“I had asked you not to come home with me. You can't shy away from riding with Arian for goodness' sake, he is your husband.”
Raya was getting used to being scolded by her father today. She vehemently refused to ride back to the palace with Arian after Lana’s burial.
“I need to stay the night, Father. It's what Lana would have wanted.”
“What your sister would want is you back at the palace, fulfilling your duty to your husband,” Gerard said.
“He is not my husband. This marriage was forced,” Raya shot back at her father.
“Know your choice of words, young lady. And lower your voice when you are speaking to me.”
She could see her father's inner wolf. Raya had always known her father to be very commanding. She would have never dreamed of speaking back to him. Not until this moment.
“Prince Arian is not only your husband, but also your fated mate. Or do I need to explain that to you? You are not coming into this house tonight. Take silver and return to the palace.”
“It's late, father.”
“You should have thought about that before following me back home,” Gerard said, before storming off, leaving his daughter out in the cold.
Now she was all alone. Just her and Silver, her horse. She climbed silver while staring at the house one last time before leaving.
She rode as fast as she could in the cold breeze. Raya was furious. If only wishes came through, she would start this whole day again.
Her mind drifted to Lana. She didn't complain of any illness to her. Death was an unexpected guest.
And here she was riding back to fulfil her wedding night duties to her fated mate. Also known as the love of her sister's life.
She rode past the palace guards. Judging from the way they were all staring at her, they knew who she was.
“Welcome Luna Raya,” the young man standing in front of the palace's gigantic door said. She had better get used to being called that.
“Thank you,” Raya replied as she got down from Silver.
“My name is Beta Edward. Not to worry, I will take the horse.”
Raya hesitated before letting the rope go. Please take good care of her.
“You don't need to ask Luna Raya,” Edward said before walking the horse towards the stables.
Raya called houses like the palace big for nothing. However, judging from the number of servants and omegas in the house, it needed to be massive.
The Stone pack was one of the strongest packs in history. And she was lucky to be born one of them. Although she was an omega. Even in her father's household, she was treated as such.
Only Lana stood by her side and defended her. Even her father disassociated himself from her.
And here she was, married to the Alpha king's son. Her luck must be endless.
Raya was lost in thought walking through the hallway. The sound of strange whispers caught her attention.
She tiptoed towards the sound and stood still, eavesdropping on the conversation.
“I heard he asked the royal physician to revive her. The prince must have been heartbroken,” one of the servant girls whispered to the other.
“Don't tell anyone, but when I was passing by, I overheard the royal physician say the supposed bride was poisoned.”
Raya's eyes widened in shock. Immediately her hands and feet went cold. It can't be. Lana was killed?
“My dear.”
Luna Laura's voice startled her.
“What are you doing here all by yourself at this late hour?”
Raya was confused. Was she supposed to tell the Queen what she had just heard?
“I…I got lost.”
“Come with me, Raya. I will show you to Arian's room.”
Luna Laura noticed how uncomfortable that statement made Raya feel.
“Don't be shy or scared my dear, he is your husband after all. Your fated mate,” Laura added as they walked down the hall.
“Here it is.” Before Raya could say anything, Luna Laura pulled her into a deep hug. This was new to Raya, but she sank in immediately.
“I'm deeply sorry for your loss.”
Out of everyone today, Luna Laura was the only person who showed compassion to her. This place wasn't so bad after all.
“Goodnight,” Laura said, squeezing her hands tightly for the last time before she turned around.
“Before I forget, the blood moon is in two days, and preparation for the ball has already started. You would be spending the day with me tomorrow so that I can make arrangements for your dress amongst other things.”
“Alright. Thank you, my Queen.” Raya said, smiling at her while she smiled back.
***
Why was he taking forever? It was past 2am and Arian hadn't returned to the room.
Maybe he made arrangements to sleep in another room tonight. That would be good for both of them, Raya thought, but first, she needed to see him urgently.
The door opened wide, allowing light from the hall to shine into the dark room. How light was he on his feet that she couldn't even hear him approach the door.
He didn't utter a word to Raya who sat on the couch next to the bed.
He dragged his 6 '4 self to his walk-in closet where he could undress without her eyes.
He reeked of alcohol but didn't appear drunk. Was he coming from a local tavern in the village? The silhouette of the moon shining through the window, she caught a glimpse of his eye filled with grief and anger.
“Lana was murdered,” Raya blurted out before he could take a step into the bathroom.
Arian froze. Now what was this little girl going on about?
He took another step, pretending not to hear what Raya said.
“The royal physician said she was poisoned.”
“And why don't I know that?” Arian snapped at her.
“Because they don't want either of us to know,” Raya snapped back.
Now they were both staring at each other but far apart at each end of the room.
“I overheard two servants talking about it in the hallway. Yes, I know it's gossip, but it's true.”
Raya took a few steps closer to him.
“The physician told the Alpha King right after the wedding.”
“Who could do such a thing?” Arian asked in disbelief.
“Someone in the palace. Only someone who had access to my sister this morning. And whoever the murderer is, I am going to find them.”