Chapter 13

Chapter 13 King’s decision

CA SSANDRA

My voice caught in my throat as the Alpha King’s words set in. He was absolutely correct and I understood the potential consequences of my actions

completely.

Things in Anemond were different than they were here. In Anemond, going) against the Alpha’s wish or running from the Pack was considered treason, and furthermore, a felony. They were strict in their laws and highly set in their ways in the capital, something I knew all too well. I’d lived in that terrible city for eighteen

years.

Asher Collins’ cold gray eyes bore into mine with horrible intensity as he waited for me to respond to his accusation, but I didn’t know how to answer. If I owned up to and admitted that I was trying to run away, I would be arrested and tried for treason. But I didn’t have another reason to justify my actions.

Who would run into the forest at midnight with all of their belongings other than

a deserter?

Luckily, before I could respond, Rayden rushed to his feet.

“You’re taking her to Anemond?” he demanded in surprise, and his hands balled into a fist at his side.

Alpha Gareth and Sofia’s cheeks darkened at their eldest son’s sudden outburst, and they looked at the Alpha King with apologetic expressions.

“Please forgive him, Your Majesty,” Gareth pleaded, and his dark eyes shot daggers toward his son.

“Yes, please, Your Majesty,” Sofia insisted, but Asher raised his hand to cut her off. Sofia closed her mouth and nodded, and then the Alpha King turned his

attention to their son.

“Young prince, have you learned nothing from your time with the Myriad?” he asked in an amused yet irritated tone. “Your father was just telling me that

you received a Medal of Honor during your services. Was questioning your commander something you learned during your service?”

Rayden’s eyes dropped to the floor and his hand released from its fist and relaxed. His expression said it all- he’d made a mistake in addressing the Alpha King directly like that, and he was in the wrong.

After a moment, he looked Asher Collins in the eyes and straightened his

posture.

“My apologies, Your Majesty,” he said in an even tone. “But you can’t take Ca ssy away from us-”

“Rayden!” Gareth cut him off in a loud and surprised tone, and then he shook his head and turned to the Alpha King. “I’m so sorry, Your Majesty.”

He then turned to his son.

“Leave us,” he ordered, but Rayden’s nostrils flared.

“Father, I have every right to remain here,” he insisted and even I was taken aback by the prince’s declaration. Why was he sticking up for me so much and risking his fate? The Alpha King could have his head for his indignance, and yet Rayden didn’t seem to care.

“Let him stay,” Asher declared, and he raised his hand toward Fareth. “I wish to hear the young man out. He seems to have a very good reason for remaining and a decent case to make. So, please, Rayden, explain yourself.”

He fixed his steel gaze on Rayden and a lump formed in my throat. I was scared for Rayden. Asher Collins wasn’t someone to challenge, and I was worried for his

well-being.

Rayden swallowed and then took a long, deep breath. His eyes seemed nervous, but his posture remained strong.

“Before I do, can we allow Ca ssandra to take a seat?” he wondered, and he gestured toward me. “She’s still very much injured and I see that she’s wavering a

little.”

“Yes, please, Your Majesty,” Luna Sofia spoke up, and she offered me an apologetic glance. “May she be seated?”

Asher considered her words for a moment, and for a second, I wondered if he would allow me to continue standing there in pain. It wouldn’t be unlike him.

But he simply nodded his head instead and gestured to the chair opposite him. “Take a seat, Ca ssandra.”

“T-thank you, Your Majesty,” I managed, but as soon as I took a step forward, I nearly fell. My entire b*dy was still incredibly sore, and without Marley’s a*sistance, I was semi-useless.

Luckily, Alpha Gareth took notice and rushed over to me.

“Give me your arm,” he said gently, and I nodded my head before allowing him to a*sist me. He guided me over to the chair, and once I was seated, he gave me a small smile and then returned to his perch on his sofa.

The Alpha King waited for me to be situated, and then he turned back to Rayden.

“Please, continue,” he urged.

Rayden took another breath and then nodded.

“Ca*sie- Ca ssandra, is the only healer in our Pack, Your Majesty,” he began. “We need her here. As my father mentioned to you earlier, an unknown illness has been spreading through the Pack. Her patients need her in order to continue their

treatments.”

Asher suddenly chuckled as if he were amused by something Rayden had said. His cold eyes darted over to me, and my heart nearly stopped. “What’s the name of your a*sistant?”

“Marley, Your Majesty,” I replied, and it took all of my effort to keep from stuttering. “Marley Raven.”

“Marley Raven,” he repeated back. “She’s good at medical treatment, I a*sume since you’re still with us today?”

I nodded. “Yes, Your Majesty. Marley has been training with me for a while now. She’s a fast learner and at this point in her studies, she’s able to treat most common diseases and ailments without difficulties.”

“But Ca*sie is better, Your Majesty,” Rayden spoke up, and this time Asher Collins’ stern face appeared annoyed at the outburst.

“Don’t test my temper, young prince,” he said, and he flashed Rayden a cold smile. “Let me take a guess. You like this healer, don’t you? That’s why you don’t wish for her to leave to Anemond?”

MANIRE

It took everything to keep my jaw from dropping. What was Asher talking about? Was he purposely trying to embarra*s me in front of the Wild Crawler’s royal family?

There was nothing between me and Rayden, so why else would the Alpha King say something to that effect?

Rayden’s cheeks flushed scarlet, and his lower l*p trembled.

“Did I guess correctly?” Asher laughed, and the sound made my blood run cold. His cruelty had only increased with time, and I could hardly recognize the man in front of me.

When Rayden didn’t answer, the Alpha King shook his head, and the smile left his face.

“Unfortunately, Prince Rayden, Your Ca*sie is going to leave for Anemond with me,” he announced, and then his voice hardened further. “There’s no room for discussion. If you cooperate, I may send a few healers for your Pack.”

Alpha Gareth and Luna Sofia’s expressions appeared grateful.

“Thank you-” Sofia began to say, but Asher raised his hand up to cut her off. His cold eyes remained on Rayden’s, and he raised an eyebrow.

“But if you don’t comply,” he warned, and his l*ps curled into a snarl. “I’m afraid your entire Pack will suffer the consequences. I don’t care how many people will die. She is coming with me. And that’s that.”

Then, his eyes stared back at mine, and a chill ran down my spine.

G