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Chapter 109
Third Person’s POV
Lycan Luna Camilla understood well that even if Adelaide became a royal priestess, her status wouldn’t surpass her own.
But no, she–wolf relishes seeing her mate dote on another. As the Lycan King’s mate, she had to accept such a destiny.
She couldn’t show a hint of jealousy.
So, she smiled and complimented Adelaide on her contributions at the Southern Border. Then, with a meaningful tone, she said, “It’s a pity Alpha Ulrik doesn’t recognize your worth. It’s like a beautiful gem has been dulled by dust.”
Adelaide heard it plain as day. The remark was anything but subtle. It implied she was used goods, less precious than before.
But she was puzzled.
Why was Lycan Luna saying this?
Camilla lifted her mug and sipped the coffee, as if steeling herself.
She looked up at Adelaide and said, “Fortunately, a gem remains a gem. A mere wipe can rid it of dust. Miss Davidson, don’t undervalue yourself. Sooner or later,someone will see your true shine.”
Adelaide caught the implication. Lycan Luna Camilla wanted to set her up with a mate.
She was annoyed but kept a straight face. With a smile, she said, “Thank you for your kind words. The past is the past. I’m not one to look back. I’ve spent my life in the Shadow Mountains learning to fight, so I’ve got a bit of a wild streak. Even after two years back in the capital, I still feel constrained. But now that I’ve severed ties with the Bloodmoon Pack, I’m finally free.”
In other words, she wanted nothing to do with finding a mate. Freedom was too precious.
She hoped this would dissuade Lycan Luna Camilla.
But Camilla just smiled. She didn’t take Adelaide’s words seriously.
Remembering Lycan Erasmus’s instructions, she decided to cut to the chase.
She’d already dropped enough hints. If Adelaide was smart, she’d take the hint and decline.
With a warm smile, she said, “I like your honesty and grace, Miss Davidson. If you were a royal priestess, you could stay by my side. Lycan Erasmus would be thrilled.”
Adelaide’s lips parted, and she stared at Camilla.
Become a royal priestess so Lycan Erasmus would be happy?
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She’d just earned military honors. As a Gamma, Lycan Luna had no right to interfere. And Lycan Luna Camilla wouldn’t want her as a priestess, not after hurling “dull gem” insults.
So this was Lycan Erasmus’s doing?
Why?
With a quick glance, Adelaide smiled and said, “If you like me, I’d be happy to be your sister. I’m all alone now. I’d love to have a sister to care for me.”
Hearing this, Camilla’s face lit up. “If I had a sister as brave and poised as Adelaide, I’d grin even in my dreams.”
Adelaide stood and bowed. “I’ll call you sister in my heart. Maybe one day, when I find my Second Chance, you’ll preside over my bonding ceremony.”
“Of course, I’d be delighted.”
The conversation lightened. Camilla became much warmer.
But Adelaide was still confused.
If Lycan Erasmus had no feelings for her, why did he want her as a priestess? What was his game?
On her way out, she ran into Lance.
He looked terrible, clearly still hungover.
His face was unnaturally pale, and he was in yesterday’s bloodstained battle–robe.
The dried blood reeked of gore and sweat, jarring in the palace’s calm.
His hair was neat, clashing with his rusty, bloody robe and looking odd.
Sunlight streamed through a wall crack onto his eyes, but couldn’t dispel the exhaustion and gloom there.
Adelaide approached. “Alpha Lance, did you stay in the palace last night?”
“Mmm.” He nodded, checking her out. “You look nice, like a noble lady.”
She smiled. “I am a noble lady.”
He froze, then nodded absently. “What did Lycan Luna Camilla want with you?”
Adelaide raised an eyebrow. “How did you know it was Lycan Luna Camilla?”
He knew?
Lance rubbed his temple, seeming distracted. “Oh, just a guess. You saw former Lycan Luna Clarissa last night, so I figured you’d meet Lycan Luna Camilla next.”
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“Clever guess. You must know something.”
Adelaide thought for a second, then blurted, “Has Lycan Erasmus mentioned wanting me as a royal priestess?”
Better to ask outright.
Lance nodded, eyes locked on hers. “Are you in?”
Adelaide was exasperated. “Why would I agree? I see Lycan Erasmus as an older brother. How could I be his priestess?”
Lance’s eyes lit up. He started to speak, but she went on, “When I was little, you and Lycan Erasmus would visit my brothers. I’ve always seen you as family. Our statuses may differ now, but that bond hasn’t changed.”
Lance froze. “Family?” 2
