Chapter 45
Lily’s POV
By the time I reached the gates of the royal palace, my lungs felt like they were on fire. My legs wobbled like jelly, and I was drenched in sweat and rain, a wild mix of desperation and determination fueling me.
Two guards at the entrance blocked the massive gate like stone statues, tall, grim, intimidating. I stumbled forward anyway.
“I’m… I’m the daughter of one of the palace maids,” I panted, gripping the metal bars. “Please. I need to get in. I have to see Joe…the Alpha.”
One of them, a broad-shouldered guy with a scar above his brow, shook his head without hesitation. “Only royalty and council members are allowed. There’s a lockdown across the entire capital. You’re not supposed to be anywhere near here.”
“Please,” I said, louder this time, my voice shak
