The Alpha King's Nemesis-Chapter 220: Where Is He? ()

"I must admit, I have not sensed his presence in the Ethereal Palace. Not since what happened...in the cave..." Allen agreed, trailing off at the mention of the cave.

Zariah understood that Allen was wary about her reaction to bringing up what had happened in the cave.

No one had dared to speak of it since it had happened, on one hand, it was to avoid offending Zariah and on the other hand, it was because no one wanted the word of what had happened to spread and add to Askel’s troubles.

"Even so, Askel is not one to neglect his duties... but recently, he seems to disappear more often than not. And the manner in which he acted that day..." Zariah trailed off, unable to conceal the concern in her tone.

It had been a nagging thought on her mind since she returned to the Ethereal palace, even when Zariah constantly tried to brush it off and focus on her own duties which she had put off for too long.

"He has not looked quite like himself too, in the few occasions we have met this past month. I had assumed it was owed to the frustrating situation... with Caedmon and I." Zariah said thoughtfully.

Now that Zariah thought about it, something had been off about Askel. Even when they spent the night together, there was just something unusual about him.

And the way he had acted in the cave, it was so unlike Askel to lose control like that to his wolf side.

And it was even more strange that Askel’s wolf side would be so... violent with Zariah. Though Zariah figured Askel’s wolf was simply more open and direct about his anger and disappointment in her which had led to a momentary loss of control.

There was also the suspicious connection Askel had to the strange shard they had recovered from Lord Imain, which had no reasonable explanation yet... nothing really made sense anymore.

"Could there be something wrong? If there was something wrong with him... perhaps he has some difficulties, the Ethereal wolves would tell us, right??" Nile asked uncertainly.

None of the Crimson wolves needed a soothsayer to tell them the answer to that question and if they did need one, he was right there and it was he who posed the question and equally provided the answer.

"Given the current state of things, they have no reason to...they would not." Nile murmured.

Zariah shook her head slowly, she could not be certain of much but she knew if something went wrong with Askel, she was likely the last person the Ethereal wolves would tell.

If Askel was trying to be understanding of Zariah’s decision to get to know Caedmon, Zariah knew the Ethereal wolves would not share the same sentiments, not when Zariah’s actions continuously compromised their Alpha King.

Zariah turned and began heading out of the library.

"Where are you going?!" Nile called, he and Allen jogged to catch up with Zariah.

"To see Lucas and Declan, ask them in person and save ourselves the speculations." Zariah replied.

Allen nodded in understanding and they went in search of Lucas and Declan.

It took a while before they found both wolves in the training room overseeing a session with a group of Royal Lycan warriors.

The moment Zariah was through the door, all eyes moved to settle on her. There was a mix of reactions, Zariah was certain everyone had their own opinions of her by now but she did not truly care for it.

The one opinion that still stood above all and could not be changed was the respect Zariah’s presence commanded. It had been so since her true identity became known, especially accompanied with tales of what had happened in the sea kingdom.

The Royal Lycan warriors bowed in unison, as did Lucas and Declan, albeit reluctantly.

Their reluctance was not obvious but Zariah could tell, there was an icy reception from both wolves, unlike how they used to be with her before this time.

Zariah paid no heed to these considerations, she had known it would happen when she had made her decision a month back.

"I wish to speak to you both...in private." Zariah conveyed her intentions.

Zariah did not wait to hear their response, she turned and headed back out of the hall to where Allen and Nile awaited.

Once in the hallway, Zariah waited a moment for Lucas and Declan to step out. 𝓯𝙧𝓮𝓮𝒘𝓮𝙗𝙣𝒐𝒗𝒆𝓵.𝓬𝓸𝒎

"What is it that you wished to speak about?" Lucas asked.

Zariah raised a brow at Lucas’s words but shook her head.

"Do you want me to say it here? Might as well have just said it all in there." Zariah pointed out, referring to werewolf hearing.

"Come with me." Lucas said and he led the way down the hall.

They arrived at Lucas’s office not long after and he opened the door to let them all in before shutting the door behind them.

"Is this more convenient, then?" Lucas asked.

"I will go straight to the point. Where is Askel and what about him is being kept from me?" Zariah asked directly.

Lucas was clearly taken aback by Zariah’s question, as was Declan, so much so that for a moment their eyes reflected surprise, which was enough to tell Zariah that she was right, something was out of order and had been for a long time already.

"Askel is well and occupied with his duties. I am unaware of his current whereabouts but I am certain he will return to the Ethereal Palace at his own time. If Alpha Zariah has a message for him, I am willing to convey it." Lucas offered in a calm tone.

"So that is how we are going to play this? Feigning ignorance?" Zariah asked with a scoff.

"Why do you even care?" Declan murmured from where he stood, his hands crossed over his chest.

Zariah’s gaze moved to Declan, she did not find his words offensive since she knew she deserved it, but she still fixed him with a glare.

"Askel can ask me that himself...where is he?" Zariah demanded.