Page 78 of An Enigma for the Lycan Crown Prince

“The moment the council heard about the prophecy, and you and Flora were born, they decided to take precautions for your safety,” he explains. “Especially, once you started to fulfill the prophecy, by having your lycan so early and by becoming mates. I know you hate being lied to and all I can do is assure you that Geneva and I weren’t part of that decision, and I hope you understand where everyone is coming from. You are soimportant to our world, no one could risk someone attacking you.”

“Did my parents know?” I ask.

“Yes,” he says. “Your mom was actually relieved to have people keeping an eye on you.”

“Well, if she was on board with it-” I sigh. “And Calvin?”

“Calvin was part of the group that was chosen to keep an eye on you due to his talents and his high IQ. He was in the running for your beta very early on. That said, he was a child, also, and of course, we didn’t send him out to keep an eye on you. But he was prepared for the task and pushed to learn as much as possible.”

Calvin said that his parents always had overly high expectations of him and that he never made any friends. It looks like that was my fault, and I can’t help but feel guilty about it.

“There was a chosen group of lycans who acted as your bodyguards in secret,” Samuel continues to explain. “A group of protectors.”

Flora clears her throat. “Okay,” she says. “I get it, and I see why it was necessary. But why did no one ever tell Elden about it?”

“We thought you would rebel if you knew.”

“Yes,” I say sharply, “because being rebellious is exactly the type of teen I was.” It’s never enough. I spent my whole teen years studying, training, being diligent and trying to get my father’s approval. But no one ever gave me the benefit of the doubt when it mattered. It almost feels like a waste of time now. I should have rebelled and given them a run for their money, because being good definitely didn’t make me more trustworthy in their eyes. I wish I could help it, but I just feel bitter.

Samuel looks at me like he doesn’t know what to say, but I remain quiet. Flora takes my hand. “Thank you for being honest,” she says. “Finally, after so many years.”

I smile, loving the subtle dig she delivered.

“At least I have my answers,” I say to her. “Shall we leave?”

Samuel doesn’t stop us, so we finally make it back to Flora’s place and to her room. There, in a box hidden in her wardrobe, she pulls out my mom’s letter to me. It’s still in its original envelope. Years ago, I read the first lines, but couldn’t bring myself to read further. Now, however, that I take a closer look, I realize it’s not just the letter in the envelope but also a small key.

“Do you want me to leave you alone?” Flora asks quietly.

“No, please stay,” I mutter while I sit down on the floor. Flora sits down next to me, leaning her head against my back without looking at the letter, allowing me the privacy to read it alone while still being with me.

My dear Elden,

I don’t know how to start this letter. When you read it, I will already be gone. I apologize from the bottom of my heart for not having been any stronger. I love you so much, you are my everything. I wish I could still be with you.

I hope you know it’s not your fault. You were the light of my existence, the one thing that made me push forward. One smile from you lit up my day. My love for you knows no boundaries, and I promise I am going to watch over you from wherever I am.

I didn’t want to say goodbye this soon, but the darkness is swallowing me, every day a little more. I feel so tired. I am in a world I don’t belong to. I know I am being selfish, I know you will be angry and hurt, and I hope one day you will have it in your heart to forgive me. I don’t think I will ever be able to forgive myself.

I have a dream, Elden. About you as a young man, standing strong and proud and happy with your own family, and living the life you deserve. The life your father and I couldn’t give you. Spread your wings, my son, and fly. Don’t hold back because you think you have to fulfill everyone’s obligations. Run andfeel the wind on your face. Take risks, be daring, and make mistakes.

My biggest regret is not seeing the man you will become.

Once you turn eighteen, a letter will reach you with information on how to get the belongings I put aside for you. The key will be your proof, that whatever is inside belongs to you.

I am aware I am not leaving you much, but I know Hazel will watch out for you. If you have questions, reach out to a woman named Elspeth. She is my aunt, making her your great-aunt, and a wild and free woman. She will answer all your questions, for she was the person who supported me when darkness was about to swallow me. If you have it in you, reach out to Gamma Tobias. He will help you with connecting to the loving part of your family, and also to the many truths that lay hidden in my past.

I love you, Elden.

Not even the moon can stop my love.

Forever.

twenty-five

The Thief

*FLORA*