Chapter Fifteen

Astrid’s POV

The weight of Joran’s words lingered in the air, the queen. The title clung to me, heavy and foreign, something I wasn’t sure I was ready to embrace. But as Kaden led me toward the palace, his hand still firmly holding mine, the reality of my situation became harder to ignore. I had been thrown into this world, bound to it by a prophecy I barely understood, and now the stakes were rising with each passing moment.

And then there was Sven.

Kaden hadn’t said much about his uncle, but what he did say painted a clear picture. Sven was ruthless, dangerous, and obsessed with power. The amulet was his target, and by extension, so was I.

As we entered the palace, the grand halls felt cold despite the warmth of the glowing torches along the walls. Kaden’s presence beside me was a comfort, but the overwhelming sense of responsibility began to press in on me. I was supposed to be the key to something far larger than myself, but how could I protect a kingdom when I barely knew how to control the power that had been thrown into my life?

We reached his study, and I sat on the couch. The amulet buzzed faintly in my hand, its warmth steady, as if it were waiting for me to figure out my next move.

“You’re quiet,” Kaden said softly, his gaze flickering toward me as we walked down the long corridor. “What’s on your mind?”

I hesitated, not sure how to voice the storm of emotions swirling inside me. “I’m angry…”

“Hey…” he attempted to comfort me.

I felt that ache in my stomach go to my chest and then to my throat, and the tears came. I feel the anxiety and sadness building up, “I’m also sad, scared, confused.”

Kaden stopped, turning to face me, his expression serious but gentle. “Hey, hey,” he strides over and takes me into his embrace. “I got you, okay? You’re safe, baby,” he plants a kiss on my head. I cried for the first time in seven years.

“I’m just a simple archaeologist and professor, Kaden!” I exclaimed, the frustration in my voice rising with each word. “One minute, I’m on a dig with my team, doing what I love, and then, bam! I’m thrown into a completely foreign world with no way of getting back. That’s what’s simple to me. That’s what I know. And now, I’m holding a glowing rock that teleports me, and people are calling me a queen?!”

I could feel my voice shaking, my emotions unraveling. “I feel like I’m losing my mind here, Kaden! This isn’t me! I’m not used to any of this! I’m not used to having a mate, let alone a Lycan who transforms into a wolf. I miss my team. I miss my life!” My chest tightened as anger surged to the surface.

“This… this isn’t it, Kaden!” My voice cracked as I shouted, my sadness now morphing into pure, unfiltered rage. “This isn’t for me!”

By the time the words left my lips, I realized I was nearly screaming, my heart pounding in my chest. My blood felt like it was boiling, my emotions swirling into a storm I could no longer control.

That anger sparked something deep within me. The amulet in my hand began glowing brighter, its heat intensifying, but strangely, it didn’t burn. I could feel its power, raw and alive, pulsing through my veins. Kaden took a cautious step back, his eyes searching mine, trying to assess the situation.

The door burst open as Joran, Torin, and Varel rushed into the study, the council trailing behind them. Their faces were a mix of fear and confusion. Their eyes locked on me as if I had become something dangerous. I turned to Kaden, my heart pounding. “I don’t want to hurt anyone. Please... stay back.”

I started backing away, my voice trembling as the energy from the stone grew stronger. Kaden raised a hand to the others, stopping them from approaching. “Astrid, it’s been a stressful day. Let me help you.”

I shook my head, desperation creeping into my voice. “No. Please. I need space.” The glow from the amulet intensified, forming a shimmering barrier around me as if it was creating a protective bubble.

Kaden’s voice remained calm, but I could hear the worry in it. “I’ll give you all the space you need, but please, you should rest. Let’s at least see the doctor. After that, you can have all the space you want.”

“No,” I said firmly, gripping the amulet tighter. The temptation to accept his offer was there, but I knew I couldn’t. Not now. I needed time to think… to breathe.

Suddenly, the monk from earlier hobbled into the room, his limp slowing him, but his eyes were wide with awe. He was the only one who wasn’t afraid. “Oh my… look at you!” he gasped, admiration evident in his voice.

“Step back, monk,” Kaden warned, his tone sharp, but the monk didn’t flinch.

“Enough, Kaden,” I said my gaze still on the monk. “I want to hear him.”

The monk’s eyes gleamed with reverence as he spoke. “They can’t see it, but I can. You hold the power that can save us. I can help you. These ‘Elders’ don’t understand the prophecy as I do. A monk is only allowed to reveal the truth to those who wield the amulet’s power.”

His words hung in the air, heavy with meaning, and for the first time, I felt truly seen. I looked back at Kaden, my heart aching. “I need time, Kaden. I’m sorry. I’ll be back, I promise.”

I extended my hand to the monk, and he took it without hesitation. I clutched the amulet tightly to my chest, focusing on the one place that could give me the clarity I so desperately needed.

“Astrid, please... don’t.” Kaden’s voice cracked, and when I looked into his eyes, I saw tears brimming, pleading with me not to leave.

My heart felt like it was being ripped out, but I mouthed the words, I’m sorry.

The amulet’s energy flared, surrounding me and the monk in a brilliant light. And just like that, the world around us blurred as I felt the familiar pull of teleportation take hold.