Princess's Revenge: Slave to the Soulbound King Chapter 40

Thalia

The first golden thread of dawn light slipped through the curtain gaps, falling across my bed like a gentle caress. My eyes snapped open instantly—truth be told, I hadn't truly slept these past three days, only drifting between restless dozing and startled wakefulness.

Each night, Adelaide's fate in the Iron Maw with the Wolf King haunted my thoughts like shadows that refused to lift. Counting the passing nights, I knew this was the fourth dawn—when the Moon Bride ritual should finally be complete.

I rose quickly, my fingers trembling with urgency as I combed through my long hair, mind racing with plans to reach the Iron Maw as soon as possible. I selected my most formal attire—a pale blue gown embroidered with intricate silver threads—and gathered the soft bundle of clothes I'd prepared for Adelaide: a flowing dress and cloak made from the finest silk we could find.

Taking a deep breath to steady my churning anxiety, I pushed open my chamber door, determination and worry warring in my eyes.

The moment I stepped into the corridor, I nearly collided with Commander Draven, who appeared equally early. The First Legion Commander's face was more severe than usual, tension radiating from his rigid posture in a way that was impossible to miss. He wore his formal deep blue military uniform, silver buttons gleaming in the morning light, his sword at his side as always.

"Thalia," Draven inclined his head slightly, his voice low and grave. "I suspect we share the same destination this morning."

I performed a graceful human curtsy, fighting to keep my voice steady. "Commander Draven. I was planning to visit Adelaide at the Iron Maw. Today marks the fourth day... the ritual should be complete." I couldn't hide the worry threading through my words. "Might I accompany you? I've brought clothing she may need."

Draven's gaze fell to the bundle in my arms, and after a moment's consideration, he nodded. "Come then. I'm going to assess the situation myself." His tone carried an edge of tension unusual for the typically composed commander. We walked through Lycandor Keep's shadowed corridors in contemplative silence, our footsteps echoing in the morning quiet, each lost in our own apprehensive thoughts.

When we arrived at the Iron Maw, we found Vespera already waiting, dressed in his Third Legion's ceremonial green robes. His usually serene face couldn't quite mask the anticipation in his eyes.

"Good morning," he nodded to us both, his voice gentle yet edged with restrained urgency. "I've just arrived myself. The guards report everything has been normal these three days—no unusual incidents."

Draven turned to the captain standing respectfully to the side and asked, "What's the status of the Wolf King and the human girl? Any notable activity?"

Jaxon straightened to attention. "Report, Commander: There have been sounds from within over the past three days, but no signs of danger. We followed orders not to enter or disturb them, maintaining watch only from outside. It's been quiet for the past few hours."

Draven drew a deep breath, his hand moving to the heavy iron door handle. "Very well. Let's see what we find." He glanced back at me, his eyes holding a warning. "Prepare yourself. We don't know what we'll encounter."

I nodded firmly, though my heart hammered against my ribs. Whatever lay beyond that door, Adelaide might need my support.

The massive iron portal swung slowly open, and immediately a wave of intense scent hit us—the distinctive pheromones of an awakened Moon Bride, a complex blend of wild and sacred that seemed to pulse with otherworldly power.

Draven and Vespera both froze simultaneously, their werewolf senses overwhelmed by the potent aroma. Draven's pupils contracted sharply, his fists clenching until his knuckles went white. Vespera unconsciously released a low, throaty sound, golden light flickering in his eyes as both men clearly struggled against their instinctual responses.

Though less sensitive to pheromones, even I could feel the difference in the air—warmer somehow, almost alive with invisible currents of energy. I stepped forward cautiously, the first to enter the chamber.

In the dim depths of the Iron Maw, two figures lay still upon thick furs. The massive silver wolf—Lycanthar—curled protectively around a smaller form, his powerful chest rising and falling with steady breaths. Beside him, Adelaide's naked body resembled a divine work of art, her skin glowing with a subtle silver luminescence in the morning light.

Gone was the frail human slave; instead, she radiated an ethereal beauty with skin like moonlit silk, more defined yet soft features, full rounded breasts, and graceful muscle tone. Her dark hair spread across the furs like a starfield, reflecting tiny points of light.

Adelaide

I felt consciousness returning slowly, awareness filtering back like gentle waves. My enhanced senses immediately detected the three familiar scents in the chamber—Thalia's comforting presence, Draven's controlled tension, and Vespera's quiet strength. My eyelids fluttered open, revealing eyes that now held depths like starlit skies instead of simple violet.

My gaze swept over the three figures before settling on Lycanthar's still-wolf form beside me. A brief flicker of disappointment crossed my features—I'd hoped to see him in human form—before I composed myself with newfound grace.

"Thalia... Commander Draven... Commander Vespera..." My voice emerged clearer and more melodious than before, carrying an otherworldly resonance. "You all came."

I sat up slowly, the cloak Thalia had draped over me slipping from my shoulders. I pulled it close with fluid, natural movements, as if I'd always possessed this elegant poise.

"How do you feel?" Thalia asked anxiously, her hands twisting in her robes. "The ritual... did it harm you?"

I shook my head gently, a tender smile playing at my lips. "No, I feel wonderful. Better than I ever have." My hand traced along my arm, marveling at the energy flowing beneath my transformed skin. "The awakening ritual is complete. I can feel the connection to the Moon Goddess, and..." my gaze softened as it fell on Lycanthar, "to him."

"Then why—" Draven's brow furrowed, his voice sharp with barely concealed disappointment as he stared at the still-feral Wolf King. "Why hasn't the Wolf King returned to human form? If the ritual succeeded, he should be free from the beast's control."

Vespera stepped forward, his tone measured and rational. "Perhaps it requires more time. Three hundred years of bestial state cannot be reversed overnight. We must be patient."

I rose from the furs with inhuman grace, adjusting the cloak around me. "Commander Vespera is right. During the... ritual process, I felt his consciousness slowly returning. Several times, his eyes turned completely gold instead of red." My voice carried both certainty and pleading. "Please trust me—the ritual worked. He's finding his way back."

Draven's rigid posture relaxed slightly, centuries of burden seeming to ease just a fraction. "I believe you, Adelaide. After all, no one else has been able to reach his inner self as you have." His tone held a note of respect rare for the stern commander.

"We should let Adelaide rest," Thalia said gently but firmly, moving to support my arm. "These three days have been exhausting for her. Once she's recovered, we can return to check the Wolf King's progress."

I nodded agreement, but as I moved toward the door, my steps faltered. I kept looking back at Lycanthar, reluctant to leave. The great wolf seemed to sense my departure, his ears twitching though he remained in peaceful sleep.

"He'll be alright," Vespera assured softly, recognizing my concern. "He'll return to us soon."

As we slowly left the Iron Maw, I was the last to cross the threshold. I paused in the doorway, gazing back at the silver wolf with eyes full of longing and worry. When the heavy iron door finally closed between us, I felt as though part of my heart remained in that dark chamber with my soul mate, waiting for fate to reveal the next chapter of our story.