The Lost Alpha Queen: Heaven and Hell Bound

Chapter 14

Katrina’s POV

The scent of damp earth lingering after the afternoon rain. The full moon was a day away, and with each passing second, my anxiety clawed at my chest like a wild beast desperate to break free.

But that was the problem.

I still hadn’t shifted.

I stood at the edge of the training grounds, watching as Adolphus moved with amazing precision, his muscles flexing beneath his tunic as he guided Cassandra through her stances. She mirrored his movements perfectly, her strength and agility undeniable.

She belonged here. She belonged with him.

I clenched my fists at my sides, my nails digging into my palms. I was nothing compared to her. I am just an orphan with no known lineage, no real power. I hadn’t shifted, and with the full moon approaching, I felt like a fraud, a disgrace.

I turned to leave, but a deep, commanding voice stopped me in my tracks.

"Katrina."

My breath caught in my throat.

Adolphus.

I turned slowly, my heart pounding against my ribs. He had stepped away from Cassandra, his golden eyes locked onto me with an intensity that made my knees weak.

"Can we talk later?" he asked, his voice low. "There’s something I need to say to you."

For a moment, I could only stare at him. The way he looked at me, it was different. As if he could sense my turmoil, as if he cared.

But then, out of the corner of my eye, I caught sight of Cassandra.

She stood stiffly, her jaw clenched, her hands balled into fists at her sides.

She hadn’t spoken to me since that night. And I couldn’t blame her.

Guilt twisted in my stomach. Cassandra had always been my best friend, my sister in everything but blood. I wasn’t ready to lose that, not over a man.

I swallowed the lump in my throat and shook my head. "No."

Adolphus frowned, a flicker of confusion passing through his gaze. Just then, Cassandra ran past us.

I didn’t wait for him to respond. Instead, I turned on my heel and hurried after Cassandra, my heart heavy.

"Cassandra, wait!" I called, reaching out for her arm.

She spun around so fast I barely had time to react before she slapped my hand away.

I stumbled back, my eyes widening in shock. "Cassandra—"

"Don’t," she snapped, her voice shaking with anger. "Don’t pretend like nothing happened, Katrina."

I swallowed hard. "I never meant to hurt you."

She let out a bitter laugh, crossing her arms over her chest. "Oh, really? You didn’t mean to betray me? You didn’t mean to sleep with Adolphus?"

Shame burned through me, but I lifted my chin. "It was a mistake."

"A mistake?" Her eyes flashed with fury. "You think that makes it better? You think that erases what you did?"

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my voice. "I never wanted this, Cassandra. I never wanted to come between you and Adolphus."

"Then why did you?" she demanded, stepping closer.

"I—I don’t know," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. "I was weak. I was lost. But I swear to you, I never meant to betray you. You are my best friend."

She stared at me, her expression unreadable. For a moment, I thought she might forgive me. That maybe we could fix this.

But then, without warning, her hand shot out, and she slapped me across the face.

Pain exploded across my cheek, but the ache in my chest was far worse.

I sucked in a sharp breath, my fingers trembling as I touched my burning skin.

Cassandra’s voice was cold when she spoke. "Whether it was a mistake or not, it doesn’t matter." She took a step back, her eyes burning with determination. "You knew I like him. I trusted you."

Then, without another word, she turned and walked away, leaving me standing there, stunned and alone.