The Alpha's Forsaken Feisty Mate-Chapter 123: Some wounds aren’t meant to heal

"Princess Aria, I appreciate your concern," Zenna began. "However, I fail to understand why you are suddenly bringing my mother into this conversation. Since you have nothing more to say, I believe it would be best if you left. I need to rest."

She turned slightly and added, "Pia, see the Princess to her carriage."

Aria’s expression remained composed, but her mind was racing. ’Does she truly not care about what happened between our mother and Father?’

Still, she kept her poise. "Of course. I am grateful that Sister Zenna granted me this audience," she said with a graceful smile before following Pia out.

Aria walked down the corridor toward the living hall, her steps brisk, while Pia followed closely behind. As she stepped outside the mansion, she abruptly turned to face Pia.

"Stay with your mistress," she said sharply before climbing into the carriage.

Pia frowned in confusion, watching as the carriage disappeared down the path. Aria’s words carried an unexpected bite, laced with something Pia couldn’t quite place. Shaking off the thought, she turned and hurried back inside to find Zenna.

"My Lady, I don’t understand why the princess came here," Pia said with a curious gaze. "And her tone... it was different. She spoke to you with such respect. In the past, she never missed a chance to look down on you. What was her real reason for visiting?"

Zenna closed the book in her hands, her fingers resting lightly on the worn pages. "Aria is like that," she replied simply.

Pia arched an eyebrow. "What do you mean by that, Luna?"

Zenna let out a soft sigh. "I don’t want to talk about it. Besides, I was in the middle of reading something interesting, and I’d like to continue."

Understanding her mistress’s reluctance, Pia bowed and quietly left the chamber.

Once alone, Zenna ran her fingers over the book’s spine, her gaze darkening. ’Aria, I won’t let you succeed this time.’ She smirked to herself. ’Do you think I’m still that naive girl who would fall for your sweet words?’

With that final thought, she flipped open the book again, immersing herself in its pages, shutting out the world beyond her chamber.

~~~~~

"Alpha Radulf, this is the first time you are attending this council meeting since your return from the war," Killian Westwood, Alpha of the Silver Knight Pack, acknowledged, his sharp gaze fixed on the formidable leader before him.

Radulf inclined his head slightly, his posture exuding quiet authority. "Yes. It is an honor to be invited to such an important gathering," he responded, his piercing eyes scanning the room filled with Alphas and Betas seated around the grand council table.

"We believe it is time for the Shadow Hunter Pack to reclaim its rightful place in our society," Zephyr Stone, Alpha of the Dark Red Pack, stated. "Whatever transpired four years ago has been pardoned by the Alpha King. Now, with the increasing rogue attacks, we need the cooperation of all packs—including yours."

Radulf’s expression remained impassive, though his mind was already analyzing the situation. "The Shadow Hunter Pack is prepared to stand with the rest of the kingdom," he affirmed. "May I ask when exactly the rogue attacks began escalating?"

"Approximately five months ago," Jasper Tarquin, Alpha of the White Moon Pack, answered. "According to reports, the attacks intensified after an unknown Alpha started amassing a force composed of banished wolves. This rogue faction has made its name known to all of us. Their primary targets are smaller packs near the outskirts and along the borders, particularly in the countryside."

Radulf’s jaw tightened slightly. "My own pack has also suffered a recent rogue incursion," he revealed. "We discovered that someone within our territory aided them in bypassing our security. Those responsible have been apprehended and are currently held in the palace dungeons. Commander Alfred was tasked with investigating the matter further, but as of now, I have not been informed of the results."

His words sent a ripple of murmurs through the council. Radulf, however, was focused on his true objective—uniting the packs under one cause and compelling Alpha King Phillipe to answer for the glaring inefficiencies of his warriors. Radulf already suspected that Phillipe was covertly assisting certain rogue factions within the kingdom.

"That is deeply concerning," one of the Alphas remarked gravely.

"I suspect someone is aiding the rogues from within," Gregor, voiced aloud, echoing the very thoughts brewing in Radulf’s mind.

Radulf met Gregor’s gaze. The real question was—who among them would dare to challenge the Alpha King’s authority and demand answers?

"Then we must uncover the truth—with the help of the spy network," Killian declared in a decisive tone.

Radulf’s brow arched slightly. "A spy network?" he repeated, his sharp gaze sweeping across the room. "Is that even permitted? The Alpha King has enforced strict punishments against the formation of independent networks. Only the palace is authorized to operate such intelligence systems," he reminded them, his voice carrying a hint of skepticism.

"We will take this matter to the Alpha King," another Alpha, seated at the far left, interjected. "This threat affects the entire kingdom. If we present our case properly, he will have no choice but to authorize the operation."

Radulf remained silent for a moment. He would be happy if Phillipe fell under the pressure of the all the Alpha leaders and allow for a spy network. But what he feared was that Phillipe would take every Intel, eventually failing their very idea.

However, talking about it would be useless to them.

The meeting continued for another hour, during which various pressing matters were discussed. Once all the Alphas and their Betas had voiced their concerns, they began to take their leave, dispersing one by one.

As Radulf stepped out of the council hall alongside Savio, making his way toward their carriage, he caught sight of Jasper and Gregor standing nearby, seemingly waiting for him.

Radulf inclined his head in greeting toward Jasper, then cast a brief yet acknowledging glance at Gregor.

"Radulf, it’s been far too long," Jasper spoke, his tone warm but laced with a hint of something unsaid. "I trust you’re doing better now?"

It was a sentiment he should have expressed long ago, but the circumstances back then had been far from ideal.

Radulf’s expression remained unreadable, but his reply was firm. "If Alpha Jasper is asking whether I have moved past the greatest loss of my life, then he is mistaken. Some wounds aren’t meant to heal."

Meanwhile, Gregor’s face softened at those words. He didn’t need a reminder of what Radulf had endured—the memory of his parents’ brutal murder, right before his very eyes, was something that haunted everyone in the Kingdom. He didn’t want to imagine what Radulf underwent.

Jasper had no words left after hearing Radulf’s response. Instead, he gave a firm pat on Radulf’s shoulder—a silent acknowledgment of his pain—before turning and heading toward his own carriage.

Radulf watched him leave until Gregor’s voice broke the silence.

"Radulf, I owe you an apology," Gregor admitted. "I misjudged you. And now, I think I finally understand why Zenna always fought for the idea of marrying you."

Radulf turned to him with a sharp gaze. "Enlighten me. I fail to grasp your meaning."

Gregor exhaled, recalling a conversation from long ago. "Zenna once told me that only those who have lost their parents could truly understand such pain. She believed that was something you and she shared. She said she would love you, no matter what—even if you never reciprocated. She hoped that, one day, you would see her heart and let yourself soften."

Radulf’s jaw tightened at Gregor’s words. Zenna’s devotion had always been unwavering, and yet, he had never allowed himself to acknowledge it.

"That’s what made Zenna special," Radulf replied, his voice carrying a rare gentleness. "Gregor, you stood by her when no one else did. You were the only one by her side, and you did well as a friend. I will always be grateful to you for taking care of Zenna in her lowest moments."

Gregor hadn’t expected such words from Radulf. Coming from a man who rarely expressed gratitude, it meant more than he could say. A small, unexpected warmth settled in his chest.

"Radulf," Gregor said, his tone sincere, "I only have one wish—for you to keep her happy. Zenna has endured an unimaginably harsh life in the palace. Yet, despite everything, she still has a heart big enough to love. Most people in her place would have turned into something unrecognizable, but she didn’t."

Radulf nodded, his expression unreadable. "You’re right," he admitted.

But inwardly, his thoughts were far from composed. ’And I envy the fact that you saw Zenna in those moments. She was my mate from the very beginning... so why was I blind to that part of her life?’

"I leave first. It was wonderful seeing in the council meeting," said Gregor and walked away, leaving Radulf in his own thoughts.

~~~~

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