Betrayed By My Mate, Claimed By His Lycan King Uncle
Chapter 123: The hunt.

Chapter 123: The hunt.

Dimitri’s gaze turned serious once more.

"She prefers weak women....ones she can control. The ones she can manipulate."

"Which is why you must win tomorrow’s hunt. If you lose, the Empress Dowager might set her eyes on you next. And if that happens... she’ll try to make you the Alpha Emperor’s concubine."

"Never," Sorayah snapped, her eyes burning with determination. "I won’t allow that to happen."

Dimitri’s lips curled into a faint smirk as he nodded in approval. "That’s the spirit. Anyway, there’s something else I need to tell you. After the hunt, I’ll reveal the identity of Lily’s murderer."

At the mention of Lily’s name, Sorayah’s heart skipped a beat. Her entire body tensed, and her eyes widened further, disbelief etched across her face.

"Really? You know who did it?" she asked, her voice trembling with anticipation. "Who is it? Just tell me now!"

Dimitri stood up straight, brushing imaginary dust from his trousers. "No," he said firmly. "I’ll only tell you after you come out victorious from the hunt. Focus on that, Sorayah."

And with that, he turned on his heels and dashed out of the room, leaving her stunned and alone.

Sorayah blinked rapidly, her vision clouded by sudden tears. "Why can’t he just tell me now?" she whispered to herself. "But... at least he knows. I can finally get justice for Lily. I can avenge her."

******

The next day arrived swiftly. The golden sun rose high into the sky, casting its warm rays over the earth and illuminating the grand palace with a soft glow. The entire palace bustled with life and purpose. Maids hurried through the corridors, balancing trays and linens, while eunuchs barked orders and organized weapons and ceremonial garb. Preparations for the hunt were in full swing.

As usual, Sorayah resumed her duties at Lupien’s manor. She knelt by his feet, gently washing them, her movements slow and methodical.

"I thought I was never going to see you again," Lupien said softly, his voice breaking the silence and prompting her hands to pause momentarily before she resumed her task.

"I’m sorry I couldn’t save you completely. I heard the Empress Luna gave the order to throw you into the wild." His voice was filled with guilt and regret.

"You shouldn’t worry about that, Your Highness," Sorayah replied, doing her best to keep her voice even. "I’m just a lowly servant. The fact that I’m alive is what matters."

Lupien leaned forward, his brows drawn together in pain. "I do worry, Sorayah. And you’re not just a lowly servant. I need to know how you were saved. I failed you last night. I swore to protect you, and yet I allowed that witch to come so close to ending your life."

Sorayah’s hands clenched, and her eyes burned with restrained anger. She finally raised her head and met his gaze.

"You cannot protect me, Your Highness," she said, her voice sharp and cold. "Your so-called ’protection’ will only bring me more suffering. Can’t you see that? If you truly cared about my sister, then the best thing you can do for me is to leave me alone. Forget I exist. Your care for me will always end in pain and bloodshed. Just assume I died last night when your beloved Empress ordered my execution."

"No, Sorayah. Please don’t say that." Lupien’s voice trembled as he reached out and gripped her shoulders, desperation in his touch. "I’m sorry. I truly am. I may be an emperor, but what kind of emperor am I if I can’t protect a single person I care about? I know you’ve suffered... That’s why the Empress is under house arrest now. And the maids who dragged you out...those who followed her orders have all been executed."

Sorayah scoffed inwardly, biting back bitter laughter.

But the Empress Luna still lives... she thought, lowering her gaze. You’ve only removed the pawns, not the queen.

"Please, Your Highness. Just stop," she said quietly as she rose to her feet, then bowed gracefully before him. "I would like to get ready for the hunt now. Thank you for your concern. I will see you soon."

Without waiting for a reply, she turned and began walking towards the exit.

"Do you think I’ll let you win just so you can return to Royal Uncle’s side?" Lupien’s voice rang out sharply, halting Sorayah in her tracks as she tried to walk past him.

He stepped forward, his tone now tinged with possessiveness. "I plan to make you my concubine. That’s the only way I can protect you fully. You’ll become the number one imperial concubine under my reign."

Sorayah turned to face him, her eyes hard with resolve. "I’m not winning this hunt for anyone else but myself," she said, her voice steady and laced with defiance. "Not for the Beta Lord. Not for you. I’m winning because that’s the only path I see to be free....free from political schemes, manipulation, and drama."

Lupien narrowed his eyes. "You think you can only be safe in the Beta Lord’s mansion, but you’re wrong. Your place is here with me. I know you were once pregnant with his child," he added coldly, "but that doesn’t matter now. I’ll still make you mine."

He brushed past her without another glance, his eunuch and servants following dutifully behind him. The air around him grew tense and suffocating, leaving Sorayah alone in the chamber, her fists clenched tightly at her sides.

As soon as he disappeared, Sorayah exhaled shakily and walked out of the emperor’s sleeping chamber.

After everything Dimitri told me last night... there’s no way I’ll let myself become Lupien’s concubine, she thought bitterly. In fact, I never wanted that not before, and certainly not now.

Her footsteps quickened. She was more determined than ever to win the hunt, to assist Dimitri, and to avenge her fallen kingdom.

******

Hunting ground ~

The air outside was alive with celebration. Laughter echoed across the royal grounds, where werewolves from different packs had gathered, seated under vast canopies made of interwoven leaves. Platters of roasted meats, fruits, and delicacies were passed around by werewolf and human maids alike, who rushed back and forth tending to guests. Dancers twirled and spun in vibrant, colorful attire, performing gracefully to the rhythm of drums and flutes.

At the head table sat Emperor Lupien, flanked by Melissa. Beside them were Dimitri and his two wives, all of them basking in the feast and pageantry of the occasion.

It was still daylight, with the golden sun hanging in the sky. The actual hunt, which could only begin under the full moon’s blessing, was still hours away. That was the only reason Dimitri...who never participated in such barbaric displays remained present at the festivities. He would surely leave before dusk.

I should be training, not standing here pretending to enjoy this farce, Sorayah thought, faking a polite smile before excusing herself quietly from the feast.

Without hesitation, she slipped into the nearby forest...the designated site for the imperial hunt.

The deeper she went, the quieter the world became. The dense canopy above filtered the sunlight, casting gentle shadows on the moss-covered ground. Although she knew how dangerous this area could be....Dimitri had warned her about it....her steps were sure. She had no intention of going deep into its heart. And besides, she carried the bow and arrows imbued with Dimitri’s magic....disguised and hidden in the fine lines of her palm, thanks to his enchantment.

Once she reached a secluded clearing, Sorayah summoned the weapon from her palm. It shimmered faintly as it materialized, sleek and deadly.

Twack!

She loosed an arrow, watching with satisfaction as it struck a tree nearly ten meters away, hitting the target she envisioned in her mind.

She smiled to herself, then fired again...and again. Each arrow found its mark with precision. She let herself celebrate quietly, spinning lightly on her heels, her happiness barely contained as she danced in the soft soil, momentarily free from worry.

Soon, she walked to the tree where her arrows had embedded. With practiced ease and enhanced physical strength, she pulled each one out, her breath steady and controlled.

But just as she turned to leave....

"Bring it here!" barked a masculine voice, loud and commanding.

Sorayah froze. Her instincts kicked in, and she dove silently behind the nearest tree, crouching low and peering from the shadows.

Four burly men trudged into view, stopping a few paces from where she had been standing. They knelt down and dragged something heavy across the forest floor. It was a large sack....colored and textured to blend seamlessly with the earth.

Her breath caught in her throat.

One of the men opened a smaller bag and began pouring its contents into the pit that had just been revealed....dozens of writhing, venomous snakes. The creatures hissed and slithered over one another.

The men pulled the camouflage sack back into place, disguising the trap with remarkable skill. They finished by sprinkling dry leaves over it, ensuring it looked no different from the rest of the forest floor.

Well, I’m not surprised, Sorayah thought grimly. A rigged hunt. Just like everything else in this place... rigged and poisoned.

She heaved a slow, careful breath, watching as the men finally rose and disappeared into the trees.

But just as she turned to retreat herself....

A strong hand gripped her shoulder from behind.

Startled, Sorayah spun around in alarm, her body acting on instinct. She raised her bow and released an arrow.