The Alpha's Unwanted Bride novel Chapter 503

Chapter 503: WHISPERS IN THE FOREST

The forest was heavy with silence. Not the natural hush of night, but a suffocating stillness that made even the leaves seem unwilling to stir.

Uther’s boots sank into damp earth as he pushed deeper, his heart hammering despite the calm mask on his face.

The shadows clung to him, thick as tar, until the faint silver of moonlight was swallowed whole.

He stopped when he reached the clearing, the place no one dared venture, not even the wolves of the pack.

It was where the trees grew twisted, their branches bent like clawed hands, and the air smelled faintly of ash though no fire had ever touched it.

It was also a place where only he had been assigned to venture.

Drawing a shaky breath, he whispered her name.

"Princess Cherry."

There was a stilled silence for about five minutes, soon he began to worry if she had even gotten the call.

Then the forest responded.

First with a low, guttural groan, like wood splintering. The ground seemed to pulse beneath his boots. Then the air shimmered, and from the darkness between the trees, she appeared.

Cherry did not walk so much as glide, her dark gown whispering against the earth, her pale face lit by an otherworldly glow. Her hair, black as pitch, rejected by the crown, framed sharp features that seemed carved from marble.

Her eyes caught the faintest glint of crimson, the mark of her forbidden arts.

"You dare call me here, Uther?" she asked, her voice low, melodic, yet carrying a weight that pressed against his chest. "This had better be worth disturbing me."

Uther bowed his head quickly, sweat dampening his brow. "Forgive me my lady. I bring news. It was of the most importance."

Her lips curved, though not in amusement. "Speak, then. Quickly."

Uther lifted his gaze, swallowing hard. "Jasmine... has lost the child."

For a moment, silence. Then Cherry’s expression flickered, not satisfaction, but something darker.

Her brows knit, her lips thinned. "The child... is gone?"

"Yes," Uther said quickly, relief and dread tangling in his throat. "She buried it herself. The Alpha’s heir.....gone forever."

But instead of triumph, Cherry’s face hardened.

Then she smiled so meanly that she appeared as a monster.

She stepped closer, and the shadows seemed to follow her, wrapping around her form like smoke. "And yet you look uneasy. There is more, isn’t there?"

Uther’s throat worked. "Xaden did not cast her out. He chose... to forgive her."

Uther licked his lips nervously. "What will you do, my lady?"

Cherry stilled, her back to him, her pale hands lifting ever so slightly as if drawing strength from the shadows themselves. The ground trembled faintly under his knees.

"What I must," she murmured. "If Jasmine sets foot in this place, my sister’s compassion will undo us all. I will deal with her before that day comes."

She turned then, her face composed once more, though her eyes burned with dark fire. "You will continue watching, Uther. Every whisper, every plan Xaden makes, you will bring it to me. If she leaves the pack, if she so much as breathes near the palace, I will know. Do you understand?"

"Yes, my lady," Uther said, bowing lower. His heart raced, knowing one slip of the tongue could cost him his life.

Cherry leaned down, her voice silk and poison at once. "Pray, Uther, that you do not fail me again. Jasmine’s bloodline cannot be revealed. Not now. Not ever. Or the consequences will be dire for you."

And then, as suddenly as she appeared, she was gone. The clearing darkened, the weight of her presence dissolving into the night. The forest exhaled, but Uther’s breath came shallow, his chest tight with dread.

He remained kneeling long after she vanished, sweat cold on his back.

Because even though she had gone, her promise lingered in the air, heavier than any threat.

Cherry would deal with Jasmine.

And when she moved... the world itself might tremble.