Too smart. "This is a disaster!" She gripped my arms. "You need to run. If he exposes you-" "I can't." I said hoarsely. "If I leave now, I will leave with nothing. My escape from the pack would have been for nothing, my hard work to make a spot in the Academy would turn to nothing but ash. I came here for my throne and I am not leaving without it. Especially when I know that the world outside is no safer…." I trailed off, closely watching her changing expression. "Am I correct right? What is happening outside! Tell me." The silence was thick as Lily slowly sat down on the mattress, her eyes wide and shaking "It's true,the world outside is a trap that's been set for you," she admitted quietly and fearfully. My heart pounded. "What happened after my escape?" Lily stared at the floor like she was reliving it. "Your father… he went mad, Sera. Not just angry. Unhinged . The entire pack wa locked down . Every werewolf pack was checked. And he did not even spare your aunt's pack. She was investigated for days but she did not spill the beans. Of course, that only added fuel to your father's anger and the humiliation that he felt over your escape." 1 clenched my fists. "He's still looking?" "Every second. Every shadow." Lily looked up. "And now… now there's no wedding. I blinked. "What do you mean?" "I mean if they find you, it won't be an altar waiting for you," she whispered. For some reason, I had a very bad feeling; as I started to ask, "then? " + Sera "It'll be his bed. They'll drag you to the Alpha King like a debt paid in flesh. No vows. No ceremony. Just a sealed fate." A chill ran down my spine. My mind conjured the image against my will-my father's pride shattered, his rage volcanic. He wouldn't tolerate humiliation, especially not in front of royalty. In his eyes, the moment he arranged that marriage, 1 already belonged to the Alpha King as his Luna and wife. ar Lily reached out , gripping my hand. "So you can't be discovered. Not by that Alpha here. Not by anyone. If your secret gets out, they'll take you straight to the Alpha King. Run Sera. Run away !" "No," I shook my head, my heart quickening every second with emotion. "I ran here to achieve my dreams, my future, and if I ran from here now , I will be running for the rest of my life.". Lily's eyes widened, "Sera….think wisely. That Alpha….that Alpha that knows…you…" "I am at the point in my life where the throne has not become only a dream that I wanted to achieve but the only place where no one will be able to drag me back or dare to touch once I take my place on it," I looked at my hands that were no longer cold or shaking "Now I will gain my throne even if the almighty Alpha who might know my secrets stands in my way Send Gifts