The Alpha King's Nemesis-Chapter 200: Let It Be ()

"Your Grace." Lucas greeted as he stepped into Askel’s training grounds.

His gaze warily lifted to settle on Askel whose eyes were closed.

Askel was once again hung upside down from the iron bar in his private training grounds.

Lucas had guessed that the position Askel was in helped him settle his beast side as much as possible and so Lucas often found him in that position.

Lucas’s heart dropped to the pit of his stomach as Askel’s eyes slowly came open to reveal pitch black orbs, a testament to the presence of the beast on the surface.

"What part of ’leave me be’ did you not understand? I said you are only to come to me if there is an urgency, or you have my answers... which is it?" Askel asked in a low, guttural tone.

Lucas gulped audibly, lowering his head slightly in a gesture that signified he meant no confrontation, just in case Askel’s beast side would regard him as a threat.

"I...it is about Zariah." Lucas revealed.

Askel’s gaze changed at this and he tilted his head to the side slightly.

"What is it? Tell me!" Askel demanded.

"Zariah was attacked by rogues out in the woods," Lucas revealed in a grim tone.

"Zari is not in any shape for combat. How badly hurt?" Askel asked immediately.

"The reports say her wounds are quite severe." Lucas reported.

Askel flipped off the iron bar and landed on his feet the next moment.

"Your Grace! You cannot go to see her in this state! You cannot leave your quarters in this state at all! If anyone sees and spreads the word to the council..." Lucas trailed off in dismay.

"Are you telling me that I cannot go to see Zariah?" Askel asked in a dark tone.

"I... I know how much you have sacrificed to keep this side of you hidden. It will all be for naught if you go see Zariah now." Lucas reasoned.

Askel’s brows twitched slightly at Lucas’s words and he lifted a hand, running it through his hair.

"Send for the Oracle." Askel instructed after a moment.

"Askel! What are you going to do?!" Lucas exclaimed in horror.

"You said I could not go out like this, you are right. Only the oracle has the method, to return me to myself in a short period." Askel replied blankly.

"But that process is excruciating! It is best to wait it out and suppress the beast yourself! The last time you tried to force it using the Oracle’s method, you nearly got yourself killed!" Lucas exclaimed in concern.

"Zariah is hurt, I cannot afford to wait." Askel said, completely unfazed by Lucas’ concerns.

Lucas heaved a quiet sigh of defeat as he stepped back.

"I will send for the Oracle at once." Lucas said, he lowered his head to a bow and took his leave.

Askel remained staring at the door, with his thoughts on Zariah, his hands clenched by his sides in worry.

_________________

"Caedmon, that unworthy bastard." Darren cursed for the hundredth time as Nile wound the bandages around Zariah’s back.

Zariah had awakened not too long ago to realise Nile was already done with his treatment and it was late into the night now.

She had been awake for barely a half hour and Darren had already cursed at Caedmon a dozen times and he seemed to have so much more to say.

No one prevented or silenced him either. Allen had also arrived and he leaned against the wall, watching Zariah with a displeased look in his eyes.

"You should never be left alone with him again." Darren decided.

Zariah heaved a quiet sigh, passing Darren a look.

"I gave my word that I would entertain his company for a month, the month is not up yet. It was also agreed to by Lords Kodin and Melven." Zariah reminded Darren.

"Who cares about that? You would not be in this situation if you had been with anybody else but Caedmon." Allen grumbled from where he stood.

"Allen, not you too." Zariah grumbled.

"But truly, Zariah. What is the use of this? How does Caedmon compare to King Askel? What exactly is this test for? Caedmon is not worthy of you and he has proven it yet again!"

"Apart from being absolutely unlikable, with a suspicious aura to him, he has done nothing to prove his worth, absolutely nothing!" Allen hissed.

Zariah was taken aback by Allen’s harsh reaction, considering Allen was always the more rational.

"Whereas King Askel has repeatedly fought and stuck by us in these months, despite opposition from his own people. Are you truly giving up on him for Caedmon? You clearly care for Askel, I dare say you love him." Allen said in a serious tone.

"This is not your call to make, Allen." Zariah reminded, though her tone was calm.

"I know, but I cannot help but say my thoughts. I have withheld them for long enough, I do not approve of Caedmon Grey...King Askel does not deserve to be sidelined over the appearance of a new mate."

"I do not know what drug fate was on when this mix up happened, but it is clearly a mistake and I need you to see through it...you are Crimson Alpha, not just anyone is worthy to stand by your side." Allen said directly.

Zariah did not need to hear from Darren to know he agreed, and though Nile and Kristen kept their silence, Zariah knew they did too.

What was more, Zariah was certain Dionne and Kaileen who were not even here shared the same opinion.

Zariah breathed a quiet sigh, she was uncertain how to react to the fact that King Askel has already gained the trust and respect of all her confidants.

She wished she could explain her intents to them but Zariah knew no one would understand...no one had lived through it in the way she had.

Caedmon was a danger and if Zariah hoped to change the fate of Crimson Moon, Zariah needed to be the one to make use of his heart this time.

"Let it be, Allen... just let it be." Zariah murmured.