The Rejected Werewolf Princess by Didiadeyemi

RYKER'S POV

I couldn't tell Camilla the truth. She seemed so happy and peaceful knowing that Reina was dead. I didn’t have the heart to tell her that there was more to the story than that. Instead, I put a smile on my face and lied through my f*****g teeth. It was a wonder that she didn’t even notice, she could usually tell when I was bull shitting her but maybe she just wanted to believe so badly that I was telling the truth.

The ride back to the palace was tranquil but my mind was a raging inferno. There was so much that could go wrong and I wasn't sure if I had the heart to tell her. Reina was dead-yes, there was no denying that but whatever she had dabbled in, whatever she had put her hands into- it wasn’t gone, not by a long shot.

I could still feel the icy feeling of the darkness around me. I had never felt as alone as I had in that moment. It took me back to the worst moments of my life- a child, unable to defend my own mother and my sister. It took me back tc the icy feeling of despair, fear and helplessness. It was no wonder Reina was the way she was if she had to deal with that every second of the day. It felt like nails scratching down my back, and I had heard a voice.

That was the kind of voice I was never going to forget until the day I died. It was eerie and otherworldly. I had felt it reverberate in every fiber of my being. It was Reina’s voice but it was not at the same time. It was something different, something stronger. All it had said was one sentence but that one sentence was going to haunt me for the rest of my life.

“You think this is over?” it had asked and then I heard a dark cackle. I couldnt describe what happened next even if tried but I had a sinking feeling. I didn’t want to tell Camilla yet because I didn’t want her to worry. I had everything under control.

“Ryker,” she called out and I stilled atop my horse. I turned to her and she was watching me with concern in her eyes “You zoned out there for a second, are you alright?”

I nodded immediately. “Of course, I am just ready to get home. I think we have had enough of witches for a very long time.” She smiled. “Honestly, I agree, but we have something else waiting for us- Audrey.”

“Audrey's powers aren't bothering anyone right now and I think we can take a much deserved break and not think about anything until it becomes an actual problem, hm?”

“Isn't the entire purpose to prevent it before it becomes a problem?”

“Camilla, you worry too much.”

“You don’t worry enough,” she shot back. “I am concerned. I know I shouldn't take stock to whatever Reina said but she made some very big accusations and what if a part of her is right.”

I turned to her and gave her a bland look. Her cheeks heated crimson in response. “Do you want to take the word of the woman who has tried to kill ypou multiple times over the word of the goddess who saved you every single time? She sighed. “You're right, I'm just worried. This is Audrey we are talking about. She is our daughter.”

fine,” I finished. “For now, let us focus

Juan as panicked as he was ir that moment. He didn’t even wait for

and I nodded but he either didn’t notice or didn’t care. “I couldn't get her out. How

“That is what matters. She is dead and everything is over.” He still didn’t look convinced. “Reina is dead. The dolls unraveled. She must have gotten to you when she was in the palace

She didn’t push on it but I got the idea. She wanted me to start with mine and Christine's room and I would not have been able to stop myself i she had asked. I would have killed my family and I would have been unable

he was. I reached out and placed a hand on his

I face

you would never willingly hurt her and you would rather die thar let anything happen to her. She needs you

Damien was talking to Camilla but his eyes were on me. As soon as he saw that I was done with Juan, he made

like

it before nodding. “Most of the

cursed. “That sounds like a lot. I'm sure we didn’t do you any favors by coming

laughed despite not feeling the slightest bit

him but he reached out and stopped me. “Look, I know a lot has happened so far but I still consider you my best friend and as your best friend of many years, I know when something is wrong. Did something happen out there?” Sᴇaʀ*ᴄh the

a witch?” there was no reason for me to be sarcastic but

his eyes. “You know what I mean. Are you alright? You look different- you look

my family and make sure

but he stepped aside for me. Camilla was waiting at the front of the palace doors for me and I wasted no time in intertwining my fingers with hers and walking in. She seemed relaxed

after a minute of silence and

off. If something is

rested my forehead against hers and for a few seconds, it was just us. There were no witches, no people to save, it was just us.