Scarred Wolf Queen Chapter 165

**Briony's POV**

"I'll take good care of it," I said, accepting the book and feeling its subtle warmth against my fingers. "Thanks for the lessons."

Juniper gathered her materials with practiced efficiency. "That's all for today. You might want to check what's happening in the hallway, though." A slight smile played on her lips.

"The hallway? What's going on?"

"Listen carefully and you'll find out."

I tucked the magic book into my backpack and had barely reached the door when I heard hushed arguing. Peering around the corner, I couldn't help but sigh.

Down the corridor, Aurora had Derek cornered against the wall. She wore a blindingly bright blue dress that looked completely out of place in the castle. Derek maintained his perfect diplomatic face - the one that revealed absolutely nothing of the irritation I knew he must be feeling.

"Your Highness, you've been avoiding me," Aurora's voice dripped with artificial sweetness. "No one gets you like I do. My father says Alpha King Nathan just found some nobody to keep you company. Once the elders pick someone suitable, you'll see we're meant to be together."

Heat surged through me. These stupid rumors never died, and now they were dragging the elders into it?

I made my footsteps deliberately loud as I approached. Aurora's spine went rigid.

"Aurora, what a surprise," I said with my best fake smile, sliding between them. "Glad to see you're allowed at events again."

Derek's mouth twitched with suppressed laughter.

*You really need to learn how to turn these obsessed girls down. They totally take advantage of your politeness,* I told him through our mind link.

*Help me, I'm dying here. She's bathed in perfume,* he replied.

"We're about to meet with Alpha King Nathan and Luna Queen Selena about border security," I explained with feigned regret. "Royal duties come first, you understand."

Aurora narrowed her eyes. "I think the Prince can speak for himself without some Sentinel making decisions for him."

"I'm not just a Sentinel," I locked eyes with her. "You know that."

"So that's it. Who do you think you are? You little - "

"Miss Aurora!" Aria's sharp voice cut through the tension as she approached from the other end of the hallway. "The royal wing is restricted. Luna Queen Selena is waiting for us. I suggest you head back to the visitor area before you lose your invitation privileges altogether."

Aurora opened and closed her mouth, then huffed and stalked away with exaggerated dignity.

The three of us hurried to Luna Queen Selena's office, not speaking until we were safely inside. Only then did we collectively exhale.

"That was seriously - " I began, then noticed Alpha King Nathan was present too. I snapped my mouth shut.

"I wasn't trying to eavesdrop, but that conversation was hard to miss," Luna Queen Selena said, setting down her teacup. "Briony, what exactly did that young lady say?"

I stared at my boots, unsure how to respond.

"Mother, Aurora crossed a line," Derek straightened. "She entered the royal wing without permission and claimed Father is forcing me to hang out with 'some nobody.' She implied the elders get to decide who my mate will be."

Luna Queen Selena's expression cooled instantly. "I've let these girls' behavior slide for too long. Derek, we all know finding your mate is the Moon Goddess's will. No one has the right to interfere."

As they continued, I noticed Aria rubbing at her wrist where her Sentinel mark was.

*You okay?* I asked through our link.

*Fine. Mark's just itchy lately.*

*How long has that been happening?*

*About two weeks? Started as just irritation, but it's getting worse.*

"Aria, come with me," Luna Queen Selena suddenly turned to us. "I need to discuss something with you."

After they left, the office fell silent for a moment.

"When Derek officially takes the throne," Alpha King Nathan finally said, staring out the window, "we'll change many things. Including those so-called 'traditions' and certain elders' privileges."

"Father, I want Briony on my future advisory council," Derek said. "I need people who are completely loyal and offer different perspectives."

Alpha King Nathan nodded. "Smart choice. But now, we have more urgent matters."

In the following weeks, Aurora vanished from most events, only appearing at formal functions where she kept her distance. Aria's condition, however, worried me. Her mark issue persisted and seemed to be getting worse.

Tonight, Aria and I were guarding the main elevator to the royal floor - our last night on duty. She'd been in pain all evening, constantly scratching her mark. "Bri, it's getting worse. Something's not right."

She suddenly collapsed, clutching her wrist with a low groan.

*Diana!* I called through the link. *Aria's in trouble. We're at the main elevator. Get here now!*

*Three minutes. Keep her conscious,* came the reply.

"Hang on, Diana's coming," I said, supporting Aria as her body trembled. "Deep breaths, look at me."

"It hurts... like something's trying to break through my skin..."

What happened next seemed to play in slow motion - Aria's body tensed, a scream tore from her throat, and an invisible wave of energy threw me against the wall. My vision blurred as my back slammed into the hard surface.

As I struggled to stand, I heard a deafening wolf howl, followed by splintering wood.

Derek stood there, eyes blazing with rage.

"What did you do to her?" His voice was low and threatening.

"Nothing," I stayed still, knowing any sudden movement might set him off. "She needs medical help."

"Get away! Nobody hurts my mate!"

Mate? My mind raced - Aria was Derek's destined mate? That would explain the mark problems - two powerful bonds fighting each other.

"Derek, please calm down," I kept my voice steady. "She needs help. Where's Rowan? She needs both of you."

"Rowan..." his voice softened slightly.

"Yes, you're both her mates, right? Rowan should be here too. Her Sentinel mark is probably breaking because of your mate bond."

Diana rushed around the corner, wisely stopping a few steps away. "Your Highness, please let me help. We need Rowan, right now."

*Rowan!* I called urgently. *Main elevator. Derek's losing it. Aria is your mate, and she's in bad shape. Hurry!*

*What? Aria? I just felt something powerful. On my way.*

Derek remained half-shifted, growling at anyone approaching Aria. Minutes later, the elevator opened, and Rowan rushed out, assessing everything in one glance.

"My Alpha," he said softly, approaching Derek. "We found her."

Derek didn't attack; instead, he relaxed as Rowan approached. "Our Luna." Rowan knelt beside Aria, gently touching her forehead. "We're finally complete."

Derek knelt down too, and they embraced the unconscious Aria, radiating protective energy. Diana finally managed to begin her examination.

I leaned against the wall, watching with mixed shock and relief.

*Briony, you okay?* Diana asked through our link.

*Just bruised. Take care of Aria. She needs you more right now.*