The Werewolf King’s Mate
Chapter 58

Lucas'

POV:

Silas and I wasted no time making our way to the great hall. The council members were already assembled, eagerly awaiting our arrival as the sun began to peek over the horizon. Our plan was to make a big announcement during the council meeting: my resignation and our efforts to bring Cory back. It was an important moment for us, and we were ready to take action.

"Are you sure about this?"

"100% sure,

, Silas."

"OK, then. I will be with you all the way, Your Majesty."

"Thank you! Now, let's get this started."

As we stepped into the hall, the buzz of conversation filled the room. The topic at hand was the sole focus of the emergency meeting. Speculations were being thrown around the room. "Your Majesty, what is this about?" Sir Patton asked with concern.

"Is the future queen alright? I heard that they were taken away during the last event."

"Are they safe?"

"Have we received information already?"

"Silence, everyone!" I raised my voice in a composed manner. As they all settled into their seats, their eyes were fixed on me, waiting patiently for the words to escape my lips.

"I, Lucas Dacre, King of the Werewolves, hereby formally announce my resignation as king. Effective as of today, I will no longer be king. The council may start discussing and nominating the new ruler of this kingdom. Thank you all for your support all these years." "Why, Your Majesty?"

"Did the kidnapers negotiate this, Your Majesty? In exchange for your family?" Sir Hendrix asked. It was followed by a collective gasp escaping the council members.

"Yes, Sir Hendrix. This is what they want. It seems that the one who took them has their sights set on the throne."

"But Your Majesty! You cannot abandon your people."

"And what?! Abandon my own mate and child instead?! I care about the people, of course. But, I have no choice. I hope you understand."

"It's not that, Your Majesty."

"Then what?!" I was snapping at everyone.

"We understand, Your Majesty. We should think of another way, but until then, who will replace you?" It's quite interesting to see how Sir Hendrix is displaying a great deal of concern.

"I humbly apologize, Sir Hendrix, but as much as I would like to, I am not able to make the ultimate decision at this time. The council must reach a consensus before any action can be taken." I couldn't help but notice the smirk on his face.

"But if there was someone who was most fitting to replace me, I believe it would be you, Sir Hendrix," I added.

"Oh, Your Majesty. I couldn't possibly take that role. There are other outstanding members here to fill in for you."

Without delay, Sir Patton took charge of the situation and spoke up before anyone else could utter a word. Everything went according to plan.

"I concur that His Majesty has come to a decision, and I support it. Sir Hendrix, you are the best candidate out of all of us." He turned to other council members. "After careful consideration, it is my recommendation that Sir Hendrix assume the necessary responsibilities until such time as other arrangements can be made." As expected of Sir Patton, he spoke with authority and confidence.

Without any dispute, all present cast their votes in favor of Sir Hendrix as the "new" king. Once we had set everything in place, we reached a consensus and cordially adjourned the meeting before going our separate ways. Everyone left the hall. It was only me and Hendrix left. "Oh, Hail the New King!"

"Your Majesty, it is only temporary."

"No need to call me Your Majesty, Your Majesty." I wonder if he picked up on the sarcasm in my voice.

"H cannot. You are still the king for me.

"I will leave everything in your hands."

"Thank you for your support. We are confident that you will regain your position as a leader. We will replace them soon."

"I hope so."

After spending some time in the hall, I left to search for Cory. Around noon, I sensed a presence trying to reach out to me. The pull was not that strong, but I could feel mumbling.

"Lucas..."

It's Cory! It was still hard for her to fully connect with me, but this is still good. It means that whatever impeded our progress has been weakened or eradicated. I paid closer attention to her words once more. "Lucas, can you hear me?"

"Cory!"

A sense of relief washed over her as soon as I could communicate with her, and she let out a gentle sigh. I sensed that tears were about to fall from her eyes. I offered her words of comfort to ease her worries. Oh, how I wish I could hold her in my arms. "Do you know where you are?"

"No. It was dark when they brought me in, and the window was too high to see the outside. But, I can try to get information."

"It's OK. Do you know who took you?"

"Yes. Chloe and Hendrix."

"OK, Cory. Let me know what you replace out. Try to..."

Suddenly, my mind was empty. The connection was gone.

"Cory! Cory! Cory!"

It may not be much, but I can take comfort in knowing she's currently out of harm's way. I persisted in my quest to scout out potential sites, but it proved challenging, given the presence of dark and ominous sorcery. Perhaps our only chance lies in obtaining Cory's intel or getting a witch to come here soon.

****

Despite our best efforts, the exact location remained elusive even after several hours of searching. I went back to the chateau and touched base with everyone. Hoping we can get something. "Any recent developments?"

"We stumbled upon a remarkable witch who could offer us her assistance. She is on her way here and may arrive anytime soon. She also knew Elisha from way back, so she might have some valuable insights to share with us. I will have her meet you once she's here," Tommy said.

"Our plan is moving forward smoothly as everything is in place for the next step. We just need to capture more of his transactions taking place, and with the witch on board, we can arrest him anytime. Right now, all efforts are concentrated on ensuring that all dangers are eliminated from Cory," Silas added.

"Good. It seems like we need to speed things up, but I have a feeling that nothing else will be done to Cory. We will keep searching until we have more clues."

After the meeting concluded, each person returned to their respective duties. I spent some time in the study room attempting to get in touch with Cory. Unfortunately, despite several attempts, it was ultimately unsuccessful. Where could they be? It seems that they haven't ventured beyond the borders of the kingdom yet. Cory's scent still permeates everything. Suddenly, a loud knock interrupted my train of thought. "Your Majesty, the witch has arrived."

"Thank you, Alfred. I will be there in a while."

Upon entering the living room, my eyes were drawn to a woman in her late 60s who caught my attention. She was older than I had expected. How did she know about Elisha if they have a wide age gap? She was in a simple old Victorian-style dress with a tiny hat on her head. When she noticed me entering the room, she did a little curtsy.

"Your Majesty, I am Agnes."

"Nice to meet you, Agnes. I believe Tommy has already briefed you about why you are here."

"Yes, Your Majesty. As I stepped foot into the kingdom, an eerie feeling immediately engulfed me. It was as if the air itself was thick with dark magic."

"Do you think you can get rid of it as soon as possible?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. It will take a few hours, but we can finish it before this evening."

"Good. Elias, prepare the army. We'll make a beeline straight there as soon as we pinpoint their hideout's location." Elias soon headed out to assemble the guards discreetly

"By the way, Agnes, how do you know Elisha?"

"Well, Your Majesty, she's my daughter." The news came as a shock to everyone.

"Then, why are you helping us?"

"I am determined to set things straight. I can't shake the feeling that everything happening is somehow my fault.

You see, Elisha's father died when she was still young. Her father died at the hands of wolves. Not just any wolves.

They were the palaces wolves. She witnessed how they tore his father's neck, and she could do nothing then. She has sworn revenge to bring down the royals ever since." "How was it your fault?"

"As her mother, I should have been there when she suffered.

Instead, I let her be. I refrained from correcting her regarding the reason for her father's death, which was due to his involvement in practicing dark magic and collaborating with other witches and rogues to initiate a war. Your Majesty, if I may humbly request, there is a simple favor that I would like to inquire about."

"What is it, Agnes?"

"Let the Council of Witches cast the verdict on Agnes. I would understand your desire to take her life away in an instant, but I hope you can grant me that." "That is something I have to think about."

"I understand, Your Majesty. Thank you. Now, I will be going to work and put the barrier down. I would suggest you start preparing for the real search this time."

After giving Agnes some much-needed space, we began to prepare ourselves for what was to come. The troops had taken their positions. As soon as Agnes successfully removes the dark magic, Tommy will give us an immediate heads-up. Then, we go. As the day was winding down, our ears perked up at the sound of Tommy's voice.

"Agnes said it was ready. The dark magic is down."

Immediately, I shifted into my wolf. I could feel the air getting lighter, and Cory's scent was only directed in one direction. It was headed north. We gave the order for our troops to march towards the northern direction and have them scout the area. It is crucial that we refrain from disclosing our proximity to them.

We made a mad dash into the forest with a singular goal in mind. It's hard to say what's coming, but we're about to replace out.

Just wait for me, Cory. Were coming.