Page 59 of The Unwanted Mate of the Lycan Kings (Unwanted #1)

I’m dragged through the castle, the chilly air biting at my bare skin, pebbling it with fear and cold.

My heart pounds as I struggle against the men holding me, their hands gripping places I wish I could cover.

My nudity only adds to my vulnerability.

King Theron follows behind us, a twisted sense of satisfaction glinting in his eyes.

I can’t help but feel nauseating fear and shame with every step, knowing that I have no protection—no clothes, no dignity, and possibly no future.

A chill runs through me, not just from the cold but from the realization that my life—as much as my body—is entirely in his hands.

As we make our way into the dark depths of the castle, I can’t help but wonder what he has planned for me.

I’m marched outside while Malachi and James continue to argue with the king, who follows.

My heart beats like a drum in my chest, pounding in my ears as I’m dragged down the beaten track that leads to the nearby town.

By the time we reach the town square, my feet are bloody from being dragged, my arms bruised by their grip, and the chains tight as they wrap around my body from my struggling.

The bustling town square is lit by torches when we enter, and the night sky is filled with stars. The torches cast shadows on the cobblestone streets and buildings, creating a haunting atmosphere.

The smell of burning wood and the sound of voices fill the air.

Guards stand at attention, creating a perimeter.

Curious townspeople stand around watching the commotion, talking in hushed murmurs when I am dragged into view.

Their gasps ring out loud when they all turn their gazes in the opposite direction, looking at the pillar erected.

Stacked at the bottom is wood and kindling.

I struggle against my captives, trying to get free, but it’s no use as I am dragged up onto the podium and chained to the pole.

My breath comes in harsh, uneven pants as I take in the faces of those standing around to bear witness. Scanning my surroundings, my eyes fall on Kelly, the boutique store owner. She lifts her gaze to the moon and then looks at me before turning on her heel and walking off.

My attention is drawn to the sound of arguing. Malachi’s eyes fill with panic as he looks back at me, chained helplessly to the pillar.

“Don’t you think this is too easy?” he screams at the king, desperation making his voice hoarse.

“What? You find the oracle, and then what? Think about this, Theron! Something doesn’t add up! What if you’re wrong?”

King Theron ignores Malachi’s pleas, his eyes locked on me as the guards approach with torches in hand.

“I’m not.”

Malachi shakes his head, backing away. “No...I’m sorry, My King, but I won’t watch you do this.

I won’t stand by your side. It feels wrong.

” Malachi then runs back toward the castle.

Only to be stopped by Shelley. “This is your fault...All this time you’ve been playing me,” he snarls shoving her back a step, and King Theron growls at him.

King Theron then turns back to me, his eyes locked on mine.

He snatches a torch off a guard and approaches the stake with venom in his eyes.

The flames flicker hungrily, their heat growing more intense as he draws closer.

I can feel the sweat beading on my forehead, the terror rising in my chest as I struggle against my chains, but it’s no use.

Just as he nears the podium with the flaming torch in his hand, a sudden commotion erupts from behind the king.

The crowd parts, and Kelly emerges, only she is not alone.

Five more women step out behind her. They walk along the perimeter of the crowd, stopping at certain points when I notice one of them is Leila, the sixteen-year-old girl from the night King Theron tried to get me to sacrifice a woman to his sons.

My eyes settle on the girl, and she smiles sadly and bows her head to me.

At the same second, a furious scream rings through the night, and I turn to see Shelley with blazing eyes and a face twisted in fury.

She lifts her hands and storms toward Kelly.

My heart beats in my chest as I try to figure out what the hell is going on, and even King Theron stops at the commotion.

“Shelley?” he gasps in shock.

“You dare to bring that spiteful bitch back?” Shelley snarls.

Her hands glow, but Kelly does not even acknowledge her, instead, she lifts her hand and flicks her wrist. Shelley is blasted back, thrown into the brick wall behind me where I can’t see her.

King Theron looks at me, then at the women standing on the perimeter.

“Stop them!” he yells at his guards. In a furious rage, Theron points at Kelly. “Kill her!”

Kelly removes her cloak, revealing her naked body, and lifts her hands to the sky.

The other women follow her direction, and I gasp.

Branded into their skin are the same runes that cover my arms, and I feel the energy in the air suddenly change.

It ripples with anticipation, and storm clouds roll across the sky when they suddenly start chanting.

“By shadow’s veil and moonlight’s gleam, seek the Oracle, hidden and unseen. In whispers soft and visions clear, unlock the secrets that you fear. Reveal the path that has been sealed.

Bound by fate, through time’s embrace, lead us now to that sacred space. With heart and mind, we now implore. Find the Oracle, let all be restored.”

“No!” Theron gasps, racing toward Kelly, yet when he does, her eyes open, and he staggers back. Flames dance in her gaze as she stares him down and continues her chant without skipping a beat, eyes locked on the king.

“A testament to her strength and will, a witness to her fight. She rises from the embers, her truth becomes the light.

Elements of air, and fire, earth and water, heed my call.

By the wisdom of the sages, and the witches of old, grant us one last wish.”

King Theron regains his senses, snarls, and shakes his head. He snatches his fallen torch where he dropped it, then stomps toward me. I watch in horror as he brings his arm back and then tosses it. My heart sputters as the wood catches fire.

Thunder rumbles loudly with a frightening crack, and lightning fills the sky with blue light.

“In the name of Litha’s magic, I invoke this sacred rite. Reveal to me the secrets held by the depths of this night.”

As soon as the coven chants the last words, I am struck.

Lightning pierces me through the chest, and my body jolts.

Flames lick at my feet. Unbearable pain follows as my consciousness wanes, and suddenly, I find myself trapped in a chilling memory I know is not mine.

Taking me back to the dreadful day when Litha was burned at the stake.