[Karmic Wolves 2] Finding Lenora

Barbaric

Asher’s POV.

The entire run back to the kingdom felt like a blur. My legs moved on instinct, but my mind was consumed by the image of Lenora. Flashes of her, the way she looked at me, the way she stood there, completely still—kept flooding my thoughts, making it nearly impossible to concentrate on anything else. Could it really have been her? There’s no way I’d mistake her face, not after everything. Unless she had a secret twin, but that’s just not possible. Even my wolf is convinced it was her.

As I approach the golden gates of the kingdom, I let out a deep, primal howl, announcing my return. The guards hear me immediately and lift the heavy entrance. I hardly acknowledge them, my mind already focused elsewhere. The second I step through the gates, I mind link Carter.

“Meet me at the house.”

When I enter my home, I’m surprised to find the carpet dry, the floors soft under my feet. The flood damage from last night’s storm is completely gone. Giving Carter a quizzical look as he steps inside, he raises his hands in defense, a knowing smile tugging at his lips.

“I had Claude come and dry everything with his water magic. Figured you’d want to come back to something clean. How was your run, Asher?”

A massive grin breaks across my face before I can stop it. “Carter, it was unbelievable. Absolutely exhilarating.”

Carter nods, genuinely pleased, but I can tell he’s waiting for more. I can’t help myself—my excitement bubbles up, and I can barely contain the words.

“You won’t believe this, but after I had a swim, I climbed out of the water, and there she was. Just standing there, staring at me.”

Carter’s face turns serious in an instant. “Who was there, Asher?”

I still feel that foolish, lovesick grin plastered on my face as I answer, “It was Lenora. I swear it was her.”

For a moment, he looks confused. “Where is she then? Are you sure it wasn’t someone else? You remember what happened last night…”

My smile fades, reality hitting me hard. I’d been so excited that I forgot about everything that went down at the bar. Daphne. The whole disaster.

“I—she disappeared while I was getting dressed,” I mutter, shaking my head. “I thought it was her. My wolf didn’t protest, and he usually knows, but now…I’m not so sure. What if it was just a trick?”

I lower my head, resting my face in my hands. The disappointment weighs heavy, pulling me down into a spiral of doubt. Was it real, or was my desperation clouding my judgment?

Carter places a firm hand on my shoulder, patting it gently. “You might be right, Asher. If that was really her, it’s incredible. But keep your guard up.”

His expression darkens, a shadow crossing his features. “We still haven’t been able to locate Daphne. She’s out there somewhere, and Siobhan’s found some unsettling information.”

I lift my head slightly, meeting his gaze. The tension in his voice is palpable.

“Daphne’s been planning this for a long time,” he says, his voice low. “She was drugging your drinks throughout the night. After you left, she tried to follow you, but Caroline threw her into the wall. They fought, and Caroline forced her to submit. She kicked her out of the bar and had her escorted home.”

My wolf growls in the back of my mind, stirring uneasily.

“But that’s not all,” Carter continues grimly. “While cleaning up, Caroline saw someone she thought was Lenora standing outside. Naturally, she welcomed her queen in and gave her the spare key without hesitation. The imposter offered her tea as a thank you. It was poisoned.”

My heart sinks, dread twisting in my chest.

“Caroline didn’t stand a chance. She trusted her completely. That’s why she’s dead now. When Daphne entered your room, you were in a deep sleep. She tried to…take advantage of you. When it didn’t work, she woke you up forcibly. You remember the rest.”

Anger courses through me, my fists clenching tightly as I struggle to maintain control.

“But here’s the worst part,” Carter adds, voice like a razor’s edge. “Daphne’s ultimate goal wasn’t just some desperate ploy for attention. She wanted to get pregnant. She wanted to force you to mark her, to make her your queen. She’d even purchased a fertility potion from Siobhan the day before. If you hadn’t come to your senses, she might’ve succeeded.”

I slam my fist into the wall, feeling my wolf gnawing at the edges of my control. “That evil bitch.” My voice is guttural, full of venom. “When I find her, I swear I’ll kill her.”

Carter doesn’t say anything, just lets me simmer in my rage. His silence speaks volumes. After a few minutes, he cracks a grin, trying to lighten the mood.

“So…what if it really was Lenora? You finally gonna get a haircut? Or do you hope she falls for your ‘rugged, barbaric’ charm?”

I blink, stunned. Then I catch myself. He has a point. My wild, unkempt hair has been a mess for too long. “Carter, as my beta, I command you to fix this.” I wave my hand dramatically around my head.

He bursts into laughter. “What, you don’t think she’ll want to taste the true caveman experience?” He’s grinning from ear to ear, but I shoot him a look that’s only half-serious. A smile tugs at my lips despite my best efforts.

A sharp pop breaks the moment, and Arya appears beside us, a small suitcase in hand. Her eyes, those fierce red orbs, look straight into my soul.

“Do you really think you saw my queen?” Her voice wavers, tears already forming in her eyes.

I nod. “Yes, Arya. I can’t be one hundred percent sure, but…it’s the most hope I’ve had in a long time.”

Tears spill down her cheeks as she steps forward, throwing her arms around me, sobbing into my shoulder. “Please, Asher…bring her back to us.”

“I will.” I promise, my voice firm. She pulls away, wiping her tears as Carter kisses her head gently before she teleports away.

Carter claps his hands together, his expression turning mischievous. “Alright, time for your transformation, Your Highness.” He points to the makeshift salon he’s created, complete with scissors, combs, and a mirror.

I sit down reluctantly. He throws the cape around my neck, grinning like a madman as he examines my hair with a critical eye. Why did I ask him to do this again?