Contract With The Alpha King by Brey Mitchylle

Chapter 95

"The Southern Gates are more dangerous?" Fiona asked, frowning. "What does that me: mean?"

Elijah shrugged in response. Then he leaned back. looking out at the landscape as the carriage bumped along the rugged path. "The Southern Gates are different from what you've seen so far," he began. "They've always been more dangerous. The land itself is isolated, surrounded by forests that stretch for miles, and these forests make it easy for rogues to gather and launch attacks. Patrols are frequent, but the sheer size of the territory makes it hard to cover everything" Fiona's frown deepened. "So, it's a constant threat?"

Elijah nodded. "The Southern Gates have been dealing with rogue incursions for years. They're more than just outlaws. These rogues are organized, often led by the Rogue King himself, Romero," Fiona's eyes sharpened with interest. "Romero?" She thought she'd heard that name before, but couldn't remember where or when.

Elijah's expression darkened as he continued. "Romero and I have... history. He despises the palace and anyone associated with it. He wasn't always a rogue. His family was once part of the council-a respected lineage with ties to the royal bloodline. But tragedy struck." Fiona leaned forward, listening intently. "What happened?

"Years ago." Elijah began. "His family was caught in a political conflict. It turned bloody. There were rumors that his family was betrayed from within the council and that allies turned against them to push their influence out of the palace. Romero lost nearly everyone he cared about in a single night. His parents, and his younger sister.. all killed. Only he survived"

"So he turned against the kingdom?"

"Exactly," Elijah said, his jaw tightening "Romero left and gathered other outcasts-those who felt abandoned or betrayed by the council and the royal family. He built an army, more organized and ruthless than any rogue faction before him. His grudge against the kingdom became a vendetta

"Is that why he's after your Fiona asked, raising an eyebrow. "Or am I here as bait?"

take you if they

what is?" she asked, looking

me.

had to retreat, which only made his hatred grow. Since then, he's made

is where he'll likely try something. Romero knows the area well. He knows how to blend into those forests, and his people know how to strike quickly. That's why you need to stay close to

window, watching as the scenery grew denser, the trees casting long shadows over

"But we're

safer with

"Yes," Elijah said firmly.

halt. Fiona took a deep breath before

nestled within the thick forest, trees towering above, casting long shadows and creating a canopy that filtered the sunlight, leaving the entire area in perpetual twilight Wooden houses and cabins doned the clearing some partially hidden by the dense underbrush. The scent of earth and damp wood filled the air, mingling with the faint smell of smoke

few elderly villagers clasped their hands together in awe. Fiona scanned their faces, noticing a mixture of hope and worry etched

man approached them, bowing his head slightly. "Welcome, Lady Fiona, Your Highness," he said, his gaze respectful but weary: "I am Aken Wolfe, the chief of this village. He gestured to a woman and three children standing nearby. "This is my wife,

inclining her head. The children stared at her with wide eyes,

leading deeper into the forest. "I've prepared a place for you to rest" 2:46