The Lycan King's Outcast Omega (by Cara Anderson) novel Chapter 213

Chapter 213

Alexander

The Grand Ballroom is even more crowded than the previous night, the competition among potential matches growing as the Gala progresses. By tradition, I should be narrowing my preferences, spending more time with those I find most suitable. Instead, I move mechanically through the required dances, my thoughts a thousand miles away in a forest clearing with a

woman whose touch brought balance to my warring nature.

“Your Highness seems distracted tonight,” observes Lady Mirella, the daughter of an influential Alpha from the Western territories, as we complete our obligatory dance.

“Forgive me,” I say automatically. “Many matters require my attention with the coronation approaching.”

She simpers appropriately, but I can see the calculation in her eyes. All of them are watching, evaluating, strategizing–except Selene, who stands across the room in conversation with my father, her poise perfect as always but her gaze finding me

repeatedly.

I’ve successfully avoided her so far, pleading diplomatic obligations to a series of other partners, but I know the confrontation is

inevitable. Sure enough, as the music changes, she approaches, her silver–gray gown catching the light dramatically with each

movement.

“Prince Alexander,” she greets me with a perfect curtsy. “I missed your company today.”

“Princess Selene,” I acknowledge with a bow, offering my hand for the dance. “Urgent matters required my attention. I hope

you enjoyed touring the palace grounds with my mother.”

“Very much so,” she says as we begin moving through the steps of the formal dance. “Though I’d hoped for our conversation

from the garden to continue.”

Her pale blue eyes study me with that same intensity I noticed during our first meeting–as if she’s trying to see through me, to

some truth hidden beneath the surface.

“The resonance between us,” she continues when I don’t immediately respond. ‘I’ve been researching in your library. There are

historical accounts of compatible bloodlines creating powerful connections even without true mate bonds.”

I force myself to remain outwardly calm while my inner turmoil intensifies. Hours ago, I stood in a forest clearing with my true

mate, feeling a connection so profound it defied description. Now I’m expected to explore a pale imitation with a woman whose people may be hunting healers for unknown purposes.

“Such accounts are rare,” I say carefully.

“As rare as true mates,” she counters, a slight edge to her voice. “And perhaps more relevant to fulfilling prophecy.”

Something in her tone catches my attention–a hint of desperation beneath the poise. “You seem very certain of your role in the prophecy, Princess.”

“My entire life has been shaped by it,” she says, and for a moment, her mask slips to reveal genuine emotion. “Just as yours has.

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It’s the most authentic I’ve seen her, and despite my suspicions, I find myself responding to that glimpse of the woman beneath the perfect princess.

“What do you know of the ritual mentioned in the prophecy?” I ask, watching her reaction closely. “The division the heir must

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face?”

Her step falters slightly before she recovers. “Our scholars believe it refers to a spiritual trial a choice you must make to fully embrace both sides of your nature.”

“And the ‘true bond restored‘?”

“A union of compatible bloodlines,” she says without hesitation. “A balance of powers that complements rather than mirrors

your own.”

“Not a mate bond, then?”

Her eyes narrow slightly. “True mate bonds are exceedingly rare, especially among royalty. Your parents were an anomaly, nof

the rule.”

“Yet such bonds, when they occur, are considered sacred among Lycans,” I observe. “To deny one would be… unprecedented for an heir.”

Alarm flashes across her features before she masks it. “Has something happened, Alexander?”

I realize I’ve said too much, revealed suspicions I intended to keep hidden. “Merely theoretical discussion,” I deflect. “The

prophecy has been on my mind.”

The music ends, saving me from further questioning, but Selene doesn’t release my hand immediately. “Something has

changed since yesterday,” she says quietly. “I can sense it.”

Before I can respond, a commotion at the ballroom entrance draws everyone’s attention. Lord Harrison, head of the royal

council, enters urgently, making straight for my father. They converse in low, intense tones while the room buzzes with

speculation.

“Excuse me,” I tell Selene, grateful for the interruption. I make my way to my father’s side, noting his grim expression. ” Father? What’s happened?”

He draws me aside, voice pitched for my ears alone. “Reports from the eastern border. A settlement was attacked last night- not by strangers this time, but by a coordinated group. Witnesses described them wearing colors similar to the Northern

delegation.”

My blood runs cold. “Casualties?”

“None confirmed yet. But Alex…” He hesitates, clearly troubled. “They were specifically targeting healers. One witness claimed they were asking for ‘the one with the silver spiral birthmark.”

The specificity of the description sends a chill down my spine. What are the chances that Lyra–my true mate–might bear such a mark? The coincidence would be too great.

“I need to speak with Mother,” I say, already scanning the room for her violet eyes that match my own.

“She’s with Elara in the library, reviewing the prophecy text the Northern delegation brought.” My father’s gaze shifts to Selene, who watches us from across the room. “Be careful, son. Until we know more…”

“I understand,” I assure him, though my mind is racing ahead to implications, connections, possibilities–all of them leading back to Lyra and the impossible choice that looms before me.

I find my mother and sister in the West Library, huddled over the ancient prophecy text. Elara looks up as I enter, her expression

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brightening momentarily before she notes my troubled countenance.

“Alex? What’s wrong?”

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