Rise of the rogue queen-Chapter 16 - - The creature

Zephyrine's POV

"Are the rogues blending well with the rest?" I asked as we strolled through the pack.

"They're adapting well, Queen Zephyrine, but some of the wealthier pack members are still refusing to accept them," Roland reported.

I exhaled deeply, nodding. "Call for a pack meeting. I want every member present in the hall."

Roland bowed leaving.

Back in my room, I collapsed onto the bed. Memories of last night surged through me like a tidal wave, leaving my body tense. My fingers instinctively found the bite mark, and I groaned.

"He marked me," I murmured.

My gaze drifted to the iron spear resting against the wall, and a strange pull guided me toward it. Besides it lay a letter. I picked it up, unfolding the parchment.

"I see you found my spear. It is yours, as it has chosen you as its wielder and master. Take good care of it."

I gasped. "From Caden?" My brows furrowed. "His spear?"

Before I could dwell on the revelation, Roland barged in.

"Queen Zephyrine, everyone has gathered in the pack hall," he announced.

I nodded, shifting my grip on the weapon.

"How did that get here?" Roland asked, his gaze locked onto the spear in my hand.

"You don't need to worry. It's mine now," I replied firmly. "I'll meet you in the hall shortly."

After he left, I took a deep breath and made my way to the gathering.

The moment I stepped inside, murmurs filled the air each secretly stealing a glance at me.

"Wow," some muttered under their breath, their lingering stares prickling against my skin.

This, this was precisely what I had wanted to avoid. Yet, here I was, clad in a gown of all things. Damn that Caden. Just where was he now? Drifting in and out of my life like some self-proclaimed hero?

The dress had appeared by my bedside, accompanied by a smug little note: Wear a gown for a change. You're a lady, not a man.

If I had seen him at that moment, I would have punched him square in the eye.

But perhaps the restless urging of my wolf had convinced me to put it on.

"Mate doesn't matter," I had told her over and over again. "I am not settling for one."

But she remained relentless.

"Queen Zephyrine, there have been complaints about a strange creature lurking around the pack at night ever since the outcasts started living with the other members," Roland reported.

"A strange creature, you say?" I echoed, narrowing my eyes.

"Yes, my queen," Roland confirmed with a firm nod.

This 𝓬ontent is taken from fгeewebnovёl.co𝙢.

I turned my gaze to the crowd. "Who among you has seen this creature?"

There was silence until a lady at the front hesitantly raised her hand.

"I did," she admitted.

"What did it look like?" I asked.

She shook her head. "I didn't see its face."

Leaning back in my seat, I gazed her. "Then how do you know it was a monster?"

"It attacked my mother."

Beside her, another woman rolled up her sleeve, revealing deep claw marks etched into her skin.

I sighed. "And you believe the outcasts are responsible?"

The first lady hesitated before giving a slow, reluctant nod.

Straightening, I locked my gaze onto the crowd. "I will hunt down this creature myself. And if I find out that they are responsible, I will personally see to their banishment."

A wave of murmurs rippled through the gathered wolves.

"Any objections?" I asked loudly.

The lady lowered her head, then hesitantly looked back up. "My queen, wouldn't it be wiser to send the guards instead? We don't know how dangerous this creature is. What if it harms you?"

A smirk tugged at my lips as I stepped down, taking each steps slowly. "Harm me?" I chuckled. "The monster should be the one afraid, not me."

The woman nodded, saying nothing more, and I dismissed the gathering.

As I returned to my chambers, I turned to Roland. "Where is Dara?"

"She left the palace to visit her mother. She'll return as soon as she hears of your arrival," he replied.

"Speaking of the devil." I grinned.

Ahead, Dara came sprinting toward me, her small frame crashing into my arms as she embraced me with excitement.

"Hey, you look different now! I barely recognized you," I teased, laughing.

She grinned, dimples forming on her cheeks. "Right? Even my mama said so!"

I chuckled, ruffling her hair.

"Have you eaten yet? Come with me to my room," I offered.

"My mum sent food for you. She made it herself," Dara beamed.

"Then let's go."

I glanced at Roland, who merely smiled.

"I remember when you used to carry me around too," he mused. "Your love for children hasn't changed a bit, my queen."

A soft smile crept onto my face, warmth blooming in my chest. "I can't help it. They're adorable and make you smile even when you don't want to..."

Then, turning back to him, I added, "Join us for lunch. There's something we need to discuss."

Roland's smile widened. "I suppose I can't refuse, then."

*******

"This creature, have you come in contact with it in any way?"

Roland shook his head in reply.

"I patrolled the pack myself, yet there was nothing. Do you think it's false?"

I thought for a while taking a piece of meat and feeding it to Dara.

"Wow, your mom cooking is wonderful. I could eat this all day." I squealed making Dara grin. "My mum owns a restaurant, you can visit it any time. And you eat anything for free...." She moved closer whispering into my ear. "Mum says you are a special person."

I chuckled, "Oh really," she nodded happily, her dimples even showing deeper.

Her tone shifted, "Queen Zephyrine," she called, and I turned to her.

"The creature you were just talking about." She said in a low tone and looked up to me.

"That creature...." She swallowed in holding the edge of her gown tightly.

"Is something wrong, Dara?"

Her eyes suddenly got teary, she sniffed staring at me. "You won't kill it right?"

"Huh?" I looked at Roland confused and then returned my gaze to her. "What do you mean, Dara? Do you know something about the creature?"

"You mentioned that you were going to banish us the outcast if you find out that the monster is related to us." She sniffed again looking at me nervously. "Are you really going to do that?"

"Dara, I don't understand what you are saying? Will you calm down and tell me?"

"That creature...That creature is my father..."