The Lycan King's Rejected Omega

28 — Sturdy

She had gone back into her chambers to change before leaving — there was no way she would concentrate on what she had set out to do with the feeling of Thorian's hand on her back still lingering.

She figured a change of outfits would do the trick and it did help — a bit.

She had opted for something comfortable for her journey – a loose-fitting tunic made of soft, breathable fabric that allowed for ease of movement, paired with practical trousers and sturdy boots.

Her hair was pulled back into a simple ponytail, keeping it out of her face as she navigated the forest path.

With each step, her mind churned with thoughts of Thorian and the events of the previous day.

God, she hated the fact that he still had this effect on her.

She couldn't deny the pull she felt towards Thorian and the urge to give in to her desires. But she knew she couldn't afford to succumb to them— at least, not more than she already has.

Five years ago, she hadn't loved him. She couldn't call what she felt towards him love, as she had just known him.

Yes, the pull of a mate was there and he was also kind and caring. She had grown fond of him, certainly, but she couldn't bring herself to label it as love.

But if they hadn't loved him, why did the rejection sting so badly?

It had shattered something inside her. The pain had been raw and all-consuming.

However, that was a controversial topic that she had buried deep within her heart.

After nearly an hour of walking, Asmeria approached the imposing gates of Cedric's palace, her heart pounding with anticipation.

The guards stationed there looked visibly surprised to see her. It had been five years anyways and she was quite surprised they recognized her — considering the majority of them paid no mind to her back then.

They dutifully opened the gates for her, allowing her to pass through.

Stepping into the familiar surroundings of the palace grounds, Asmeria couldn't help but notice how little had changed since the last time she had been here. The grandeur of the palace still stood tall and imposing and not much had been done on the outside.

As she entered the grand palace, she couldn't help but notice how familiar everything felt — annoyingly so.

She huffed, looking away and she decided to make her way upstairs to her old room.

As she reached the top of the staircase and approached the door to her room, she noticed something was amiss.

With a sinking feeling in her chest, she pushed the door open and stepped inside.

Her room was practically laying in ruins. The walls were stripped bare, the furniture gone.

Admittedly, the sight before her was like a punch to the gut, yet she couldn't bring herself to feel surprised.

Instead, a heavy sigh escaped her lips, a mixture of resignation and disappointment. She had half-expected this, but seeing it with her own eyes still stung.

Turning away from the wreckage, she made her way out of the room. As she stepped into the hallway, a familiar voice cut through the silence.

"Oh? Look who it is."

She turned to see Cedric, leaning casually against the wall, a smirk playing on his lips.

Cedric still retained his tall and lean stature, with sharp features and those piercing, emerald eyes that were always unsettling. His dark hair was no longer short and tame, he had let it grow out and rest on his shoulder.

"Surprised to see me?" he continued.

She rolled her eyes, suppressing the urge to snap back at him.

“I'm looking for Asannah," she announced.

“What gave you the right to come in here and ask?" he retorted.

She squared her shoulders, meeting his gaze head-on. "I'm still a rightful member of this household, aren't I?"

He shook his head, his lips forming a tight line. "You lost your place here when you betrayed your sister and went for her man — twice," he accused.

Her jaw clenched. "Things aren't always as they seem,"

His eyes narrowed, "What do you mean?"

She took a deep breath, steeling herself before responding. "The first time, he never came for her. But he saw me and chose me." she began, “Asannah was just delusional to think that Thorian wanted her. The second time, she left and he chose me, again."

Just then, Asannah emerged from the room. "But, I was married to him for five years and left on my own accord with my respect still intact," she declared,. "I'd like to see you beat that."

Asannah's lips curled into a contemptuous smile. "Love can be fleeting," she remarked "Respect lasts a lifetime."

Asmeria's fists clenched at her sides upon hearing that and Asannah chuckled, stepping closer to her.

“You were only brought back because of the son you had for him. And now that he's missing, you'll be thrown out in a matter of days.” She declared with a smirk, “And that would be the difference between you and I. I left, but you, my dear sister, will be thrown out."

Asmeria felt a surge of anger rise within her — and it was taking everything within her to not close the distance between them and slap her.

“I stayed for five years," Asannah continued, “You wouldn’t even be able to boast of one month."

“I am not in a competition with you," Asmeria asserted. "And I am not here to drag stats over a man who cringes when he hears your name. I am here to know where you took my son to."

Asannah let out a short chuckle, "I have no idea what you're talking about," she replied.

Asmeria's jaw clenched, frustration evident in every line of her body. "Don't play dumb with me, Asannah," she retorted,"You know exactly what I'm talking about."

“Then how did you know about my son being kidnapped?" Asmeria retorted, crossing her arms.

“Oh please, the whole Obsidian Moon Pack is on lockdown. It's obvious.”

Asmeria's expression remained skeptical. "It could be for a different reason," she countered "An official statement wasn't released stating it was because of Evander's kidnapping."

Asannah's laughter filled the room and when her laughter tapered off, she scoffed. "Oh, spare me that. A lockdown like that could only mean trouble and paradise, and with you and Thorian still intact, the only other issue would be your precious little boy."

Asmeria's fists clenched even tighter, "Where is he?"

“If I wanted to get back at you, I wouldn't do something as obvious as that would only lead back to me. I'm not dumb, and I didn't touch your child."

“Plus,” Asannah continued, her hands clipping her hips, "To prove my innocence, I've been in this kingdom for the past week. And when did he go missing?"

"Three days ago," she replied, in a whisper.

Asannah's lips curled into a smug smile. "Vindicated,"

But uncertainty gnawed at Asmeria's insides. If it wasn't Asmeria, then who else could it have been?

“How can I be so sure?" she questioned.

Asannah's eyes narrowed, "There was a homecoming party held for me," she reiterated, her tone sharp with impatience. "You can ask the maids, or any other person in the kingdom. I have been here all week."

Asmeria remained silent for a moment, her mind racing as she weighed Asannah's words. Still, it didn't completely declare her innocent of the allegation.

"How do I know that you didn't hire someone in the kingdom to do it?" she finally countered, her voice laced with suspicion. "You obviously didn't take him yourself. Someone would've done it so you can use your party as an alibi."

Asannah's jaw clenched, frustration evident in every line of her body. "You're grasping at straws, Asmeria and it is becoming infuriating.” she expressed, “I didn't touch your son, and you better stop wagging that accusatory tongue of yours at me, or I will be really upset. "I can swear it anywhere. How would it benefit me if I did that?"

And then, Cedric stepped forward, "You cannot come and accuse my sister of something she did not do," he interjected, "Just because you targeted Asannah and saw her as a villain doesn't mean she took your damn son! Now leave, or I might embarrass you by asking the guards to kick you out, Luna."

On one hand, she wanted to believe Asannah and Cedric's quite arrogant assurances of innocence.

Their words seemed genuine, and their protests held a ring of truth. But on the other hand, she couldn't shake the nagging feeling of doubt that lingered.

Asannah and Cedric were despicable, but were they terrible enough to commit such a crime?

But then again, people were capable of unspeakable things, especially when pushed to the brink.

She knew she couldn't continue to insist on a baseless claim against Asannah and Cedric.

However, that didn't mean that she completely believed their innocence.

And then, Asmeria closed the distance between she and her sister, her eyes narrowing.

“If I find out you had any hand in his disappearance," she seethed, "I will kill you."

Asannah had a blank look on her face — not showing fear nor confidence.

Asmeria didn't wait for a response. With a final, steely glare, she turned on her heel and marched away. She refused to look back, and then, she disappeared around the corner.

-:-

When Asmeria got back to the palace, she entered into the grand foyer. She glanced around, searching for any sign of Thorian. He wasn't around.

She checked his throne room and his study, he wasn't there either. Luckily, his butler was passing by.

"Excuse me," she addressed the butler "Where is the King?”

The butler, a distinguished older man with a stoic demeanor, met her gaze with a knowing look. "His Majesty is in his river, Your Highness," he informed her calmly.

She nodded and the butler bowed and turned to leave.

She had noticed during her so-far, short stay here, that the small river on the east of the palace was Thorian’s favorite retreat.

He said it was a place he often went to clear his mind and find solace in the calming waters.

However, she would meet him later. She had to change out of the clothes she was in, she was quite sweaty already.

So, she headed to her chambers. However when she opened the door and stepped in, she was taken aback by the sight that greeted her.

An array of newly purchased elegant clothing, jewelry, and accessories, all laid out meticulously on her bed and dressing table.

Her eyes widened in surprise as she took in the abundance of gifts before her.

“What?”