Chapter 9 - The Secret Prisoner|
Rowan led them to a hidden chamber beneath the watchtower.
A narrow stairway descended into darkness, ending at a reinforced door marked with an old royal seal. Rowan entered a code, unlocked three separate bolts, and pushed the door open.
Inside was a wall of documents, maps, and recordings.
Hazel stared at the evidence.
For twenty-four years, her father had lived with the secret that the former king was alive. He had gathered records linking Edmund to illegal experiments on wolf bloodlines, the disappearance of dissenting Alphas, and the suppression of Moonveil descendants.
“He's been hidden beneath the old northern fortress,” Rowan explained. “A handful of loyal guards keep him there. He is no longer physically strong, but he still has followers.”
Adrian's expression was grim.
“Why keep him alive?”
“Because he knows which members of the council helped him. If he dies before the evidence is secured, they'll destroy every record connecting them to his plans.”
Hazel looked at her father.
“Why didn't you take the evidence to the council?”
“I tried. Thomas Vale controlled the inquiry. Richard Sinclair controlled the regional guards. Every witness disappeared or changed their story. Lydia believed the only way to protect you was to keep your existence secret.”
Hazel picked up a file bearing her own name.
Inside were records of her childhood examinations, the suppressed wolf markers, and a series of payments made to Dr. Voss.
The final payment had come from an account belonging to the Sinclair family.
“Richard Sinclair paid the doctor who suppressed my wolf.”
Rowan nodded.
“He wanted the Moonveil bloodline weakened. Edmund promised him influence if he helped prevent another heir from awakening.”
Adrian's eyes darkened.
“Genevieve's father has been trying to control the council for years.”
“Preston knew about my mother,” Hazel said. “He threatened me with it.”
“Preston may be a bully,” Rowan replied, “but he is not the architect. Someone is using him to keep you distracted.”
Hazel studied the documents.
A recording was labeled with the date of King Edmund's disappearance. Rowan pressed play.
Edmund's voice filled the chamber.
“The Moonveil heir must never be permitted to awaken. If she does, she may sever the royal bond and expose every command I have placed upon the packs.”
Another voice answered.
“What if the child has already been born?”
“Then find her. Suppress her. Keep her ordinary.”
The recording ended.
Hazel felt sick.
For years, she had believed she was defective. In reality, people had deliberately made her doubt herself because her existence threatened their control.
Adrian looked at her.
“You do not owe this kingdom your power.”
“I know.”
“If you choose to leave, I'll arrange safe passage. You can live wherever you wish.”
Hazel met his gaze.
“I'm not leaving.”
Rowan looked worried.
“Hazel, this is dangerous.”
“So was being a powerless girl while everyone around me decided what I was allowed to become. I'm done letting them choose.”
Adrian inclined his head.
“Then we proceed carefully.”
They began preparing copies of the evidence for independent investigators. Eleanor contacted trusted officers, and Commander Ward secured the route to the northern fortress.
But before they could leave, a warning bell rang above the tower.
A guard rushed downstairs.
“Your Majesty! We have visitors.”
“Who?”
The guard looked at Hazel.
“Preston Hale. Genevieve Sinclair. And twelve armed wolves from the High Council.”
Rowan's face went pale.
“They found us.”
May you like
Adrian drew himself upright.
“No. Someone told them where to look.”
