The Alpha's Silent Bride: Seventh Time's The Charm novel Chapter 124

Chapter 124: 124: The Beast

THIRD PERSON POV

Lady Dowager Ravenna hasn’t slept a single minute since the battle. Every time she closes her eyes, she sees her son’s monstrous form, hears his feral growls, and remembers the moment he lost himself to the curse.

Her mind is consumed by worry. She knows it’s only a matter of time before the Council convenes to discuss the future of Blackshadow. If Ronan remains feral much longer, they’ll either strip him of the throne entirely or place the crown on Ethan’s head in the name of protecting the pack.

She refuses to let that happen.

A bitter sigh escapes her lips as she leans back in her chair. If only Ronan had listened to her from the very beginning and accepted Mara as his mate, none of this would have happened.

None of this burden would have fallen on her shoulders.

Mara sits opposite her, unusually quiet for once. The smug confidence she normally wears has been replaced by anxious anticipation as both women watch the elderly seer seated in the center of the room.

The chamber is dimly lit by dozens of flickering candles.

Bundles of dried herbs burn slowly inside a bronze bowl, filling the room with thick curls of fragrant smoke. Strange symbols have been drawn across the wooden floor in white chalk, surrounding the seer as she chants in an ancient language neither Ravenna nor Mara understands.

The old woman’s eyes remain closed as she mutters one incantation after another, her weathered hands hovering above a bowl of dark water that ripples without anyone touching it.

Neither woman dares interrupt.

Minutes pass in complete silence. Finally, the chanting stops.

The seer slowly opens her eyes and exhales a long, weary breath before lifting her gaze to Ravenna and Mara.

"There may be something we can try," she says carefully. "I cannot promise it will succeed, but it is the only path the spirits have shown me."

Ravenna immediately straightens in her seat.

"What is it?" she asks. "Tell me."

The seer’s expression grows solemn.

"The curse has consumed the Alpha’s human consciousness," she explains. "The beast now dominates his body, but that does not necessarily mean the man is gone."

Hope flickers across Ravenna’s face.

"Then there’s still a way to bring him back?"

"There is... a possibility."

The old woman pauses before continuing.

"The one destined to anchor him is his fated mate. If the bond between them is still intact, there is a chance... however small... that the beast may recognize her presence."

Mara leans forward. "You mean me?"

The seer’s eyes settle on her.

"If fate still acknowledges you as his mate," she says, "then yes. There is a possibility he may respond to your voice... your scent... or your touch."

She lowers her gaze thoughtfully.

"If that happens, the beast may hesitate long enough for Ronan’s human consciousness to fight its way back to the surface."

The room falls silent. For the first time since the battle... hope fills Ravenna’s eyes.

On the other side of the room, Mara’s confidence crumbles almost instantly. Her entire body goes rigid as the full meaning of the seer’s words finally sinks in. They aren’t simply asking her to help Ronan. They’re planning to put her in the same room as the beast.

A cold wave of panic washes over her.

Every story she’s ever heard about Ronan’s feral state flashes through her mind. The monstrous growls. The uncontrollable bloodlust. The beast that no longer distinguishes friend from foe.

Her mouth goes dry. What if he tears her apart the moment she steps inside? What if he doesn’t recognize her at all? What if the first thing he does is sink his claws into her throat?

A tremor runs through her hands.

"No..." she says weakly, forcing out a nervous laugh. "There has to be another way."

The seer remains silent. Mara quickly turns to Ravenna, desperation creeping into her voice.

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