Page 80 of The Possessive Alpha’s Reborn Luna

My fists clenched until my nails dug into my palms.

"It's all my fault." Each word clawed its way out of my throat.

But I wouldn't give up. She was my mate, the only person I'd ever want to protect.

Even if she hated me. Even if she never wanted to see me again. I'd never let go.

I had to make her understand—

The door flew open. Caspar burst in, face white, forehead slick with sweat.

"Your Majesty!" He gasped for breath. "We have a crisis!"

I turned. My eyes still bloodshot.

"Talk."

"Urgent intel from Hilphia," Caspar's words tumbled out fast and frantic. "The White Witch Serena launched a rebellion in our kingdom! She's been secretly creating corrupted werewolves—those monsters are far stronger than normal wolves. The border's fallen. At least thirty of our people are dead, and more are wounded!"

My head rang. Rage flooded through me.

"Serena." I bit out the name.

That damned White Witch. She struck first before I could even track her down to kill her. And she picked now—because she knew I wasn't in the kingdom.

My heart plummeted. Another thought surfaced. If Serena knew Alice was here, she'd come for her.

She knew I couldn't abandon my kingdom. I'd have to leave. And once I left, she'd have another chance to get close to Alice. To take her.

I strode toward the door. "I need to see King Rhine. Now."

"But Your Majesty, you're still in a bad condition."

"I can't wait!" I kept moving, Caspar right behind me.

King Rhine had already received the news. When I reached his study, he stood before a massive map, Adrian at his side. Both turned to me.

"Cedric." King Rhine's tone carried new weight. "Good timing. I was about to send for you."

"King Rhine." I crossed to the table in long strides. Each step tore at my wounds, but I didn't care. "The White Witch started a rebellion in Hilphia. She's created corrupted werewolves to slaughter my people. But her real target isn't my kingdom—"

"It's Alice." King Rhine finished. "I know."

My heart eased slightly at those words. He understood. He'd strengthen defenses. I could return to my kingdom and fight for my people.

King Rhine's voice grew heavier, laced with bone-deep hatred. "Twenty years ago, the White Witch launched a rebellion to seize the Moon Goddess's power inside Alice. If the Queen and I hadn't risked everything to send her away, my daughter would've..."

His voice cut off. His fists cracked as he clenched them. "Cedric, I know why you're here. You want us to join forces against the White Witch. Am I right?"

"Yes." I didn't hide it. "I can't completely eliminate Serena's forces alone. But if we work together, those White Witches won't escape. We have to rip out this plague at the root!"

"I agree." King Rhine cut me off, his tone decisive. "I'll send troops to reinforce you. But not for your sake—for my daughter's."

I nodded. The weight lifted from my chest. I said sincerely, "Thank you."

King Rhine turned to Adrian. "Mobilize the army immediately. Prepare to deploy. Adrian, you'll lead them personally."

"Your Majesty! Emergency!" A guard stumbled in, panicked. "The Princess is missing! We found traces of magic where she disappeared!"