The Witch and Her Four Dangerous Alphas

Chapter 17: Chapter 17: The Royal Letter

Aeron’s POV

Cyrus was still standing by the door, mid-sentence, when both of us felt it—faint at first, but unmistakable. The scent of iron and pine needles, clipped and cold. Kael.

I glanced toward the entrance before Cyrus even turned. His posture stiffened immediately, his throat bobbing once. His words stopped altogether, buried under the weight of tension that now filled the room.

I knew what he was thinking. He wasn’t worried about Kael. He was terrified of what would happen if Kael realized he’d been reporting to me behind his back. I had no fear of my brother knowing.

I didn’t hide my thoughts, and Kael would never confront me directly. But for Cyrus, a beta, loyalty ran in a different current. Reporting on his own Alpha’s brother was as close to treason as one could get in this pack.

He swallowed again as the door opened.

Kael stepped in quietly, his expression composed, but eyes distant. He was holding something—thick parchment, sealed in wax as red as dried blood. The moment I saw the crest pressed into it, I straightened in my chair.

Cyrus gave a stiff bow, trying to act like he hadn’t just been reporting on Kael seconds earlier. "Alpha Kael," he murmured.

Kael glanced at him and paused, narrowing his eyes slightly. "Why do you look like someone just dragged you through the swamps?"

Cyrus stiffened more, eyes darting between us. The panic on his face was almost comedic.

"He’s fine," I said smoothly before Cyrus could fumble a reply. "Just upset. His girl friend cheated on him. With a kitchen guard, I believe."

Cyrus made a choking sound. "What—? That’s not—!"

But the look I gave him silenced the rest of his outburst. I didn’t even have to speak. His mouth snapped shut with a quiet click.

Kael turned to me, then back at Cyrus with raised brows. "...Damn. That’s rough."

even gave him a look that bordered

and excused himself with a stammered bow,

I felt the corner

placed the sealed letter on my desk. "This just arrived. Hand-delivered

Royal Crest of the Lycan Rulers. A crown surrounded

dagger and unfolded the thick parchment slowly. My eyes scanned

coming here," I

me, arms crossed.

heir to the throne. He’s coming to attend our coronation in

leaned back slightly, brows drawing together.

"Very."

in flowery formal script, filled with unnecessary niceties. It congratulated us on our victory, praised our ’resilience and leadership,’ and offered the prince’s personal presence to honor our rise to full Alpha status. It sounded generous, noble

I didn’t believe

Kael didn’t either.

I said slowly, "they’d be celebrating

years. Not even the Central Warden’s eldest son,

early," I added. "That

of the desk. "Do you think he suspects something? About how we

I said firmly. "Our actions were within the law of war. The Council’s endorsement

"Then what?"

faintly. "Either he

Kael’s gaze darkened. "Selene."

would be

us knew the history between

thing uncertain now... was just how far the prince was

on the armrest. I noticed, but didn’t comment. We both had reasons to distrust the Royal Pack. Their interest