Defy The Alpha(s) novel Chapter 759

Chapter 759: Answer Her Call

It took a while for the full setup to be completed, and at some point, Queen Seraphira was summoned aside by an attendant, her attention briefly drawn away.

The moment her mother stepped away, Annequin seemed to decide the space Violet had been given was hers to occupy.

She drifted closer, hands clasped loosely behind her back, her smiling expression filled with calculation.

"I have a feeling you don’t like me," Annequin said.

Violet did not look at her, offering no response. Instead her gaze remained fixed on setup ahead, expression unreadable.

Annequin waited a moment.

Then another.

When Violet still did not rise to the bait, Annequin tilted her head. "Jealous?"

That finally earned her a reaction.

Violet’s brows drew together slightly. She exhaled slowly through her nose, before turning to face the Queen of Astaria.

"Jealous of what, exactly?" Violet asked.

Annequin shrugged, feigning thoughtfulness. "Oh, I don’t know. Perhaps of the fact that I am already a ruling queen at such a young age, while you"her gaze swept Violet once, deliberately, "know next to nothing about your own people and are only just learning the ropes like a babe."

She smiled, clearly pleased with herself. "I am accomplished. You are just a Free Fae princess."

For a heartbeat, Violet stared at her with such intensity that it felt as though the air itself tightened. If looks could kill, Annequin would have been ash.

Then Violet smiled, except it didn’t reach her eyes.

"I see what the problem is now," Violet started.

Annequin blinked. "What?"

"You’re starved for attention."

The words landed cleanly.

Annequin’s confidence flickered, just slightly, though she tried to mask it. Violet noticed and pressed.

"You’re brilliant," Violet continued, studying her as if she were a puzzle. "Talented. Powerful. The perfect daughter. The perfect queen." She tilted her head. "And yet it’s still not enough, is it?"

Annequin’s expression hardened.

"Because," Violet went on calmly, "you’re spoiled, arrogant, and so deeply narcissistic that you believe everyone should bow simply because you exist."

The amusement vanished entirely from Annequin’s face.

But Violet wasn’t finished.

"You boast about being a young queen," she said, voice sharp now. "But Fae live long lives. By our standards, you’re nowhere near young." Her lips curved. "If I apply human years to you, that makes you an old woman who should be ruling her kingdom peacefully, with a husband, perhaps a child, not wandering into another realm to stir chaos."

From the sidelines, Roman failed to suppress a snort of laughter.

Violet didn’t even glance at him.

"Instead," she finished coolly, "you’re here flirting with a mate that was never yours to claim."

Annequin bristled. "And you’re a princess who can’t control her emotions over a male—"

"That you will never have," Violet snapped,

Power flaring in her eyes and the air tensed.

"What is going on here?" Lila cut in, stepping forward.

Annequin smoothed her expression instantly, returning to pompous composure. "Perhaps ask your princess why she’s being cruel to her guest over a man."

"Queen Annequin," Seraphira’s voice rang out.

The Free Fae Queen approached, her presence commanding immediate silence.

"I have observed you provoking my daughter since last night, and I will not tolerate it. Mated or not, Asher Nightshade belongs to my daughter. Is that understood?"

Annequin smiled thinly. "Of course. I wouldn’t want to be expelled over something so embarrassing. Imagine the headlines, two queens quarreling over a fine male."

Violet met her stare. "Then mind your business."

Annequin inclined her head. "All resentments buried. I look forward to becoming such close companions, Princess."

Violet wanted to throw up. That was not happening.

"Good," Seraphira said, turning to Violet. "Come, daughter. It’s time."

Queen Seraphira took Violet’s hand without ceremony and led her where the device stood.

Up close, it was more imposing than Violet had expected.

The crystal sphere sat atop a tall, circular platform of pale stone, its surface smooth and flawless, almost mirror-like. The platform itself was carved with curved plaques that spiraled inward, each etched with subtly glowing Fae runes. The dome itself was cradled by an arched metal brace, the metal bent into an elegant sigil that wrapped protectively around it.

"Do the runes mean something?" Violet asked.

Seraphira lifted her free hand, pointing to one of the markings nearest the base. "Creation," she said. Her finger drifted to another. "The elements." Then another. "Life." Another still. "Death."

"The gods bless us with such powers," Seraphira continued. "These runes acknowledge that gift. Some of them act as conduits, directing the flow of magic while the others are simply markers."

Violet nodded slowly, absorbing every word.

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