The Rise of the Lost Lycan Queen

CHAPTER 10

Valerius POV

The fire in the guest suite crackled softly, casting long shadows across the dark wooden walls.

Valerius stood by the window, gazing out into the black expanse of the Moonstone territory. His mind was racing, replaying every second of the evening: the way Eliana's small hands had trembled while pouring his wine, the wild terror in her eyes when his skin brushed hers, and the cold, dignified resolve she showed in Alpha Silas's study when she accepted the offer to leave.

The heavy door to the suite opened and closed. Commander Vance stepped into the room, locking the door securely behind him.

Vance walked over to the hearth, pouring two glasses of amber liquor before turning to look at his Alpha. He held out a glass, his expression completely serious.

"Are you ready to tell me what is going on?" Commander Vance asked, his tone dropping all political pleasantries. "You don't break protocol for a maid, Valerius. Why are we bringing a Moonstone omega back to the North?"

Valerius turned away from the window, accepting the glass. He took a slow sip, his dark eyes meeting his commander's steady gaze.

"She is my mate," Valerius said simply.

Commander Vance froze mid-sip, his eyes widening in complete shock. "Your... mate?"

He stared at Valerius, processing the words, before shaking his head in confusion. "If she is your mate, why was she so terrified when you touched her at dinner? She looked at you like you were a complete stranger. She didn't react to your presence at all."

"Because she doesn't know," Valerius replied, his voice dropping into a low, somber tone. "She can't feel the bond."

Commander Vance frowned, stepping closer. "How is that possible? A mate bond is instantaneous, especially for an Alpha of your standing. Why can't she feel you?"

"I don't know yet," Valerius confessed, his jaw clenching tightly as anger and heartache fought inside his chest. "Something was done to her in this pack house. Something crushed her wolf, or blocked her ability to feel the connection. But when I touched her hand tonight, my wolf roared. It's her, Vance. Without a doubt."

Valerius took another slow sip from his glass before continuing. "I've already requested a full copy of her pack records and documents. Since she will be residing in our territory as a member of the Frostborne Howler Pack, Alpha Silas had no choice but to hand over her files. Once I review her history, I'll find out what happened to her."

Commander Vance let out a slow breath, nodding in understanding. "So that's why Alpha Silas reacted the way he did. He's hiding something."

"He knows enough to fear losing her," Valerius said, his dark eyes flashing with a cold light. "Tomorrow morning, we take her home."

Satisfied with the answer, Commander Vance gave a respectful nod and exited the suite to check on the outer guards.

A moment later, a quiet knock sounded at the door. Enoch, one of Valerius's most trusted northern warriors, stepped inside holding a thick leather folder.

"Alpha," Enoch said, bowing his head slightly as he presented the file. "The Moonstone pack administration just turned over the requested documents for the omega, Eliana."

"Leave it," Valerius instructed.

Enoch set the folder on the heavy oak desk and quietly withdrew, closing the door behind him.

Valerius walked over to the desk, flipping the cover open under the warm glow of the candlelight. His eyes scanned through her birth record, pack status, and medical history.

Suddenly, his eyes caught a specific line near the top of her page.

Date of Birth: October 14th.

Valerius paused, staring down at the date. He looked over at the desk calendar resting beside the lamp.

Today was October 14th.

It was her birthday.

A heavy, painful realization settled in his chest. Looking at how faded her dress was and how thin and exhausted she looked, Valerius was certain no one in this miserable pack house had acknowledged her today, let alone celebrated her.

He stared down at her record, his heart breaking for everything she had suffered in silence.

No more, Valerius swore to himself, closing the folder with a firm tap of his hand. He would have to plan something special for her once they reached the North. Step by step, he would earn her trust, protect her, and make her feel cherished the way a Queen of the Frostborne Howler Pack deserved.