Contract With The Alpha King by Brey Mitchylle

Chapter 70

"You didn't have to do that," Fiona said, gazing up at the stars visible from the balcony. She and Elijah stood on the second floor of the palace, away from the festivities, sharing a bottle of wine. The secluded spot offered a quiet reprieve, accessible only to those familiar with its hidden location.

Elijah leaned against the balcony railing, the cool night air brushing against his skin. Below them, the garden sprawled in a riot of colors, even in the dim light. Thick hedges framed the edges, and wildflowers fought for space among the neatly trimmed shrubs. The soft glow from the moonless sky cast a gentle shadow over the cobblestone path that meandered through the greenery. A fountain burbled softly at the center, its water sparkling faintly in the twilight, and the scent of jasmine lingered in the air.

"Zach needed to learn his lesson," Elijah said as he rested his hand on her waist. His gaze remained fixed ahead.

Fiona turned to him, concern etching her features. "And what do you think everyone else will say now that you protected me?"

He shrugged, a slight smirk playing at the corners of his lips. "It doesn't matter. What they think will never matter."

Before she could respond, Regor appeared from the shadows, bowing slightly. "Your Highness, His Majesty the King is looking for you."

"Go ahead," Fiona said, her voice steady. "I'd rather be here than join the festivities.".

Elijah shook his head, his expression firm. "You should go inside.

"No," she insisted, crossing her arms defiantly. "I'm staying out here."

With a reluctant sigh, Elijah stepped back. "Fine. I'll be back."

He turned and walked away, leaving Fiona alone on the balcony. As soon as he was gone, she let out a long sigh, her breath forming a small cloud in the cool air. She stared at the dark sky, letting her thoughts drift.

Fiona's mind wandered as she leaned against the balcony railing, contemplating life outside this palace. Was she ready to return to a world filled with chaos and uncertainty? She shook her head, dismissing the thought. She had grown to care for Elijah, and the feelings that had begun as a mere deal had transformed into something deeper. It felt foolish, yet undeniable,

A gust of wind whipped through the balcony, making her shiver She frowned, adjusting her posture when a sudden instinct urged her to move. Without thinking, she ducked just as a dagger whistled past where she had stood moments before. Her eyes widened in shock. Panic surged as she scrambled to her side, narrowly avoiding another pair of daggers aimed at her previous position. The railing shielded her from the attack, but she couldn't rely on it for long. She glanced around, trying to locate the source of the attack, but shadows engulfed the garden below, obscuring any potential assailant.

Breathing heavily, Fiona moved further to the side, her heart racing. Another dagger sliced through the air, embedding itself into the wood of the balcony. She had to act quickly. Adrenaline coursed through her veins as she searched for an escape route, knowing she couldn't stay here much longer.

prepared to move again, a voice broke through the

away, her expression puzzled. Adrianna approached, her steps steady. "Elijah sent me to accompany you. What are you doing on the

She didn't

hi explanations. She lunged forward, grabbing Adrianna's arm and yanking her pointing to the

glinting in the dim light.

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Chapter 70

quickening.

to kill me. We need to find a way out of

scanning the area for any signs

can't stay here. We have to move before they

0

+5

adrenaline through Fiona and Adrianna. The acrid smell

as she turned to Fiona. "What's

a deep breath, forcing herself to remain calm despite the chaos. "I think someone

powerful muscles rippling as it crouched, ready to spring again. "Stay behind me," Adrianna said as she instinctively pulled Fiona behind

wasted no time, lunging at them with a savage snarl. Adrianna instinctively pushed Fiona behind her, her hand moving with surprising speed to reveal a dagger. She welcomed the beast's attack,

she could react, another werewolf appeared on the balcony, its presence imposing and menacing. Panic surged within her as she felt the weight of the

needed to act fast. With a swift motion, she sliced through the fabric of her large gown, creating space to move more freely. The torn material fell away, allowing her to shift into a fighting stance just as the second werewolf lunged toward her. She focused her energy, gripping the dagger tightly, and readied herself for the oncoming attack. The second werewolf barreled forward, teeth bared, and Fiona sprang into action, sidestepping its advance while aiming her dagger at the beast's flank. Adrianna, who was still engaged

"I know!" Fiona responded.

countered quickly, her dagger slicing through the

with the first werewolf, using her dagger to deflect its powerful swipes. She slashed at its side, but the creature retaliated, raking its claws across her arm. Blood seeped from the

shouted, her heart racing as she saw the blood on her

shake off the pain. "I'm fine, just-" She gasped as the werewolf lunged again, forcing her to parry its attack. The claws grazed her shoulder, and she felt a strange burning sensation where they