Page 65 of The Possessive Alpha’s Reborn Luna

The White Witches were powerful, their network deep and hidden. I'd destroyed their stronghold in wolf territory and slaughtered every witch involved in that night's attack. But it wasn't enough. Their roots spread across kingdoms. To destroy them completely, I needed help from neighboring nations.

And the Kingdom of Rhine was my only hope.

"Your Majesty," Caspar's voice came from outside the carriage. "We're almost there."

I opened my eyes and drew a deep breath. The carriage rolled into the plaza, surrounded by grand buildings and rows of honor guards. Nobles in fine dress lined both sides, wearing polite smiles.

But I barely noticed. Because the moment the carriage stopped—

I caught a scent. Roses. Roses with dew.

Alice's scent. My body went rigid. My wolf roared in my chest, nearly breaking free of my control.

She'd been here. Or she was here now!

"Your Majesty?" Caspar opened the door, looking confused. "What's wrong?"

I didn't answer. I shoved past him and jumped from the carriage. The scent drifted through the air, faint and elusive, leading me, evading me. My gaze swept across every face in the plaza.

Not here. She wasn't among them.

"King Cedric." A guard in an elaborate uniform approached and bowed. "Our king awaits you in the palace. Please follow me."

I clenched my fists, forcing myself to stay calm. Couldn't lose it. Couldn't let them see anything unusual. White Witches could be watching from the shadows. I had to complete this meeting first. Then... I'd tear this kingdom apart if I had to.

"Lead the way." My voice came out low and rough.

I followed the guard through the plaza and into the palace. But the deeper we went, the stronger her scent became.

Her scent was here. In this palace. My wolf was losing control, howling, struggling, desperate to break free and find her.

Find her!

Our mate is here!

Go find her!

My breathing turned ragged. My fingers dug into my palms, nails nearly breaking skin.

I couldn't do it. Couldn't hold back anymore.

"Wait." I stopped suddenly and grabbed the guard's shoulder hard enough to drain the color from his face. "Have you seen a woman with a birthmark on her face? Her name is Alice!"

"I'm sorry, King Cedric," the guard said quickly. "I haven't seen anyone like that."

"Think harder!" I was nearly roaring. "She has to be here somewhere! Her scent is everywhere!"

"Cedric!" Caspar rushed over and grabbed me. "Your Majesty, you need to calm down!"

"I can't calm down!" I shook him off and strode forward. "She's here! Alice is here! I can feel it!"

I pushed through the crowd, following that faint thread of scent through the air, but found no trace of Alice.

I was going insane. My hatred for the White Witches had reached its limit. Where the hell had they hidden her?

"Your Majesty!" Caspar's expression was stern. "This won't work. You'll destroy the diplomatic mission! I understand you want to find Alice. I'm worried about her too! That's why we need allies!"

"I don't care about any of that!" I roared. "I just need to find her!"