Crowned by Fate Chapter 146

Skye’s POV

I sat frozen on the edge of Lydia's bed, my hands trembling as her story settled into my bones like winter frost. The horror of what she'd endured made my own past pain seem almost trivial.

My wolf stirred restlessly beneath my skin, responding to the cocktail of emotions surging through me—shock, heartbreak, and a rage so pure it burned white-hot in my chest.

"That bastard," I whispered, my voice cracking. "That absolute bastard."

My fingers curled into fists, nails digging into my palms. How could Rodrigo stand there at the trials, playing the grieving widower, when he'd orchestrated Lydia's destruction?

The hypocrisy made me sick.

"Lydia," I said, turning to face her fully. "A man like that doesn't deserve your love. He never did." My voice grew stronger, fueled by protective fury. "He doesn't deserve to be Alpha King either. We're going to beat him in this election. We're going to destroy that monster."

I reached for her hands. My fingers traced along her wrist until they found the red coral bracelet, still there after all these years. The smooth beads felt like chains.

"Do you still hate him?" I asked softly, stroking the bracelet with my thumb.

Lydia shook her head slowly. "It was many years ago." Her voice carried the weight of hard-won peace. "Don't worry about me, Skye. I won't let Rodrigo affect my emotions anymore." A bitter smile touched her lips. "In fact, I won't let any man affect my emotions again."

She lifted her wrist, the coral catching the lamplight. "I keep this bracelet as a reminder. Every time I see it, I remember not to make stupid mistakes. Not to trust so blindly."

"If Rodrigo tries anything—if he even looks at you wrong—Adrian and I will protect you," I said fiercely. "You're pack now. You're family."

"Thank you." Lydia's voice softened with genuine warmth. Then her dark eyes sharpened, studying me with the analytical gaze I'd come to recognize. "Speaking of complicated men... what's going on with you, Alpha Adrian, and Alpha Leon?"

I released a long, exhausted sigh that seemed to come from my toes. "I don't want to deal with relationship drama right now either. The third trial is in two days." I stood, smoothing down my clothes. "All I want to focus on is winning this election."

***

Leaving Lydia's room, I felt the weight of her story pressing down on my shoulders.

As I turned the corner toward my room, I nearly collided with a solid wall of muscle. Adrian stood there, obviously returning from a late training session, his hair still damp with sweat.

I froze, awkwardness flooding through me like ice water. After our fight last night, I didn't know what to say. Besides, I probably shouldn't sleep in his room tonight, even though I'd promised him a few days ago that I'd stay by his side 24/7 during the election.

Adrian broke first. "Why are you still up?" His voice was carefully neutral, but I caught the concern underneath.

"I was talking with Lydia."

His expression shifted, understanding dawning. "About Alpha Rodrigo this afternoon?"

I nodded, swallowing hard.

"I know everything now." The words came out thick with emotion. "God, Adrian, what she went through... Someone like Lydia, someone so good, she didn't deserve any of that."

Adrian's shoulders dropped slightly. "She's never told me her story. I didn't want to pry."

He leaned against the wall, amber eyes distant with memory.

"Before you joined us, she was part of our pack council, but she wasn't like Venus—all outgoing and warm. Lydia kept everyone at arm's length. Funny thing is, you've been with us the shortest time, but she opened up to you more than she ever did with the rest of us."

"Her nose," I said quietly. "Do you think reconstructive surgery might be possible?"

Adrian scratched his head.

"I honestly don't know. I've wondered, but I never dared ask what she wanted. She seems... not to care about it." His voice grew determined. "But if she wants surgery, I'll find the money. I'll search the whole world for the best plastic surgeon."

"No woman doesn't care about her appearance," I said firmly. "Look at men—even Alpha Xavier uses beauty face masks every day."

"What's wrong with men using face masks?" Xavier's voice made us both jump. His door swung open, revealing the Alpha in silk pajamas and, ironically, a green face mask. "You have no idea—all the Hollywood actors are using ‘beauty butt masks’ now! I can share some with you if you'd like."

"No, thanks!" Adrian and I spoke in perfect unison

Despite everything, I almost laughed.

Then it hit me like lightning. "Alpha Xavier!" I smacked my forehead. "You have connections to the best plastic surgeons in the world!"

Xavier raised one perfectly groomed eyebrow. "Yes?"

"I need to ask you a favor," I said, hope blooming in my chest. "After the Alpha King election ends, could you introduce me to the best reconstructive surgeon you know?"