Contract With The Alpha King
Chapter 95

Chapter 95

"The Southern Gates are more dangerous?" Fiona asked, frowning. "What does that me: mean?"

Elijah shrugged in response. Then he leaned back. looking out at the landscape as the carriage bumped along the rugged path. "The Southern Gates are different from what you've seen so far," he began. "They've always been more dangerous. The land itself is isolated, surrounded by forests that stretch for miles, and these forests make it easy for rogues to gather and launch attacks. Patrols are frequent, but the sheer size of the territory makes it hard to cover everything" Fiona's frown deepened. "So, it's a constant threat?"

Elijah nodded. "The Southern Gates have been dealing with rogue incursions for years. They're more than just outlaws. These rogues are organized, often led by the Rogue King himself, Romero," Fiona's eyes sharpened with interest. "Romero?" She thought she'd heard that name before, but couldn't remember where or when.

Elijah's expression darkened as he continued. "Romero and I have... history. He despises the palace and anyone associated with it. He wasn't always a rogue. His family was once part of the council-a respected lineage with ties to the royal bloodline. But tragedy struck." Fiona leaned forward, listening intently. "What happened?

"Years ago." Elijah began. "His family was caught in a political conflict. It turned bloody. There were rumors that his family was betrayed from within the council and that allies turned against them to push their influence out of the palace. Romero lost nearly everyone he cared about in a single night. His parents, and his younger sister.. all killed. Only he survived"

"So he turned against the kingdom?"

"Exactly," Elijah said, his jaw tightening "Romero left and gathered other outcasts-those who felt abandoned or betrayed by the council and the royal family. He built an army, more organized and ruthless than any rogue faction before him. His grudge against the kingdom became a vendetta

"Is that why he's after your Fiona asked, raising an eyebrow. "Or am I here as bait?"

Elijah smirked slightly, shaking his head. "No. They may try to take you if they think it would weaken me, but you're not the main carger"

"Then what is?" she asked, looking directly at him.

me.

"They want me." Elijah replied. "During one of their earlier attacks, Romero and I fought. I injured him badly enough that he had to retreat, which only made his hatred grow. Since then, he's made it clear that his goal is to eliminate anyone tied to the throne-starting with "And now that I'm n by your side, that makes me part of the target."

Elijah nodded. "The Southern Gates is where he'll likely try something. Romero knows the area well. He knows how to blend into those forests, and his people know how to strike quickly. That's why you need to stay close to me at all times"

She glanced our the window, watching as the scenery grew denser, the trees casting long shadows over the path. "So we're going right into his territory.

d firmly. "But we're prepared. And

trust me, Fiona, you're safer with me than anywhere else

"Yes," Elijah said firmly.

Soon enough, they finally reached the southern gates. As the carriage rolled to a halt. Fiona took a deep breath before stepping out, only to be greeted by the sights and sounds of the Southern Gates village.

It was vastly different from the other villages she had visited. The village square was nestled within the thick forest, trees towering above, casting long shadows and creating a canopy that filtered the sunlight, leaving the entire area in perpetual twilight Wooden houses and cabins doned the clearing some partially hidden by the dense underbrush. The scent of earth and damp wood filled the air, mingling with the faint smell of smoke from fires burning in metal braziers.

The villagers gathered around, whispering and exclaiming as they saw Fiona and Elijah step out. Children pointed excitedly, and a few elderly villagers clasped their hands together in awe. Fiona scanned their faces, noticing a mixture of hope and worry etched into their expressions

A tall, broad-shouldered man approached them, bowing his head slightly. "Welcome, Lady Fiona, Your Highness," he said, his gaze respectful but weary: "I am Aken Wolfe, the chief of this village. He gestured to a woman and three children standing nearby. "This is my wife, Merra, my two daughters, Lyra and Illyria, and my son, Tomas"

Fiona smiled gently at each of them, inclining her head. The children stared at her with wide eyes, Illyria clutching her mother's hand tightly.

"Please, follow me." Chief Aken said, turning toward a small path leading deeper into the forest. "I've prepared a place for you to rest" 2:46 PM

Chapter 95

They followed him through the winding path, finally arriving at a modest two-story cabin, partly concealed by ivy and surrounded by tall pines. The cabin was simple, with a small porch and wooden steps that creaked underfoot. Inside, it had a cozy living room, a plain dining area with a sturdy wooden table, and stairs that led to three small rooms above.

Once they were settled in the living room, Elijah turned to Chief Aken, his gaze sharp. "What's the situation here, Chief Aken! Any recent attacks?"

Aken folded his arms, his expression grim. "The rogues didn't attack this month. But we know that's only because of what happened at the palace. Word travels fast, even here. The attack on the palace and against Lady Fiona a couple of days ago as well as the unrest- it's bought us a bit of time. But it won't last. The Rogue King intends to make this place his own and the palace already abandoned us. There is no help coming." Fiona glanced between Aken and Elijah, her brow furrowing. "The palace abandoned the village?" she asked, "What do you mean?"

Aken's mouth tightened. He looked down briefly, as if weighing his words, then met her gaze. "It's rumored that the recent breach in the palace was orchestrated through this gate, Lady Fiona. They believe the rogues slipped in through the Southern Gates, using spies and traitors. The palace thinks this whole area is crawling with enemies... and possibly even Lycans."

Fiona's eyes widened slightly as she absorbed his words. "So they've turned their backs on you all because they think you're compromised?"

"Yes. So, please. you have to understand that some villagers sull hold animosity against the Prince." Aken sighed. "For the longest time, the palace never bothered with the people here, thinking we had been compromised a long time ago. That attack on the palace was the final straw."