Page 81 of The Possessive Alpha’s Reborn Luna

The guard's words froze my blood.

"Mobilize every guard!" King Rhine roared, his amber eyes burning with fury. "Search! Tear up the ground if you have to, but bring Alice back! Any witch who dares harm my daughter—kill them! Leave none alive!"

I felt Alice's direction through our bond—faint, but there. I shifted and bolted toward it.

"Cedric!" King Rhine shouted behind me.

But I couldn't hear anything anymore. Only one thought filled my mind: Alice had been taken. She'd be hurt. Those witches would kill her.

No. I couldn't let anything happen to her.

Last time I didn't make it. This time I wouldn't make the same mistake.

I tore through the forest like black lightning, wounds ripping open. Pain crashed through me, making each breath heavy. But I didn't stop. I snarled and pushed harder, so fast I nearly split the air.

Only one thought consumed me—

Find her. Bring her back safely. Then kill everyone who hurt her.

Just as I was about to burst from the forest edge, a black figure blocked my path. I skidded to a stop, a threatening growl rumbling in my throat.

Black cloak. Pale face. A dark purple orb of magic floating in her hand.

Another witch!

Rip her apart!

All witches deserve to die!

I launched myself at her without hesitation, claws aimed straight for her throat.

"Wait!" The witch jumped back, raising both hands. "King Cedric! I'm not your enemy! I'm here to help!"

Her words only deepened my rage. Last time those damned White Witches deceived me exactly like this! They almost made me lose Alice forever! I wouldn't be fooled again!

The witch dodged while shouting, "I know where your mate is! I can take you to her! I swear on my soul I'm not lying!"

I stopped attacking but held my striking position, the growl still rumbling in my throat.

Smart. She didn't approach. Just stood there and slowly lowered her hood. An old face, deeply wrinkled, but those dark purple eyes gleamed with sincerity.

"My name is Melvina, elder of the Black Witch Coven," she said. "Your mate is safe for now. You can rest assured. I know you don't trust me, King Cedric, but please hear me out."

I shifted back to human form, eyes locked on her, body tensed, ready to strike.

"You have thirty seconds." My voice was ice cold. "Talk."

"The White Witch Serena has been impersonating us for years," Melvina spoke quickly. "She's committed atrocities under the Black Witch banner—killing, burning, creating corrupted werewolves. We've been forced into exile, constantly hunted."

"And?" I wasn't moved. "How do you prove any of this is true? What do you want from me?"

"I want to make a deal." Melvina took a deep breath. "My people and I will help you defeat Serena. In exchange, I hope you'll grant us protection. Let us live in peace. No more running, no more hiding. Just... let us live quietly."

I laughed bitterly. "Serena said she'd help me too. Look how that turned out. I won't believe another witch's lies."

"This will prove it." Melvina urgently raised her hand. A beam of dark purple magic shot out, forming an image in the air—

Alice.