CLAIMED

27

"Sovereign Sabre Red, princess," Ezekiel greeted warmly. But really, he was surprised to see the two unwelcome visitors outside his home a little after eleven p.m. Sure, he was alerted by his guys a few minutes ago that they were here, but why are these two here? Then it clicks. It must have something to do with the stray and her claim on the sovereign. Danica is aware of this, so it's safe to say her father must know as well.

"May we come in?" Sovereign Sabre Red requested, more like demanded.

"Of course, come in." Ezekiel invited them in simply because he had no choice. Well, he did. However, he didn't want to offend the sovereign of an influential pack. That would reflect badly on his pack and sovereign. It could also start a war.

The father and daughter came into his home, and they looked around to see if the place was to their liking. It's not their style, but it's not the worst. The two then sit side by side on the two-seater couch before Ezekiel gets the chance to offer them a seat.

"I don't mean to be rude, but why are you two here at this hour?" Ezekiel asked as he sat across from them.

"Well, my daughter and I are very concerned about the status of her fiancé and my son-in-law. We only wish to know how he ended up in such a horrible state. Who is responsible for this?" Sovereign Sabre Red responded. "But everyone who seemed to be in the know is very tight-lipped about it. Now I get that if words about this get out, it might cause unnecessary troubles, but Kazan is my family now. And family helps each other in difficult times, right? My point is that you are Kazan's best friend and his second. Therefore, you should be aware of what's going on with my dear son-in-law."

"I'm sorry. But I'm in the dark, the same as you two." Ezekiel lied. Well, sorta since he doesn't know the full hundred on Kazan's injury. "But I'm sure by daybreak, the healers should have some news regarding the sovereign's health status. And as for who or what caused this, my team and I are investigating the matter."

"OK. But what about the stray at the hospital earlier?"

"What about her?" Ezekiel sounded a bit tense. It's as he thought. This old bastard is here about the stray. His fake concerns about Kazan were just a charade.

"I assume she must have some idea of who did it. I heard that it was this stray and Elder Dorian who took Kazan to the hospital."

"What?" Ezekiel laughed. "I doubt that she knows anything."

"Alright, let's stop playing games, kid." Sovereign Sabre Red's tone takes a serious turn. "I know that Kazan is claimed by that stray."

"You know about that?" Danica was surprised by her father's statement. How did he learn about this? She strictly forbade her source not to tell him. She will definitely punish that guy for disobeying her later. "How?"

"Not by your source, if that's what you're thinking." Sovereign Sabre Red caressed his daughter's cheek and smile. "I was informed by a very credible source."

"I don't know what you are talking about." Ezekiel did his best to keep his composure. "Now, if that is all, sovereign Sabre Red. I'd like to finish up my duties before going to bed."

"The unclaiming ritual took place earlier tonight, right?" Sovereign Sabre Red dropped another bomb statement. "Is that perhaps the reason for Kazan's deplorable state?"

"You even know about the ritual?" Danica just keeps on getting one surprise after another.

"Yes, pumpkin. I know."

"Is this true, Ziki?" Danica addressed Ezekiel. "Is the ritual the cause of Kazan's deplorable state?"

"It is." Leah was the one who answered after appearing on the scene.