The Lycan King's Outcast Omega (by Cara Anderson) novel Chapter 206

“Your Highness,” Dominic greeted with a formal bow, though his eyes flickered sharply between Alexander and me, as if silently weighing the situation. “Pardon the interruption, but the delegation meeting requires your presence.”

Alexander nodded smoothly. “Naturally.” Then, turning to me, he added with a hint of promise, “We shall resume our conversation at the Gala tonight, Princess Selene.”

I returned his gaze with a slight curtsey, a small smile playing on my lips. “I eagerly await it.”

As he departed, I allowed myself a brief moment of satisfaction. The initial seed had been planted. Alexander’s curiosity about our connection was evident; there was a spark of intrigue in his eyes, a flicker of possibilities that might fulfill the prophecy we both knew was looming. Tonight, I intended to press that advantage even further.

Later, within the quiet sanctuary of my chambers, I prepared for the second evening of the Choosing Gala. Tonight’s gown was bolder—a shimmering silver fabric with delicate blue highlights woven through, designed to catch the light with every graceful movement. The soft glow of candlelight flickered against the walls, casting gentle shadows as my attendant carefully arranged my hair.

As I reviewed my strategy in my mind, a sharp knock echoed at the door, breaking my concentration. Magistra Vega stepped inside, followed closely by Baron Krell, the military advisor assigned to our delegation.

“There’s been a development,” Krell announced bluntly, his tone grave. “Our scouts encountered a spy near the eastern border—a woman from one of the healing enclaves. She overheard conversations that were meant to remain secret.”

A cold knot tightened in my stomach. “Was she captured?”

“No,” Krell admitted reluctantly. “She managed to escape. But we’ve tracked her to a hidden settlement. It’s believed to be the largest remaining enclave of pure-blood healers in the territory.”

Vega’s eyes gleamed with calculation. “This could be advantageous. For the ritual to succeed, we need a healer of pure bloodline.”

I frowned, unease creeping in. “The risk is immense. If the royal family learns we’re hunting healers—”

“We’re not hunting them,” Vega interrupted sharply. “We’re securing a crucial participant for a ceremony that will ultimately benefit all Lycans.”

I shook off the dangerous thoughts. Doubt was a luxury I could ill afford. My path had been set long before I was born. I had one mission—to reclaim the throne stolen from us generations ago.

Turning away from the window, I faced the mirror, smoothing the expression on my face until it revealed nothing of the turmoil within. Tonight, I would dance with Alexander once more. I would deepen the fragile bond between us, draw him further into the web of half-truths and carefully measured vulnerability. I would do my duty—no matter the cost.

I studied my reflection—the flawless poise, the deliberate beauty, the practiced smile that never quite reached my eyes. This was the woman Alexander would believe he was choosing.

But as I prepared to leave for the Gala, an unwelcome thought surfaced: I had been ready for many things—his power, his position, even his reluctance. Yet no one had prepared me for his kindness. How much simpler this would be if he truly were the monster I had been raised to fear.

Because for the first time in my life, I found myself questioning everything I had been taught. The mission that once felt righteous now seemed increasingly like a betrayal.