The Princess's Revenge Chapter 127

Valencia’s POV

The landscape changed as we rode south. I gripped the reins tighter as my horse cantered steadily along the road.

Through the clearing ahead, I watched as the rugged mountains and pine forests of the north gradually gave way to rolling hills. The air grew warmer with each passing mile. Oak trees replaced the evergreens.

The land looked more fertile here, patches of golden wheat fields and vineyards spreading across the valleys.

"Look at that," Ryan said, pulling his horse alongside mine.

He pointed to a distant town. The buildings were made of stone instead of wood, more refined than our northern structures. I urged my horse forward slightly, eager for a better view.

Everything looked so different from Cliffwatch. So much richer.

"The southern territories are known for their prosperity," Logan said, riding up on my other side. His gray eyes studied the landscape.

"Soren's pack controls the wealthiest region in Valdoria." After another hour of riding, Bastian called out from ahead.

"Alpha, look!" I followed his gaze. In the distance, rising from the center of a vast plain, was Soren's castle.

My breath caught. The castle was built from white marble and stood at least five stories tall. Towers reached toward the sky, gleaming in the sunlight. Gardens surrounded it, with fountains and carefully trimmed hedges. Everything about it spoke of power and wealth.

"It's beautiful," I whispered.

Logan's hand found mine. "Soren has always been good at displays of prosperity."

We rode closer, and the castle grew larger. By the time we reached the outskirts of the city surrounding it, I felt very small.

"We should find an inn," Logan said. "We'll settle in first before doing anything else."

Ryan nodded. "There's a decent place near the market square. I stayed there on my last visit south."

The inn was clean and comfortable. Logan secured two rooms for us while Ryan and Bastian took care of the horses. Once we were settled, Logan turned to me.

"Valencia, we need to talk about our approach."

I sat on the edge of the bed. "What do you mean?"

"We can't go directly to Soren and ask about Kai," Logan said. His voice was serious. "Soren is extremely skilled at political manipulation. If we show our hand too early, he might use the information as leverage. Or worse, hide the truth to control us."

My heart sank. "So what do we do?"

"We verify the information independently first," Logan said. "Then we'll know if we're dealing with facts or rumors before Soren can twist anything."

That night, I barely slept. Logan held me close, but my mind wouldn't stop racing. Kai might be here. After fifteen years, he might be just miles away.

The next morning, Logan knocked on Ryan and Bastian's door. "Get ready. We're going to the lower city."

"The lower city?" I asked.

Logan's expression was grim. "The black market. If anyone knows the truth about Soren's adopted children, it'll be the information brokers there."

Ryan led us through narrow streets. The buildings here were shabby, nothing like the gleaming castle above. He stopped at a hidden entrance and gestured down a stone staircase.

"This way."

We descended into the underground black market. It was dark and crowded, filled with whispered conversations and suspicious glances. I stayed close to Logan as we moved through the crowds.

Ryan brought us to a corner stall. A thin middle-aged woman sat there, her eyes sharp and wary.

"I need information," Logan said quietly. "About war orphans from fifteen years ago. Specifically, children adopted by Alpha Soren."

The woman's expression changed immediately. She shook her head fast. "I don't sell that kind of information. Alpha Soren's business? Nobody touches that. You should leave."

Logan tried to offer more money, but she refused again. She looked genuinely frightened.

My chest tightened. If even information brokers were too scared to talk about Soren's affairs, his control here must be absolute.

"Let's go," Logan said quietly.

We made our way back through the black market. I felt disappointed and lost. How were we supposed to find answers if everyone was too afraid to talk?

As we emerged onto the street, a tall figure appeared in front of us.

I recognized him immediately. The sandy brown hair. The green eyes.

"That's Yves," Logan said quietly beside me. "Soren's Beta."

Yves smiled, but the expression didn't reach his eyes. "Alpha Logan. Luna Valencia." He bowed slightly. "Alpha Soren sent me to escort you. He's been expecting you."

My blood ran cold. "How did you know we were here?"

Yves's smile widened. "Alpha Soren knows when any Alpha enters his territory. Especially guests as... notable as yourselves."

Logan's hand moved to my waist. "It seems we have no choice."

"None at all," Yves agreed pleasantly. "Please, follow me. Alpha Soren is waiting at the castle."

As we walked toward the gleaming white castle, I felt Yves watching us. Soren obviously knew everything. He knew we'd come. He probably knew what we'd tried to do in the black market.

The castle gates opened as we approached. Yves led us through magnificent halls with thick carpets and huge tapestries. Every corner showed wealth and power.

Soren waited for us in the great hall. He smiled warmly as we entered. "Logan. Valencia. Welcome to Redstone Canyon Pack. I heard you encountered some... difficulties in my territory?"

Logan's grip on my hand tightened, but he kept his voice level. "We were just gathering information privately. We didn't mean to disturb you."

"In my territory, nothing escapes my attention," Soren said. His tone was friendly but firm. "But since you're already here, why not ask me directly? Perhaps I can help."

I looked at Soren. Logan had warned me not to be direct. But now we'd been caught anyway. Soren clearly knew we were looking for something.

Maybe honesty was better at this point.

I took a deep breath. "Soren, I came here to find my brother."

Soren's expression became focused. He gestured to the chairs. "Please, sit. Tell me more."

I sat on the soft chair, trying to organize my thoughts. "Fifteen years ago, Moonfall Ridge Pack was massacred by Marcus. My brother Kai was lost in that attack. I heard that... a boy was rescued and brought here. To you."

My voice started shaking. "He would have blue eyes and brown hair."

Soren listened carefully. When I finished, his face showed genuine surprise. He was silent for several seconds.

"Moonfall Ridge Pack," he said slowly. "That massacre. I remember it well." His voice grew softer. "I've always felt terrible about what happened to war orphans. Over the years, I've adopted many children who lost their families in conflicts. I gave them education and good lives."

He looked at me directly. "Tell me more about your brother. How old was he? Any distinguishing features?"

I tried to remember, my voice breaking. "He was three years old. Blue eyes, brown hair."

Soren listened, then let out a long breath. "Valencia, I did adopt a boy matching that description. He was brought by a merchant caravan from the north fifteen years ago. He was about three years old, with blue eyes and brown hair."

He paused. "The timing matches. The age matches. The physical description matches. All of it."

I couldn't breathe. Logan's hand gripped mine tightly, supporting me through the bond. Tears filled my eyes. "Really? Is it really Kai?"

Soren nodded. "I can't be one hundred percent certain, but the probability is very high. His name is Albert now. He's eighteen years old."

Soren stood and began pacing. "Over the years, I've been doing charity work. War leaves too many children without families. I couldn't just watch them suffer on the streets. I've adopted at least twenty such children, giving them the best lives and education I could provide."

His tone sounded sincere.

"Albert was in extreme trauma when he first arrived," Soren continued. "He barely spoke. He was terrified of everything. It took us a long time to help him recover. He's very intelligent and learns quickly. Now he's one of my important assistants."

My heart pounded. This description sounded exactly like what Kai would have experienced.

"Does he remember anything from before?" I asked urgently. "Does he remember Moonfall Ridge Pack?"

Soren shook his head. "Unfortunately, he has amnesia. He doesn't remember anything before age three. The doctors said it's likely due to severe shock and trauma."

My chest tightened. If Kai had lost his memory, would he even recognize me?

I stood up, my voice shaking with emotion. "Soren, can I see him? Right now?"

Logan stood beside me, his hand on my shoulder trying to keep me calm. But I couldn't control myself. If that was really Kai, I needed to see him immediately.

Soren looked at me with a gentle expression. "Of course you can. He should be in his room now. Follow me."

He walked toward the door. I followed quickly, my legs feeling weak. Logan supported me, sending strength through our mate bond.