Mark of the Lycan Queen

Chapter 8. A dead Queen

ARCHIBALD~

From the very moment my gaze fell upon the birthmark on her neck, a profound curiosity awakened within me – an ardent desire to uncover the truth, even if it meant grappling with my own emotions.

Wolves were never beings I admired, and the attack on Ria, my mate, only fueled my disdain. Yet beneath the surface of loathing, there was a yearning to understand the connection, regardless of the consequences.

I needed to know. It was an all-encompassing thirst.

Upon reentering the bedroom, I caught a fleeting glimpse of the Lone Wolf, unclothed, before she swiftly concealed herself. Though the sighting was brief, the distinct scar on her bare back bore deep recognition.

I stood frozen.

A claw scar.

How, in the world... Could she bear such identical marks?

The claw pattern was unique, and I couldn't comprehend how two individuals could share such exact scars. The odds of her connection to it were astounding, and I'm not merely referring to the claw scars alone.

She met my gaze with an unwavering stare, brimming with challenging intensity, as was her nature. That defiance in her eyes infuriated me, tempting me to strike her down, but within it, there lay an uncanny resemblance.

A strangeness.

Everything was becoming tangled, as if new knowledge flashed before me, yet remained frustratingly out of reach.

I couldn't quite grasp what it was.

Perhaps it was time to demand the answers I needed. Wolves often disguised themselves as sheep, assuming a false facade.

Nevertheless, at that very moment, my attention was drawn to a broken pendant on her neck – just half of it remained.

A Phoenix.

As I sought to advance, Leona positioned herself deftly before me, creating a temporary standoff that added to my vexation. I perhaps had forgotten she also was in the room.

Internally, I groaned.

She must have sensed my thoughts, as she always did. Yet, why would she align with my mate's assailant, knowing full well my desperate quest to seek the attacker?

If anyone held the answer, it was the Little Wolf, which was why she was still breathing and not locked in the dungeon, as I would have preferred.

Leona's voice broke the tension, bringing me back to reality, which I had momentarily lost. I stole a poignant glance at the Little Wolf, much alert she was, keenly aware that no one could prevent my approach.

In a mere heartbeat, I could stand beside her if I so desired. Leona's presence was but a gossamer veil I could easily cast aside.

But I didn’t.

After a brief pause, I silently turned and left the bedroom, the scar on her back stirring memories that had replayed in my mind countless times. And among them, the last of her replayed more.

–––––

I lay on my bed, my gaze fixed on my mate with deep admiration, particularly the way the sun's rays caressed her bare back. Her presence was something I treasured, but my attention was gradually drawn to the claw scar etched across her skin.

Although she insisted from the very first time I had come to discover it, that it was a birthmark from her very existence, a whisper within me suggested a deeper meaning. Such a unique mark seemed improbable without a hidden significance.

As she rose from the bed, her silver hair cascaded like a shimmering waterfall, momentarily concealing the mark from view. I blinked and watched as she donned her silvery robe.

"Ria," I spoke, my voice tinged with concern and genuine curiosity. "Have you considered seeking answers from the Seers? They may hold the key to unraveling the secrets behind the mark on your back. I understand the one on your neck could be a bond from a past life with your mate, but this claw scar..."

I let my words linger, hoping she'd sense my sincerity.

Ria turned to me, a gentle smile on her face. "You worry too much, Archie."

Internally groaning, I wished she'd take this matter seriously.

She reached for her hair tie on the side table. "You have important matters to attend to, my king," she said flirtatiously. "Your people are waiting for you. Get dressed; I'll be back before your meeting concludes."

Her independence both fascinated and frustrated me. "Where are you off to?" I asked, my curiosity lingering despite knowing the answer.

"The lake," she replied, confirming my suspicion.

Amused, I raised an eyebrow. "And you'll be back in time?"

She winked playfully. "You know me, Archie. I'm quick, and the lake is not too far. More like a pool behind your castle, don't you think so?”

She never returns on time when it comes to the lake.

Chuckling softly, I knew I'd eventually let her go. "Alright, but promise me you'll be careful," I said, unable to resist my protective instincts.

She came close, her fingers grazing my cheek. "Always," she whispered, leaning in to kiss me softly. If not for the meeting, and the consideration that they are awaiting my presence at the moment, this would've turned into more than just a kiss.

I held her close, cherishing the warmth of her embrace. Then, with a reluctant smile, I let her go.

However, little did I know that her trip to the lake would turn into a dreadful ordeal. The meeting dragged on until a sudden and excruciating pain surged through my heart. I had to clench the arm of my chair to suppress a whimper of agony.

Despite my efforts to maintain composure, the pain overwhelmed me. It felt as if a scorching blade had pierced me, leaving me feeling vulnerable. Nevertheless, I couldn't afford to show weakness in front of the nobles during this critical gathering.

Eventually, I lived through the odd pain.

Just after enduring the peculiar pain, a messenger abruptly interrupted the meeting, looking visibly pale and anxious. "My King, your mate, my queen, has been attacked!"

In an instant, adrenaline surged through me, and I leaped to my feet. Ignoring the concerned glances from the nobles, I hastily rushed out of the meeting hall, through the castle, and into the darkness of the woods, following the messenger's lead.

At the lakeside, my worst fears materialized before my eyes. Ria lay on the ground, her once-silver robe now stained with crimson blood. And by her side, Leona knelt, desperately trying to stem the bleeding.

A dagger, lodged in Ria's chest.

I hurried to Ria's side, extending my trembling hands to comfort her in her pain. "Ria, my love," I whispered, my voice choked with worry. "Stay with me. You'll be alright."

Her eyes were filled with anguish, yet she managed a faint smile as she looked up at me. “Archie," she murmured, her voice barely audible.

“Hush, don't speak," I implored, my heart-shattering. "Save your strength."

Leona's voice trembled as she tended to Ria's wounds. "She's lost a lot of blood," she said, her voice shaky. "I'm doing my best, but we must take her back to the castle immediately."

Nodding, my concern mounting, I directed a few of my people to prepare for my mate’s transport.

“I'll carry her," I declared, lifting my mate gently into my arms. "Lead the way."

We hastened back to the castle, my heart pounding with concern as I earnestly tried to console Ria, gently caressing her cheek. "Stay with me, my love," I implored. "I know you're strong, and you will pull through this."

Upon arriving at the infirmary, Leona immediately tended to Ria's treatment, but I couldn't stay idle.

I needed answers.

"Who did this? Who attacked her?!" I demanded, my frustration and anger simmering beneath the surface.

My inquiries were directed at the trembling servant, who appeared more terrified of my presence than forthcoming with information.

She was supposed to be accompanying Ria, so how could this happen?!

The servant shook her head anxiously. "I-I don't know," she stammered. "She d-didn't allow me to go with her," she revealed.

Frustration and anger surged within me.

Hardly I could think properly.

"Find Fenrir!" I commanded with fury, and as a servant hurried to carry out my order, I turned my attention back to my mate.

Dear heavens.

I leaned in closer to her, desperate to offer any comfort I could.

But then she murmured something, her voice weak and barely audible. I attempted to dissuade her from speaking, wishing to preserve her strength, but she managed to whisper something along the line of...

"The girl with the mark," her words strained and I held my breath like it could bring forth her words. "Find her."

Confusion clouded my mind as I furrowed my brow, seeking to comprehend her words.

"What do you mean?" I asked, yearning for answers despite knowing she needed rest. "What mark? What girl?"

In fading whispers, Ria murmured something elusive, her voice diminishing as she struggled to convey her thoughts. "She's a wolf," her words whispered into the air.

Before I could fully grasp her words, I sensed her breathing became shallow, and her eyes fluttered closed. Panic surged through me, and I implored Leona to do everything possible to save her.

"It's alright, my love, stay with me,” I pleaded, but there was no response.

"My King," Fenrir, my Beta, proclaimed as he burst in, causing me to turn towards him. "I traced a werewolf's scent near the lake. A footprint as well."