Werewolf and 57 Summary
In the chapter titled “Werewolf and 57,” we are introduced to Dezra, a Beta who is grappling with the pressures imposed by the Elders and the responsibilities of her royal lineage. Dezra feels a deep frustration towards her brother Vaughn, who insists on adhering to the Elders’ whims rather than considering their family’s well-being. The weight of the royal laws and the fear of losing everything she has fought for creates a knot of anxiety in her stomach. She reflects on her intentions to protect her family, holding firm to her choices despite their difficulty.
As the family prepares for a meeting with the Elders, Dezra’s irritation grows at the expectation for the entire Röyal family to attend. Vaughn explains that the Elders want insights from the future leaders of the kingdom, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding their successors. Dezra’s instincts tell her that certain family members are likely candidates for leadership roles, and she hopes her bloodline will reclaim its former glory. Meanwhile, Vaughn appears indifferent, burdened by the family’s past and the expectations placed upon them.
The tension escalates as they enter the Throne room, where Vaughn’s unusual behavior suggests he is concealing important information. The arrival of a Squad, now led by a new captain from the Shadow Valley Pack, adds to the atmosphere of unease. The Squad Captain’s probing questions about Princess Dyala’s necklace unveil a shocking connection that stirs a mix of hope and fear among the family members. Dezra’s heart races as she witnesses a revelation that could have significant implications for their kingdom.
The Squad Captain’s inquiry into Dezra’s knowledge of Dyala’s necklace and the oath associated with it forces Dezra to recount a deeply personal story, revealing the weight of her responsibilities and the severe consequences of breaking her oath. The chapter concludes with the realization that the revelations surrounding Dyala’s story and the necklace could threaten the kingdom’s stability, leaving Dezra and her family on edge as they confront the implications of their past and future.
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**TITLE: Werewolf and 57**
**CONTENT: Not Surprised**
**Beta Dezra’s p.o.v.**
Why can’t my brother just ignore the Laws and trials for once? Why does he feel compelled to heed the whims of those insufferable Elders?
Every time I think about it, a knot tightens in my stomach. If someone so much as glances in the wrong direction, I risk losing everything I’ve fought tirelessly to build. My intentions have never been malevolent; I only wanted to protect my family. Yet, the choices I’ve made—difficult as they were—still stand firm in my heart, and I refuse to regret them.
“Good morning, everyone. Is everyone prepared for this meeting with the Elders?” Vaughn’s voice cuts through my thoughts as he strides into our private dining room, his demeanor casual, yet I can sense the underlying tension.
“Why does it have to be a full house?” I retort, my frustration bubbling to the surface. I’ve mulled over this endlessly, yet I can’t fathom why the Elders deem it necessary for the entire Röyal family to be present.
“Elder Jensen believes it’s vital to gather insights from the future leaders of this kingdom. Currently, we’re in the dark about who will step up as the next Beta or Gamma. I think it’s beneficial for all our children to witness how these meetings unfold, regardless of their future roles,” Vaughn explains, his tone steady but slightly defensive.
Elder Jensen does have a valid point. With Quinlan being the only one to shift into a Lycan thus far, it may take years before we can discern who will take on the Beta and Gamma roles.
If my instincts are on point, Dave appears to be the most likely candidate for Gamma. Everything about Everett suggests he’s a Lycan, while Landon’s very essence screams Wolf. I can only hope my gut is right; my bloodline deserves another chance to reign over our Kingdom.
Vaughn, on the other hand, seems indifferent to whether any of his children shift into Lycans. The spotlight has never been his comfort zone. He has always felt we fell short as the Royal family, just like our father did. Yet, most of the Elders who serve us now didn’t serve under our father.
Had they done so, perhaps our Laws would have undergone significant changes long ago. Father was thrilled about the new trial and eagerly anticipates this meeting. He dreams of a time when we can govern more like other Kingdoms, protecting the innocent and the weak from the tyranny of the strong.
Father managed to amend only one thing during his reign: the line of succession. He was determined to prevent a repeat of Dyala’s tragic fate, and the Elders stood by him. We take an oath to ensure that no one unlawfully claims a position they haven’t earned and that no one aids another in obtaining what they don’t deserve.
“Let’s move. Everyone is waiting for us in the Throne room,” Vaughn commands, his eyes scanning the room as if he expects one of us to confess to a crime at any moment.
His behavior has been peculiar since his meeting with Elder Jensen. I can’t shake the feeling that he’s holding back vital information regarding their conversation.
Once Elder Venetia discreetly closes the door behind her, Vaughn rises from his chair. Again, his gaze sweeps the room, the same anxious look etched on his face.
“None of you will speak unless you are addressed directly,” he declares, his voice echoing in the Throne room, solidifying my growing unease.
A minute passes, stretching into what feels like an eternity, before a Squad steps into the room. In mere seconds, Squad members position themselves at every exit, their presence commanding and intimidating. This was Captain Jordan’s Squad, but he has since retired after finding his mate. He returned to her Pack, and now Jordan is set to inherit the Gamma position from her father.
If memory serves me right, the Squad has been handed over to a woman from the Shadow Valley Pack. I didn’t delve into the rumors surrounding her, not wanting anyone to discover my connection to that particular Pack.
I watch the Squad Captain as she strides into the Throne room, and I’m taken aback by her first question. How did she uncover the discrepancies surrounding Dyala?
Father’s eyes are locked onto the Squad Captain, a mixture of hope and desperation evident in his gaze. She seems to have unearthed the answers he has been seeking, and it appears she didn’t require much time to do so.
The moment my eyes land on the broken necklace, an impulse surges within me, urging me to leap from my seat. Darron’s hand tightens around mine; he has witnessed the same shocking revelation. How did she come to possess a photograph of the necklace, and why in three shattered pieces?
I can feel Vaughn’s fury radiating off him like heat from a fire, but he retreats as three Squad members position themselves between us. I know this will not be the last I hear of this, even if today’s agenda revolves around something else entirely.
The file Elder Zane is reading from sends a chill racing down my spine; it not only suppresses the Shifter aspect but could potentially lead to severe health complications. None of us ever suspected that; we all believed it merely muted the Shifter side and nothing more.
“Now, you all know what transpired with Princess Dyala. However, her tale does not conclude there. It intertwines with another story I wish to share today, one that will have dire repercussions for this Kingdom,” the Squad Captain states, her voice steady and commanding.
I still don’t know her name, but she doesn’t remind me of anyone I encountered during my time at the Shadow Valley Pack. Perhaps her family joined that Pack after I departed, which means my secret remains safe for now.
“Princess Dezra, were you aware of the story behind Princess Dyala’s necklace?” The Squad Captain’s question cuts through the tension in the room.
“Yes, I know the story. Every member of the Royal family is told the tale on their eighteenth birthday,” I respond, my voice steady, though my heart races.
“Would you be so kind as to share that story with everyone present, Your Highness?” she asks, and one glance at Vaughn confirms my suspicion—he will insist I comply if I hesitate.
Taking a deep breath, I recount the events that led our grandfather to discover the necklace and the implications it holds for a Royal who wears it from their sixteenth birthday onward.
“Could you elaborate on the oath you took when you turned eighteen?” the Squad Captain inquires next. I explain it to everyone in the room, even though I know some shouldn’t be privy to this information yet.
“You are the Beta because you were the second member of the Royal family to shift into a Lycan. What would happen if you were to break your oath?” she presses on.
“If it were for my own gain or to assist someone else, I would face the death penalty,” I reply, my voice unwavering. She doesn’t appear surprised; it’s clear she already knew the answer.
Conclusion
In the tense atmosphere of the Throne room, Dezra’s emotional arc reaches a critical juncture. The weight of her family’s legacy bears down on her as she grapples with the consequences of her choices, the impending trials, and the expectations set by the Elders. Her heart races as she recounts the story of Princess Dyala and the oath she took, understanding that each word carries the potential to reshape her future and that of her kin. The revelation of the broken necklace and the Squad Captain’s probing questions force Dezra to confront the reality of her position within the Royal family, where loyalty and sacrifice intertwine. In this moment, she realizes that the fight to protect her family is not just a burden but a testament to her strength and resolve.
As the meeting unfolds, Dezra’s determination solidifies. She recognizes that the path ahead is fraught with uncertainty, yet she remains steadfast in her commitment to uphold the values instilled in her by her father. The tension in the room reflects not only the stakes of the current trial but also the silent battles each member of the Röyal family faces. With the eyes of the Elders upon her, Dezra embraces her role as a leader, ready to navigate the complexities of her lineage while safeguarding her family’s honor. The emotional journey culminates in a moment of clarity; she understands that her choices, however difficult, are driven by love and loyalty, and she is prepared to confront whatever challenges lie ahead, not just for herself but for the kingdom she holds dear.
What to Expect in Next Chapter?
In the next chapter, readers can expect the tension to escalate as the revelations surrounding Princess Dyala’s necklace and the implications of Dezra’s oath take center stage. With the Squad Captain’s probing questions, the fragile alliances within the Röyal family will be tested, revealing hidden motivations and long-buried secrets that could alter the very fabric of their Kingdom. As Dezra navigates the treacherous waters of loyalty and duty, her resolve will be put to the ultimate test. Will she stand firm in her commitment to protect her family, or will the weight of her past decisions lead her down a path of betrayal?
Moreover, the dynamics between Dezra, Vaughn, and the Squad Captain promise to become increasingly complex. Vaughn’s growing unease hints at deeper issues lurking beneath the surface, and as tensions rise, the stakes will become even higher. The presence of the Squad, particularly the new Captain from the Shadow Valley Pack, introduces an unpredictable element that could either aid or undermine Dezra’s efforts to secure her family’s legacy. As the meeting unfolds, alliances may shift, and unexpected revelations could emerge, forcing Dezra to confront not only the truth about her family’s past but also her own role in shaping their future. Will she rise to the occasion, or will the shadows of history consume her?
Lateefa Khanam is a contemporary romance author celebrated for her emotionally rich storytelling and unforgettable characters. Blending passion with heart-felt realism, her novels often explore themes of second chances, unspoken desires, and the quiet strength of love that grows through struggle.
