The Princess's Revenge Chapter 38

Logan’s POV

The realization hit me like a physical blow to the chest. She was looking at me like I was a monster. I threw the sword to the ground with a loud clatter, the metal ringing against the stone floor. The sound seemed to break through the blood-filled haze in my mind.

"Valencia," I said, my voice coming out hoarse and rough.

She took a step backward, her body trembling. But she didn't run. I could see her fighting to control her fear, her hands shaking at her sides.

"I'm sorry," I said desperately. "I'm sorry you had to see that."

The words felt inadequate. How could I explain what she had just witnessed? How could I make her understand that this was who I had to be?

She didn't respond immediately, just stared at me with those wide eyes.

"I had to know," I continued, desperate for her to understand. "This attack hurt so many of our people. I have to find whoever is behind this. I have to get revenge for my pack members."

I gestured toward the dead woman's body, blood still pooling beneath the chair.

"I killed her to keep the information from leaking out," I said. "What she told me about Aldermere's invasion - it could affect the safety of the entire kingdom. If the wrong people found out..."

Valencia's breath came in short gasps, but she was listening. The fear was still in her eyes.

"Five hundred elite troops," I said quietly. "In three days, they'll cross at Eagle's Beak Canyon. If they break through there, they can bypass all our defenses. They could march straight to King's Fang and destroy everything."

Valencia's breathing was still rapid, but she was listening. Carefully, she took a step toward me instead of away.

"I know," she whispered, her voice shaking. "I know you had to."

Her words sent relief flooding through me. She understood. Despite her fear, she understood why I had done what I did.

She reached out with trembling fingers and took my bloodstained hand in hers. The simple gesture sent warmth through my chest like sunlight breaking through storm clouds. Her touch was accepting. She wasn't pulling away from me.

"Be safe," she said quietly, her voice filled with concern. "Please be safe."

I couldn't hold back anymore. I pulled her close and pressed my lips to hers, tasting blood mixed with the sweetness of her mouth. She kissed me back fiercely, her arms wrapping around my neck despite the gore covering my clothes.

When we finally broke apart, I pressed my forehead against hers, breathing hard.

"I promise," I whispered against her skin. "I promise I'll come back to you."

Her eyes filled with tears. "I want to come with you."

"No," I said immediately, my voice firm. "Absolutely not."

"Logan, please-"

"Valencia," I interrupted. "I need you to stay in the pack house and watch Dorian. If my suspicions are correct, he's the traitor. He's the one feeding information to Aldermere."

Her face went pale. "You really think he-"

"I think he's been compromised," I said grimly. "Either through corruption or blackmail. Watch him. If he does anything suspicious - anything at all - send a raven to me immediately."

She nodded reluctantly. "I'll watch him."

"Promise me you'll be careful," I said, gripping her shoulders. "If Dorian is working with our enemies, he's dangerous. Don't confront him alone. Don't let him know you're watching."

"I promise," she said softly.

I kissed her forehead gently, memorizing the feel of her skin against my lips. "I have to leave now. I need to get there before Aldermere's forces arrive."

"How long will you be gone?" Valencia asked, her voice small.

"I don't know," I admitted. "If we can stop their advance quickly, maybe days. If there's a siege..." I trailed off, not wanting to voice the possibility that I might not return at all.

She seemed to understand what I wasn't saying. Fresh tears gathered in her eyes.

"I'll be waiting for you," she whispered.

I pulled her close one more time, holding her tightly against my chest. "Stay strong, little bird. I'll come back to you."

I walked to the door and yanked it open. The guard outside immediately straightened to attention, his eyes widening when he saw the blood covering my clothes.

"Clean up this mess," I commanded, gesturing toward the female rogue's body. "And make sure the male prisoner receives medical attention. No one interrogates him until I return. Is that understood?"

"Yes, Alpha," the guard replied quickly. "Should we move him to a different cell?"

"Keep him where he is, but double the guard. I want someone watching him at all times."

"Understood, Alpha."

I walked out of the dungeon with Valencia. The castle was bustling with activity. Servants scurried back and forth, scrubbing blood from the stone floors and walls.

Sunlight streamed through the tall windows, casting long shadows across the corridors. I could feel exhaustion pulling at me like a physical weight. We had been awake all night, and my body was starting to feel the strain. But I couldn't rest.

"Alpha," Valencia said softly as we climbed the stairs toward the upper levels. "You look tired."

I glanced down at her, noting the concern in her eyes. "I'm fine."

Valencia's face fell slightly, but she nodded. We continued up the stairs in silence until we reached the fourth floor. My chambers seemed strangely peaceful after the attack.

"Valencia," I said, turning to face her. "I need you to go to my room and rest. Lock the door and don't let anyone in except Delphine or Dr. Vance."

"Alpha—"

"This is not a request," I interrupted, my voice taking on the hard edge of command. "This is an order. You will stay here, rest, and watch Dorian. That's your job while I'm gone."

Valencia's eyes flashed with hurt at my harsh tone. "I could help you. I proved tonight that I can fight."

"NO," I said coldly. "I won't have you anywhere near a battlefield."

"I'm not some helpless little girl," Valencia protested, her voice rising with anger. "I killed rogues tonight. I saved warriors' lives."

"Absolutely NO! I don’t want to watch you torn apart by Aldermere soldiers." I shot back. "Do you think I could focus on leading my men if I was worried about protecting you?"

Valencia flinched as if I had frightened her. The hurt in her eyes made my chest tighten with regret, but I couldn't take back the words. She needed to understand that this wasn't about her capabilities—it was about my sanity.

"I understand," she said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'll stay here."

I wanted to take her in my arms, to apologize for the harshness of my words. But I couldn't show weakness now.

"Good," I said, though the word tasted bitter in my mouth. "Get some sleep. I'll be back as soon as I can."

Valencia nodded and turned toward my chambers. I watched her walk away, noting the defeated slope of her shoulders. Every step she took felt like a knife twisting in my chest.

I should go after her, I thought desperately.

But my feet remained rooted to the stone floor. The rational part of my mind knew I was making the right choice. The war with Aldermere was too dangerous. I couldn't protect her and lead my army at the same time.

Valencia reached the door to my chambers and paused with her hand on the handle. For a moment, I thought she might turn around, might give me one last look. Instead, she opened the door and disappeared inside without a backward glance.

The soft click of the door closing echoed through the empty hallway like a death knell. I stood there for several seconds, staring at the spot where she had vanished, feeling more alone than I had in years.