CHAPTER 612: THE KING’S ARRIVAL

"Huh?" Violet blinked, caught completely off guard by the question. She hadn’t seen it coming.

Alaric’s gaze stayed fixed ahead. "You must feel relieved," he murmured, "that you didn’t have to go through all these betrayals."

"Well, technically..." Violet said, her tone thoughtful. "I wasn’t exactly an orphan. I had Nancy, and she was a pain in the ass. At least, back then."

Alaric pressed, "But you still lived like one. That must’ve been easier than mine."

"No, it wasn’t," Violet said flatly.

That made him turn to her, curious despite himself.

"There wasn’t a single day I didn’t wonder who brought me into this world and why they left me alone," she continued, her voice tightening. "I used to stare at myself in the mirror, look at my hair, and think, maybe it’s because I’m a freak."

Her fingers reached for a strand of that same purple hair now, running through it absently. "I cut it more than once. Thought if I chopped off the color, maybe I could start over. But it kept growing back, same damn purple, as if mocking me."

She let out a bitter laugh. "Those thoughts ate me alive, you know? I’d imagine what life would’ve been like if I’d had a real family. I had no identity, no roots, just me and Nancy, and she wasn’t exactly the model guardian. But she kept me alive, and protected me from the predators in District One. That was something."

Her tone softened, almost wistful. "Still, it couldn’t replace what it felt like to belong, you know, to have a name that meant something, a home that didn’t feel borrowed."

Suddenly, the softness vanished, and her features hardened. "Also, this is going to sound bitchy, Alaric, but I’m going to say it anyway since you’re comparing. If that’s the case, then your life was easier compared to mine. And compared to Asher’s." She said the last part with emphasis.

Alaric opened his mouth to argue, but Violet cut him off. "You practically lived like a prince your whole life, Alaric. You had everything anyone could wish for. You never had to starve for days, or finally find food only to wonder how you’d survive the rest of the week. Your family was complete. You didn’t have an abusive monster for a father."

Alaric shot back, "My mother is a manipulative bitch, you saw it. She was willing to endanger my life just to break the two of us apart. She nearly killed me."

"Nearly being the word," Violet countered sharply. "And it was one time, after you finally decided to stand up for yourself. But I’ve seen things, Alaric. Been through situations your princely life wouldn’t have survived. I’ve been inside Asher’s memories, too. He walked a thin thread between life and death every time Henry laid a hand on him."

She said, "I’m not trying to invalidate your pain, or make it sound like it’s nothing. But right now, I’m speaking for Ace. What he did was wrong, yes, but at least he’s remorseful. And without him, we wouldn’t have been able to save this pack."

"Alaric," she said firmly, "you need people on your side right now, most of all, family. Because whether you see it or not, a war is coming. Finn was already bitter long before that letter. Whether it was intercepted or not, he still would’ve turned against this pack. You think an apology would’ve fixed years of hatred?"

The crease in Alaric’s brow deepened. It was clear the gears were turning in his mind.

Violet went on. "Finn envied the life you lived. He wanted to be the Alpha’s son, which was something impossible. An apology wouldn’t have been enough for him. He would’ve demanded more... " Her voice dropped lower, thoughtful. "Maybe he even wanted your father to cast your mother aside to make his own mother Luna again, just to soothe his wounded pride."

Alaric scowled at her, but Violet only shrugged. "Just saying."

Then she added, "And your brother isn’t the only one at fault. You, Alaric—you ignored Finn. You never treated him like an Alpha. Just like your father, you were too wrapped up in your own world of science until you met me. You practically handed Patrick access to Finn."

Alaric’s jaw tightened. Guilt plowed through him because his mate was right—he had played a part in it all.

"If it hadn’t been Finn," Violet concluded, "Patrick would’ve found someone else. The North pack was his target, he would surely find a way."

Alaric exhaled deeply. "So you’re telling me to forgive Ace?"

"Forgiveness is up to you," Violet replied calmly. "What I’m saying is don’t let guilt crush Ace. Don’t push him so far he breaks. He was a kid who made a stupid mistake. If anyone deserves blame, it’s your parents. They caused all of this."

Alaric ran his fingers through his hair and sighed longer this time, as if the weight of the world was pressing on his shoulders.

"I’m sorry," he murmured, "for thinking living as an orphan was easier."

"Oh, don’t worry," Violet said dryly, "you were right anyway."

"Huh?" Alaric frowned in confusion.

"I’ve got a mother whose husband wants me dead," she said, lips twisting. "And a father who plans to use me for world domination. Maybe being an orphan isn’t so bad after all."

Alaric smiled faintly. "Come here." He opened his arms, and Violet walked right into them.

He held her close, swaying slowly from side to side. "Don’t worry," he murmured into her hair. "Our kids will never be orphans. Not with four fathers."

Violet chuckled. "Aren’t you jumping ahead a little, my lord?"

Alaric smirked. "Not ahead. Just prepared." He hugged her tighter.

"Aren’t you two cozy," a voice drawled. But neither of them turned, not when they’d sensed him long before he spoke.

Griffin stepped into view, his muscly arms crossed. "Hate to ruin the moment, but we’ve got a problem."

Violet groaned. "Don’t we always?"

Griffin’s tone darkened. "It’s Elijah. He’s arrived in the North Pack."