SAVED BY THE LYCAN KING novel Chapter 23

FERRIS' POV

I sat on a couch and stared out the window of my living room. It was night yet I couldn't sleep. Every time I closed my eyes, I would see her face. Elise. Her name echoed in my mind. For once in my life, I felt helpless. I couldn't protect her. I couldn't stop Jackson from taking her away.

The image of her terrified eyes as I told her she had to leave haunted me. She looked so vulnerable, so scared, and it tore at my heart. I closed my eyes and let out a deep breath. How could I have let this happen? Elise was incapable of the things Jackson accused her of.

The documents he presented were false; I was sure of it. But proving it was another matter. Jackson had been very careful in crafting those documents. The documents were perfect. Sudenky, I felt a presence behind me. I knew who it was before he even walked forward. It was Rafael.

I could feel his calm aura. "Your Majesty" he said "You're awake"

"I couldn't sleep"

"You should rest, your highness. It's late,"

"I can't sleep, Rafael. My mind is too occupied." Rafael placed a glass he was holding on the table beside me. "It's about Miss Elise, isn't it?" he asked.

I didn't respond immediately. The thought of Elise being anywhere near Jackson made my blood boil. I knew how cruel he could be and I knew he wanted to hurt her. The thought of it all made me angry. I couldn't imagine her going through all that.

"Yes," admitted. "I can't stop thinking about her. I feel... responsible for this."

"You care for her deeply, your majesty."

"She didn't want to leave," I said "And I... I didn't want her to go."

"Then do something about it, your grace. Look at the documents again. There might be something you missed, something that can prove her innocence." I nodded, knowing he was right.

But it wasn't just about the documents. There was something more, something deeper. We hadn't known each other for too long yet I felt protective about her. It was driving me insane.

"I apologize for asking" Rafael said "But do you by any chance have feelings for miss Elise?"

My Lycan growled in response. I felt connected to her in a way I had never felt before. I was drawn to her in ways I couldn't describe. I was intrigued by her in every way - her smile, her face, her personality.

Elise was like a breath of fresh air. I couldn't explain this. I kept quiet, not wanting to admit my feelings.

"I believe I already know my answer" Rafael said with a smile.

"Shut up" I murmured.

Rafael laughed "Your Majesty, ever since miss Elise came into your life, you've been different. More... alive." Alive. It seemed too simple a word for what I felt.

Elise made me feel seen, noticed. I was glad whenever I was the focus of her attention. What I felt for her was an ache, a longing to be with her at every waking moment.

My Lycan craved her, craved her presence. But I was a king. I couldn't let my feelings control me.

"As a king, I have to make decisions for the good of people, not based on personal feelings." I said. "Perhaps, Your Majesty. But sometimes, what is good for the kingdom aligns with what is good for the heart."

I shook my head "I don't know what to do, Rafael. I feel like I'm losing my mind." "Start with the documents. If Jackson falsified them, there will be evidence. And when you find it, you can bring Elise back where she belongs."

When I was Luna, I used to like her a lot. She was a no nonsense person who always got the job done.

"You're late," she snapped. "You need to be here at dawn. Do you understand?" I couldn't believe what was going on. Ms Kelly used to treat me with respect just like everyone else. It's surprising how things have changed.

I felt hurt but there was nothing I could do. This was my life now. I nodded, unable to speak. The humiliation was overwhelming.

"Good," she continued. "You'll start by washing the dishes. And make sure you do it properly. I won't tolerate any mistakes." I swallowed hard and made my way to the sink.

The other maids still whispered and casted glances my way. My hands shook as I started washing the dishes. I tried to focus on the task at hand, but my mind kept drifting to Ferris.

Ferris. The thought of him brought a fresh feeling of tears to my eyes. I missed him so much it hurt. He had been so kind to me, so protective. But now, it felt like he was miles away and I was stuck here, treated like a servant.

"Elise, you're not scrubbing hard enough," Ms Kelly barked, snapping me out of my thoughts. I bit my lip and scrubbed harder.

"Look at her," one of the maids whispered to another. "She thinks she's too good for this."

"Yeah, just because she was a Luna," the other replied. "Not anymore."

I clenched my fists, making the soapy water drip onto the floor. I wasn't too good for this. I would do whatever it took to survive, to find a way out.

And I would prove them wrong. I would show them that I was stronger than they thought. I'll make sure they all regret this. Every single one of them.