The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 197

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 197: The Ruthless War God**

[Evelyn’s POV]

I should have been feeling a sense of dread, a tightening knot of fear in my stomach, but oddly enough, I found myself suppressing a laugh. It was absurd, really. Here I was, facing a man who was threatening my life, and yet my thoughts drifted to how Alexander would have verbally dismantled him with just a few choice words.

“I sincerely hope you didn’t utter those exact words to Alexander,” I said, my voice steady and calm. “If there’s one thing I’ve learned since first crossing paths with him, it’s that Alexander does not take kindly to threats. Especially when they involve those he holds dear.”

Gregory’s eyes narrowed, his expression darkening, while the man lurking in the shadows behind him took another long drag from his cigarette, the smoke curling lazily into the air.

“This one has a bit of spunk to her, huh?” he chuckled, amusement dancing in his voice.

I chose to ignore his taunt, redirecting my attention firmly back to the King.

“Alexander extended you a choice,” I continued, my voice unwavering. “He didn’t have to do that at all. He wanted you to retain some semblance of dignity, and what did you do? You resorted to kidnapping me as a show of—what? Your dominance?”

“He should have kept his nose out of business to begin with. Now he’s gone and stirred up trouble,” Gregory retorted, his voice laced with irritation.

I leaned forward, straining against the restraints that held me captive, my heart racing.

“The only person who has caused this chaos is you,” I shot back, my words dripping with defiance. “Alexander is merely the one brave enough to confront you about it.”

In that moment, I felt a surge of confidence, or perhaps foolishness, for daring to speak so boldly. Gregory had every opportunity to make good on his threats. What would it matter to him if he decided to end my life right here and now?

His situation mirrored Fiona’s at the end, didn’t it? She had realized that if she didn’t at least attempt to retrieve the dagger, she would face dire consequences for her actions. The fact that Gregory was using me as a bargaining chip against Alexander only highlighted the extent of Alexander’s power in this scenario.

The King’s face twisted into a cruel sneer, and just as he was about to respond, the low-hanging lights above us began to sway, gently at first, then with increasing intensity. The hinges of the cell door rattled ominously as vibrations coursed through the room.

It felt like an earthquake, but both Gregory and I were acutely aware that wasn’t the case.

“What the hell?” he grumbled, irritation etched across his features.

“Your Majesty!”

A group of guards burst into the doorway, their faces pale with panic.

“The palace is being invaded!” one of them exclaimed, urgency lacing his tone.

“What are your orders?” another guard asked, his voice trembling slightly.

Gregory’s gaze lingered on me, a calculating look in his eyes as he contemplated the implications of this sudden chaos. He dropped his gaze to the ground, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his face.

“Kill anyone who gets in your way,” he commanded, his voice cold and ruthless.

[Third-Person’s POV]

Alexander’s mind was a tempest, his judgment clouded by the urgency of the moment. He had tried to be diplomatic, to extend a hand of peace even to someone as lowly as Gregory, offering him a choice in his fate. But that was all over now; the time for niceties had passed.

Before he stormed toward the palace, he rallied his army, his voice booming with authority as he laid out his plans.

“The time has come for a new power to take control of this region,” he declared, his eyes blazing with determination. “The King and his corrupt reign will come to an end today! Let it be known that this is not merely a takeover; it is a rescue mission. Your Luna has been taken, and I will stop at nothing to bring her back unharmed. Am I clear?”

Every member of his pack nodded vigorously, their voices rising in unison. “Sir, yes sir!”

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