Chapter 7

The tension in the air was oppressive as I sat alone in the poorly lighted chamber where Avalor had abandoned me. I was confused and anxious. What would happen now that Avalor felt I was hiding something?

The murmurs I heard earlier in the chamber tormented me. Who was it? What exactly did they want from me? I tried to keep my breathing regular, but every sound felt exaggerated, as if the castle itself was alive and listening to my every move.

I couldn't remain here anymore. I needed to find an escape, a way to protect my child from whatever destiny awaited us if Avalor found the truth. The voice in the chamber had instructed me to go, and I needed to heed my instincts now.

But where might I go? The castle was a maze of corridors, each going further into the unknown. I couldn't risk being caught by the guards again, and I certainly couldn't confront Avalor. Not until I had a strategy.

I slid out of the chamber, as quietly as possible. The castle's quiet was suffocating, as my footsteps reached eerily through the shadowy hallways. I needed to find X, the mysterious man who had offered to aid me.

He knew something about my parents that Avalor did not want me to know. And if he had any knowledge that could keep me and my child safe, I needed to locate him.

As I approached the corner, I heard voices coming. My heart jumped, so I slipped into a corner and pressed against the cold stone wall. The voices became louder, and I recognized one as Avalor's.

"He can't have gotten far," Avalor said quietly and dangerously. "Find and bring him to me. I want answers."

The sound of heavy footsteps filled the passageway as the guards hurriedly followed his commands.

I waited until the echoes stopped before daring to move. Avalor was looking for X, and if he found him before I did, I may miss my one chance.

Did X tried to escape?

I needed to reach the hidden room beneath the castle, which X had indicated previously. If there were records that may explain what had happened to my parents, they could also provide insight into why Avalor was so determined to keep me close—and what he planned to do if he realized I was expecting his child.

The entrance to the secret chamber was hidden beneath an artwork in the main hall. I had seen the artwork before, but I had no idea it hid anything more than a wall. My fingers shook as I pulled it away, revealing a short corridor that headed down into darkness.

I hesitated only briefly before going inside, allowing the artwork fall back into place behind me. The darkness was complete, swallowing me whole as I down the steep stairs. I had no option but to believe that X had told me the truth and that I would find something—anything—to help me get through this nightmare.

The steps appeared to go on indefinitely, plunging deeper into the soil until I eventually reached the bottom. I could hardly see my hand in front of my face, but a tiny light from above directed me forward. As I got closer, I noticed the glow was caused by a little lamp hanging on the wall, throwing just enough light to expose a room filled with dusty shelves and old disintegrating documents.

I began sifting through the heaps of paperwork, my hands trembling with impatience. There had to be something here that explained why my parents were murdered, why Avalor was so interested in me, and what link our baby had to all of this.

My fingers brushed over a leather-bound book, the cover old and discolored from age. I removed it from the shelf and blew off the heavy coating of dust that had accumulated on it. The title was scarcely readable: The Bloodline of Kings.

I opened the book and skimmed over the pages until I came on a line that drew my attention. It revealed a prophecy about a child born with both Lycan and wolf blood who would wield unrivaled power. A child with the ability to either unify or destroy the world.

My blood ran cold when I knew what this meant. My baby—the kid I was carrying—was the one promised by this prophesy?

Avalor must have been aware of this, which is why he marked me that night in the woods. He needed our child, but for what reason?

The sound of footsteps echoed down the stairs, so I hastily put the book under my coat. There was no time to contemplate; I had to flee before Avalor or his men discovered me. But, as I turned to run, I noticed a shadow moving at the chamber's entrance.

"Melissa," a voice said softly, and I froze. It was X, whose face was barely discernible in the weak lighting.

"You found it," he replied, indicating at the book I'd concealed. "Good. But we have to go immediately. Avalor is coming."

I did not need to be warned again. We raced back up the steps, as fast and discreetly as possible. My heart beat in my chest, the weight of what I'd learned bearing down on me. Avalor was unable to learn about this prophesy. If he did, there was no knowing what he would do to make sure our child's power was exploited for his own benefit.

X led the way, going quickly yet cautiously. I fought to keep up, my heart beating in my ears.

"Why is Avalor so determined to find this book?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

X returned my look with a stern expression. "The prophesy is not just about power. It's all about control. Whoever owns it has the ability to affect not just the Lycan realm, but perhaps the whole world. Avalor want such control for himself."

Fear gripped my chest. "And how about my baby? What does this mean for us?"

"Your child is the key to the prophecy," X remarked calmly despite the urgency of the situation. "Avalor understands that if he can keep the child under control, he will be able to conquer both the Lycan and human factions. That's why he's so determined to have you."

The tunnel narrowed even further, causing us to slow down. We arrived to an antique, hefty wooden door, which X gently pulled open. On the opposite side, we discovered a small, concealed chamber packed with antique antiquities and dusty items.

As X started explaining our options, I understood the conflict was far from done. Avalor's plans were far more hazardous than I'd realized, and my child was at the center of it all. The only chance we had was to keep one step ahead and discover the complete truth about the prophesy before it was too late.

The sound of footsteps approaching the room caused us to freeze. X gazed at me with a combination of resolve and eagerness. "We do not have much time. Whatever occurs, remember to protect your child at all costs."

I nodded. I was ready to face whatever happened next.

We arrived at the top of the steps just as the tapestry changed, showing Avalor standing at the entrance, his eyes flashing with rage.

"Going somewhere?" he said, his voice a threatening growl.