The Lost Queen

Chapter Six

Kaden's P.O.V.

Five days...

Five agonizing days. Five days since my mate has been unconscious, lying in that bed as if the life had been drained from her. Every second has been a torment, a reminder of my failure to protect her. And the questions—they won't stop gnawing at me. Chief among them: What is that mark on her arm?

From the moment I saw her, I knew she was different. Not just special—extraordinary. Her innocent, bright blue eyes held a depth that called to me. Her long, dark hair fell in waves that seemed to shimmer under any light, and her figure—curves so perfectly sculpted it was as if the moon goddess herself had taken her time creating her. The moment I realized she was my mate, every instinct in me screamed to claim her, to make her mine. But now, here I am, helpless, watching her struggle to heal.

When she didn't wake after 24 hours, panic clawed at me like a beast. I couldn't stop pacing, couldn't stop imagining the worst. She's not like other wolves. Regular werewolves would have snapped a twisted foot back into place with barely a wince. But Daya? She doesn't heal the way we do. She can't shift. She can't endure pain the way others can. She looks fragile—tired, worn, as if life has taken far too much from her already.

Dr. Scott explained that her prolonged unconsciousness is due to sheer exhaustion, combined with the stress and trauma her body has endured. That knowledge doesn't soothe the ache in my chest. If anything, it only deepens my guilt.

And that mark on her arm... It's haunting me. A swirling design, delicate yet powerful, depicting a wolf howling—a mark unlike anything I've seen. My researcher, Brian, is investigating it. So far, all I've learned is that it might have ties to the Royals. The Royals... a mystery in themselves. I've tasked Brian to dig deeper, and he's promised me answers within two days.

But the mark isn't the only mystery surrounding her. I've uncovered fragments of her past, enough to piece together a tragic story. Her parents disowned her because she shifted at the rare and tender age of five. They didn't just reject her—they tortured her, injecting silver into her bloodstream to suppress her abilities. The cruelty is unimaginable. What were they trying to hide? What truth were they so desperate to bury?

Her former pack is gone, wiped out, but I can't shake the feeling that some might have escaped, just as Daya did. If they're still alive, they'll face the fate of rogues or trespassers soon enough.

I'm seated in my office, my desk buried under piles of papers and books. My hair is a mess, disheveled from countless times I've run my fingers through it. My tie is loosened, hanging around my neck like a noose, and my shirt sleeves are rolled up to my elbows. The weight of responsibility, of guilt, is suffocating. I let out a groan, sliding back in my chair, when a knock at the door interrupts my spiraling thoughts.

"Come in," I call, sitting up and adjusting my tie out of habit.

"Hey, babe," a chirpy voice greets me.

I don't even have to look up to know who it is. Hailey.

I roll my eyes, focusing on the papers in front of me. She doesn't take the hint, as usual. Arms snake around my neck from behind, and I feel the light press of her lips on my skin. My patience snaps. She was there for me when my parents passed away and I will always be thankful to her for that but she needs to stop.

I rise abruptly, turning to face her, and in one swift motion, I pin her against the desk. Her brown eyes light up with excitement, mistaking my actions for something they're not.

"Don't threaten me with a good time, baby," she purrs. "You know I like it rough."

"Hailey," I growl, my canines elongating, "enough." My voice is sharp, cold. "You know I've found my mate. So why the hell are you still here? You're the reason she ran out on me and got hurt. If you don't leave me alone, I swear—"

Her eyes flash with fear, but only briefly. Determination replaces it, and I know exactly what she's determined for.

"I deserve the Luna role, not her!" she snaps, her voice rising. "I've waited years for you, Kaden. I love you! How can you just throw me away for her? Was what we had nothing to you?"

I step back, running a hand through my hair. "Hailey," I say, my tone softer now, "we had sex once. Once. It was a mistake, and you know it. Things were tough back then, but that's all it was—a moment of weakness. I care about you, but as a friend. Nothing more. Daya is my mate. She was chosen for me. She's meant to be the Luna of this pack, not you."

Her tears come fast, and for a moment, I feel a pang of guilt. I hate seeing women cry. I step forward and pull her into a hug, but it's brief.

"I'm sorry, Hailey," I whisper. "But it's time for you to let this go."

She wipes her tears, nods stiffly, and walks out without another word. I hope she finds her mate soon. Maybe then she'll leave mine alone.

I return to my desk, burying myself in the papers once more, when the door bursts open. Dr. Scott rushes in, his face pale and frantic.

"Alpha," he pants, "Luna Daya is awake!"