Crowned by Fate Chapter 132

Skye’s POV

Leon’s gaze was sharp, his eyes narrowing as if trying to cut through my defenses. “What I regret,” he said, voice like ice, “is wasting my time coming here to help you.”

Before I could respond, his hand shot out and gripped my arm—right where the skin was still tender and raw beneath my sleeve. Pain jolted up my shoulder, and I couldn’t suppress the small gasp that escaped my lips.

Adrian moved before I could blink. A low, threatening growl rumbled from deep in his chest as he stepped forward, every muscle coiled.

Leon’s face shifted. His expression, once edged with irritation, faltered. For a heartbeat, he looked stunned—almost guilty.

He let go abruptly, his hand dropping to his side like it had betrayed him. A silence stretched between us, awkward and heavy.

Then, without looking me in the eye, he reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a small jar of pale, golden cream. He extended it to me stiffly, as if offering a weapon rather than medicine.

"This is for healing scars," he said flatly. Then, as if needing to clarify, he added, "Ethan asked me to bring it to you."

The mention of my brother struck something tender in me. Ethan—always thinking of me, even now.

My fingers brushed the cool glass of the jar as I took it, but before I could say a word, Leon turned sharply.

He yanked open his car door.

“Wait!” I called, stepping forward. “How is Ethan? I heard he was injured yesterday.”

Leon paused, one foot inside the car. He glanced back over his shoulder, jaw tight. “Ethan is my Beta. I wouldn’t let anything happen to him.”

His eyes slid past me to Adrian. His voice turned hard again. “Before I become Alpha King, take care of my mate properly.”

With that, he climbed into the Porsche and slammed the door. The engine roared to life, tires screeching as he sped away.

Adrian was still tense beside me, his fists clenched at his sides. I reached out and gently touched his arm.

“Let’s take the statement to Elder Selene,” I said softly.

***

Elder Selene’s office smelled faintly of old parchment and lavender oil. The atmosphere was calm, but undercut with tension.

“After a thorough examination,” she began, her voice formal but tinged with regret, “we’ve determined that the oven’s control wires were damaged by rodents. The code you entered was correct, which means Alpha Adrian has officially passed the second trial. I’ll make the announcement shortly.”

Adrian stood tall, but I could feel the anger radiating off him.

“Why wasn’t the equipment inspected beforehand?” he asked tightly.

“They were,” Selene said, sighing. “The staff checked all devices the night before. No faults were found. No one anticipated rats chewing through wiring. It was... a tragic coincidence.”

Ryder, who had been pacing nearby like a caged wolf, exploded. “Coincidence? Skye nearly died in there! You call that an accident?”

“Every trial comes with its own dangers,” Selene replied coolly. “You all accepted those risks by entering the election. However, the oversight is ours. The staff involved will be disciplined.”

“I want to speak to the person who inspected that oven,” Adrian said.

“He’s already been dismissed,” Selene answered. “But I can give you his contact information. I hope you’re not seeking revenge. As I said, we believe this was simply an accident.”

I stepped forward, my voice calm. “Thank you, Elder Selene. We won’t pursue trouble. We’re just glad the truth came to light.”

I meant it. Adrian staying in the race meant everything. The pain in my arms was a small price to pay.

“But—” Ryder started, only to stop when I gave his arm a gentle squeeze.

Lydia, who had been silently observing the entire exchange, suddenly spoke. "May I examine the damaged oven?"

Elder Selene's brow furrowed slightly at the request, clearly displeased with Lydia's implied mistrust, but she nodded.

“Of course. This way.”

The scent of burnt metal and soot still lingered in the testing room, clinging to the walls like ghosts. As we stepped into the room, my breath caught.

The scorched remains of the oven stood in silent accusation, blackened and broken. I could still remember the searing heat, the panic as the door refused to open, the air becoming smoke-thick and deadly.

Safe now. With you. My wolf’s voice was a whisper in my mind, trying to soothe me.

Adrian must have sensed it. His arm wrapped protectively around my waist, pulling me close. “It’s over,” he murmured against my hair.

Lydia approached the oven without hesitation. Her movements were clinical, eyes scanning every detail. Her fingers brushed the damaged wires.

“Definitely bite marks,” she said after a long moment. “Not clean cuts. The insulation’s been gnawed.”

Elder Selene crossed her arms. “Exactly. As I explained.”

“Maybe it really was just an accident,” I offered softly, half to reassure myself.

But Lydia didn’t answer right away. She lifted the frayed wire close to her face and inhaled. Her brow furrowed.

“There’s honey on these wires.”

The words dropped like a stone into still water. The silence that followed was deafening.

Honey.

Not something that just happens to end up on electrical equipment. But the perfect lure for rats.

My heart slowed in my chest, then kicked into a harder rhythm.

Someone had wanted those wires chewed. Someone had turned an accident into a weapon.

“This wasn’t an accident at all,” Lydia said grimly.