Defy The Alpha(s) - Chapter 728
Capítulo 728: The Princess Debut
The Mindleecher Larva was one of the most forbidden organisms in Fae history. Finding one was nearly impossible because the creature fed on flesh and could only be found where death had occurred in great numbers—not a single grave, but a mass one. And since Fae rarely died, let alone in such numbers — without war —its existence alone was a rarity.
Which was why possession of one was considered treason.
The larva responded only to its breeder. Once the breeder infused it with their magic, it would answer solely to their command. Upon being released, it could enter a victim through any vulnerable opening—the ear, nose, mouth, even the tear ducts—slipping inside with terrifying ease. From there, it traveled directly to the brainstem, anchoring itself deep within the mind.
Once embedded, the victim was no longer free. The Mindleecher did not seize control violently, which made it far more dangerous. The victim often didn’t even realize they were being controlled.
The creature threaded itself through the host’s thoughts, emotions, and instincts. Commands felt like their own ideas at first until the control became absolute.
If resistance arose, the punishment was unbearable. The larva retaliated by slowly draining cognition, memory, and sanity. Victims who fought it for too long did not survive.
There was no cure.
Extraction killed the host instantly. Magic only worsened the damage, and no divine intervention had ever been recorded.
That was why the High Faeries outlawed it centuries ago, and why possession alone warranted execution without trial.
“Who will kill the princess?” Celeste asked, curiosity glinting in her eyes.
Baron smiled. “It wouldn’t be fun if I revealed that to you, would it?”
“Ron…” she pressed softly.
Baron leaned in, cupping her face between his hands before kissing her lips. “It’s for your own safety,” he murmured against her mouth. “I wouldn’t want to drag you into this mess if everything goes wrong.”
“But—”
“I might not even get to use it on the princess,” he cut in. “For all we know, she could provoke half the Free Fae and end up despised. For once, our people’s close-minded thinking might work in my favor.”
He kissed her again, slower this time, then added, “Now go get dressed. I want you on my arm while I display the most beautiful woman in the realm…” His hand slid through her dark hair as he finished slyly, “And my future queen.”
A bright smile bloomed across Celeste’s face. Overcome with excitement, she pressed a deep kiss to his lips before hurrying off to dress.
The moment she was gone, Baron’s smile vanished.
He turned back to the pulsing caterpillar beneath the glass dome, his expression cold.
“I’m sorry, princess,” he murmured softly. “But you cannot escape your fate.”
Meanwhile….
“Oww. Stop pulling at that.”
Roman swatted Asher’s hand away with a scowl, his fingers instinctively flying to the small flower braided into the west Alpha’s hair.
“If you yank it out, I swear I’ll make sure they regrow it and style it again.”
Asher closed his eyes in irritation. “It looks ridiculous.”
Why would he be wearing a flower? It was ridiculous.
“It looks good on you and dilutes your ice cold aura which is the whole point.”Roman shot back.
They had barely survived an entire day of lessons on Free Fae customs, etiquette, hierarchy, and taboos. Apparently, stepping on the wrong moss could be an insult. Wearing the wrong color could start a feud. And now, hours later, it was finally time for the princess’s debut into Fae society.
Their mate Violet had been whisked away the moment lessons ended. And yes, they were not spared either.
Asher stood rigid while attendants finished adjusting his clothes. He wore a long-sleeved black tunic woven from pure silk, the fabric soft yet structured, with plant engravings stitched in deep obsidian thread that caught the light only when he moved. The neckline and cuffs were stiffened with golden embroidery, and framed him elegantly.
His trousers were fitted and charcoal gray, dark enough to ground the tunic without drawing attention away from it while
Polished black boots hugged his calves.
Then there was the makeup.
A thin line of smoky black liner traced his eyes, extended just enough to sharpen the natural slant of his gaze. It made his gray eyes startling, and almost unreal. Cold, dangerous yet beautiful in a way that made people forget how to breathe.
And the flower was a single blossom woven deliberately into his hair at the temple.
Asher hated it.
Roman, on the other hand, loved it.
The god of love in question lounged comfortably while attendants fussed over him, wearing a short-sleeved green tunic cut in a deep V that showed off his chest and powerful arms. The fabric clung where it mattered and flowed where it should, embroidered with gold-thread vines.
Gold dust had been brushed lightly across his cheekbones and nose, scattered like freckles kissed by sunlight. It caught the light when he smiled, which he did often and shamelessly. Small gold hoops adorned his ears, along with a dangling chain on one side that brushed his jaw when he tilted his head.
His hair was styled loosely, half pulled back with leaves woven through.
Roman caught Asher staring and grinned. “You can stare all you want, I know I’m pretty.”
Asher growled under his breath. Shameless bastard.
Then Griffin stepped in and Roman’s mouth fell open in surprise.
“Well damn,” he said slowly, his eyes lighting up. “Not bad at all.”
Griffin’s hair was long again, falling past his shoulders in thick waves. It looked exactly like it used to be, untamed and wild, framing his face in a way that made his sharp features even more striking.
“How did they do that?” Roman asked, circling him.
Griffin scratched the back of his neck, a bit shy. “Magic extension.”
Roman immediately reached out, fingers sliding through Griffin’s hair. “Damn. That feels real.”
Griffin flushed but didn’t pull away.
Asher watched with narrowed eyes, already tired.
Then the room went quiet as Alaric walked in.
Every gaze snapped to him.
Roman swore under his breath. “You have got to be kidding me.”