Chapter 73
Chapter 73
“Thank you,” I said, inclining my head respectfully.
+25 BONUS
Owen’s frustration was evident, though he said nothing. Lucas, on the other hand, looked furious. His eyes darted from side to side nervously.
The court session ended with Owen’s decree to hold the judgement for further review. My lawyers requested a time scale of a week, to which he lengthened, using his royal rights, to two weeks. What he thought he would accomplish I didn’t know, but it hardly mattered, fite noble panel had made their decision in accordance with the laws, and if the temple could help me sever the last thread of Lucas‘ hold, I would take that chance–no matter what it cost.
People started to file out but I followed the priest toward lits private chambers. The room was quiet and dimly lit, the only sound the faint rustle of the priest’s robes as he entered and took a seat across from me. His serene expression offered little comfort, but I forced myself to sit tall, meeting his gaze.
“Thank you for meeting with me,” I began. My voice was steady, though I felt the weight of exhaustion from the courtroom weighing down on me.
The priest inclined his head. “You are entitled to seek the guidance of the temple in matters of the bond… And given the king’s obvious bias against you and your freedom, it is a smart thing to do. He was never a very gracious child.”
I smiled at that. “You’ve known him for a while?”
“He, his brother, and his father.” He shook his head. “I must say that young Theodore took the best of the genepool for himself… though I suppose you know that of your fiance. Tell me your worries.”
“I just want to know how to move forward. How to… break free. The broken bond has already… weakened me so much.”
He nodded, his hands folded before him. When I finished, he sighed, a sound that seemed too heavy for such a
calm man.
“I wish I could give you more guidance. It will not be an easy path,” he said gently. “The bond you share with Lucas, though broken, still lingers. Its remnants are potent and will continue to affect you, especially if you attempt to bond with another. Even if the other bond is stronger and the other isis more compatible with you. It is just the nature of a first bond.”
My heart sank, but I kept my face neutral. “You’re telling me that without Lucas agreeing, I’m stuck.”
The priest shook his head. “It is hard to say. It will strain you mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Over time, it may weaken you considerably… even drive you to madness, but it is not an exact or for sure thing.”
The air seemed to thin around me, and I struggled to find my voice. “Is there any way to suppress it?”
The priest paused, his brow furrowing as he considered my question. “The temple’s archives hold many texts on such matters, I cannot promise an immediate solution, but will research this for you. Suppression may be possible, though it is not without risks.”
It wasn’t the answer I wanted, but it was better than nothing. I inclined my head. “Thank you. Truly.”
The priest stood, placing a hand over his heart in a gesture of blessing. “I will do what I can, Alpha Violet. I wish that I could speak with the head priest sooner rather than later on your behalf, but… perhaps you may find a better answer, a faster answer, beyond the border.”
I looked at him and smiled, a little spark of hope hit me, and I nodded.
+25 BONUS
Chapter 73
“Thank you.
Theodore
Violet disappeared into the back corridors and I stood, grinting.
“Alpha Violet’s Luna ceremony will take place in one week at Midnight Park,” I said. “All are welcome to attend, including those from neighboring territories, including Twining River,”
A ripple of reactions spread across the room–some whispers of intrigue, others of approval or disdain. I let my gaze sweep over the gathering, catching the flicker of Lucas flushed and furious expression. I got a peek of Nora through the opening doors and smiled. Lucas paused at the door, looke back toward the front of the courtroom and a dark, calculating look took over his expression.
I narrowed my eyes. A sudden, cold pit formed in my stomach at the sight.
What was he plotting?
I looked back, but Owen was already leaving. I felt on edge. Tension twisted between my shoulders. Unease clawed at me, whispering that something was going to go horribly wrong.
