The Shadow Howlers
Chapter 16 - Pup Guards

Violet helped Selena put on a dark blue sundress and zipped it up for her while Zaiden was busy talking to the warriors. Violet braided her long blonde hair, and Selena smiled at her in the mirror.

“Thank you for your help since I’ve been here.” She said to the older werewolf. Violet smiled and patted her shoulder.

“I’m happy to have you here. Zaiden has been so happy since finding you. He was miserable before you came.” She replied as Selena slid her feet into a pair of blue heels that matched her dress. She felt like a new person, being able to speak and hear. When Zaiden walked into the room, she ran into his arms. Violet smiled and left them alone. She didn’t like betraying them and handing them over to the sisters, but she didn’t have a choice.

“Gunnar and Bianca are almost here. They’re bringing their best warriors as well as the two pups with them.” He said before kissing her. The night before had been incredible for them. Now that Zaiden had marked Selena, she should be getting her wolf at any time.

“I can’t wait to see them, but I don’t like bringing them into this mess. I don’t want anyone to get hurt or worse because of me.” Selena said, hugging him. Zaiden kissed her forehead and held her tightly against him.

“We’ll train with them so we’re all prepared. Everyone is coming here to protect you, my Queen. I will bring everyone I can to ensure not one hair on your head is harmed. I love you.” Zaiden kissed her, sliding his tongue into her mouth and his hands down her body to grip her bottom. Just as he was about ready to take her dress off, they received a mindlink from one of the guards.

“The Shadow Howlers are here.” Selena giggled while Zaiden cursed under his breath.

“They’re lucky I like them; otherwise, I’d make them wait.” He straightened her dress and led her out of the room. As they reached the bottom of the stairs, Gunnar, Bianca, and the others walked through the door. Selena ran to Bianca and hugged her. She was the only bright spot from the Last Moon pack.

“It’s so good to see you.” Bianca looked at Selena in shock. The last time she saw her, she was still deaf and mute.

“How are you speaking right now?” She asked her. Selena and Zaiden started laughing.

“We have a lot to tell you. Please come to the dining hall for lunch.” She took Bianca’s hand and felt someone touch her other hand. When Selena looked down, she saw Trisha and Polly.

“Queen Selena, we promise to protect you. Alani is going to train us so we can help.” Trisha said with a smile, holding Selena’s hand. She squatted down so she was at eye level with the two pups.

“If you’re going to help, then I know we’ll have all the protection we need. Would you two like your own rooms, or do you want to share?” Selena asked them. Both girls stood a little taller.

“We can share. Thank you.” Polly answered. Selena stood up, and the two pups followed right behind her, looking around as though everyone was a suspect.

When they went to the dining hall, Trisha and Polly stood next to Selena’s chair, no matter how many times she asked them to sit down to eat. Even Alani was impressed by the two pups. She was still trying to get used to them and the fact that they said they wanted to be like her.

“So, can you please tell us how you can talk and hear now?” Bianca asked Selena as their drinks were set in front of them.

Selena and Zaiden told the group everything that had happened since they arrived at the palace. Andrew joined them and filled in a few blanks as well. Trisha and Polly were so busy listening to what everyone was saying that they temporarily forgot what they were doing until Violet came over to set a glass of water in front of Selena.

“Why are you giving her water? She already has a drink.” Trisha demanded. Violet looked around as everyone stopped talking to look at her. She hadn’t expected to be questioned by anyone, least of all one of the pups.

“Queen Selena, did you ask for water?” Polly asked. Selena looked from the girls to Violet with a frown. Why did Violet bring her water? She never served her in the dining hall, so why now? When she saw how nervous the older woman was, it made her suspicious.

“No, I didn’t,” Selena answered. Trisha and Polly put themselves between Selena and Violet.

“Omar and Alani, I think we have a suspect you need to question,” Trisha said, looking at the two warriors. Violet started to laugh at the audacity of the pup to think she was going to be questioned on the pups say so, but when she saw Omar and Alani stand, she looked at them nervously.

“Who are you?” Omar asked Violet.

“I’m Violet, the Queen’s attendant. I mean her no harm,” she said, backing up slightly. Selena wanted to defend her, but Violet’s behavior was concerning. Andrew walked over and picked up the glass of water off the table.

“I don’t remember you being part of the wait staff, so why are you bringing water to the Queen and no one else?” He asked, noticing how nervous Violet was acting.

“I just thought she might be thirsty. Please, Queen Selena, tell them that I help you. I would never do anything to hurt you. King Zaiden, you know me; these people don’t understand how I’ve helped you over the years.” Violet begged the royal couple. Zaiden stood up and took the glass of water from Andrew.

“Yes, you have, but that doesn’t mean you haven’t changed. If you meant no harm, then I want you to drink the water you gave the Queen.” Zaiden held out the glass to Violet, who unconsciously took a step back.

“No, I’m not thirsty. I’ll go now.” Violet turned to walk away, but Trisha and Polly were standing in front of her.

“Your King gave you an order,” Polly said, pointing to the glass of water. Violet looked toward the others and knew there was no way out. She raised a shaking hand and took the water from Zaiden. Tears ran down her face as she slowly took a sip. When she started to put the glass down, Zaiden stopped her.

“Drink all of it.” He told her. Violet couldn’t stop crying as she swallowed all of the water. Everyone waited to see what was going to happen, and they didn’t have to wait long. Violet dropped the glass and put her hand to her throat as she fell to the ground. She began convulsing, and within minutes, she was dead. Everyone looked at Selena, who was staring at Violet on the floor. They all had the same question. What was in that water?

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