Scarred Wolf Queen Chapter 157

**Briony's POV**

"When Brandon realized I wasn't getting pregnant," Freya continued, "he started using sex as punishment. If I was too 'stubborn' to give him heirs, then he'd use violence instead." Her voice grew bitter. "The only 'upside' was that he finished quicker when he was violent, so I got brief moments to recover."

She turned to me. "Before you showed up, he never put other girls near my cell. I could hear them crying, so I knew there were others, but I never understood why he suddenly changed his approach with you."

"Besides the guards and Brandon himself, did you interact with anyone else?" Alpha King Nathan asked, his expression thoughtful.

"Not clearly," Freya frowned, trying to remember. "After I found wolfsbane in my food, I refused to eat. They started forcing injections on me. Everything's hazy after that - just voices and blurry faces."

"Diana mentioned your contraceptive implant damaged your uterine wall," Alpha King Nathan said bluntly. "In a twisted way, that probably saved your life. If you'd given him what he wanted, you might've become a permanent breeding tool." He leaned forward. "From your description, Brandon seems more like a pawn than a mastermind - a spoiled heir following someone else's plan."

"That's the creepy part," Freya laughed coldly. "He's not particularly smart, but I overheard enough to know he has this weird talent for manipulation. He always gets what he wants."

"I felt that too during my captivity," I nodded. "He never fought his own battles, just pulled strings from the sidelines while somehow controlling everything."

"Alright, that's enough for now," Alpha King Nathan stood. "In half an hour, you'll head to the castle to prepare for tonight under Luna Selena's guidance. She'll make sure you're well-fed." His eyes sparkled with mischief. "You'll stay at the castle tonight. No need to pack - Luna Selena has everything ready. Aria's already there helping her prepare."

The way he mentioned Luna Selena made me smile. He knew I hated those elaborate dressing rituals, but also that Luna Selena could always persuade me to cooperate - just as she could make this powerful Alpha King change his mind with a look.

"Freya," Taric added, "Cyrus is gathering your requested equipment and will meet you at the castle. He seems excited - apparently you two might have common interests." He nodded once. "You're dismissed."

As we rose to leave, Alpha King Nathan called to Freya: "I know you have many unanswered questions, but we've started searching for your pack members. If they choose to return, we'll provide temporary sanctuary in royal territory. Your pack's land remains abandoned. Whether you decide to stay or leave, we'll help however we can."

Tears welled in Freya's eyes, though she managed a grateful smile. I gently wrapped my arm around her shoulders and led her out.

"He wasn't kidding about Luna Selena having everything ready," I said quietly. "So... are you really that good with computers?"

"It's nothing special," Freya laughed. "Well, maybe a little. As a kid, I had a knack for breaking into systems. Pulled some pranks on my dad, left little tricks. But tech changes so fast - I haven't practiced in ages. That's why I'm glad Cyrus is coming. If we hit newer security systems, at least someone can help."

"Let's find Mark," I suggested. "We still have time before heading to the castle. With Cyrus busy preparing equipment, Mark's probably eating alone."

We laughed as we walked toward the dining hall. The place buzzed with activity - Sentinels finishing meals, others just ending training sessions, some enjoying rare downtime.

"Didn't expect so many Sentinels here," Freya whispered, clearly amazed.

"I had to get used to it too," I nodded. "Most senior Sentinels don't actually live here. This place mainly houses newcomers and trainees since we train more frequently and instructors need to find us easily. But everyone comes here to eat, especially at dinner - it's when everyone gets together."

"I see," Freya nodded thoughtfully. "Just need time to adjust, I guess. Look, there's Mark."

"Hey, you two!" Mark waved from across the room. "Heard you've got an exciting mission tonight. Am I the only one left out?"

"Want to take my place next to Derek?" I smirked. "You'd look great in my dress."

"On second thought," Mark pretended to consider it, "I'd rather stick to protecting Cyrus and keeping you all safe."

"Wait, you're going too?" I shoved him. "Why'd you lie?"

"It's good to make you worry about me sometimes," he winked. "Keeps things interesting."

I rolled my eyes. "Are you riding with us to the castle, or does Taric have other plans?"

"I've got the honor of escorting two beautiful ladies," he gave an exaggerated bow. "Cyrus is on his way with Freya's tech stuff. Car's ready when we are."

We laughed as we headed for the exit. Halfway across the hall, a cold voice cut through our conversation:

"Look who it is, the golden girl off to please someone new. Whose bed are you climbing into for favors this time, or are you planning to get captured again?"

"Who the hell do you think you are?" Before I could respond, Freya jumped to my defense, her voice fierce.

Seraphina stood there with arms crossed, looking smug. "I'm Seraphina, your superior and Briony's too. Everyone here knows how she climbed the ranks. All this time at camp without earning a decent mission, unless - "

"That's enough," Mark cut her off, his voice dangerously low. "Briony earned her place. Quit spreading your petty rumors. You've never been particularly likable, and you never will be. Come back when you learn that actually showing up for training, working hard, and knowing how to be a team player is what gets you mission assignments. Briony has all that; you don't. That's why her first mission successfully rescued an Alpha's daughter, while you're still here being jealous. Stop embarrassing yourself."

Mark turned, wrapped his arms around our shoulders and quickly guided us toward the waiting vehicle. We climbed into the back while Mark took the front passenger seat. The journey passed in silence.

"Has she always been that nasty?" Freya finally asked.

"Only when it involves Briony," Mark sighed. "She's decent enough as a Sentinel, but that floor supervisor title went to her head. Then Briony showed up - not even of age yet smoked everyone in the selection trials and impressed both Warrior Taric and Prince Derek."

"Wait," Freya turned to me, eyes wide. "How old are you exactly? I thought you were just small, maybe a particularly skilled Omega. But that's clearly not right - I can feel your aura is almost as strong as mine."