After I Torched Alive, My Alpha Went crazy novel Chapter 172

Carlos stepped forward, his expression unyielding. "I regret not being there for Grace during her previous challenges. I won’t let her face this alone. From now on, I will stand by her side, no matter the danger."

Liza hesitated, clearly uncertain whether to push back. After a moment, she sighed and said, "As you wish, Your Highness. But do remember, Queen Luna will not appreciate any disruption."

Carlos turned to me with a reassuring smile. "Shall we?" he asked, extending his hand.

For a moment, I hesitated. Then I reached out, letting my hand rest in his. His grip was steady and warm, a quiet promise of support.

As we walked through the palace corridors toward Queen Luna’s chambers, the grand halls seemed quieter than ever.

My nerves buzzed, but Carlos’s presence beside me kept me grounded.

"Tina," I whispered internally, calling out to the wolf spirit within me. "What’s happening? Why do I feel this strange calmness?"

Tina’s voice answered softly, "Carlos’s wolf is reaching out. It’s his way of offering comfort and strength. Trust it."

Her words eased my tension. I glanced at Carlos, who seemed focused on the path ahead.

There was something unspoken between us, a connection that neither of us acknowledged openly but felt in moments like these.

"Are you nervous?" His voice broke the silence, low and gentle.

I hesitated before nodding. "A little. I don’t know why she wants to see me."

Carlos chuckled softly, the sound like a warm breeze cutting through the cold. "Queen Luna is… unique. She sees things in people that others don’t. You’ll see."

I tilted my head, studying his expression. "Have you ever been nervous around her?"

His smile widened just slightly, a hint of humor dancing in his eyes. "Plenty of times. Especially when I was younger. She has a way of making you feel like she knows all your secrets before you do."

I couldn’t help but smile at that, imagining a younger, more uncertain Carlos facing the queen’s sharp gaze. "And now?" I asked.

"Now, I respect her," he said simply. "And I trust her judgment. If she’s called you, there’s a reason."

I felt a strange sense of peace, the kind that comes from knowing you aren’t facing something alone.

As we approached the ornate doors to Queen Luna’s chambers, Carlos turned to me once more. His hand gently squeezed mine, sending a wave of calm through me.

I was stronger now, and I knew I could handle whatever came next. I was ready to show Queen Luna that I belonged here, just like everyone else.

"I will be able to impress Queen Luna with the company of these people," I thought to myself as I stepped inside.

The air in Queen Luna’s chambers felt colder the moment we stepped in.I could feel her gaze even before I dared to look up.

When I finally met her eyes, her expression was unreadable but far from warm.

"Your Majesty," Carlos said, bowing deeply. I followed suit, lowering my head in respect.

Carlos stepped forward, slightly shielding me from her direct view. His voice was steady and respectful as he began, "I’ve brought Grace as you requested."

Queen Luna’s piercing eyes moved past him and landed on me. Her lips tightened, and the chill in her voice was unmistakable, making it clear she wasn’t pleased to see me.

Her gaze finally shifted back to Carlos. "My son," she said, her voice cool but commanding, "you insist on accompanying Miss Grace, despite my specific request for her to come alone?"

Carlos straightened, meeting her gaze without hesitation. "Yes, Queen Luna. Grace has faced many challenges on her own, and I will not let her feel unsupported again. Whatever comes, I will stand by her side."