me instructions to summon Gamma Simon immediately p>
Gavriel’s eyes darkened, and his voice dropped low, edged with a growl. “Why did she ask for you instead of me p>