Three Alpha Princes for an Unwanted Omega

”I cannot believe how well that worked. What did you do to her? She remembers absolutely nothing.” Lucius’s smile was wide.

”Is that not what you wanted?”

”It is better than I would have hoped for, Amara.” He laughed. ”Much better. I cannot wait to see Kieran’s face when his own daughter does not even know who he is.”

Amara regarded him with that flat stare of hers he had come to know and loathe.

”Is it advisable to take her along with you?”

”What do you mean by that?”

”I may have performed the magic that bound her to you as your mate and erased whatever memory she has of hers but I cannot say how strong it will hold when she meets her fated mates.”

Lucius neared her.

”You are the most powerful witch I know, Amara.”

”I may be powerful, Lucius but she is also a child of power. One that was bestowed by the moon goddess herself and I am not at my best considering you are yet to bring me what I need.”

Lucius waved a hand in dismissal. ”It is not easy to find your requirement, Amara. We have less maidens who want to be invited to the palace now considering that rumors are going around that they are being eaten.” he chuckled at this but Amara does not find mirth in his words.

”Do not worry.” Lucius’ voice softened. ”It is only a matter of time before you have all the power you need.”

She stared at him for a moment before she nodded.

”And just to make certain Ayla stays the same way, you are coming with me” Lucius said, turning around. ”Pack what you need”

...

”I was not expecting you.” Soren rose to his feet when Lucius walked in.

”I was wondering if you are up for a trip.”

Soren knew what trip he meant. He had figured it out the moment Lucius had announced Ayla as his mate, and when he announced Kieran had sued for peace.

It had irritated him to no end that Kieran would think the best thing to do was make peace with a man who had done all the rogue king had done.

The Kieran he knew would have burned the world before bending the knee but of course it was because of Ayla. Kieran wanted his daughter back now that he knew she was his one true heir, he was willing to throw away everything they had worked for, everything they had built together over thirty years, to get her.

Soren wondered if he even knew his friend at all.

”Where to?” he asked.

”To see your old friend, Kieran.”

”And I assume my presence is to throw him off balance?”

”You assume correctly.” Lucius’s smile widened. ”And more. Because I want to watch his face when he realizes that he means nothing anymore. I suggest you begin packing. We are leaving at first light.”

Soren nodded. ”Will my daughter be coming with us?”

Lucius paused.

”There will be no need for her to come along,” he said, and he left.

Soren did not need it explained to him why.

Willow would stay here, in Emberfall, in the heart of Lucius’s territory, her freedom would be the price of Soren’s obedience. If he decided to go back to Kieran’s side, if he thought for one moment about betraying the man he had thrown his lot in with, there would be a cost and that cost would be his daughter’s life.

...

First light came and Soren met the rest of the party at the stables.

The horses were saddled and servants moved between them with packs while guards stood in loose formation. It was a smaller party than he had expected considering he was going into enemy’s territory.

Soren’s eyes happened upon Ayla who was standing at the far end with her hands clasped in front of her.

He approached her.

”You are Luna now,” he said. ”Congratulations.”

She looked at him with a puzzled expression.

”Excuse me?” she said.

Soren took a beat to look at her.

Something was off about her. She no longer had the fear about her that he had come to attribute as her constant response to his presence. Every time he had ever looked at Ayla, she had flinched but now there was nothing but open curiosity and dare he say, confusion as to why he was even speaking to her at all.

Before he could speak another word, Lucius appeared at her side as if summoned.

”Shall we?”

Ayla turned to him, and her face lit up with a smile. She put her hand in his, and he lifted her to the saddle with a careful hand on her waist.

Soren watched with shock.

He waited until Lucius had walked a few paces ahead, checking the line of horses, before he fell in beside him.

”What is wrong with her?” Soren kept his voice low.

”What do you mean?” Lucius did not break stride.

”She did not seem to know me.” Soren asked. ”And that is not possible.”

Lucius turned to him, his eyes hard.

”She had a bad fall. Her memory is kind of hazy.”

”A fall?” Soren echoed. ”Funny. I don’t remember hearing anything about her falling.”

Lucius’s expression didn’t change.

”You weren’t here. Not to worry. I am sure she will figure out who you are soon enough.”

Soren watched Lucius’ back as the man walked to his own horse and swung up into the saddle.

He did not buy it... not one bit.

A bad fall? One that is capable to erase her memory of him? What else did she not know?

Judging by the way she had been so willing, he could guess she also did not remember Lucius as her kidnapper. She had thrown a tantrum the other day after being dragged out of the ceremony and suddenly she was all smiles with him?

Soren pulled himself up into the saddle and gathered the reins. He looked at the back of Lucius’ head as the party began to move, and he made himself a promise.

Something was very, very wrong and he intended to find out what it was at all cost.