Alpha’s Regret After Putting Me In Jail novel Chapter 97

Chapter 97: Royal Manipulation

Chapter 97: Royal Manipulation

Chapter 97: Royal Manipulation

(Celeste’s POV)

The royal pack territory loomed like a shadowed dominion of power, its ancient moonstone

walls shimmering faintly under the waning light. Their sheer magnitude radiated subtle

strength and grandeur, a declaration of authority unique to the Alpha King’s bloodline.

I followed the Beta guard through the maze of corridors; my steps silent yet controlled. His

unusual behavior didn’t escape my notice.

His wolf’s aura exuded a sense of over–prepared submission. It was subtle but distinct, his

attention poised with a wariness better suited for royalty or high–ranking warriors.

It hit me then like cold steel: Alexander had interfered again. Somehow, the pack’s strongest

warrior had extended his shadow even here, manipulating paths where I dared not tread.

The ache of my silver scars burned faintly against my wrist. My fingers brushed the pendant

hanging around my neck. Its moon–blessed crystal pulsed lightly with ancient energy, a physical reminder of his calculated gift.

Something twisted deep within me, a bitter tension that caused my scarred wolf to stiffen. Of course, the strongest warrior would have power that reached even into territories beyond his

station.

“This way, Lady Celeste,” the Beta murmured, breaking my thoughts. His tone was overly

polite, his wolf practically crouching under the weight of invisible strings. “Lady Regina awaits

in her private chambers.”

I let out an inaudible breath, suppressing the irritation rising in me. Even here, miles away

from the Winters Pack, Alexander’s presence haunted me.

The great doors to Regina Blackwood’s chambers opened seamlessly, revealing a space that

exuded a chilling sense of control.

Lady Regina, cloaked in an air of refinement, rose with deliberate grace. Her violet eyes, the same hue as Marcus’s, gleamed with an almost predatory sharpness as they locked onto me.

“My dear Celeste,” she purred, her words slipping effortlessly into a facade as warm as silk.”

How lovely of you to come.”

Her wolf’s energy wrapped itself around mine, weaving a deceptive cocoon of false maternal

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Chapter 97: Royal Manipulation

warmth. I fought the instinctive bristle within me, my scarred wolf recoiling slightly under the probing brush of her aura.

“I heard of that unfortunate incident at Sacred Moon Lake,” Regina continued, glossing over traditional pack protocol with unnerving ease. “Such… excitement amongst the wolves! You must still be pale from the event.”

Her tone was crisp, but her violet gaze studied me as though I were prey she had yet to sink her claws into.

“Thank you for your concern,” I replied carefully, meeting her sharp gaze with measured composure. “I’ve recovered fully.”

Her lips curved into something resembling amusement, but the intensity in her eyes never

wavered.

“I insist,” Regina spoke, her voice lingering on the words like a silken thread tightening. “My healer will be here shortly for his weekly session. Perhaps a quick look over wouldn’t hurt?

Lunar energy wounds often leave subtle traces.”

“Your offer is appreciated, my lady, but there’s no need.” I dipped my head respectfully. My wolf curled inward under her watchful eyes, sensing hidden motives in her seemingly benign

suggestion.

Her gaze swept over me, pausing pointedly at the pendant resting low on my chest.

“Oh?” Her tone lifted slightly, just enough to make the air heavier. “What an… interesting piece

you wear.”

Through sheer instinct, my hand brushed the pendant once more, the warmth from its touch both reassuring and foreboding.

I forced my voice into a neutral cadence. “Just a simple trinket, my lady.”

Regina tilted her head ever so slightly, the motion calculated. Her next words came slowly, her

wolf pressing subtle curiosity into the space between us.

“Indeed?” The curiosity morphed into something sharper, like an unsheathed blade disguised

beneath a smile. “No special significance attached to it, then?”

A quiet tension flowed under her words, almost daring me to admit the truth behind the

pendant.

I stood firm. “None worth mentioning.”

Her lips curved upward again, but this time there was no mistaking the glint of calculation in

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Chapter 97: Royal Manipulation

her expression.

Regina didn’t press the matter further, instead gesturing toward a nearby table. “Come,” she

said smoothly, her tone shifting to feigned casualness. “We have more pressing matters to

attend to.”

The sight of the ceremonial tools laid meticulously across the table stole the breath from my

lungs.

My scarred wolf drew inward, retreating as though ice had replaced the air around us. Silver daggers rested beside moon–blessed crystals, each radiating faint energy. Ancient texts describing the bond rituals were open, their meanings weighty and chilling.

Regina picked up a ceremonial dagger with practiced hands, spinning it lightly between her

long fingers.

“For a mate marking of this importance, every detail must be immaculate,” she mused, handling the blade like a queen might her scepter. “Royal blood demands perfection, of

course.”

Her words were directed at me, but her posture was designed for an audience. I realized too late what was happening as a powerful aura rolled into the chamber.

The air crackled with latent energy as Marcus strode in, his royal wolf’s aura cascading over

the room like an oppressive wave. The moment he entered, the tension in the room thickened.

Marcus’s violet eyes gleamed mischievously as he surveyed us. His presence demanded submission, and I instinctively dropped into the formal posture expected of my position. My

wolf, however, remained on high alert.

“Mother,” Marcus greeted with easy charm. “Discussing details without me again?”

His overly casual tone belied the suffocating energy dominating the space. His violet gaze

flicked briefly toward me, his interest lingering.

Regina approached her son with a slow, graceful glide. “We were simply admiring Celeste’s…

lovely accessory.”

Deliberately, her eyes slid toward the pendant. The gesture was so seamless and calculated, I

almost missed it.

Marcus stilled, his royal wolf’s tension rolling through the room like dark clouds gathering

before a storm.

“Ah, yes,” he drawled after a long pause. His usual playful arrogance seeped into his tone, but

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