Chapter 32

The night air in Zeeb's room was bone-chilling, despite the roaring fire in the fireplace. Meera sat still on her stool, her feet curled up and a heavy quilt draped around her shoulders, but she felt no warmth seeping into her bones.

"What did you see?" Zeeb asked gently, pouring her a glass of hot tea to soothe her nerves.

"First I was on a meadow..." Meera spoke softly, her voice trembling slightly. "I saw a songbird."

"A songbird?" Bram's brows furrowed in confusion. "Those are not associated with hexes."

"What else, Meera?" Zeeb prompted, his gaze intent.

Meera took a deep breath, feeling the weight of all eyes upon her. Eryx moved closer, offering her the tea, and she accepted it gratefully, her gaze briefly meeting his.

"Thank you," she whispered, her fingers curling around the warm mug.

"Were you alone in the meadow?" Bram inquired.

"No," Meera shook her head, her eyes lifting to meet Eryx's. A strange warmth spread through her at the sight of him. "You were there."

Eryx's lips twitched in a small smile, the tension in his features easing as he reached out to tuck a stray strand of Meera's hair behind her ear.

"And then we were at the beach," Meera continued, her heart beginning to tremble. "The rocks at the beach... they were glowing with strange symbols."

"Runes," Bram concluded knowingly.

"Do you remember what they looked like?" Eryx asked, his voice gentle.

Meera shook her head, her brows furrowed in concentration.

"Anything else?" Zeeb pressed gently. "Remember, no detail is too small."

Feeling the knot in her stomach tighten, Meera took a deep breath, her gaze fixed on her tea. After a moment of contemplation, she shook her head slowly.

"That's all..." she said softly.

Zeeb nodded thoughtfully, his old eyes filled with contemplation, while Bram adjusted his glasses and waited for the old man's response

"We can show you some runes," Zeeb suggested. "Maybe you will recognize one of them from your dream."

"That's a good idea," Bram chimed in. "Or maybe you can draw it for us."

"I don't think I can," Meera frowned, feeling overwhelmed.

"You can try," Bram insisted. "Close your eyes and think back to the beach."

"I can't," Meera shook her head, her frustration mounting.

"Anything will help, Meera," Bram continued encouragingly. "Was it a circle or square? Did it have dots or long lines?"

"She said she doesn't remember," Eryx interjected, his irritation evident in his furrowed brows.

"Bram," Zeeb called to the young alchemist. "It's alright."

"Are we done here?" Eryx asked impatiently. "Can I take her back?"

"What's the rush?" Lyall's voice echoed from the doorway, drawing everyone's attention. He grinned and strolled further into the room.

"Give the girl some space to breathe, Eryx," Lyall remarked, playfully smacking the prince's chest.

"She's tired," Eryx replied curtly. "I would like for her to get some rest."

"So you're hexed," Lyall turned his attention to Meera, his tone light despite the seriousness of the situation. "Ain't that some shit."

"It seems so," Meera nodded, her expression guarded, not betraying her true emotions.

"How long will this thing take to wear off?" Lyall inquired, looking back at Bram and Zeeb for answers.

"That's not really how a hex works," Bram clarified, his gaze shifting from the commander to the prince. "We'll have to identify it first and then undo its magic."

"So start," Lyall pressed. "What's the holdup?"

"It's a long process," Bram explained patiently.

"I bet," Lyall chuckled, turning back toward Meera and Eryx. "In the meantime, the King wants you to start your physical training, Princess."

"No," Eryx objected firmly. "She's not ready. I've spoken to him."

"We can't sit around and wait for the day when she's ready," Lyall countered, rolling his eyes. "Training starts tomorrow."

"Meera won't start training—" Eryx began, but Meera cut him off, reaching out to grasp his hand.

"Eryx," she interjected softly. "It's okay."

"Eryx," Meera whispered, her voice barely audible amidst the tension in the room. She reached out and gently touched his arm, hoping to soothe his rising anger.

"No, it's not," Eryx said firmly, his gaze unwavering as he turned back to Lyall. "I'll decide when she trains."

"She's unmarked," Lyall reminded Eryx sternly, his tone carrying a hint of impatience. "You said you did not want to mark her until she was trained, and the king is being more than gracious enough to honor your demands. But it's high time she started learning her role."

Meera felt the weight of those words pressing down on her, suffocating her with their significance. Her heart raced in her chest, and a sense of impending doom settled over her like a heavy fog.

Don't let him mark you...

"This is ridiculous," Eryx retorted, his frustration evident in his tone.

"No, what's ridiculous is your delay in training her," Lyall countered, his disappointment palpable. "If you're too busy for the task, do let me know. I can have Sven or Dawn assist."

"She's been hexed," Eryx insisted, his voice tinged with anger. "She's in no condition to train."

"The hex does not affect her physical endurance," Zeeb interjected calmly. "I agree with Lyall. Meera should start her training."

"Not yet!" Eryx's voice reverberated through the room, cutting off any further arguments. "Nobody touches my mate without my permission."

"Eryx," Lyall frowned, his voice laced with a warning. "Don't let your father hear you speak like that."

Eryx's normally composed demeanor cracked under the pressure, his anger simmering just beneath the surface. As Lyall's warning hung in the air, Eryx's eyes flashed with a dangerous glint, his jaw tightening with restrained fury. The muscles in his arms tensed as he clenched his fists, his entire frame radiating an aura of barely contained rage.

"I'm taking her to her chambers," Eryx declared his voice a low growl that brooked no argument. "Enough of this. Let's go, M."

Meera's movements were hesitant, her every step weighed down by the burden of uncertainty that hung heavy in the air. As she descended from the stool, the quilt wrapped around her like a protective shield, providing little comfort against the turmoil churning within her.

As Meera's eyes looked toward Eryx, her heart raced with a mixture of fear and suspicion, her mind swirling with unanswered questions and unspoken doubts. Yet, despite the unease that gnawed at her, Meera found herself unable to pull away from him. Amid the brewing storm, he was like her anchor.

Lost in her thoughts, Meera failed to notice the quilt slipping beneath her feet, sending her stumbling backward with a gasp of alarm. But before she could hit the unforgiving floor, Eryx's strong grip closed around her arm, pulling her back from the brink with effortless ease.

For a moment, they stood locked in a silent exchange, Meera's eyes searching his for reassurance, Eryx's jaw tight with unspoken tension. With a wordless gesture, he scooped her up into his arms, cradling her close as he strode purposefully out of the chambers.

"I can walk," Meera protested, her voice barely a whisper against the backdrop of their tumultuous surroundings.

But Eryx remained resolute, his gaze fixed ahead as he carried her through the corridors, his clenched jaw a silent testament to the storm brewing within. He carried her into her room and sat her down on her bed. The darkness surrounded them as the light from the single burning candle lit up Meera's face and reflected off of Eryx's eyes. She stared at him, unable to look away as her heart beat with uncertainty.

"What is it?" Eryx's voice was gentle, his concern evident as he noted the distress flickering in Meera's eyes.

Meera shook her head, unable to find the words to express the whirlwind of emotions swirling within her. She feared that speaking would only unravel the fragile threads of composure she desperately clung to.

Eryx's gaze lingered on her, his silver eyes tracing the delicate curves of her face in the soft candlelight. He savored the moment, allowing himself to be enveloped by her presence, to feel the warmth of her essence washing over him. She was a vision of beauty, a beacon of light amidst the darkness that threatened to consume them both. Despite the chaos of their world, she remained soft and vulnerable beneath his touch, stirring something deep within his heart.

As Eryx reluctantly began to pull away, Meera's voice broke through the silence, halting him in his tracks. With a sense of urgency, she reached out, her fingers curling around the sleeve of his shirt, anchoring him to her side.

"Wait!" Her plea echoed in the quiet room, her eyes pleading with him to stay a little longer, to linger in the safety of their shared moment.

Eryx paused, his breath catching in his throat as he surrendered to her silent plea. With measured steps, he closed the distance between them, his presence a comforting reassurance amidst the turmoil that surrounded them.

"Don't worry about what anyone says," Eryx murmured, his hand gently lifting Meera's chin, guiding her gaze to meet his. "I won't let anything happen to you."

Meera felt a shiver run through her veins, her body responding to the intensity in Eryx's gaze. "What can happen to me?" she whispered, her voice barely audible above the crackling of the fire.

Eryx's stare held hers, his eyes delving deep into her soul as he searched for the right words. "Nothing can happen to you," he assured her, his voice a soothing melody in the stillness of the room.

Meera nodded slowly, but the unease in her heart lingered, gnawing at her from within. She chewed on her bottom lip, her eyes fixated on Eryx's face, seeking solace in his familiar features. Yet, the tension between them remained palpable, an unspoken question hanging in the air.

"What else did you see in your dream?" Eryx's voice broke the silence, his gaze locked on her mouth, his touch sending sparks of warmth coursing through her veins.

Meera's breath caught in her throat, her pulse quickening at the memory of her nightmare. "What do you mean..." she trailed off, her words trembling with uncertainty.

"You were so terrified when you woke," Eryx continued, his hand coming to rest against her cheek, his touch grounding her in reality. "What spooked you, my moon?"

Meera swallowed hard, the weight of Eryx's concern pressing down on her. "You did," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Me?" Eryx's brows furrowed in confusion, his grip on her tightening slightly.

Meera nodded, her eyes brimming with unshed tears as she lied. "You were trying to mark me."

Eryx's expression softened, his touch gentling as he processed her words. "You didn't want me to?" he asked, his voice tinged with hurt.

"No..." Meera shook her head, her voice trembling with emotion. "I... I don't know."

"I would never mark you against your will," Eryx assured her, his fingers tangling in her hair, his touch a comforting anchor in the midst of her turmoil.

"What can happen?" Meera asked as Eryx drew her a little closer, his touch a comforting presence in the midst of their conversation. "When you mark me..."

"Our bond is stronger," Eryx explained, his voice a soft murmur against her ear. "We'll feel each other's emotions. We'll be able to communicate without words."

Meera absorbed his words, her mind racing with the implications of their connection. "Why is it so important for your father for you to mark me?" she questioned, her voice tinged with curiosity and apprehension.

Eryx, captivated by the depths of Meera's gaze, took a moment to gather his thoughts. With a gentle touch, he tilted her head to one side, his eyes never leaving hers. "Because without my mark," he began, his voice husky with emotion, "you won't have access to my strength."

A tremor ran through Meera, her breath catching in her throat at the weight of his words. "Does the..." she started, her breathing growing labored, "does the same go for you too?"

Eryx's smile widened, his eyes twinkling with a mixture of affection and amusement. "What do you mean?" he prompted gently.

"If I'm marked, will you be able to use my strength?" Meera asked, her heart pounding with anticipation.

Eryx's expression softened as he shook his head, his fingers tracing patterns against her skin. "No, M," he murmured, his voice filled with tenderness. "I won't be able to control water like you. Just as you won't be able to shift into a wolf like me."

"But could you control me?" Meera asked, her voice tentative as she pondered the implications of their bond.

Eryx's brows furrowed in confusion as he chuckled softly. "What?" he responded, his tone laced with amusement.

"If our bond grows stronger through the mark," Meera continued, her fingers gently entwined with his as she spoke, "does that mean we can control one another?"

Eryx tilted his head slightly, a playful grin dancing on his lips, though a hint of seriousness flickered in his eyes. "What did you see in your dreams, Your Highness?" he teased gently.

"You..." Meera hesitated, fabricating her response. "I saw you... controlling me like a puppet."

Eryx's expression shifted, his features darkening as concern clouded his gaze. He reached out to touch Meera's face, his touch gentle yet firm. "Is that why you were so scared of me when you woke up?" he inquired softly.

Meera nodded, her heart heavy with the memory of her nightmare.

"Never, M," Eryx murmured, pulling her closer and resting his forehead against hers. He breathed in her scent, his touch a soothing balm against her fears.

"So does that mean it's not possible?" Meera asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"It's a myth," Eryx assured her. "Just made-up stories."

Meera slowly nodded.

"Was that all?" Eryx sighed, his voice tinged with exhaustion. "Are you ready to head back to sleep now?"

"Don't speak to me like I'm a child," Meera muttered.

Eryx's smile softened as he rose from the bed, his eyes meeting hers with a gentle gaze. "What is it?" Meera asked, noticing him staring.

"Did you like the fruits?" Eryx asked, reaching out to gently hold her chin once more.

Meera nodded. "Yes, thank you."

"You're welcome," Eryx grinned, his eyes reflecting the warmth of his smile.

"Good night," Meera whispered softly as she settled back into the bed.

"Good night," Eryx replied, his thumb lingering for a moment on her cheek before he pulled away.

With a heavy sigh, Eryx extinguished the candle and tucked Meera into bed, ensuring she was comfortable before leaving the room. His fingers still carried the lingering scent of her, and a small smile played on his lips as he inhaled the familiar fragrance. Keeping her in his thoughts, Eryx made his way to Zeeb's chambers and cleared his throat.

"How is she?" Bram asked, looking up from his book.

Eryx's gaze flickered towards him, his expression revealing little interest. He waited until Zeeb looked up from the herbs he was crushing before speaking.

"No more tea for Meera," Eryx declared firmly, his tone brooking no argument. "I forbid it."

________________

The morning walk in Voreios always proved to be a bewildering event for Meera. She never quite grasped the court's strange customs or the intricate relationships between the nobles. Every time she spotted the king with a new lady on his arm, a pang of discomfort twisted in her gut.

"Venna," Meera observed the king and a pretty blonde woman as they made their rounds. "Who's that with your father?"

Venna looked up, her brows furrowing in confusion as she followed Meera's gaze. "Lady Antonia. She's a friend of the king."

"What kind of friend?" Meera inquired.

"The kind I do not wish to get to know," Venna replied, turning away. "I spoke to Eryx this morning before he went to the wall. He said he will take us to market tonight."

"How often does Eryx go to the wall?" Meera pressed.

"Daily," Venna answered. "We can go after dinner. You've been invited to dine with us tonight, so I was thinking after dinner we can—"

"Have you ever been to the wall?" Meera interrupted.

"What?" Venna frowned. "No."

"Why not?" Meera questioned.

"Only authorized personnel," Venna explained. "And what would I even do there? It's all men."

"Don't you ever wonder what's on the other side?" Meera probed.

"No," Venna laughed. "I've heard stories from Eryx about monsters with teeth as sharp as his claws."

"Don't you ever want to see for yourself?" Meera persisted.

"No," Venna shook her head. "What? That's crazy."

"Do you think Eryx will take me with him if I asked?" Meera inquired, her eyes reflecting a mix of hope and uncertainty.

Venna paused, her gaze flickering with hesitation before she responded. "Probably not."

Meera's shoulders slumped slightly, disappointment evident in her expression. "But I'm an elemental," she insisted, a hint of defiance creeping into her tone. "I have to train for what's out there."

Venna nodded sympathetically. "Yes, that's true, but I don't know if Eryx will allow you to go before you start training."

Meera's brows furrowed in confusion. "Allow me?"

Venna sighed, her gaze momentarily dropping before meeting Meera's once more. "You haven't seen Eryx angry, have you?" she asked softly, a note of warning in her voice. "Trust me, you do not want to anger him—"

Before Venna could finish her sentence, a sudden commotion erupted nearby, drawing their attention away.

Like the moon eclipsing the sun, dark figures emerged from the bushes, their menacing presence sent a chill down Meera's spine. Their uniforms seemed to absorb the surrounding light, casting an ominous shadow over the once-tranquil lawn. The air thickened with tension as people scrambled to get out of their way, their faces twisted in fear and confusion.

Meera's heart pounded in her chest as she watched the unfolding scene with wide eyes, her breath catching in her throat. Venna's grip tightened on her hand, her own expression mirroring Meera's growing terror.

"What's going on?" Meera's voice was barely audible over the chaos erupting around them.

Venna pulled Meera closer, her voice urgent. "I don't know, but we need to get back inside."

Before they could move, one of the figures lunged forward, seizing Meera's arm with a vice-like grip. Panic surged through her as she was forcefully yanked away from Venna and thrown to the ground, her screams echoing through the tumultuous air.

"Meera!" The chaos drowned out Venna's cries as she struggled to reach her friend, only to be shoved back by another figure.

Around them, the once peaceful lawn descended into chaos as people scattered in all directions, desperate to escape the encroaching darkness. The guards moved with ruthless efficiency, closing in on Venna and Meera with menacing intent, their intentions shrouded in mystery and fear.

Meera's heart raced as she scrambled to her feet, her fingers wrapping tightly around a fallen tree branch. With a fierce determination in her eyes, she brandished it before her like a makeshift weapon, her muscles tense and ready for the impending confrontation.

"Stay back!" she commanded, her voice trembling but laced with determination. But her warning fell on deaf ears as one of the figures advanced, undeterred by her makeshift weapon. With a swift motion, they snatched the branch from her grip and snapped it effortlessly over their thigh.

Undeterred, Meera fought back with all her might as two others closed in, seizing her arms in an iron grip. "Let go of me!" she shouted, kicking and struggling against their hold.

The figure who had disarmed her stepped forward, their fingers cruelly digging into Meera's jaw, drawing blood. She winced in pain, her eyes watering as she fought to break free. Behind the figure, Venna pushed herself up from the ground, blood trickling from a nasty gash on her forehead.

"Venna!" Meera called out, her voice strained with fear and anger. But before she could reach her friend, she was pulled back, the figure's grip tightening around her.

Desperation fueled her as Meera sank her teeth into the fingers that held her captive, eliciting a cry of pain from her assailant. Seizing the opportunity, she delivered a powerful kick to their groin, causing them to double over in agony.

"Let go of me!" Meera's voice echoed with defiance as she struggled against her captors. But her plea was met with only cruelty as the figure struck her across the face, sending a sharp burst of pain radiating through her skull.

"Stop!" Venna's cry rang out, her own struggles mirrored by Meera's as they fought against their captors with all the strength they could muster.

"Let go of me!" Meera screamed at the top of her lungs once more as the assailants began to drag her away, their grip tight and unrelenting.

Then suddenly, a disturbance rippled through the air.

The atmosphere crackled with tension as a low growl reverberated, sending shivers down everyone's spines. Everyone stilled around the lawn, feeling the sound vibrate through them.

One moment, everyone was screaming and running, and the next instant, a massive silver wolf burst forth from the shadows, its fur gleaming in the morning light. With a primal ferocity, Eryx lunged at Meera's captors, teeth bared and claws extended, a creature of raw power and fury.

The assailants recoiled in shock and fear as the wolf descended upon them with a relentless onslaught. With lightning speed, it tore through their ranks, its movements fluid and deadly. The air filled with the sound of snarls and yelps of pain as the wolf fought to get to Meera.

Meera's heart pounded in her chest as she watched in awe and disbelief. The air was thick with the metallic tang of blood, the ground slick with crimson puddles. Eryx's fur was drenched in gore, each strand matted with the lifeblood of his victims. He tossed aside one of the men hanging from his jaws like a rag doll, the sickening sound of bones snapping audible even over the chaos.

With a primal fury burning in his eyes, Eryx turned his attention to Meera and the three men who held her captive. His growl reverberated through the air like thunder, a warning of the violence to come. The sunlight glinted off his razor-sharp teeth, stained crimson with the blood of his prey.

Meera's breath caught in her throat as Eryx advanced on her assailants, his massive form casting a looming shadow over them. The men recoiled in terror, their faces pale with fear as they realized the monstrous creature they faced. With a swift and brutal motion, Eryx lunged forward.

"Eryx, stop!" Andrick held up his hands as he yanked off the mask he had been wearing. Blood dripped from the edges of the mask, mingling with the crimson stains on his black uniform.

"Andrick?" Venna shouted in disbelief, her voice barely audible over the chaos.

"Listen, listen," Andrick pleaded, his eyes wide with fear as he faced the towering wolf before him. "Relax. Calm down."

Eryx stepped forward, his massive form casting a menacing shadow over his brother. His growl pulsated through the air like a warning, the scent of blood thick in his nostrils. With a swift motion, he raised his massive paw and pushed Andrick down to the ground, the force of the impact sending a shockwave through the earth.

"Eryx, stop!" Andrick shouted, struggling beneath the weight of the wolf's paw. "Meera! Stop him."

Meera stood frozen in disbelief, her mind reeling from the carnage unfolding before her. The silk slippers on her feet were soaked with warm blood, the metallic taste lingering in her mouth like a bitter reminder of the horrors she had witnessed.

"Meera!" Andrick's desperate cry broke through her trance.

Eryx lowered his jaw, his teeth bared in a menacing snarl. His claws tore open the fabric of Andrick's uniform as he prepared to deliver the final blow, his brother's life hanging in the balance.

"Eryx! Stop!" Will's voice cut through the chaos as he came running out of the palace. With incredible speed, he reached his brothers and threw himself between them, his body a barrier against the violence. "Stop! It was the father's orders."

The courtyard fell into a stunned silence as Will's words echoed through the air. The realization of his revelation hung heavy, weighing down the hearts of those who bore witness to the scene.

Venna's hands trembled at her sides as she stared at Andrick, her mind struggling to comprehend the betrayal that had unfolded before her eyes. Meera's breath caught in her throat, the horror of the situation washing over her in waves. She felt a surge of disbelief and anger rising within her, threatening to consume her from within.

Eryx's growl softened into a low rumble as he withdrew his paw from Andrick's chest, his eyes narrowing in a mixture of confusion and fury. The bloodlust that had consumed him moments before was replaced by a cold, calculating gaze as he turned his attention to his brother.

"You disobeyed his orders, Eryx" Will explained. "This was to show you how vulnerable Meera is without her training."

Eryx growled in disbelief, his lips pulling back to bare his teeth.

"I'm sorry, Meera," Will said, looking back at the elemental.

Meera stood frozen, her eyes wide with shock and disbelief. The revelation that the king had orchestrated the attack as a means to teach Eryx a lesson left her feeling numb, her mind struggling to process the enormity of the betrayal.

Eryx's growl reverberated through the courtyard, his fury palpable as he glared at his brother with undisguised loathing. The air crackled with tension as he struggled to contain the raging tempest within him, his claws digging into the ground with barely restrained violence.

Will's apology fell on deaf ears as Meera's gaze remained locked on Eryx, her heart heavy with the weight of the truth that had been revealed. She felt a surge of anger and betrayal rising within her, threatening to engulf her in its fiery embrace.

Meera, Eryx's voice appeared in Meera's head. The rage in his words made Meera flinch and grip the fabric of her dress. Ask Will if he knew from the beginning.

Meera's eyes shifted toward the young prince. She stood staring in silence, unable to move or speak.

Meera! Eryx growled. Ask.

"Will...." Meera spoke, her voice cracking. "Did you know about this from the beginning?" Will's expression faltered, his gaze dropping to the ground as guilt washed over him like a tidal wave. He opened his mouth to speak, but the words caught in his throat, choked by the weight of his betrayal.

The courtyard fell into a heavy silence, broken only by the sound of Eryx's ragged breathing and the distant echo of footsteps retreating into the palace. Meera felt the weight of the truth pressing down on her, suffocating her with its cruel reality.

"Please..." Will spoke with great caution, his voice laced with apprehension as he extended a tentative hand toward Meera. "Let's all go inside. We can discuss everything there."

As Will took a step forward, Meera instinctively pulled back, her gaze fixed on him with a mixture of defiance and fear. In response, Eryx surged forward, a low growl emanating from deep within his chest. He positioned himself protectively behind Meera, enfolding her within the shelter of his powerful frame. His eyes, blazing with intensity, locked onto Will's, a silent warning etched into their depths.

"Don't touch me," Meera's voice cut through the tense air, sharp and commanding, as she held her ground, her hand raised defensively.

A charged atmosphere enveloped them, pulsating with emotions ranging from anger to confusion. Eryx's presence behind Meera exuded an aura of fierce protection, his towering form serving as a formidable barrier between her and any potential threat. His muscles tensed beneath his fur, ready to spring into action at the slightest sign of danger.

"Venna," Meera's voice broke through the tension, her tone softer now, beckoning her friend closer. "Come here."

Will's eyes widened in realization, and he stumbled backward, his gaze darting between Venna and the blood on her face. Shock washed over his features, draining the color from his complexion, as he struggled to comprehend the unfolding chaos. With a trembling hand, he reached out towards Venna, concern etched into his features.

"Vee-"

"What did I say?" Meera's voice was sharp, a fierce determination underlying her words, as she pushed Will's arm away, her eyes flashing with resolve. Venna hurried towards her, seeking refuge in Meera's protective embrace, while Eryx stood sentinel behind them, a silent guardian ready to defend at all costs. "Don't you dare, Will. Or I swear I'll make Eryx bite your head off."

Will slowly lowered his hand, his expression filled with guilt and uncertainty. Beside him, Andrick spat up a mouthful of blood and coughed, grimacing as he held the side of his ribs. The pain etched on his face was a stark reminder of the consequences of their actions.

"You all should be ashamed of yourselves," Meera's voice rang out. "Eryx is your brother!"

As Meera shouted, Eryx's wolf form lowered his head and began to nudge her gently toward the towering structure of the palace. She stood her ground for a few moments, her eyes ablaze with fury as she fought against his silent command. Will stood before her, his face a mixture of shock and remorse as he listened to her words.

"And look at Venna!" Meera continued, her voice trembling with anger. "Look what you did to her!"

Meera, Eryx's voice echoed in Meera's mind through their telepathic connection. Let me handle this. Go inside. Get Venna cleaned up.

With a heavy sigh, Meera reluctantly yielded to Eryx's command. She tore her gaze away from Will and Andrick, her heart heavy with disappointment, and turned towards the tower entrance. Beside her, Venna stood silently, her face streaked with blood and tears, her eyes wide with shock and fear. Together, they made their way inside, leaving behind the chaos and confusion that surrounded them.

As Meera and Venna hurried back towards the towering structure, their footsteps echoed in the tense silence that hung heavy in the air. Eryx followed closely behind them, his presence a silent reassurance as they made their way to safety.

Once inside the grand entrance of the tower, the girls turned away from Eryx as he shifted back into his human form. He quickly moved towards a nearby servant who stood at attention by the door, his expression impassive despite the chaos that had unfolded outside. With a swift motion, Eryx grabbed a pair of pants from the servant's outstretched hands, his movements fluid and determined.

Meera and Venna remained silent, their backs turned to Eryx as they tried to process the events that had transpired. The tension in the air was palpable as they grappled with the shock of the attack and the revelation of the king's involvement. Despite the warmth of the tower's interior, a chill lingered in their hearts.

Meanwhile, Eryx swiftly donned the pants, his mind focused on the next course of action. His jaw clenched with determination as he prepared to confront the king and demand answers. With a resolute expression, he turned towards Meera and Venna, his gaze steady and unwavering.

"Don't leave the tower," Eryx commanded, his voice firm and authoritative.

Meera whirled around to face him, her eyes filled with determination. "Where are you going?"

"I need to speak to my father," Eryx declared, his jaw set with resolve.

"I'm coming with you," Meera insisted, her voice unwavering.

Eryx shook his head. "No. Stay here."

"Eryx—" Meera began, but he cut her off.

In the brightly lit foyer of the tower, Eryx closed the distance between them, his expression hardened with fury. He reached out and gently brushed his fingers against the small cut on Meera's left cheek, his touch surprisingly gentle despite the intensity in his eyes.

"This will leave a mark," he remarked, his tone laced with concern.

"I'm coming with you," Meera insisted once more, her determination shining through.

"I would prefer if you didn't," Eryx replied, his voice tinged with frustration.

"And I would prefer if I did," Meera countered, refusing to back down.

Eryx sighed, realizing he couldn't dissuade her. "You need to clean the blood off yourself," he reminded her, his tone softening slightly.

"No," Meera shook her head defiantly. "He needs to see it."

With a resigned nod, Eryx relented, knowing there was no changing her mind. Together, they made their way towards the king's chambers, their footsteps echoing in the grand hallway as they prepared to confront the source of their turmoil.

As Meera and Eryx entered the King's chambers, they were met with a tense atmosphere. The queen and Dawn were tending to Andrick's wounds, their expressions tight with concern. Will stood by the wall, his face etched with pain and guilt, while the king sat at his breakfast table, his demeanor grim and furious.

The queen glanced up as Meera and Eryx approached, her eyes reflecting a mixture of worry and disapproval. Dawn, ever vigilant, shot them a fleeting glance before returning her attention to Andrick.

Eryx's gaze narrowed as he assessed the scene before him, his jaw clenched in frustration. Meera's heart pounded in her chest as she met the king's steely gaze, feeling a sense of apprehension wash over her in the face of his palpable anger.

"Father," Eryx spoke, his voice firm and unwavering, "we need to talk."

The king's expression darkened further as he regarded his son and Meera with a cold, calculating gaze.

"Indeed," he replied tersely, his tone betraying no hint of warmth. "This was all your faul-"

The queen's gasp echoed through the chamber as Eryx swiftly moved, his actions decisive and fierce. With a determined stride, he seized a small knife from the nearby basket of fruits and advanced towards his brother. Dawn instinctively stepped aside, her eyes widening in shock at the unfolding scene.

Before anyone could react, Eryx deftly wielded the blade, slicing open the skin on Andrick's left cheek with a precise motion. A sharp intake of breath rippled through the room as crimson blood welled from the fresh wound, staining the prince's pale skin.

"Eryx!" Queen Tulla's voice rang out in horror, her eyes wide with disbelief at her son's audacious act.

Ignoring the queen's outcry, Eryx seized Andrick's collar, pulling him forward with an iron grip. His gaze burned with intensity as he delivered a chilling warning, his voice laced with venomous rage.

"If I find another mark on her," Eryx's words dripped with menace, "I'll burn it onto your body."

The king watched the scene unfold with a mixture of fury and astonishment, his features darkening with every passing moment. Andrick winced in pain, his cheek stinging from the fresh wound as he met his brother's unwavering gaze with a mixture of fear and defiance.

"And that goes for all of you," Eryx's voice carried a steely resolve, echoing off the chamber walls. His eyes narrowed as he locked gazes with his father, the king. "My bond to Meera outranks all of my ties to you. She's my mate first and you are my king second."

Silence descended upon the chamber, the weight of Eryx's words hanging heavily in the air as the gravity of his declaration settled over them all. It was a clear and unmistakable warning, a declaration of loyalty to his mate that brooked no compromise.

"This would have never happened if you had listened to my orders," Hemming spat.

"So you decide to attack me?" Meera spoke up. "That was your brilliant idea? Not talking about it with your son or trying to reason with him?"

"Talking?" Tulla huffed. "This isn't Azmeera, Princess. Actions have consequences here."

Meera's eyes flickered toward the cut on Andrick's face, "Clearly."

"Eryx should have known better then to disobey the king's orders," Drawn said.

"Who are you again?" Meera turned toward her. "Why are you here?"

Drawn's eyes hardened as she stared at Meera in disbelief.

"No, really," Meera waited. "What's your title? What's your rank? How dare you speak in our presence and interject yourself in these matters."

"Princess Meera," Hemming's commanding voice boomed over the room. "That's enough."

"Wonderful, because that's exactly what I was going to say to you," Meera turned to look back at the king. "Do not push me to call my family here. You have lied to me and dishonored my marriage and now you have openly attacked me. I don't know about you, King Hemming, but where I'm from, crimes like that start a war. And trust me, you do not want a war against Azmeera and the rest of the three kingdoms."

As tension thickened in the room, Meera's words hung heavily, each syllable laden with the weight of the potential consequences. The air crackled with an underlying current of animosity and distrust. Hemming's expression tightened, his jaw clenching as he absorbed Meera's pointed accusations.

"I can have you killed for speaking to me in such a manner," He said.

Meera stood her ground and turned toward Eryx. She looked him in the eyes as she spoke to the king.

"You can try."

Do we trust Eryx?