Chapter 196

Adelaide’s mind raced. Was this connected to Lycan Erasmus’s demand that she find a mate within three
months?
Lance, knowing her sharpness, figured she’d found some truth.
He said, “No matter who I choose, Lycan Erasmus will think what he thinks. Given my status, could I really pick an ordinary she–wolf?”
It made sense, but Adelaide sensed something off.
She could lead werewolf warriors into battle. Mating with her was a risk for Alpha Lance.
“Did you propose because you knew I didn’t want to become a priestess? Are you helping me?”
Adelaide first considered this possibility. “Lycan Erasmus didn’t actually pressure you to find a mate, did he? You’re helping me.”
Lance smiled helplessly. “You’re mistaken. Even without Lycan Erasmus’s push, many she–wolves would vie to be my mate after my triumph. Refusing them risks offense. The sooner I finalize the bond, the better.”
“As for why I chose you,” Lance continued with a wry smile, “we’ve both been through the Warscar Training Camp. You were forced to find a mate, I was on a pyre–it seemed logical to pair up.”
Lies were tough. He couldn’t tell her he’d relinquish command to bond with her–that was unspeakable.
If Adelaide knew, she’d never agree to be his mate.
He had to wait until after the ceremony, until he’d fully marked her.
With some things left unsaid, Lance took his leave.
Adelaide pondered for a long while, grasping parts of the truth but still missing pieces.
Ivy, seeing her distress, hesitated to comfort her but was stopped by Beta Valentine.
He shook his head and said, “Bring Cedric some food. He’s been practicing hand strength all day. He must be exhausted.”
Ivy sighed softly. “Alright.”
As she headed to the kitchen, Beta Valentine limped after her and whispered, “I know you want to talk to Alpha Adelaide, but wait until after the mating ceremony.”
Ivy nodded. “I understand. I just feel impulsive seeing him troubled. I know impulsiveness is unwise . ”
She sighed again. “I only found out today that Alpha Lance relinquished command of the legion.
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Connecting the dots, I assume he did it for Alpha Adelaide. Clearly, Lycan Erasmus used Alpha Adelaide as bait to test Alpha Lance’s loyalty.”
Beta Valentine said, “Keep such thoughts to yourself.”
Ivy replied, “I know better than to speak out of turn. It’s just that Lance’s feelings for Alpha Adelaide are unknown to her. Even Luna Airella withheld the truth about Alpha Lance’s proposal.”
Beta Valentine frowned. “Luna Airella was frightened back then. Had Alpha Lance not gone to the Southern Border, she might have agreed. Little did she know the person chosen in the end wasn’t a suitable mate.”
Ivy’s eyes welled up. “Luna Airella didn’t select a royal heir because she knew Alpha Adelaide’s strong personality. Royal heirs or century–old packs have numerous demands. Only Ulrik dared promise to treat Alpha Adelaide well before Luna Airella, who was deceived by him.”
Beta Valentine cut her off. “Enough. Bring Cedric his food. His diligent practice is heart–wrenching. He takes medicine daily yet still practices hand strength.”
Beta Valentine, of course, felt for Cedric–Adelaide’s only kin, who’d endured so much.
The next day, Adelaide and Cedric visited Elder Halsey.
Halsey had gathered other members of the Davidson family, who’d long since left the Frostfang Pack to join other packs following their ancestors.
Now, they would witness Elder Halsey formally reinstate Cedric’s name in the Davidson family records of the Frostfang Pack.
Many still doubted Cedric’s return, as some hoped their own children might join the Frostfang Pack.
After all, joining promised a future Alpha role and a chance at the Royal Elder Council.
Beta Valentine was tasked with explaining the full story.
He didn’t mention the rogue who’d kidnapped Cedric, only noting the case was reported to Lycan Erasmus.
Cedric had already visited the palace, met Lycan Erasmus and Clarissa, and was recognized by his Thunder Wolf Pack relatives.
With this evidence, most believed Cedric was alive. A few remained skeptical, but the majority accepted the truth.
Yet, there were still those who refused to believe.