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.

thrown her ten feet away from me and shut every door in

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

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

rolled up from the pit of

never looked at me like

her eyes. I saw a girl standing tall in the royal courtyard, refusing to look down even when all

front of her father, I can never

mind, I had

good one—better than good. She would’ve ruled with spine and grace, not petty jealousy like women who only know how to

woman cloaked in elegance and power, who ruled the palace halls

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 meals, and now she wanted

reminded me of her. Cold eyes hidden behind warm smiles. Sharp tongues painted with pretty

Selene was nothing

hide behind veils or 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

if Selene were queen, our children would grow up with a mother who loved them for who they were, not for

never know what it meant to fear a mother’s

would have what

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

things would’ve been

would’ve

I was too