Chapter 6 Chapter six

CLAUS

I wanted to go after Ellie. Every part of me screamed to. But my legs wouldn’t move.

My heart and mind were at war, one whispering love, the other guilt. I clenched the paper in my hand, the report that had started all of this.

After dismissing the councilmen, I stayed behind, needing time alone to think. The courtroom was silent, except for Sylvia’s voice echoing in my head.

“No, Claus. When you humiliated your mate in front of the entire council, when everyone saw her crying and running out, it stopped being just between you two. What you did was cowardly!”

His words cut deep, like a curse I couldn’t escape.

Sylvia was right, even if I couldn’t admit it to his face. I had hurt Ellie. I should have stood by hershe’s my mate, bound to me for life. Instead, I accused her before the whole council. She didn’t deserve the words or the humiliation I threw at her. I could only imagine how broken she must be now.

“I’m not saying anything, but think about this,” Myke, my wolf, spoke inside my head. “You know the healer can’t lie, it would be treason against the throne. So how much do you really trust Ellie?”

“Not now, Myke,” I muttered. “I trust Ellie with everything....”

“Then you think the healer is lying? Remember, you took this same test months ago, and it said you couldn’t father a child. Now, suddenly, this report says otherwise. Doesn’t that seem suspicious?”

“Enough, Myke!” I snapped. “I need silence right now. I’ll ask for your opinion when I want it.”

I looked down at the report again, my hands trembling. Why did this document claim something so different from what I’ve always believed? The healer had once told me clearly my injuries made it impossible for me to father a child.

I’d only repeated the test months ago because Ellie loves children so much, but the results hadn’t changed then. So why now?

Could Myke be right? Could there really be foul play involved? But Ellie… she wouldn’t fake a report, would she?

The ink blurred under my shaking grip. The half moon shone through the tall windows, its pale light spilling across the courtroom floor. A cold dread crept into me.

I looked toward the door Ellie had stormed out of hours ago. She still hadn’t returned.

Suddenly, the courtroom doors burst open, slamming against the wall. My heart leapt thinking it might be Ellie but it was only Nora, the senior court lady.

“Your Majesty,” she said, bowing deeply.

“Nora, is the Queen back in her chambers?” I asked, unable to hide the edge of urgency in my voice.

“That’s why I’m here, Your Majesty,” she replied, her tone tight with fear. “The Luna hasn’t returned.”

My brows furrowed. “What do you mean she’s still not back?” My voice rose, shaking with anger and worry.

I stood from the throne, my height casting a shadow over her. Nora flinched, bowing even lower, trembling before me.

“Luke!” I called out sharply for the head guard.

Luke rushed in from outside and immediately bowed before me. “Your Majesty,” he panted, struggling to catch his breath.

“Mobilize the army,” I commanded firmly. “Search every corner of this pack, the forest, the ocean, everywhere. The queen hasn’t returned yet. Do not come back without her.”

“As you wish, Your Majesty,” Luke said, bowing again before sprinting out of the courtroom.

“I hope the queen is alright. Oh my God, what if something terrible has happened to her?” Nora cried out in panic.

“Nora, stay positive,” I said, trying to sound confident. “Nothing will happen to Ellie. Luke and the soldiers will bring her home safely. You may return to your chamber.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” she replied, bowing before leaving.

“Please, Moon Goddess, bring Queen Ellie back safe and sound,” she whispered as she exited.

I began pacing across the palace, running my fingers through my hair in frustration. Ellie still hadn’t returned. Where could she be? She wouldn’t be this reckless, she knows how many enemies are against us. With rogue shifters and werewolf hunters lurking beyond our borders, she wouldn’t stand a chance alone.

It had been two long hours since Luke and the army went searching, yet there was still no word. My thoughts were restless, my heart heavy.

Then, the door burst open. Luke had returned and for a brief moment, hope flooded my chest. But the joy vanished just as quickly. He was alone. His eyes told me everything before he even spoke.

“Luke…” I said, stepping toward him slowly.

“I’m sorry, Your Majesty,” he said, dropping to his knees, head bowed in shame. “We couldn’t find the queen.”

“What do you mean?” I thundered, my voice echoing through the courtroom.

“We searched everywhere, just as you ordered, but we still couldn’t find her,” he replied.

“Impossible. Ellie wouldn’t go beyond the border—she’d never dare,” I said, my voice trembling with worry.

Just then, Sylvia burst into the courtroom, drenched in sweat and gasping for air, as though he’d been running nonstop.

“Tell me it’s not true, Claus. Ellie’s still missing—nowhere to be found within the pack’s borders?” he roared.

“Yes,” I confirmed grimly. “Luke just returned with the report. The enemies might use this situation to strike against us.”

“The enemies?” Sylvia’s brows shot up in disbelief. “Claus, Ellie is pregnant! She can’t defend herself—and you’re worried about enemies?” he snapped.

“Not now, Sylvia,” I growled through clenched teeth.

Turning to Luke, I ordered, “Gather the army again. We’re going deeper into the forest.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Luke said before sprinting out.

Sylvia then reached into his cloak and pulled out a shotgun.

“What do you think you’re doing?” I asked, narrowing my eyes.

“I’m coming with you to find Ellie,” he said firmly.

My jaw dropped, but no words came out.