Chapter 3
I shrank my hand back, saying nothing.
After all, there was no point in explaining anything to someone who didn’t believe me.
Instead, Callahan reached out and took my hand, his touch surprisingly gentle as he tended to my wounds. His eyes softened, a rare warmth in them as he spoke.
"Cataleya, I know you’re upset about what happened with Nayeli and me," he said, his voice low and almost tender.
"But I did it for you. If the Rogue King had targeted you, it would’ve been over. I just didn’t want to see you hurt."
His words left a bitter taste in my mouth.
All I could think of were the countless times he’d claimed to be acting in my best interest.
He’d said it was for my safety when he drained my strength, afraid the Rogue King would sense my presence.
He’d said it was for my protection when he kept me hidden in the pack’s training grounds, never letting me step into the spotlight.
He’d even monitored my every move, my food, my clothes—all in the name of keeping me safe.
Back then, I’d found it comforting. Now, it only made my chest ache with a cold, hollow pain.
Everything he’d done—all the things he’d said were for me—had actually been for Nayeli.
He’d weakened me to strengthen her, hidden me away so she could take my place.
I steadied myself and pushed him away, bending to pick up the ceremonial dress I’d discarded. I slipped it on, my voice icy as I spoke.
"Don’t bother explaining. I know exactly what you’re doing."
His expression darkened instantly. He grabbed my arm, his grip tightening as he demanded,
"What’s gotten into you?! You’re hurt—you should be resting, not running around like this!"
I yanked my arm free, meeting his gaze with a sharp, mocking smile.
"What’s the matter, Alpha? Are you afraid the Queen will show up and take me back to the Lycan Court?"
For a moment, he looked stunned, then panicked. He released me abruptly, his voice harsh as he snapped,
"You’re delusional! There’s no Queen coming here!"
But before he could finish, a loud voice echoed from outside the hall.
"Her Majesty, the Queen, has arrived! Make way for the Queen!"
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