The Lunar Curse: A Second Chance With Alpha Draven novel Chapter 653

Chapter 653: Wanda’s Remains

[Third Person].

Meredith changed out of her bloodstained gown. A simple printed dress replaced it, clean and unremarkable.

Xamira followed quietly at her side as they entered the palace. The banquet had ended—only a few servants remained, clearing the last traces of the night’s celebration.

Meredith stopped somewhere first before heading to her chambers alone. As soon as she walked in, Azul and the others bowed.

"Your Majesty."

"Rise," Meredith ordered.

Just then, Azul stepped forward. "His Majesty came looking for you earlier," she reported.

"I see." Meredith gave a small nod. And since there was nothing more to say, she dismissed everyone.

Azul bowed again and withdrew with the others, leaving the corridor empty.

Meredith stood there for a moment, then turned and made her way to the bathing room. Once inside, she removed her dress and stepped under the water.

The scent of blood still faintly lingered on her skin. She reached for the floral-scented soap and washed carefully, unhurried but thorough, until nothing but a soft, clean fragrance remained.

When she finished, she stepped out and wrapped a towel around her hair, drying it as she moved. She brushed her teeth, applied a light perfumed cream to her skin, then dressed in her nightgown and robe.

After fastening the sash, she left the room without hesitation. Her steps led her directly to Draven’s chambers.

Draven was in the sitting area, seated on the sofa with a plate in one hand. He was midway through his meal with a piece of steak rested on his fork, and he looked up to see her. A flicker of surprise crossed his face.

Meredith made her way straight to him. Without asking, she took the fork from his hand and guided the piece of steak into her mouth. At the same time, she lifted her other hand and pushed her damp silver hair back from her face.

Draven didn’t stop her. Instead, he shifted slightly, making room as she sat beside him.

"I came looking for you earlier," he said.

"Azul told me." Meredith chewed, then swallowed. "I went for a stroll."

His gaze lingered on her, then he leaned closer. Slowly, he drew in a breath near her neck, his eyes closing briefly as he inhaled. Then he leaned back again. His expression changed.

"I smell blood on you," he said. "Did you kill someone?"

Meredith remained calm. She set the fork back onto the plate, then picked up the glass of wine. Her movements were steady, unhurried.

"I encountered something unpleasant," she said. "And dealt with it."

Draven held her gaze as silence stretched between them for a moment.

Meredith shifted slightly under his stare. "What are you looking at?" she asked with a faint crease between her brows.

He leaned in again, his voice lower this time. "I’m making sure Valmora hasn’t taken over my Queen."

Meredith let out a soft chuckle. "She would be offended by that."

Draven’s lips curved slightly. "She can’t blame me."

As if to demonstrate her discontentment, the matebond stirred. Then, a low, irritated surge pushed through. Both of them felt it.

Meredith’s chuckle deepened as Draven exhaled softly, amused as the night settled over them.

***

Morning arrived quietly over Stormveil as sunlight streamed through the tall windows of the royal dining hall.

The atmosphere was calm, almost deceptively so.

Meredith and Draven sat beside each other, eating in silence. The faint clink of cutlery was the only sound between them.

Draven cut into his food with steady movements, his expression composed, though his gaze occasionally lifted toward Meredith. She, on the other hand, seemed unusually quiet—more withdrawn than the night before.

Then, suddenly, her cutlery came to a soft stop. The sound was subtle, but it broke the rhythm of the room.

Draven looked up and met her gaze.

"I have something important to tell you," she said with a calm tone.

Draven studied her for a brief moment, then nodded. "Go ahead."

A short pause followed, then she confessed, "I killed Wanda Fellowes last night."

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