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Chapter 266
~Lycan King Kaid’s POV~
Zara nodded, offering a faint smile. "This visit has been enlightening, Kaid. But we need to focus on what lies ahead. There’s still danger looming."
"Well, the werewolf territories isn’t safe and Zara..."
"Zara would be safe with ."
I arched my brow. "Like before." Though it felt tight and unnatural, I forced a smile—the thought of her leaving unsettled .
There were still so many unspoken things between us, so many layers of her I wanted to unravel and more of I wished to show her. But I couldn’t press her—not here with my Lords, not now.
"I believe Alpha Snow would be capable, my liege. If he says it is ti, it is ti. Of course, even the colonies and cardinal territories are open to her, I an them," Lord Sterling corrected.
Before I could respond, Richard’s voice rang in my mind through our shared mind-link.
"Don’t say anything stupid, Kaid."
I clenched my fist under the table. "What’s that supposed to an?"
"It ans keep your composure," Richard replied sharply. "You’re the Alpha King. Show so grace. Tell them your palace is always open and that you value this friendship. If you push now, you’ll only drive her further away. Use your head."
"I am." I scoffed and glared at Imperial, who smiled so naturally I felt like puking.
"At least soone knows how to charm and welco a lady."
I knew he was referring to Lord Sterling and I hated how he took soone else’s side apart from mine.
"Richard."
"Focus. Zara is looking at you."
Richard’s words stung, but I knew he was right. I took a deep breath, releasing the tension in my shoulders.
"I understand," I said aloud. "Though I must admit, I wish your stay could be longer. It’s not often we have guests of your calibre."
Zara’s smile softened, and she inclined her head. "Your hospitality has been generous, Alpha Kaid. Thank you for making us feel welco."
"Always," I said, aning every word. "The palace doors are open to you anyti. I hope this marks the beginning of a lasting friendship between our territories."
Richard gave a subtle nod of approval from across the table.
Snow raised his glass, a small smile playing on his lips. "To friendship."
The others at the table followed suit, lifting their glasses in a toast.
"To friendship," Zara echoed, her voice carrying a sincerity that made sothing in my chest tighten.
We drank, the mont fleeting but significant. As the al continued, I tried to focus on the conversations around , but my thoughts remained on Zara.
Her resolve was admirable, her strength unshakable. But there was a vulnerability beneath it all—a part of her I felt compelled to protect, even if she didn’t need it.
I’d wanted more ti. Ti to earn her trust, to show her I wasn’t just another obstacle in her path. But now, that opportunity was slipping through my fingers.
Richard’s voice broke through my thoughts once more.
"You’re doing the right thing, Kaid. Let them leave on good terms. There will be other opportunities."
I nodded subtly, though my frustration raged beneath my calm exterior.
As the breakfast wound down, Snow stood, extending his hand toward . I rose to et him, gripping his hand firmly.
"Thank you again, Kaid," Snow said. "This visit has been... insightful."
"Indeed," I replied, my gaze briefly flicking to Zara. "Safe travels. And rember, you’re always welco here."
Zara approached next with a warm but distant smile. "Thank you, Kaid. For everything."
My throat tightened, but I managed a nod. "Take care, Zara. May your path be clear and your strength unwavering."
Her eyes lingered on mine for a mont before she turned to leave with Snow.
As I watched them go, a hollow ache settled in my chest. Zara was leaving without forging sothing deeper—at least for now.
But Richard’s words helped my resolve to play a long ga. There would be other opportunities.
And I wouldn’t let them slip away.
I turned to face my Lords and my gaze locked with Lord Sterling’s. Imdiately I mindlinked him. "Be careful, Imperial; not everyone I set my eyes on can beco a hunting ground for you. Beware."
His smirk grew. "If I didn’t know better, I’d have thought the Lycan King was feeling threatened. Relax; even I know when to cross a line."
"Better." I sighed internally, thinking this was done but he wasn’t.
"I just haven’t crossed it yet." Imdiately he shut the mind-link, stood up, bowed, and left the dining hall.
"Fucking bastard," I growled in anger.
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~Zara’s POV~
After leaving the dining hall, Snow, Zade and I hurried back to our chambers to prepare. With the ssage Golden God sent, I wasn’t keen on sitting on the sideline for too long. We needed to move. I needed to be back and ensure my family was safe.
I leaned my head against Snow’s shoulder as we walked down the last corridor to our room, closing my eyes briefly to centre myself while the tension from the breakfast lingered.
"You’re awfully quiet," Snow’s voice echoed in my mind through our shared mind-link.
"Just thinking," I replied, my lips curving into a faint smile. "About Kaid. About everything."
Snow snorted lightly, the sound carrying more amusent than derision. "I don’t trust him."
"I know," I said, opening my eyes to et his piercing gaze. "But maybe we don’t need to trust him completely to use him."
Snow arched a brow. "Go on."
"Kaid isn’t an idiot," I explained. "He knows what’s at stake, and for all his posturing, he values power and influence above everything else. If we can position ourselves as his allies rather than his adversaries, we might be able to turn him into an asset."
Snow’s lips pressed into a thin line, his expression thoughtful as he wrapped his hands around my waist. "And if he decides to betray us?"
I t his gaze evenly. "Then we’ll be prepared. But think about it, Snow—right now, we need every ally we can get. The Shadow Clave or Thord Crescent, isn’t sothing we can take on alone."
He leaned back, his jaw tightening as he mulled over my words. "You’re playing a dangerous ga, Zara."
"I know," I admitted. "But it’s one worth playing."
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