Chapter 182

Hannah

“So, she’s the chosen daughter of the moon goddess and that’s why she’s here?” Liz asked for clarification.

Both she and Caroline looked wary about all that we have told them. I couldn’t tell if they believed us or not. But they also knew this wasn’t something we would ever lie about. We wouldn’t put Wren’s life in danger like this for nothing.

“And Xander is trying to become his vessel. Like completely take them over?” Caroline asked, staring between all of us.

I managed a nod.

“The only way to stop him is to destroy the heart,” I said.

“And the heart is…?” Liz started to ask.

“My mother,” I answered.

“Right,” Liz breathed. “So, you have to kill your mother?”

“We have to stab her in the heart with the scepter,” Sebastian answered. “Once the heart is destroyed, Xander will be powerless.”

“The heart is the main power source?” Liz asked, raising her brows. “So, once the heart is destroyed, Xander will have no power. That includes his vessels?”

“Exactly,” I answered.

“But we need to figure out how to get in there and stab her with the scepter without her expecting it,” Sebastian added. “If she suspects anything, it’ll make it more difficult to get to her.”

“Well, that’s obvious,” Caroline said with a shrug. “You just must get close to her again. She’s your mother so she wouldn’t question it.”

She was right; if I managed to convince her that I was on her side and that I wanted to spend time with her, I could stab her when she was least expecting it.

It’s perfect. Except…

“How would I hide the scepter while in the palace?” I asked, staring between all of them.

Regardless of how much power we have, the scepter was still stronger and will portray energy so great that everybody would be able to sense it.

“I’ll keep the scepter here for safety. Once you get close enough to your mother without her being suspicious of you, then let me know and I’ll bring it to you,” Sebastian answered confidently. “In the meantime, I’ll stay where with Wrenley, and we will keep an eye on you using Wren’s abilities.”

I hated having to leave my family behind, but this was only temporary, and it was to save our entire kingdom, so I agreed to the plan.

“I’ll stand guard outside the palace,” Caroline offered. “Just in case you need some quick backup. I can also get in and out easily and stealthily.”

I nodded and gave her a faint smile; I was grateful that I had her help.

“While I’m there, I can also search for the time stone,” I said, looking over at Sebastian. “It’s probably in the same place he kept the scepter.”

“I can get into his study and get into his vault,” Caroline suggested. “Just let me know when to do so and I’ll do it.”

“Okay,” I said in return with a head nod. “Then we have a plan?”

“Looks like we have a plan,” Sebastian said in return.

Wrenley was now curled up on the bed and she was staring at us with big and worried eyes. I noticed she was deep breathing a few minutes ago and I knew she was trying to keep herself centered. I was proud of her for practicing ways to manage and control her abilities.

I sat beside her on the bed and wrapped my arms around her small body.

“It’s going to be okay,” I told her gently. “I’m going to be okay. I need you to stay here with your father. Okay?”

“When will you be back?” She asked in a hoarse whisper.

“As soon as I can,” I assured her. “I promise.”

I kissed the top of her head and held her for a moment longer before releasing her. Sebastian was the next one that I hugged. He kissed me gently on the lips and I smiled into his kiss. I loved him so much and being away from him hurt my heart and my wolf.

“I love you,” I said to him against his lips.

“I love you too,” he said in return, keeping his eyes closed. “Hurry and return to us. If you run into any issues, reach out to me and I’ll come to get you.”

I knew he was serious. I nodded to him before pulling apart.

I gave Liz a quick hug too; a sister I never knew that I had.

“Be safe,” she said to me gently.

I gave her a fond smile and took in a steady breath as I released her.

“Ready?” Caroline asked from the door.

I nodded; Liz used her hand to open the sealed and hidden door to her sanctuary and we were on our way back to the palace.

…

I wasn’t sure how I was going to be able to pull something like this off. Caroline waited behind me as I crossed the palace grounds.

“Wait!” She called before I gained too much distance. “If you see Scott in there before you leave, try to drag him out of there as well. He’s a stubborn man and hates to ask for help. But he’s awake and I know he doesn’t want to be there anymore…”

I gave her a smile in return.

“I’ll do what I can to get him out.”

She looked relieved at my words as I turned away and continued toward the front of the palace. I needed to expose myself and be caught if I wanted to get back into the palace and gain their trust. Once the guards spotted me, I was surrounded.

My heart raced rapidly against my chest as my nerves started rising, but I tried not to look too frightened as angry men charged toward me.

“Halt!!!” One of them screamed as he neared me.

I rose my hands to indicate that I was surrendering. I just hoped they would listen to me.

“You are the escaped prisoner that King Xander has been wanting us to find!” Another guard shouted.

“I’ve come in peace,” I told them in return. “I’m here to turn myself in. I’m sick of running and hiding. I’m here.”

“King Xander is going to love this,” the guard growled as he grabbed onto my arms.

I felt cold metal cuffs surrounding my wrists and I silently said goodbye to my wolf. Once I managed to get these off, I’ll be able to mindlink Sebastian an update. But until then, I had to sacrifice my wolf.

They pulled me with force into the palace. I saw some of the slaves that Xander had kept watching me with mournful eyes as I was being dragged. I knew they were taking me back to my room where I would be locked in until further notice. I wondered if Xander was even at the palace.

As we went down a narrow hall, my eyes caught onto someone familiar who was watching me with wide and curious eyes.

“Mom?” I breathed to her; for a moment, she looked confused, but soon realization dawned on her. I could see it in her eyes. “Mom!” I said again, a bit louder as I struggled against the guards. “I’ve come back to see you, mom. I came back for you!”

I had to make this look real. She said nothing though; she just watched as I was dragged toward another door. The door slammed behind us, and my heart fell into my stomach. From the look on her face when she saw me, this was going to be a lot harder than I thought.

We finally reached the hall that occupied all the rooms; one of them I knew belonged to Liam and me. The guards stopped in front of my door and opened it, shoving me inside. I nearly fell to my face.

“You’ll be here for the time being. We will alert Xander of your return.”

They slammed the door shut, locking me on the inside.

I needed to figure out how to get out of her and see my mother. I couldn’t stay here. I noticed that the window has been patched; they must have done that recently. I went to the door and tried to open it, but of course, it was locked. At this point, I felt I just needed to wait and see if my mother would come and see me.

I wasn’t sure how long I was waiting, but I could feel my time running out. I sat against my bed on the ground with my knees pressed to my chest. I thought at least Xander would have come to see me by now. If he had, I might be able to convince him to let me see my mother. Or maybe that would make him suspicious of me.

I heard a rattling on my doorknob and my heart stopped in my chest. I stared at my door, waiting for whomever it was to enter. I heard the latching sound of the lock and then it swung open.

“Mom…” I managed to breathe.