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.

would have thrown her ten

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 way her sick smile was always plastered on her face, like a very perfect girl who had no idea of the

woman

up from the pit of my

had never looked at me like

thought of her, I didn’t see a crown 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

front of her father, I can never stand in

of my mind, I had considered her.

like women who only know how to scheme. She had no interest in flattery, no need for theatrics. And that’s exactly

cloaked in elegance and power, who ruled the palace halls with a voice

My emotions are treated like weaknesses. My heart? Never

woman she approved of reminded me of her. Cold eyes hidden behind warm smiles. Sharp

Selene... Selene was

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

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

what it meant to fear a

would have what

her father hadn’t destroyed half

would’ve

would’ve been

I was