Princess's Revenge: Slave to the Soulbound King Chapter 34

Adelaide

My consciousness floated in a vast expanse of pure white void, where concepts of up and down, left and right, held no meaning. Time itself seemed suspended in this eternal stillness, where only perfect peace existed. In the distance, fragments of stars scattered like tiny diamonds across this nothingness, forming wondrous patterns that shifted and danced in the ethereal light.

A voice emerged from all directions—ancient yet youthful, distant yet intimate, as if thousands of voices spoke in perfect harmony while remaining as one. The sound carried both warmth and an undeniable authority that resonated through every fiber of my being.

"Adelaide Valendria, daughter of the Valendria royal house, princess of humanity." The voice held gentle yet unquestionable majesty. "You have called upon me, bearing a great request. Speak, my child, what has driven you to risk traversing the barriers of consciousness to seek my guidance?"

Even without physical form in this space, I knelt in reverence, maintaining the respect owed to divine beings. My voice sounded small yet resolute in this boundless realm: "Honored Moon Goddess, guardian of silver light, I come seeking your wisdom. I wish to know how to restore Wolf King Lycanthar's sanity, to free him from three centuries of bestial imprisonment."

The luminescence in the space flickered subtly, as if the Moon Goddess contemplated my words. Her voice grew heavier with gravity: "You are a princess of the human royal line, and he is king of the wolves. Three hundred years of hatred and war have severed your races." The voice seemed to penetrate my very soul, examining my deepest intentions. "Are you certain you wish to help him regain his reason? A Wolf King with his full power and intelligence—what manner of threat would he pose to your kingdom?"

Without hesitation, I responded, my voice clear and unwavering: "Three hundred years ago, it was humanity that betrayed the alliance with the werewolves, joining with vampires to launch an attack during the eclipse night. It was this betrayal that forced Lycanthar to use forbidden magic, ultimately losing his sanity." Sorrow and determination colored my words. "The sins of my ancestors—I bear responsibility to atone for them. Moreover," I paused, remembering the memories I had witnessed during my spiritual connection with the Wolf King, "I can feel that beneath that bestial exterior, Lycanthar is a just, wise, and caring ruler. I believe that once he leads the werewolf clan again, he will seek a path of peaceful coexistence with humanity."

The light in the space grew brighter, warmth enveloping me like a gentle embrace. From the distant void, a glowing object drifted toward me, slowly settling into my palm—a crystal vial, with moonlight seeming to flow within its depths.

"This is Lunar Essence," the Goddess's voice became more intimate, though no less powerful. "It can awaken the Moon Bride bloodline within you, bringing it to complete manifestation." Her tone turned serious, weighted with warning. "But know this—this forced awakening defies natural law, and the process will bring you unimaginable agony. Only during the three days of complete awakening, through spiritual and physical union with Lycanthar, can your power call back his reason from the beast that has consumed it."

I caressed the vial in my palm, feeling its subtle pulsing life. Drawing a deep breath, I said: "Whatever the cost, I am willing to attempt it. Thank you for your blessing, Moon Goddess."

"Remember, Adelaide," the Goddess's voice began to fade gradually, "the connection between you and Lycanthar transcends mere physical attraction—it is a bond forged in the depths of your souls. Fate has brought you together, but whether the ultimate outcome brings blessing or curse will depend upon the choices you both make." The light dimmed progressively. "The destiny of humans and werewolves may well change because of you..."

I jolted awake, finding myself still seated at the round table in my bedchamber, but my body swayed precariously as if I had endured a lengthy journey. The crystal orb no longer glowed, reduced to ordinary transparent material. Seeing my condition, Thalia immediately rushed forward to steady my trembling form, her face etched with concern and amazement: "Adelaide! Are you all right? You're pale as death!"

I leaned weakly against Thalia's supporting arms, breathing rapidly, fine beads of sweat dotting my forehead. My voice was fragile but filled with wonder: "I saw her, Thalia... I truly saw the Moon Goddess." With trembling hands, I opened my palm to reveal the crystal vial emanating a faint lunar glow. "Look, this is her gift to me."

Thalia gasped, her eyes reflecting awe and astonishment: "Lunar Essence... the ancient texts only mention it in legends." She carefully helped me back to the bed, settling me against soft pillows before quickly checking that the blood moon mark on my back remained properly concealed by magic. "What happened? What did the Goddess tell you?"

I recounted everything—the Goddess's words and the method for restoring Lycanthar's sanity, including the potential suffering I would face after consuming the Lunar Essence. Thalia's expression shifted rapidly from surprise to concern and opposition: "No, Adelaide, it's too dangerous!" Her voice rose with urgency. "The last time, the Wolf King nearly killed you, and now he's in a state of extreme rage. Even if he has no intention of killing you, in that condition, he might not be able to control his strength. Not to mention the agony you'll endure after taking the Lunar Essence..."

I grasped Thalia's hand, my eyes blazing with determination: "We have no other choice, Thalia. Last time, though the Wolf King attacked me, he ultimately held back—he could have killed me, but he didn't." I met her gaze directly. "Besides, this isn't just about Lycanthar or me personally. If he can regain his sanity, he might be able to stop Garrick's war plans, protecting our kingdom and countless innocent lives."

Thalia looked into my resolute eyes and finally sighed, nodding reluctantly: "I understand... Since you've already decided, I won't stop you." She squeezed my hand, her expression growing serious. "But at least let me help you prepare. I'll ask Draven to increase the prison guards to ensure no one interrupts you during the critical moments. I'll also prepare some herbs that might slightly ease the pain caused by the Lunar Essence."

"Thank you, Thalia," I said gratefully. "I know what I'm asking for, and I'm prepared to face the consequences."

Thalia embraced me one final time, carefully avoiding my wounds: "Rest well, you'll need all your strength for the challenges ahead." With those words, she bid me a soft farewell and departed with a heavy heart, leaving me alone to gaze at the Lunar Essence in my hand, contemplating the fate that awaited me.