Thornak's brows drew together, suspicion flickering in his golden gaze.
Humans don't survive rogue battles. Not without help."
"My father taught me well," she insisted. "That is the truth your majesty."
Thornak sat back. The pieces didn't quite fit. Her scent, her skill, her presence, it was all wrong. Or too right.
"Why were you in my forest?"
Lara swallowed hard. "My village was attacked. Some rogues came in the night. They… they were taking young girls."
His expression darkened instantly.
"My father told me to run. He bought me time. I didn't want to leave my brother, or my mother, but he made me." Her voice cracked a little. "I thought I got away. But they followed me."
She hesitated, then asked in a low tone as if frightened, "Why did you help me?"
"You were bleeding and alone and surrounded by rogues." He paused, jaw tightening. "I couldn't walk away."
He leaned forward, his voice softening. "What happened to your wolf?"
She lowered her gaze and fidgeted with her fingers. "I... I don't have one."
Silence fell between them. His wolf paced inside him, snarling in disbelief. No wolf? But the bond was there. Jax wouldn't be reacting this way if it wasn't.
"I am wolfless," she repeated, quieter now. Almost ashamed.
And still, his instincts screamed mine.
But then a wolfless girl doesn't possess this much strength. There must be more to this girl than she was letting on.
"Will I be allowed to leave? I… I need to find my family." she asked.
He blinked. "You want to leave?"
Lara hesitated. "My family… if they're still out there, they'll be looking for me."
He hesitated, then nodded once. "You're still healing. But when you're stronger, yes. Until then, I'll send riders. If your family can be found, they will be brought to see you."
Her eyes widened. "You would do that?"
He gave a single but firm nod. "I didn't leave you to die in that forest. I'm not leaving you now."
Her heart stuttered and the room felt warmer all of a sudden.
"Thank you," she said, her voice small but sincere.
He gave the faintest nod and turned toward the door but paused, just before stepping out.
"I'm Thornak," he said. "In case you were wondering."
She nodded offering a shy smile.
Then he was gone, and Lara sank slowly back into the bed, her heart pounding.
....
Back in the war room.
"She says her village was attacked by rogues," Thornak said. "Darkpine Ridge. It's a human territory far from our patrol routes."
Kael frowned. "What would rogues be doing out there?"
"Taking girls," Thornak replied. "She said her father helped her escape."
Ruvan arched a brow. "Impressive."
"And she's wolfless."Thornak added. "But she's clearly been trained. She held her ground longer than most would."
Kael raised a brow. "So you're saying the woman your wolf has claimed… has no wolf? Do we believe her?"
"We verify her story," Thornak said firmly. "Send scouts to Darkpine Ridge. Discreetly. I want confirmation on the attack and her family's survival."
Ruvan gave a short nod. "And the rogues?"
"Track them. If they're operating in that region, we need to know how close they've gotten to our borders—and who's giving them orders." He looked between the two. "I want answers by the end of the week. I have a feeling this is connected to the recent attacks on our boarders."
As if on cue, there was a knock and Dain, his Beta entered. His scarred brow was furrowed, jaw tight. "They've been sighted again near the Frostmere border. Same formation. Same scent. Another patrol has gone missing, That makes three."
Ruvan, paced near the far window. "This isn't rogue work. It's coordinated. Someone's commanding them."
Dain added grimly, "Whatever this is, they're testing our defenses. We either hit first, or we wait until they strike something vital."
"Could they be the ones taking the girls, Kael asked. "Could all this be connected?"
Thorn's golden eyes gleamed beneath the torchlight. "Could be, we prepare a counter strike, but not yet. We'll ride north tomorrow."
"And the woman?" Dain asked, eyeing him carefully.
"She is not to be touched," Thorn growled. "My chambers are sealed. No one enters, not even my mother. Let the court whisper. Let them boil. She is under my protection. Kael, I leave you in charge of her."
Kael nodded.
Elsewhere in the king's chambers. A soft knock on the door made Lara jump. She had been looking out the tall window for a long time, trying to ignore the strange pain in her chest and the feeling that her whole life had changed.
A gentle voice followed the knock. "May I come in?"
Before Lara could answer, the door opened and a young woman stepped inside, holding a basket. She had long blonde hair braided over one shoulder and a beautiful smile. She was about her age.
"I'm Iris," she said kindly. "Thornak's sister."
Lara tensed, unsure what to say. The name of the Lycan King still made her chest tighten.
"I brought you some things," Iris continued, walking over to the table near the window. "Warm bread, stew. And some proper clothes. My brother thought you might want something more comfortable."
Lara glanced down at the oversized dress she wore it must've been Thornak's. The thought made her cheeks flushed.
"Thank you," she said quietly.
Iris turned to her with a grin. "Don't worry, you're safe. This place might feel like a haunted castle, but not everyone here bites or howls… some of us just complain about the food."
That made Lara laugh, a small, surprised sound that slipped out before she could stop it. Iris' eyes lit up like she'd just won a prize.
"I'm sorry, Princess," Lara said, still giggling. "I didn't mean to laugh..."
Iris laughed softly. "It's okay," she said with a wink. "Making people laugh is part of my very unofficial duty."
Lara chuckled, but didn't argue.
"Sit up," Iris said gently. "Eat something first, and I'll have them bring water for your bath. I am sure you must be hungry."
As if on cue, her stomach growled in response, loud enough to make them both laugh.