The Lunar Curse: A Second Chance With Alpha Draven Chapter 650: Discovering A Disgusting Sibling Relationship

The sentries positioned at the threshold spotted my arrival and offered deep, respectful bows. "Your Majesty."

The massive double doors swung open, and I crossed the threshold alone, signaling for Xamira to remain behind with a subtle wave of my hand.

The atmosphere inside shifted instantly upon my entry. Melodic notes filled the vast hall, where nobles and combatants mingled, laughing, drinking, and reveling in the festivities. Suddenly, every eye in the room locked onto me.

Those nearest the entrance promptly inclined their heads. "Good evening, Your Majesty."

Offering a polite nod, I ventured deeper into the room, though my true focus lay elsewhere. Methodically, my gaze swept across the tables and the faces of the crowd, searching for a specific sign.

My heart hammered against my ribs, muted and quick. Then, unexpectedly, a familiar hand gently secured mine.

Draven had already intercepted me. Silently, he guided me toward our table. As our bodies settled, his voice resonated within my mind through the matebond.

I shifted to observe him; he was studying me with his usual keen perception. I rested my hand atop his on the table surface.

"I have a plan I intend to carry out," I murmured.

His brows knitted together in confusion.

"Once it is accomplished," I continued serenely, "I shall recount the tale of my victory to you."

His expression transitioned from perplexed to inquisitive, and finally, to something akin to worry. I sensed the unspoken questions rising in his thoughts, yet after a brief pause, he merely nodded.

His unwavering trust moved me, though I felt a pang of guilt; had he known of Wanda’s transgressions, he would never have permitted me to settle the score in my own fashion.

Slowly, I drew my hand away. This was my fight, and I was determined to see it through personally.

Before long, several Elders and Royal Alphas congregated around our station, extending greetings and raising their goblets in salute.

"To Queen Meredith."

I forced a graceful smile. "To Stormveil." I lifted my chalice and drank, the wine leaving a sharp, pleasant heat in my throat.

I desperately needed the distraction; should my thoughts drift back to that restricted room, Valmora might break loose.

A parade of guests arrived—warriors, officials, and those who had received favors from Draven. One after another, they offered their congratulations. I accepted each toast with a composed facade, taking small, frequent sips from my goblet.

Despite this, my attention remained fractured, constantly monitoring the room. Gradually, a realization began to dawn.

Wanda was absent, as was her brother. After scanning the hall repeatedly, it was clear they were nowhere to be found.

My grip tightened upon the stem of my wine glass, and a restless agitation began to stir within.

Finding it impossible to continue feigning enjoyment, I leaned slightly toward Draven.

"My head is beginning to throb," I said in a low tone. "I believe it is a migraine."

Worry instantly etched lines across his features. "Shall I summon the healer?"

"No," I replied, shaking my head gently. "I simply require some peace and rest."

He examined me for a moment before nodding. "Go then."

"Thank you." I rose, bestowing upon him a brief, appreciative smile as I retreated from the table.

Upon exiting the hall, the guards opened the doors once more. As they shut behind me, my expression hardened.

"Xamira."

She instantly appeared at my side. "Yes, Your Majesty?"

"Locate Wanda," I commanded, my voice dropping to a whisper. "Search the palace with discretion. Once you have tracked her, report to me at once."

Xamira bowed without hesitation. "As you command, my Queen."

She vanished down the corridor, and I followed a separate path, determined to track Wanda down myself rather than alerting any palace servants.

The corridors grew eerily silent as I distanced myself from the banquet. Soon, the faint, familiar scent of Wanda drifted toward me.

Valmora paced restlessly beneath my skin. "I know," I thought to myself, slowing my steps as the scent intensified.

A brief flash of relief washed over me upon confirming she remained within the palace grounds, yet it was quickly eclipsed by a surge of pure indignation. My jaw set firmly.

Maintaining absolute silence, I stalked the trail through winding passageways, eventually finding myself in a shadowy, desolate corner of the palace rarely traversed during social gatherings.

Then, the soft, playful cadence of Wanda’s voice drifted to me.

"Do you truly loathe my touch that much these days?"

I froze, my brow furrowing in confusion. Who could she be addressing? Was this some clandestine tryst?

I edged closer to the corner, careful to remain unseen, just as another voice responded.

"How often must I remind you that this can no longer happen between us?"

My eyes widened in shock.

Confusion swirled in my mind until he spoke again, his tone sharp and biting.

"You are incredibly foolish to attempt such things within these palace walls. Anyone could discover us. Is your life worth so little to you?"

Wanda merely issued a soft, dismissive scoff. Her tone was dripping with apathy. "I simply adore an adventure, brother. Do not attempt to tell me you really intend to end our arrangement," she drawled. "Are you already bored with our intimacy?"

For a heartbeat, I grew breathless. My blood turned to ice as the realization struck me like a physical blow.

A wave of visceral revulsion overwhelmed me, and my stomach churned at the implication. A memory surfaced—Back at Duskmoor, Valmora had issued warnings regarding these two, specifically concerning Levi. Suddenly, every broken piece of the puzzle fell into place.

I covered my mouth with my hand to suppress the nausea. They were siblings. Yet, they shared something illicit and vile. My mind felt frozen, trapped in a nightmare, until Levi’s voice shattered the silence again.

"Had I known this was the reason for your summons, I would not have come," he growled, his voice cold. "Do not dare to pull me into your ruin."

The finality in his tone signaled the end of their exchange. Realizing they would soon emerge and potentially discover me, I began a silent retreat; having them know I was aware of their secret was not part of my evening agenda.

However, my heel grazed against the masonry, the sound echoing through the hall. Both speakers went silent instantly, and their footsteps drew rapidly toward my position.

"Who goes there?"

I flattened my body against the wall behind a stone pillar, holding my breath as I peered from my vantage point.

Levi rounded the corner first, his eyes scanning the corridor with deadly precision. His presence was suffocating.

His claws sprouted from his fingertips instantly. "Show yourself!" he demanded.

I remained perfectly still. Suddenly, a soft, droning buzz filled the air as a bee drifted aimlessly down the hallway.

Levi’s gaze tracked the insect. After a few seconds, his claws retracted, and his murderous aura vanished.

Wanda appeared behind him, looking thoroughly inconvenienced. He shook his head and grunted, "I am departing."

Without another word, he strode away. Moments later, Wanda followed in his wake.

I remained unmoving until the sound of their footsteps faded into the distance. Then, I emerged from the shadows, my fists clenched so tightly my knuckles turned white.

"Disgusting," I hissed. The sheer revulsion nearly broke my composure until the buzzing sound returned. I glanced up to see the bee shift forms. Xamira stood before me, bowing instantly. "Your Majesty."

My gaze fixed on the corridor Wanda had disappeared into, icy resolve overriding my shock.

"Find Wanda Fellowes," I ordered in a low, dangerous tone, "and quietly entice her to the armoury."

Xamira bowed once more. "As you command, my Queen."