The Alpha King's Reluctant Bride (Ava and Grayson) novel Chapter 131

-Grayson’s POV-

The sound of birds chirping and Rickon’s heavy b echoed through t

the damp cat

This place was like nothing I had Countless generations had walked

ever encountered before—dim and ancient, the walls worn smooth with time, as though through these very paths. The humans-or whatever they were that had brought us here had been uncharacteristically hospitable.

Too hospitable.

“Do you think they’re going to eat us?” Rickon whispered, his voice low but tinged with genuine concern.

I sighed, leaning back against the cold stone wall. “Yes, Rickon. I’m sure they offered us food and fresh clothes because they’re fattening us up for a feast.”

Rickon scowled at me, his expression dripping with irritation. “This is the worst time for you to discover the workings of sarcasm, your highness.”

Before I could retort, the sound of approaching footsteps silenced us both. The leader of this odd community appeared from the shadows, his gait steady and his presence commanding. Rickon immediately straightened, but I kept my posture relaxed, my eyes fixed on the man as he walked towards us and sat down.noveldrama

to someone in his late fifties. His He wasn’t wearing his mask this time. His face, weathered with age, looked like it belonged expression was calm, and my wolf, ever attuned to danger, remained strangely still. There was nothing threatening about him, but that only unsettled me more.

He smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Did you enjoy the meal?”

Rickon, ever the tactless one, wrinkled his nose. “Not really. Whatever it was you gave us could do with a little everything.”

more…

I fought the urge to glare at him, refusing to take my eyes off the man. The leader’s gaze shifted to me, his eyes sharp yet curious. “Do you share your friend’s opinion?”

“He’s not my friend,” I said curtly.

Rickon let out an exaggerated gasp. “Now you’re just hurting my feelings.”

I reached into his mind, slamming a mental door shut in the hope the jolt of pain would silence him. Instead, he groaned loudly. “What the hell was that for?”

The leader cleared his throat, drawing our attention back to him. His smile didn’t waver, but there was something about the way he was looking directly at me now.

Settling

The silence stretched on, thick and oppressive, until I finally broke it. “Who are you?” I asked, my voice steady. “And what do you plan to do with us?”

The man inclined his head slightly. “My name is Alaric, and as you might have guessed, I am the leader of my people here.”

His smile remained, but his eyes darkened-literally. The irises shifted to an inky black, a stark contrast to his wrinkled, calm demeanor. “And,” he added, “I am just like you.”

Rickon scoffed. “So, what? You’re like werewolf cave people?”

Alaric’s gaze snapped to him, his expression unchanging. “We prefer the term ‘The Old Clan.”

His attention returned to me, and his smile grew faintly amused “You’re a long way from your kingdom, Grayson

Blackwood. It is an honor to have you here.”

I blinked, startled. “You know who I am?”

“Of course,” Alaric replied smoothly. “Everyone knows of the Blackwoods. You, in particular, have made quite an exceptional name for yourself.”

Before I could respond, he rose to his feet with a fluidity that belied his age. “Walk with me.”

Rickon and I exchanged a glance befo

we hesitantly got to our feet and followed him deeper into the cave.

The air grew cooler as we walked, the path narrowing. The walls were adorned with ancient markings- symbols and patterns I couldn’t begin to decipher, though they seemed to pulse faintly with an otherworldly glow.

Rickon’s mental link brushed against mine: This is getting very creepy.

Despite myself, I replied: I know.

We continued in silence, the sound of dripping water growing louder. The dim light from luminescent stones embedded in the walls cast an ethereal glow, lighting our way through the dark, winding passage. My wolf remained calm, eerily so, as though it, too, trusted this strange man.

Eventually, we reached a waterfall cascading from above, the sound deafening in the enclosed space. Alaric stopped, gesturing for us to walk through the wall of water.

Rickon and I exchanged another glance. Without a word, our eyes communicated the unspoken agreement: we attack if

necessary.

Together, we stepped through the waterfall and emerged into the most breathtaking place I had ever seen. The cave opened into a hidden valley bathed in golden sunlight. The air was crisp and pure, carrying the scent of blooming/ flowers and fresh grass. Small huts, built with natural materials, dotted the landscape, and people dressed similarly to Alaric moved about, their laughter and chatter creating a soothing melody.

Children ran past, their joyous laughter echoing in the air, and birds with vibrant plumage flitted between the trees. Everything about this place felt untouched by the chaos of the outside world.

Rickon crossed his arms, his voice dripping with skepticism. “So you think staying here makes you better than us? Because we follow our instincts? Because we crave power?”

Surprisingly, I found myself agreeing with Rickon. Though I said nothing, I caught Alaric’s subtle smile, as though he had read my thoughts and found them amusing.

“Better than you?” Alaric echoed softly. He stepped closer, his presence somehow more commanding despite his calm demeanor. “No. Not better. Wiser.”

Rickon opened his mouth to respond, but Alaric silenced him with a raised hand. “You think this is weakness, don’t you? Choosing peace over power. But tell me, Grayson Blackwood…” His eyes met min

piercing through every barrier I instinctively put up.

“Do you truly believe that your world-your kingdom-is as strong as you think it is?”

I frowned but said nothing.

Alaric’s smile widened, but there was no warmth in it now. Only a quiet, unnerving certainty. happens to a

kingdom built on power… when the foundation begins to crack.”

The air felt heavier, the distant laughter of child

“What do you mean by that?” I asked Ch. 0

my voi

a fading into silence. The hairs on the back of n

He unease creeping into my steady chest.

Ime show you what

I stood on end.

Alaric’s gaze lingered on me for a moment longer before he turned and began walking again. Over his

shoulder, he said, “Follow me, and you’ll see. But be prepared, Grayson. The truth has a way of unraveling

even the strongest of rulers.”

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