Marked by the Lycan King

30

The villa was unusually quiet, the heavy silence only amplifying Matteo’s growing unease. He stood motionless in the center of the grand living room, his sharp gaze scanning every shadow.

Butler William emerged from the kitchen, rubbing his tired eyes after a long day of duties. He froze mid-step when he noticed the imposing figure standing there. Blinking hard, he rubbed his eyes again to make sure he wasn’t hallucinating.

“Your Majesty?” he asked in genuine surprise. Matteo rarely returned this early. “What brings you home at this hour?”

Matteo strode toward him with measured steps. “Where is she?”

Butler William paused for a second, then realized who he meant. A small spark of hope lit in his chest. “Oh, if you mean Miss Myra, she should be upstairs resting.” He had always worried about the distant, almost strained relationship between the two mates. They barely spoke and often avoided each other. He had gently advised Matteo multiple times to take more initiative. Seeing the king actively seeking her out filled the old butler with quiet relief.

“Papa! This milk isn’t sweet enough. Where did you keep the sugar?” Bria’s loud voice rang out from the kitchen as she walked into the living room, glass in hand. The moment she spotted Matteo, her father quickly turned to her.

“Dear, go upstairs and check on Myra. Dinner is almost ready.” His tone brightened. “Luckily, His Majesty will be joining us tonight.”

“His Majesty?” Bria startled so violently that milk sloshed over the rim of her glass and onto her dress. Only then did she fully register Matteo’s presence. His powerful, overbearing aura instantly made her knees weak.

“Y-Your Majesty…” she stammered, lowering her head in a deep, respectful bow.

Matteo gave her a curt nod. Knowing Myra was upstairs eased some of the tension coiled in his chest. “There’s no need. I’ll call her myself.”

Bria’s heart plummeted. A cold sweat broke out across her forehead. What if he finds out I helped her escape? Her fate would be sealed.

Butler William noticed his daughter’s sudden pallor and gently touched her cheek. “Bria, are you alright?”

“I-I’m fine, Papa,” she whispered.

Though skeptical, Butler William didn’t press further. “Come on, let’s finish setting the table.”

Meanwhile, Matteo had already ascended the stairs. He stopped before Myra’s door and knocked gently. No response. He knocked again, firmer this time. Still nothing. A dark, uneasy feeling settled over him like a storm cloud.

He pushed the door open slowly. The room was saturated with Myra’s warm, familiar scent, but it was empty. The bed was neatly made, and there was no sign of her.

His expression darkened instantly.

He checked the bathroom next, knocking twice before entering. Empty. His heart began to race with restless urgency.

Through the mind link, he reached out to Dante immediately:

“Seal off all the borders. Keep every exit under watch. Myra is missing. She must not leave the kingdom. I have just found my mate, I refuse to lose her again.”

Matteo rushed downstairs. Butler William had just finished arranging the table when the king reappeared, his aura now radiating pure menace.

“Oh, Your Majesty, perfect timing. Dinner is—”

“Where is Myra?” Matteo’s voice was ice-cold. The gloomy, suffocating aura around him intensified, making the air feel thick and heavy.

Bria had just stepped out of the kitchen. Sensing the terrifying shift in his mood, her body froze. He knows. Panic flooded her chest. She tried to quietly retreat toward the kitchen.

Matteo noticed her movement in an instant. In a blur of speed, he appeared before her and seized her by the throat, lifting her slightly off the ground.

Bria gasped desperately, clawing at his iron grip. “Y-Your Majesty…!”

Butler William rushed forward in horror, but one deadly glare from Matteo stopped him cold.

“Where is she?” Matteo demanded, his voice lethally quiet.

“I-I don’t know… I swear I don’t know!” Bria cried, tears streaming down her face as she struggled for air.

“Don’t lie to me.”

“She… she saw the video about herself,” Bria sobbed brokenly. “She said she would leave before dawn tomorrow. I swear I don’t know where she went!”

Matteo suddenly released her. Bria flew backward, slamming hard into the wall before crumpling to the floor. She coughed violently, gasping for breath while her father rushed to her side, cradling her protectively.

Matteo slowly advanced, his towering shadow engulfing her trembling form.

“You had better pray to the Moon Goddess that Myra is safe,” he said, his tone glacial and terrifying. “Because if anything happens to her… the consequences will be dire.”