Kingdom

The trip to William's castle in Colorado was long and quiet. The security detail flanked us on either side, their eyes scanning the horizon, always alert. The tension in the air was palpable, a silent testament to the unease that seemed to settle over everyone since we left the reservoir.

I sat in the back of the SUV, staring out the window as the landscape blurred by. My thoughts were a chaotic swirl of confusion and doubt, and I couldn't seem to focus on any one thing for long. Zeff's face kept flashing in my mind, his hurt and anger, the disappointment in his eyes. The way I felt when I was near him—safe, yet somehow more vulnerable than I'd ever been.

And then there was William. I glanced at him beside me, his profile strong and determined as he watched the road ahead. He was a force of nature, a constant presence that both unsettled and reassured me. He'd been nothing but protective since the moment he found me, always putting himself between me and whatever threat loomed on the horizon. I should feel grateful, safe even, but all I felt was confusion.

Sensing my turmoil, William turned his head slightly, his sharp eyes catching mine. Without a word, he reached out and took my hand, his grip firm but gentle. His thumb brushed across my knuckles, a soothing gesture that sent a shiver down my spine. "You're going to be fine, Liz," he said softly, using his favorite nickname for me. His voice was calm, reassuring, the deep timbre of it wrapping around me like a warm blanket.

I tried to muster a smile, but it felt strained. "I hope so," I replied quietly. "Everything's changing so fast, William. I don't know what to believe anymore."

He squeezed my hand gently, his gaze never wavering. "I know it's a lot," he said, his tone understanding. "But I'm here with you. We'll figure it out together. I promise you, as long as I'm here, nothing and no one will harm you."

His words were meant to comfort me, and in a way, they did. But they also reminded me of the weight of his promise. William was powerful—an Alpha King. He could protect me from almost anything. Almost.

But there were things even he couldn't shield me from. My own doubts. The tangled mess of emotions inside me. The pull I still felt towards Zeff, despite everything.

I nodded, squeezing his hand back, more to reassure myself than him. "Thank you," I whispered, my voice barely audible over the rumble of the engine.

He gave me a small smile, his eyes softening just a fraction. "You're stronger than you think, Liliam," he said, his voice a low murmur. "And no matter what happens, you're not alone. You have me, and you have your strength. Trust in that."

I wanted to believe him. I wanted to believe that I could be strong enough to face whatever was coming. But as I looked out the window again, watching the miles stretch on endlessly, I couldn't shake the feeling that things were only going to get more complicated. And I wasn't sure I was ready for what lay ahead.

As our convoy wound its way through the rugged Colorado mountains, the landscape began to change. Towering peaks gave way to dense forests, the air growing colder and crisper with every mile. My nerves were already on edge from the events of the past few days, and the journey only heightened my unease. I stared out the window, watching the scenery blur by, my mind a whirlwind of confusion and fear.

Finally, the forest opened up, revealing a breathtaking sight that made me catch my breath. Ahead of us, nestled against the backdrop of a steep cliff, stood William's castle—a grand, imposing structure that seemed to rise out of the very rock itself. It was unlike anything I'd ever seen, a blend of medieval architecture with a touch of something almost magical. It looked like something out of a fairy tale or a dream, a place where the past met the present in a magnificent fusion of stone and glass.

The castle's towering spires reached toward the sky, their peaks capped with what looked like pure silver. Large, arched windows lined the walls, glowing softly from the light within, casting an ethereal glow against the encroaching twilight. The stone was a deep, rich gray, almost black in some places, with ivy creeping up its walls, adding a touch of green to the otherwise austere facade. The whole structure exuded a sense of strength and elegance, as if it had stood there for centuries, weathering countless storms and battles.

As we approached the main gates, I could see a line of staff and soldiers waiting for us. They stood in perfect formation, a mix of disciplined warriors in dark armor and elegantly dressed attendants, their faces stoic but curious. There were also a few figures in more formal attire—political members or advisors, I assumed—waiting with an air of anticipation. I felt a flutter of anxiety in my chest. This wasn't just a castle; it was a fortress, a seat of power.

When our convoy came to a halt, William stepped out first, his presence commanding immediate attention. He exuded an aura of authority, his eyes scanning the crowd with a calm, confident gaze. As I stepped out behind him, I felt a wave of tension ripple through the assembled group, their eyes shifting from William to me.

"Welcome to my home," William said, his voice carrying over the hushed murmurs. He turned to me, his hand reaching out, and I hesitated for a moment before taking it. His grip was firm but reassuring. "Everyone, this is Liliam," he announced, his tone authoritative. "She is my future Luna."

A ripple of surprise went through the crowd. I could feel their eyes on me, sizing me up, whispering amongst themselves. My cheeks flushed, and I fought the urge to shrink away. This was all so overwhelming, so different from the life I had known.

William led me up the stone steps, the cold air nipping at my skin. As we entered the grand foyer, my breath caught in my throat. The inside of the castle was just as awe-inspiring as the outside. High, vaulted ceilings stretched above us, adorned with intricate carvings and glimmering chandeliers that cast a warm, golden light over everything. The floor was a rich, dark marble, polished to a shine, and the walls were lined with tapestries depicting scenes of battle, diplomacy, and history. It was like stepping into another world—a world of power and mystery.

"Welcome to the heart of my territory," William said softly, leaning close to me. "This castle has stood for centuries, protecting my kind and serving as a bastion against our enemies."

I nodded, trying to take it all in. The place felt alive with history, with stories of those who had come before us. As we walked deeper into the castle, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. I felt like I was in Hogwarts or some other magical place from a book, but this was real. This was William's domain, and it was grander than anything I could have imagined.

"Agon!" William barked suddenly, snapping me out of my thoughts. I turned to see a man approaching us with brisk, powerful strides. He was massive—easily bigger than William, towering over everyone with his broad, imposing frame. His dark brown hair was slightly messy, and his deep black eyes held a sharp, almost intimidating focus. His features were rough, etched with a few scars that hinted at a lifetime of battles. He wore all black, his outfit almost resembling that of a bouncer in a pub, yet somehow even more menacing.

Agon stopped before us, his posture straight and disciplined, and with a fist to his chest, he bowed deeply.

"This is Agon, Liliam," William whispered beside me, his voice low and serious. "The best warrior in the castle. He will be your bodyguard while I attend to official matters."

I could feel William's hand gently grasp my chin, tilting my face up to meet his gaze. His eyes were intense, filled with a mixture of concern and authority. "I have matters that require my attention," he explained, glancing over at the group of political figures waiting for him at the far end of the hall. They all seemed to flinch under his gaze, their heads bowing as if trying to avoid his eyes.

"Agon take Liliam to her quarters."

I nodded, understanding, but a part of me still felt a flutter of nervousness. "Quarters?" I asked, surprised by the mention.

William grinned, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Of course, every Queen needs her own."

With a snap of his fingers, the staff around us moved quickly, scattering like well-trained soldiers executing their duties. Two women, dressed in simple but elegant attire, gestured for me to follow them up the grand staircase. I hesitated for a moment, but William gave me a reassuring nod.

Agon fell into step right behind me, his presence like a shadow, solid and unyielding. He didn't say a word, just grunted in acknowledgment when our eyes met. His expression was stoic, but I could sense the vigilance in his every movement, his eyes constantly scanning our surroundings as if on high alert.

As we ascended the staircase, I could feel his presence, heavy and protective. I couldn't help but steal a few glances back at William, who was now turning his attention to the group of officials. Even from this distance, I could sense his authority, the way he commanded respect with just a look.

As we climbed higher, the castle seemed to unfold around us, revealing more of its secrets. Tapestries lined the walls, depicting scenes of battles, mythical creatures, and ancient rituals. The air was filled with a faint scent of lavender and something else—something ancient and earthy that I couldn't quite place. Every step felt like a journey deeper into a world I had never known, a world that was slowly becoming my reality.

"My Luna," one of the women said softly, her voice breaking the silence. "Your quarters are just ahead."

I nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension. This was it—my new life, my new role. As we reached the top of the staircase, the large wooden doors to my quarters swung open, revealing a room fit for a queen. The walls were lined with rich, deep colors, the furniture made of dark, polished wood. A massive canopy bed stood in the center, draped with sheer, flowing fabrics that gave it a regal appearance.

Agon moved ahead, opening the door wider with a grunt and gesturing for me to enter. I stepped inside, still taking in the opulence of the room. This was my life now, a life that seemed more like a dream than reality. But it was real—every bit of it. And as I looked around, I realized I had to make the most of it, to learn and adapt to this new world that had been thrust upon me.

The two women moved around the room, adjusting things, making sure everything was perfect.

I walked over to the window, looking out over the vast expanse of William's territory. The sun was setting, casting long shadows across the land, and I couldn't help but wonder what the future held for me here, in this castle, under the protection of the Alpha King.