The Lycan King's Second Chance Mate: Rise of the Traitor's Daughter

Chapter 284: A Princess’s Return

Natalie~

I felt the familiar tug of power as Jasmine and I tore through the veil of realms, emerging into the grand throne room of the palace. My bare feet pressed against polished marble, still humming with residual magic from my arrival. The chandeliers above flickered as if bowing to the surge of power vibrating from my veins. My arms tightened protectively around Alex’s tiny frame, feeling his soft breathing against my chest.

I blinked, taking in the scene before me. noveldrama

Zane’s energy was the first thing I noticed—dark, powerful, laced with fear and rage. He stood before the gilded throne, his eyes blazing as he towered over Nathan, who was pinned down on his knees by two massive palace guards. The King sat rigidly on the throne, his gold crown tilted slightly as he leaned forward, his wolf’s fury seeping from every pore.

"Where is Alexander?" Zane’s voice was a lethal growl, vibrating with so much fury. "What did you do with my son?"

Nathan threw his head back and let out a sharp, mocking laugh that echoed off the walls. His eyes gleamed with reckless defiance as he met Zane’s deadly gaze. "Your son?" he scoffed, a smirk curling his lips. "Do your worst, faceless prince. I don’t care. Kalmia took him. She snatched your precious boy right out from under your nose."

He tilted his head, eyes burning with taunting amusement. "Go ahead. Rip me apart if it makes you feel better. But it won’t bring him back."

Zane’s hand shot forward, grabbing Nathan by the throat and lifting him effortlessly off his knees. "Wrong answer," he snarled, his eyes flashing red. Nathan gurgled, his feet kicking against the floor as the guards stepped back with wary respect.

"Zane..." I whispered, my voice trembling as tears slowly began welling up in my eyes. I couldn’t help it—the sight of him, his power, his protectiveness, it was overwhelming. "Zane..."

His head snapped up, and for a moment, all time froze. His eyes widened in shock, then melted into raw relief as they locked onto mine. Before I could take another breath, he was in front of me, his arms wrapping tightly around me and Alex. His warmth enveloped us like the safest blanket in the world.

"Natalie..." His voice broke against my ear as he pressed kisses to my temple, my hair, Alex’s soft curls. "You... you saved him... you brought him back to me."

I felt his tears dampen my cheek as he buried his face against mine, his shoulders shaking with silent sobs. I pulled back slightly to look into his beautiful, tormented eyes, brushing his damp lashes with my thumb.

"Of course I did," I whispered, smiling softly. "He’s our son."

Before he could say anything else, another figure rushed forward. The King’s robes swept the marble as he nearly tripped in his haste to reach us. His strong arms joined Zane’s around us, pulling me and Alex into his broad chest.

"My dear girl," he whispered shakily. "I promised you... I promised I would protect him... and I failed... I failed you both."

I shook my head firmly, feeling Jasmine purr with approval in my mind. "No, Your Majesty. You didn’t fail. Kalmia is a demon—she would have overpowered anyone. You did nothing wrong."

He cupped my cheek with his trembling hand, his wise, aged eyes brimming with gratitude. "You are too kind, child. Too kind for this world."

I chuckled softly, leaning into his touch. "Well, kindness is my brand, apparently."

He laughed shakily, pressing a kiss to my forehead before pulling back. I noticed how exhausted he looked, dark circles under his eyes. My gaze swept around the throne room, noting the guards, advisors, and servants slowly filtering in, whispering to each other as their eyes landed on me.

"Wait," I said suddenly, my heart clenching. "What about the guards? The ones Kalmia and Nathan killed... I wanted to save them but I had to go—"

The King shook his head with a tired smile. "My dear girl, don’t worry. When you unleashed your power... when you teleported... something about the light you emitted woke everyone who was dead. Even those injured stood up completely healed. It was as if the moon goddess herself walked through this palace."

I gasped, feeling Jasmine’s joy spark within me. "They’re all alive? Truly?"

He nodded. "Not just alive. Healed. Even those suffering old wounds woke up feeling reborn. You... you are a miracle, Natalie."

Tears burned my eyes as laughter bubbled out of me. "Well... damn. That’s... that’s amazing."

Behind the King, the throne room was now almost full—guards, servants, nobles, advisors—all staring at me with wide, awe-struck eyes. Some of them clutched each other’s hands, others pressed trembling palms to their lips as they whispered prayers of gratitude. I swallowed, feeling the sudden weight of their gazes.

They all stared at me, wide-eyed, as if I’d just stepped out of some secret world they’d never known existed. For a moment, no one spoke – they just gaped, their curiosity hanging thick in the air. Then Jasmine’s lips curled into a playful grin as she looked proudly at the room.

"Well," she said, her voice dripping with mischief, "why don’t we show everyone what we managed to catch in our shiny little net?"

I turned to see Jacob standing quietly in the shadows of the room, his arms crossed over his chest, his obsidian hair falling into his dark eyes. I grinned, feeling warmth bloom in my chest.

"Jacob," I called out brightly, "would you please do me a favour?"

His lips twitched into a smile. "Anything for you, little moon."

I tilted my chin, letting Jasmine’s power flicker behind my eyes. "Bring her out."

"With pleasure." He snapped his fingers lazily, and suddenly a glowing rune-carved cage appeared at my feet, pulsing with ethereal light. Gasps erupted throughout the throne room as Kalmia shrieked within, her skeletal face contorted with rage.

"WHAT IS THIS? LET ME OUT! I’LL KILL YOU NATALIE, I’LL KILL YOU ALL!" she screeched, rattling the glowing bars as the runes burned her shadowy skin.

The King’s eyes flicked around the room until they landed on Jacob. His entire demeanor shifted in an instant. Gone was the stern ruler; in his place stood a man humbled by something far greater than himself. To my utter shock, he turned fully toward Jacob and bowed low, his voice echoing with utmost respect.

"Wolf Spirit... Mist," he said, each word laced with awe. "We are truly honoured by your presence."

Immediately, the entire throne room followed suit. Every guard, every servant, every noble fell to one knee, their heads bowed. Even Zane, with Alex still clinging to his chest, lowered his head in respect.

Jacob waved a dismissive hand, his smile wry. "Please, don’t mind me. Focus on the matter at hand."

I turned my gaze to Kalmia, feeling power hum through my veins. "Everyone," I announced, my voice echoing across the chamber, "this... is Kalmia. A demon. The reason behind every horror Nathan and his men inflicted on this kingdom today."

Gasps and shrieks filled the room. Some took fearful steps back, others clung to each other as they stared at her trembling form.

"She’s the one who helped Prince Nathan infiltrate the palace," I continued, my voice dripping with disdain. "She is wicked and cruel... and on my honor, she will pay for everything she has done."

I turned sharply to look at Nathan, whose earlier smirk had completely vanished. His pale face was ghostly as he stared at Kalmia’s cage, sweat dripping down his temples. I raised my chin, letting Jasmine’s power coil around my words.

"Prince Nathan and Kalmia will be punished severely for their crimes against the Crown... and against me."

A low murmur of approval rippled through the throne room. Zane smiled at me, his eyes glowing with pride. The King nodded solemnly, while Jacob’s lips curled into a small, proud grin.

I flicked my gaze to the guards holding Nathan. "Take him to the dungeon. Make sure he stays there until his punishment day arrives."

"Yes, Your Highness," they chorused, dragging Nathan out of the throne room as he let out a pitiful sob.

I turned back to Kalmia, narrowing my eyes as Jasmine growled in my mind. With a flick of my wrist, I locked her cage into Fox’s Fire Dimension. Flames flickered around the bars before the entire cage vanished into nothingness.

The throne room erupted into claps and cheers, the sounds vibrating off the marble walls like a victorious hymn. I felt my cheeks flush as people shouted my name in gratitude and admiration.

I smiled and turned back to Jacob, noticing how quiet and withdrawn he looked, his eyes shadowed with something I couldn’t place. My heart squeezed painfully as I walked up to him, reaching out to grip his strong arm.

"Hey..." I said softly, peering into his downturned eyes. "What’s going on with you?"

He didn’t answer at first, his eyes locked on something far away, something I couldn’t see. I squeezed his arm tighter, worry blooming in my chest as I whispered again.

"Jacob... talk to me."