Chapter 50

Chapter 50: Chapter 50

Ivy’s Point of View

I don’t know Sarina, but from the way she spoke, it’s clear she knows something about me, something I’m not aware of. Just as I was about to question her, Bella suddenly grabbed my wrist and pulled me away, not giving me the chance to speak.

“Don’t pay attention to Sarina,” Bella said, guiding me toward the other archery groups, her grip tight as if she didn’t want me going back.

But I can’t seem to understand what Sarina meant by her words, and it’s starting to bother me more than I expected. How did she even know about what Seraphina did? That wasn’t something just anyone should know.

“What is Sarina talking about?” I asked Bella, unable to hold back any longer, hoping she might have some clue or explanation.

“When Dominic fell into a vegetative state, Sarina didn’t waste any time. She set her sights on Bastian, knowing he would become the next Alpha with his brother unable to rule,” Bella said, as if the whole situation still left a bitter taste in her mouth.

“But she didn’t succeed, because Seraphina beat her to it... no one saw it coming. Seraphina secured her place before Sarina could make her move. And now, it’s Seraphina who stands beside Bastian as his wife, carrying the title Sarina desperately wanted,” Bella explained fully.

So that’s why Sarina lashed out at me. Now I see clearly that there was never much difference between Seraphina and Sarina.

Both of them were ready to take what wasn’t theirs. Even back then, when I was still Bastian’s fiancé, they were craving the Luna title and the power that came with it.

In the end, Seraphina is the one who think she’s smarter, and claimed the position Sarina had been desperately reaching for all along.

Now I understand. “Thank you for explaining,” I said, picking up a bow and arrow, trying to calm my thoughts. I pushed it aside for now.

The archery competition was divided into two groups, and Bella and I were placed in the same one. We stood in line with the others, waiting our turn, as each participant stepped forward to shoot at the target.

Finally, it was my turn to shoot. I stepped forward, tightening my grip on the bow, my focus  on the target ahead.

Just then, Bella had to step back because of the taut string. In the process, she accidentally bumped into the person behind her, losing her balance completely and falling awkwardly onto his legs, drawing startled reactions from those nearby.

Quickly, I set the bow and arrow aside and rushed to help Bella to her feet. She brushed off the dust from her clothes, and as we looked up, she realized who she had fallen on.

He was sitting in a wheelchair. Bella’s eyes widened, and she immediately lowered her head in respect. “I’m sorry, Prince Riven,” she said quickly, her voice filled with genuine apology and embarrassment.

Prince Riven? The name sounded strangely familiar to me.

“It’s okay,” he said lightly, a teasing smile on his face. “My legs are already useless anyway.”

Why would he say that? Call his own legs useless? Even if they truly were, there was no need to put it into words.

Bella leaned close and whispered quickly in my ear, her voice barely audible. “This is Prince Riven, the eldest son of the Alpha King and the future heir.”

Oh, of course... that’s why his name sounded so familiar.

“Unfortunately, a few months ago, I fell off my horse and broke both my legs,” Prince Riven explained, his tone tinged with sadness. “Now, I’m confined to a wheelchair and can no longer walk as I used to.”

Hearing that, I couldn’t help but think how tragic it was for a prince to suffer such misfortune.

“Don’t feel sorry for me, and don’t let this spoil the fun,” Prince Riven said with a playful tone.

He picked up a bow, not caring about his disability, and drew the arrow with surprising skill. With a swift release, the arrow flew straight, landing perfectly on the target.

Bella gasped in awe, her eyes wide with surprise. “Wow! You’ve got such strong control... how did the arrow land perfectly on the target like that?” she exclaimed, clearly impressed.

Then she turned to me, nudging me with a grin. “Go on, Ivy. Shoot your arrow... let’s see how well you do.” I drew the bow and released, and my arrow landed just beside the target.

“Whoa, Ivy! That was so close!” Bella said, her excitement bubbling over as she clapped lightly, encouraging me for my next shot.

“Ivy?” Prince Riven said. “Is that you? Dominic’s wife?” He asked.

He knows who Dominic is?

“Yes... it’s me. I’m Dominic’s wife,” I replied cautiously, still surprised that he recognized me.

He looked at me with concern. “How is Dominic faring now? How is his condition?”

I was momentarily speechless, unable to find words. How did he know Dominic, and even  his condition?  

“I can see the shock on your face. But Dominic and I have been good friends for a long time,” he said.

Ah, that explained how he knew about Dominic’s condition.

Then I tried to tell him that Dominic was responding to treatment. “He is re...” I hadn’t even finished my sentence when a loud scream cut me off abruptly.

My heart raced. What on earth was going on?

Soon, three maids came running toward us, fear written all over their faces.

“Several young masters and ladies have fallen into the water!” one of them reported breathlessly.

Again? My mind immediately went back to the chaos at the Pearlside Pack. Exactly what had happened there few days ago, is happening here too?

“Young masters and ladies? My younger siblings aren’t among them, right?” Prince Riven asked worriedly.

“I’m afraid they are,” another maid replied hesitantly.

“The young prince and princess are among those who fell in. They were playing inside the boat, engaging in a swimming game, when the accident happened.”

Prince Riven’s expression turned sad, his concern for his siblings immediately clear as he processed the news.

“Luke... Luke.” Bella’s voice trembled as she scanned the crowd in concern, and fear. “Where is my brother?!” she demanded.

“I’m so sorry,” a maid replied. “He’s among the children who were playing in the boat and fell into the water.”

“No... this can’t be happening again,” Bella whispered through her tears. She sprinted toward the water without wasting any time, and I quickly followed her, running towards the direction she followed.