60. Refusing To Believe
After meeting Charlene, we had gone our separate ways. I had first walked around the city for a while
trying to relax my mind before I requested a meeting with the king. I now waited patiently for the guard to
tell the king that I had requested an audience. “The Alpha said he is busy, but what is it regarding?” The
man asked me coldly.
“I wanted to see the evidence against my parents.” I said quietly, knowing the king obviously didn’t want
to see me anymore. I just wasn’t worthy of his time.
The man quirked an eyebrow before looking at me scornfully.
“Are you actually wasting the Alpha’s time with your pathetic requests? You should be grateful he hasn’t
demoted you to an omega.” He muttered scornfully.
I frowned, about to reply when I heard footsteps.
“That is not your place to decide, Gerald. I’ll let the Alpha know and I will take miss De’Lacor where she
needs to go. You are speaking to a Zeta rank guard, even if you are an Epsilon… treat her with respect.”
Raiden’s smooth, calm voice came, yet it held a clear warning. 1
I turned, feeling relieved to see him. Although I don’t think he realises I’m nothing, not a Zeta rank or
anything, so I had no idea why he said that.
He gave me a small smile before motioning for me to follow him. I gave Gerald a small nod before
following Raiden. He was quiet, and I had a feeling he was mind linking the king.
“Come on, he said I can show you the proof.” He said, giving me one of his killer smiles.
I forced a smile back, not missing the concern in his eyes. “Thanks, did the king agree?”
“He said you can take a look, besides, I was actually going to come find you later. The king has decided
to make you a Zeta rank warrior. Congratulations. I think your wit onboard The Siren Killer must have
reached him.” He said, giving me another smirk.
I nodded, wondering why the king had done that. It wasn’t like him to care. Had Theon said something?
Maybe I was being hopefully, but it just felt too coincidental… I followed him through to the wing which
had our old quarters, the Gammas’ quarters, as well as the king’s personal library, office, and other
important rooms. The wing next to this one was the Alpha’s personal living quarters. “So, the evidence is
kept in the restricted area, but I will have to stay with you whilst you check it.” Raiden explained. “Oh…
I’m sorry, you probably have a lot to do, right?” “It’s not much, I’ll get it done. Besides, I didn’t have to
come find you myself. That saved me time.” He winked at me, and I nodded as he entered the library.
There were many people scattered around, some searching for books, others mulling over maps and
records. Far more mages than werewolves. They all lowered their heads to Raiden, I remembered a time
I had been shown that same respect.
I looked down, thinking I was ok with the insult and rejection, but I wanted at least my parents ‘names to
be cleared.
Raiden told me to wait before he went over to the desk, the man behind the table was a serious elder
mage and his hard eyes turned on me before he nodded to whatever Raiden had said. He took out a key
from his huge ring of keys, as well as taking another bunch and removing one small one from it.
Raiden thanked him before returning to my side. “I got the keys, come on.” He said, leading the way.
Once inside, he shut the door after us. The room was a lot smaller, yet it was far fuller. Boxes and chests
were also stacked to one side. The shelves and cabinets were all locked and labelled.
“Yileyna.”
I turned to look at him and he walked over to me, making my heart skip a beat at the seriousness on his
face.
“Raiden.” I said, narrowing my eyes. He chuckled before crossing his arms. “Tell me what’s wrong? You
aren’t your usual sparkling firework self tonight.” He said softly. I shook my head.
“I am fine, really. They say you reap the consequences of your actions. I paved this path for myself and
now I’m walking it.” I replied with a humourless smile.
“He hurt you again, didn’t he?” He questioned sharply, his eyes flashing green. 1
“It doesn’t matter, can we get to the evidence?” I asked, turning away.
“Yileyna.”
I looked back at him, and he frowned slightly. “What is it? I said I’m fine.” I said, trying not to sound
irritated. “Hmm you did, but I just wanted to say, I’m here even if you just need a friend to listen. No
judgement, no expectations, just someone to listen.” He said quietly. My heart squeezed and I looked
down at the ground. “I’ll keep it in mind, but I’ll be ok.” I said, turning away. That was a lie I was telling
myself again and again even when I felt like I was crumbling inside, I wouldn’t admit it… “Alright, let’s get
to this.” He said, briskly walking past me and unlocking one of the small metal cabinets.
The mood became darker as he took out a bunch of letters, maps and reports. “It’s all here, from the
letters he received, and sent, as well as the blueprints and maps of the
city and castle.” He said quietly.
“He didn’t do it.” I replied firmly. “I know my parents.”
I took the things from him not wanting to hear anything more, and turned my back on him Walking over, I
sat down at one of the three tables in the room and placed everything down carefully.
I could feel him watching, but I refused to look at him.
I came here for a reason…
I looked at the letter’s Dad had apparently received; plans for an attack, plans to usurp the alpha from
the throne, to take over the middle kingdom…
Lies. Dad considered Alpha Andres his best friend, there was no way that he would have done this.
I stared at the letters, taking a calming breath before I picked up the first letter. Although I knew it just
couldn’t be Dad, the fact that everyone said it was him made my stomach churn.
I looked at the letter I had just unfolded. This was a letter he was meant to send soon it seemed. It was
Dad’s handwriting, or extremely close… but, no Dad couldn’t do this.
I skimmed the letter, a letter that stated he was enclosing the maps and a clear route into the castle.
Stating that he needed more time, and that the planned attack needed to be delayed.
I read it quickly
“We need to hold out… I fear that the king may know something… Yours W…’
I frowned, staring at the last part.
It just didn’t make sense. If Dad was planning to send this letter out to tell them to hold off the attack,
then why was it even here? Shouldn’t he have posted it as fast as possible?
I know one could argue he didn’t get the chance, but… but still, something wasn’t right.
I stared at the writing, trying to find even one small sign to tell me it wasn’t Dad’s, but even after staring
at it I found nothing. It looked just like his…
I folded it away, picking up the letters that were sent to Dad, not that even one was addressed to him.
They talked of plans to storm the capital from the sea, how the king’s time had come and how the
Obsidian Shadow Pack would take their rightful place. There wasn’t much, as if they were speaking
about casual topics, but there was no deeper evidence, none that referenced any solid plans and dates.
Maybe they were destroyed, but if that was the case, why would Dad even keep these? He was a Beta
rank, he wasn’t stupid enough to get caught… “If Dad did this, he wouldn’t keep such files in our home.” I
said, my voice coming out icy and angry. Raiden was silent for a moment before he sighed,
“They said it’s the one place that would never have been raided or found.”
“Yet they somehow received a tip-off? Do you know who it was or how?”
“That’s classified information I’m afraid, my ice queen.” 3
1 glared at him before sighing. I felt guilty, I was taking my frustration out on him. “Probably one of the
king’s own spies.” He replied after a moment, “but it’s not something we should be discussing.” “I still
don’t believe my father did this.” I said, standing up. I wanted to swipe a letter. Raiden might be
charming, but he was sharp, and his eyes were currently on me.
“Me neither.” He said quietly, a small frown on his face.
I looked at him, my heart skipping a beat, and I gave a small smile.
“Thank you.”
He gave a curt nod before we put everything away and we left the room.
“So… I’m assuming you don’t have a date for the upcoming ball?” I frowned, Theon becoming beta was
becoming a grand affair, wasn’t it?
“No, I don’t,” I said quietly. “I won’t attend.”
“But as a Zeta rank, you should be there; besides, I don’t have a date either. Want to go with
me?”
“Really? Have you already been through all the single women in Westerfell?” I remarked with a smirk
He pouted. “I’ve been behaving rather well actually, especially since that voyage.”
I couldn’t resist a smile.
“Oh, have you now? I’m proud of you, but has that changed since we returned?” I asked, slightly
amused.
“Yeah, I even refused the she-wolf on board. However, on a serious note, I realised that there’s a huge
difference between love and lust.” He winked at me and my smile faded.
Love and lust…
Had I been blinded when it came to Theon? Was there really nothing more than lust between us? My
heart sank and Raiden stopped.
“Come with me to the ball, if not as a date, as a friend. You don’t need to suffer alone, Charlene will be at
the Alpha’s table. You need someone by your side, and I’m sure my brother would love to see you again.
So, what do you say?”
I hesitated, before sighing in defeat.
“As a friend. Don’t expect more.”
He smiled and nodded.
“I won’t.” He winked, before taking my hand and placing a soft kiss on it.
“Raiden.” I warned.
“As friends, I promise.” He became serious, letting go of my hand. “Besides, I won’t take
advantage of your emotions and try to pull a move.” “Thank you. I don’t want to hurt you or use you.” I
smiled softly, his words making my heart skip a beat.
“What if I want to be used?” 2
“Raiden!” “Sorry.” He chuckled “Anyway, I’ll send a messenger with your duties from Monday. Make sure
you go to the pack tailors and get your uniforms.” I nodded before he paused, clearly being mind linked.
“Everything ok?” I asked when he frowned.
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