Crowned by Fate (Skye) novel Chapter 123

hapter 123

Shyri POV

“What?” I leaned forward, my Volce dropping to an urgent whisper. “Who? Where did you hear this?”

May took a sip of her caffer, seemingly enjoying my traction a bit too much hele her expression turned serious again. Last night at the bar,” “explained. “After you all left early. I was upset after out confimitation, auf went to the alley behind the bar for a cigarette.”

She tacked a strand of golden hair behind her ear, her eyes never leaving mine. “That’s when I overheard two men talking. They mentioned Casisbon Pack and Alpha Adrian specifically.”

“What exactly did they say? I pressed, every muscle in my body tenseil,

“One of them said- and I quote–Im not just going to make sure he gets eliminated in the second trial. I’m going to make sure he dies in it.” Maya a blue

yes held mine steadily. “They were talking about your Alpha, Skyr.”

A chill ran down my spine. “Did you see who they were? Did you recognize their voices?”

Maya shook her head. “I couldn’t see their faces clearly in the dark, and they weren’t wearing anything with pack insignias. They were careful.”

I studied her face, searching for any sign of deception. “How do I know you’re telling the truth? This could be some kind of trick”

Something flashed in Maya’s eyes–irritation, perhaps, or indignation. “I have absolutely no reason to lie about this,” she said flatly. “Look, with your current capabilities, you’re not even real competition. Adrian barely scraped through the first trial–you won’t make it past the second one anyway.”

She leaned forward, her voice hardening. “But I don’t want him dead. If he dies… her gare turned calculating, ‘you’d inevitably return to Lean’s side because of your mate bond. That’s the last thing I want to see happen.”

I sat back processing her words. As much as I hated to admit it, Maya’s twisted logic made sense. She had no motive to fabricate this warning–her jealousy over Leon provided enough reason for her to want to keep me away from him, even if that meant helping Adrian stay alive.

“Thank you for the information, I finally said, the words feeling strange on my tongue.

A small, bitter smile played at the corners of Maya’s mouth. “Don’t misunderstand. I’m not doing this to help you

“I know,” I replied, gathering my things to leave. “But I appreciate it nonetheless.”

As I stood to go. Maya’s voice stopped me. “Remember our agreemei

Don’t approach Leon.”

I nodded once before walking away. That was one promise I had no difficulty keeping.

Back at our hotel, I found Adrian poring over maps and documents spread across a small table. His amber eyes immediately locked with mine as I entered, sensing my tension

“What’s wrong?” he asked, setting down his pen.

1 closed the door behind me and crossed the room, my voice low despite us being alone. “Maya had actual information to share. Someone is planning to eliminate you during the second trial–permanently”

Adrian’s expression turned grave as I relayed everything Maya had told me. When I finished, he remained silent for a long moment, his jaw tightening as he considered the implications.

“Could it be your uncle Maxwell?” I suggested, perching on the edge of the bed. “He’s been hostile since the moment we arrived. Maybe he sees you as a genuine threat now.”

Adrian shook his head slowly, his brow furrowed in thought. “Maxwell has had people watching me for years, but he’s never tried to kill me. He’s content with having taken Stormbord.”

1/2

Chapter 123

That was before you entered the Alpha King election. I countered. “Maybe your ambition has made him netvan

“Perhaps,” Adrian conceded, though he still seemed unconvinced. “But it’s too early to make accusations without evidence.

I paced the small room, my mind racing through possibilities. “What about Gravestone Pack We destroyed their Alpha and dissolved their tenboro some survivor dipped into the competition seeking revenge?”

“That’s more likely scenario,” Adrian agreed, leaning back in his chair. “Regardless of who’s behind it, were at a disadvantage. They know their target, but we don’t know our enemy.”

I stopped pacing and turned to him, determination hardening my resolve. “I should tell Ryder and Lydin immediately. And we should contact Venus–we need more protection for you.”

To my surprise, Adrian shook his head firmly. “No, we keep this between us for now,”

Think about it, Skye,” he said, his voice calm but authoritative. “If I’m their target, they’ll likely leave you and the others alone. Telling Ryder and Lydia will only distract them from focusing on the upcoming trial.”

He stood, closing the distance between us.

“And if we want to identify who’s behind this, we need to appear unaware so they’ll act more boldly and reveal themselves.”

His logic was sound, but anxiety still churned in my stomach. “I don’t like this, Adrian. You’re deliberately making yourself bait.”

Adrian reached out, drawing me into his arms. His familiar ocean scent washed over me, simultaneously calming and intensifying my fears. Trust me,” he murmured against my hair. “I’ve survived worse odds. And thank you for bringing me this information–it gives us an advantage they don’t know we have.”

I relaxed against him, allowing myself to draw strength from his confidence. Yet beneath my temporarily soothed nerves, a deep–seated worry remained.

I’m sleeping in your room tonight,” I stated, my tone leaving no room for argument. “I can’t leave you alone with this threat hanging over you

ill smile played at the corners of Adrian’s mouth. “Well, in that case, I suppose there’s a silver lining to this situation after all,”

A small smile

Despite my anxiety. I found myself returning his smile. “Don’t get any ideas,” I wamed, though there was no real admonishment in my tone. “I’m just making sure no one assassinates you in your sleep.“.

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify