"Lower your voice, you serpent," she lashed at him as cursing him by calling him a serpent. "If you cannot kill your father who is old, alone and helpless and without anyone to protect him, then you shouldn't even dream of getting the throne." She turned her back to him and said, "Also from now on, do not, and I warn you – do not come anywhere near the Wizard Kingdom or this lake, else, it will take less than two seconds to slice you into pieces and feed them to the ravens."

Rhys' eyes bulged with terror. He looked at the Queen of the Wizard Realm unblinkingly. He gulped and became speechless. His lips and chin trembled slightly. He shook his head in denial. He found himself to be such a fool. Not only did he not fight with the people, he betrayed them by hiding all this while in a cave, waiting for Adrianna to come and crown him the next king. Who would even consider him as their king? He actually had only one option left, which was to kill his father if he had to at all stake claim to the throne. But he was shocked that Adrianna wasn't helping him at all. "Who would help me to kill my father, Adrianna?" he asked completely shocked. "You were the one who committed," he managed to say his throat was choked.

​​

"No, I never made any commitment to kill your father. I said that I am going to make you the king," she replied. She turned back and walked near him. She brushed his leathery skin and added, "When you are going to claim the title, I will come to crown you." She paused and then glared at him. "And that too if I have time."

Rhys felt his muscles tensioning. His nostrils flared. He swatted her hand and yelled, "Adrianna! You are a cheat!" Suddenly he lunged at her.

Both Dmitri and Haldir spun and were about to hold him.

But Adrianna had anticipated his movement. She brought both her hands forward and pushed him in the lake with all her might. Rhys fell into the lake with a thud.

"Go, and never come back!" she yelled at him. "If I find you anywhere near this realm or mine, I will personally kill you. You are good for nothing!" It was a primal scream and it made Dmitri and Haldir look at her with fear in their heart.

Rhys didn't know what to do. Insulted and threatened by the Queen herself, he had only one option left. He sank his body in the lake while staring at her. Just before he disappeared, he said, "Wait for me Adrianna. I will harm you so badly that you will cry for life."

In anger, Haldir sent a beam of electricity from his wand. The beam hit the surface of the water and electrified it. The serpent wiggled and swished his tail around feeling the current and then soon dived deeper.

"Keep a watch on him," instructed Adrianna. "And kill him at the first opportunity if he tries to even come near these realms." She was trembling with fury.

"Yes, my Queen," Haldir replied. He was raging inside and if it had been for him, he would have killed him already.

"Let's go back," Dmitri proposed. Once again he held her hand.

"Yes," she muttered. "I want to meet Niiya."

"Now?" Dmitri jerked his head.

"Hmm…"

They continued to walk back. Although Haldir proposed that he create a portal, Adrianna refused. She simply wanted to take a stroll and release all her pent up energy.

As they were walking, they heard a rumble. It was as if a large herd of animals were running, their hooves thumping together.

Dmitri smiled, "Werewolves."

They turned back and waited for them. In the twilight of the day, from amongst the dense trees, emerged the werewolves—running in the direction. It was a beautiful sight. So many of them in various hues of white, black and grey, all so lithe and agile on their feet, that it was a view to watch. Led by Nate and Liam, all of them were coming back to their homes. Adrianna didn't have words to say. Wizards and witches were still in their homes when the attack took place, but the werewolves were dislodged. They had been staying for the past two days in makeshift caves.

When the werewolves neared their Alpha and Luna, Nate, Liam along with other leaders of the packs shape shifted. They walked to the power couple and bowed.

The leaders all bowed to them together. The tallest one said, "Supreme Alpha, thank you for your help. You evacuated us in time and so we were all saved. We can't imagine what could have happened if you had been late. Your timely action led us to safety. We salute your Luna too, who stood by you."

Dmitri bowed back slightly as he grasped Adrianna's hand tightly. "You are welcome but this was my duty."

The leader nodded and then they all merged with their herds. Every one of them went in different directions. Soon the place became clear. Nate and Liam stayed there.

"Where is Ookashi and Fleur?" asked Adrianna.

"Fleur is getting Ookashi slowly," Nate replied. She can't walk fast at the moment.

"Where are my parents?"

"They were the first ones to be carried back to the mansion," said Liam.

"Then what are you two doing here?" Dmitri chided. "Your job is done. Now go to your wives. We will meet in my home in an hour from now."

They all laughed in unison.

While Nate and Liam ran back inside the forest, Haldir created the portal for them to meet Niiya.

They stepped outside in the alley near Niiya's house. As they were walking towards his house, they noticed that a large number of people had gathered.

"They must have come for Dr. Tanaka's funeral," Haldir whispered. He swished his wand and the three of them had changed into black funeral dresses. They walked amongst the throng to Niiya's house. And as they walked there were several eyes that followed them, especially Adrianna.

The eyes saw how well covered she was to hide her pregnancy.