The Witch and Her Four Dangerous Alphas

Chapter 37: Chapter 37: I Can’t Let Her Stay Here

Prince Vaelen’s POV ~

She was nowhere.

I had searched the entire wing meant for me—spacious, ornate, guarded with the best guards—but she wasn’t there. I walked through the east garden, past the reflecting pool, and even the quiet stone path near the Alpha chambers. Still nothing.

Selene was gone. Like she never existed in the first place. Not even a scent was left behind.

For the love of the goddess, where the hell had they hidden her?

I slammed the door of the guest quarters behind me with a force that startled one of the guards. My jaw clenched so tight it ached. The two girls I had brought with me, who were supposed to help me, Meriya and that other one, were absolutely useless. No, not useless. Worse. They are fucking real bitches.

Manipulative, jealous. Pettier than broken glass in a noblewoman’s slipper.

"Useless, scheming little snakes," I muttered to myself, pacing the edge of the room.

I had told them clearly to find Selene. Speak with her. Offer support. Instead, they came back with painted lips, empty hands, and smug little lies wrapped in honeyed tones.

"We couldn’t find her," they said. "No one knew where she went," they said. Bullshit.

I should have known.

Meriya had been raised by the side of my mother; how could she be any better? She was clever, beautiful, and deadly in the same breath. She played the role of future Luna so well, even I had almost believed she was here with good intentions. But I knew better now.

ten feet away from me and shut every door in

made my skin crawl. Every time she got near me, it was as if her eyes were trying to devour me whole. Like I was some prize cut of meat, and she couldn’t wait to sink her claws in. The way she leaned in, the

an innocent girl, but he knew just how she was, and first of all, any woman related to my mother can never be better. I would rather

up from the pit of my stomach just thinking of

never looked at me like

or a throne in her eyes. I saw a girl standing tall in the royal courtyard, refusing to look down even when all eyes were on her. She had that kind of pride that wasn’t loud. It was soft and steady and unshakable. And damn me, I respected her for that and admired

of her father, I can never stand in front of

of my mind, I had considered her. As a

with spine and grace, not petty jealousy like women who only know how to scheme. She had no interest in flattery, no need for theatrics. And that’s

but tyrant in truth. A woman cloaked in elegance and power, who ruled

was nothing more than a pawn in her endless political games. A crown prince, yes—but also a bargaining chip. My friendships were monitored. My emotions are treated like weaknesses. My heart? Never once mine to offer. She had chosen my tutors, my guards, and my

her. Cold eyes hidden behind warm smiles. Sharp tongues painted with pretty words.

was

or manipulate with practiced charm. She did not speak unless she meant her words. She did not smile to deceive. There was fire in

saw. Not for political gain. Not for alliance. But because I knew... if Selene were queen, our children would grow up with a mother who loved them for who they were, not for what they could be

know what it meant

would have what

the war hadn’t happened... if her father hadn’t destroyed half the continent... If I had moved

would’ve been

would’ve been

was