The Lycan King's Outcast Omega (by Cara Anderson) novel Chapter 91

Chapter 91

Sage

The healing wing buzzes with activity as visiting healers watch me demonstrate techniques for treating mutant wolf wounds. Even with Cassius’s presence casting a shadow over the gathering, I refuse to shrink from my duties.

“The silver–leaf mixture is key,” I explain, showing them proper proportions. “Combined with moonflower essence…”

“Just like the ancient texts described,” one elderly healer murmurs with respect. “For so long, we believed none of it was true. But you do it instinctively.”

“Because it’s in our blood,” Aura reminds me. “Our heritage is growing stronger each day.‘

A commotion outside draws attention – more injured warriors arriving from border patrols. I move immediately to help, other healers falling in naturally beside me.

“Thank the moon you’re here,” one warrior grits through pain. “Traditional methods barely touch these wounds anymore.”

I notice Cassius watching from the doorway, his face unreadable as pack members defer to my expertise. Whatever poison he’s trying to spread about me clearly isn’t finding fertile ground here.

“The mutations are evolving,” I tell the gathered healers, showing them signs in recent wounds. “See how the infection patterns change? They’re adapting to our treatments.”

The head healer nods grimly. “Just like the attacks themselves grow more coordinated.”

This catches Cassius’s attention – I see him lean forward slightly from his observation point. Something about his intense focus makes me uneasy.

“He watches too closely,” Aura warns. “Not like a spurned mate, but like…”

“Like someone studying a weapon,” I finish her thought.

“Lady Sage!” A young wolf bursts in. “The Alpha needs you in council chambers.”

In the hallway, I pass Victoria whispering with her usual circle. But their words hold less venom now – too many wolves have seen my value firsthand.

The council chamber falls quiet as I enter. Alaric maintains his stern Alpha mask, but the mate bond pulses with his pride as I report on healing progress.

“Four more territories report attacks,” Alaric announces to the council. “All following similar patterns.”

“And all requiring Lady Sage’s healing methods,” Lord Harrison adds meaningfully. “Traditional healing fails completely now. It’s as if the Moon Goddess blessed us with her transformation just in the nick of time.”

I feel Cassius’s eyes on me as nobles discuss this development. His careful attention to details about my healing abilities sends chills down my spine. But it’s who’s not there that has an ever–growing worry creeping up my

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Chapter 91

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spine.

I’ve noticed Eris’s conspicuous absence lately. After her initial show of support for Cassius, she’s been unusually quiet, missing from social gatherings, no longer fighting for her place at Alaric’s side. That can’t bode well.

“She’s planning something,” Iris tells me when I mention it. “I’ve seen her sending messages late at night. And she’s been meeting privately with nobles from other territories.” 1

“Wonderful,” I mutter. “As if Cassius isn’t enough to worry about.”

“Don’t underestimate her,” Iris warns. “She’s let Victoria play the obvious antagonist while she works behind the scenes. That’s when she’s most dangerous.”

Later, in the privacy of his study, I finally voice what’s been building all day:

“We should tell them.”

He stills. “Tell them what?”

“About us. About the mate bond.” I meet his eyes. “Take away Cassius’s power to threaten exposure.‘

“No.” His response comes too quickly, making me flinch. “It’s not the right time.”

“When will it be?” I hate how small my voice sounds. “The pack supports me now. They’ve seen what I can do, what I bring to the territory…”

“Sweetling.” He pulls me close despite my resistance. “It’s not about your worth. But with everything happening – the attacks, the gathering, political alliances forming…”

“So I’m still a political liability.” The words taste bitter.

“That’s not-”

“No, I understand.” I step back, pushing down the hurt. “You’re right. There are more important things to focus on.”

The mate bond floods with his frustration. “Sage…”

“We should get back.” I straighten my clothes. “People will notice we’re both missing.”

His beast rises at my withdrawal, but we both know I’m right. We have roles to play, appearances to maintain. No matter how much it hurts.

“It’s not just about politics,” Alaric says when I start to turn away. “Cassius watches you too closely. Studies your abilities too intently.”

“All the more reason to claim me publicly,” I argue. “Show him I’m protected.”

“Or push him to more desperate measures.” He runs a hand through his hair in frustration. “Sweetling, think about it. He didn’t come here for reconciliation. He came because he heard about your power awakening.”

The truth in his words makes me pause. “You think he wants…”

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“I think he wants to control your abilities.” Alaric’s eyes bleed amber. “And I think he’s capable of anything to achieve that.”

“Then help me understand,” I plead. “If we’re stronger together, why keep hiding it?”

“Because right now, he’s playing political games.” His hands frame my face. “But if we announce our mate bond, if he loses all hope of controlling you legally…”

“You think he’d try to take me by force?” The thought makes me shiver.

“I think he’s more dangerous than we can imagine. He tried to have his own mate murdered. So yes, I think there’s very little he won’t do to get what he wants.” He pulls me closer. “And I think there’s something bigger happening with these attacks that we don’t understand yet.”

The mate bond pulses with his concern, his need to protect warring with political necessity. I want to argue more, but memories of Cassius’s calculating observation make me hesitate.

But before we can discuss it further, urgent knocking interrupts.

“My King!” A guard calls. “Your father sends word from his visit to the northern territories!”

Which means this conversation will have to wait. But as I watch Alaric return to his duties, the distance between us feels wider than ever. Because his choices, no matter how well–intentioned, leave scars that will take time to

heal.

I just hope we have that time before everything changes again.

A flash of familiar perfume catches my attention as I pass the noble quarter. Eris’s door stands slightly ajar, voices carrying from within.

“-perfect opportunity,” I hear her say. “With everyone distracted by these attacks—”

“Patience,” Cassius’s smooth voice replies. “Everything in its time.”

“I’ve heard that before, Cassius. You sending Daphne to ruin her was supposed to be the end of her. I’m tired of waiting for you to get it right.” Eris hisses.

I force myself to keep walking, but the interaction chills me. Eris and Cassius working together? That can’t mean anything good.

I consider telling Alaric, but the last thing he needs is to stress over something we can’t prove. For now, I’ll just keep my own eye on the situation.

It’s not like theirs is the first alliance to form in the shadows of Silver Crown. And so far, we’ve managed to overcome every hurdle they throw at us. But some enemies are more dangerous together than apart and I’m not naive enough to underestimate them. Not anymore..

Watching Alaric handle yet another crisis, feeling our bond strain under secrets and duty, I wonder how many threats we can face at once. Mutant wolves, pack politics, Cassius’s schemes, and now Eris plotting in the shadows…

Something has to give eventually. I just pray it isn’t us.

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Chapter 92

Chapter 92