Betrayed By My Mate, Claimed By His Lycan King Uncle
Chapter 150: I Won’t kill him.

Chapter 150: I Won’t kill him.

Sorayah immediately stepped forward and dropped to her knees with grace and poise. Her head bowed low as she spoke, her voice soft but clear.

"I apologize, Your Highness," she began. "But I’m afraid I must humbly decline your kindness. I’ve been experiencing a persistent stomach ache, and I’m still recovering from injuries I sustained while imprisoned in the palace dungeons. The healers advised against taking any new tonics while I’m under treatment. In fact... I can’t even serve the emperor at this time. My body is weak. I must first recover and follow the healers’ guidance."

Her words were delivered with sadness and humility, her eyes downcast, her hands trembling slightly as they clutched the folds of her dress.

Meanwhile, Mira had already reached for her bowl and drained it with no hesitation, her expression unreadable.

Mellisa raised an eyebrow, her expression bored now as if Sorayah’s explanation had failed to amuse her.

"Fine then," she said with a yawn, stretching her arms as though the matter were of no importance to her. "That means you are to remain away from the Alpha Emperor until your health improves. Focus on healing for your own sake."

She rose from her seat gracefully and turned to leave, her gown dragging elegantly across the marble floor.

"You may all continue your introductions and girl talk," she added airily over her shoulder. "I’m done here."

The concubines all stood and bowed low, their voices echoing in unison behind her.

"We wish Your Highness farewell!"

As Mellisa disappeared down the hallway, her presence still weighed heavy in the room.

Sorayah remained on her knees for a moment longer, her fists clenched so tightly that her nails dug into her palms.

I have to get on the Empress Dowager’s good side, she thought, swallowing hard. If I’m going to survive this palace and protect myself... I’ll need more than wit. I’ll need powerful allies.

The concubines soon began to take their leave as well, their footsteps echoing faintly against the marble floor.

As Sorayah made her way toward the exit, a familiar voice halted her in her tracks.

"How are you liking the palace so far, Sorayah?" Mira’s voice rang out smoothly, laced with mock concern. She stepped into Sorayah’s path, forcing her to stop. "I’ve heard... quite a lot about you. It seems you’ve offended Empress Luna from the very beginning, back when the late emperor was still alive. And now, somehow, you’ve managed to become one of Dimitri’s concubines. Honestly, do you really think Her Highness will let your days here be easy?"

Sorayah’s gaze darkened. Her lips pressed into a thin line before she finally spoke, her voice low but firm. "Instead of worrying so much about me, Mira, you should be worrying about yourself."

She took a step closer, her voice sharp and cold. "You saw what the Empress did to the previous concubines. That one act alone shows just how cruel she can be. If she’s truly planning to make my life difficult... then you, and the other new concubines, shouldn’t expect to be spared. You’re not special. And you’re certainly not safe."

"Oh, really?" Mira replied, tilting her head slightly with a smug smirk playing on her lips. "Let’s see how long your confidence lasts."

She turned to walk away, then paused dramatically as if remembering something. "Ah, yes. His Highness told me about your little maid. She should be waiting at your manor by now," she added casually, glancing at her perfectly painted nails. "I was generous enough to ask my maids to escort her there for you."

She looked back at Sorayah with a wicked gleam in her eyes. "I heard you wanted to make her your personal maid... but I think you might want to reconsider that decision."

Sorayah’s expression shifted at once. Her eyes narrowed, and she stepped forward quickly, fury flashing in her gaze. "What do you mean by that? What did you do to her?!"

Mira rolled her eyes, clearly unimpressed by the outburst. "This is the royal palace," she said, her voice dripping with disdain. "You could be punished just for disturbing the peace, you know."

Then, with a dismissive wave of her hand, she added, "Your little maid should be in your manor by now. Instead of shouting stupid questions at me, why don’t you go see the situation for yourself?"

Without another word, she turned on her heels and walked away, leaving Sorayah standing frozen in place, her heart pounding in her chest.

***

Sorayah didn’t waste another second. She hurried through the palace grounds, her breath coming in short gasps. Panic churned in her stomach. The moment she reached her manor, she looked around the compound, but saw no sign of the young girl. Maybe she’s in the room, she thought. They had shared that same room in the past...perhaps the girl was resting there.

With trembling hands, she pushed open the door.

The air in the room was still.

Her eyes immediately landed on a wooden wheelchair, its back facing her.

She stopped.

Her throat tightened, and her breath hitched.

What is this...? she thought, her footsteps faltering as she moved closer.

She circled the chair slowly, dread pooling in her gut.

Then she saw her.

Seated on the crude, hand-carved wheelchair was the little girl Sorayah had once rescued. But now... she was unrecognizable.

Her arms and legs had been cut off.

Her frail body trembled as she tried to speak, her mouth opening and closing soundlessly, tears streaming down her cheeks. Blood had dried at the edges of her lips and down her chin.

And worst of all... her tongue was gone.

"No..." Sorayah breathed, her voice breaking.

Her legs gave out, and she dropped to her knees before the mutilated girl, her own hands shaking uncontrollably. Her heart shattered at the sight.

"She did this to you...!" Sorayah cried out, her voice cracking with rage and sorrow. "That bastard! That heartless, monstrous...why?!"

Her scream echoed in the room as she clutched the girl’s gently, tears pouring from her eyes.

"Why?! Why?!!" she sobbed, pressing her forehead against the girl’s lap. "You didn’t deserve this... You didn’t do anything wrong!"

The little girl continued to weep profusely, silent sobs wracking her broken body. Her mutilated arms trembled, and though she could no longer speak, her pain spoke volumes.

Sorayah’s tears poured freely as she remained sitting on the floor, her heart shattering more with every passing second.

This is my fault, she thought bitterly. I caused all of this. I gave Mira the chance to do this. I should have protected you.

The girl slowly shook her head in response, as if trying to deny Sorayah’s guilt...her eyes pleading through the tears.

Just then, the door creaked open and Dimitri stepped inside.

He stopped in his tracks when he saw Sorayah weeping on the floor, her body trembling beside the wooden wheelchair.

A moment of heavy silence passed.

Then, his voice cut through the stillness. Calm, low, but edged with fury.

"Take the girl out of the palace," Dimitri commanded coldly. "Select trusted people to watch over her. The palace will cover all her expenses...medical, clothing, housing. Everything."

Almost immediately, Liam entered, nodded silently, and walked over to the girl. He gently wheeled her out of the room, her whimpers fading down the hallway.

Now, only Sorayah and Dimitri remained.

"Sorayah..." Dimitri called softly as he walked toward her and knelt beside her on the floor. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into a protective embrace. "I’m sorry," he whispered, voice heavy with regret. "I should have been more vigilant. I had no idea the girl was in this state... I thought she was in Mira’s mansion performing menial tasks. I never imagined Mira could be so cruel."

He held her tighter. "She’s been like this since the day Mira captured her. I failed you."

Sorayah’s body tensed in his arms as fresh tears flowed.

"First it was Lily," she cried out, her voice raw. "And now this girl?! Must everyone who stands by me die?!"

"I’m sorry, Sorayah," Dimitri murmured, his own voice cracking with emotion. "I swear, I will get revenge for you. Mira... and the one responsible for Lily’s death. They will both pay."

But Sorayah pulled away slightly, just enough to meet his eyes. Her voice dropped low, calm, cold, and full of resolve.

"Oh no," she said firmly. "I will get revenge myself."

Her breath trembled, but her gaze didn’t waver.

"Tell me, Dimitri...who is responsible for Lily’s death?"

Dimitri exhaled slowly, his jaw clenching. "Draven," he said at last. "The late emperor’s brother. The same man who attacked you before...the madman who tried to kill you, before I intervened."

Sorayah’s eyes widened, waves of shock and dread rushing through her.

"He’s the reason several palace maids have vanished," Dimitri continued, his voice dark. "He kills them. He rapes them, then disposes of their bodies to maintain the illusion of insanity. He pretends to be mad to avoid punishment. He wanted to kill you that night, but since you escaped, he came to my manor in search of you. And when he couldn’t find you... he killed Lily instead."

Sorayah covered her mouth, gasping. Her heart ached so deeply she thought she might collapse.

"Once Draven sets his sights on any palace maid, it’s only a matter of time before he takes their life," Dimitri added with a bitter scoff. "But on the day of my coronation, he dropped the act. He revealed in court that he isn’t insane. He tried to spark a rebellion... but I already knew his plans. He’s been captured and locked away."

"I see..." Sorayah whispered, then slowly lifted her gaze. "So you’re waiting for me to kill him? To avenge Lily with my own hands?"

"Yes," Dimitri admitted, nodding slowly. "I know it won’t bring her back, but it may bring you peace."

But Sorayah shook her head. Her eyes gleamed with an unfamiliar coldness.

"I won’t kill him," she said flatly.

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