Chapter 92: _Clever Witch

Chapter 92: _Clever Witch Marcellus’ POV ***** When he regained consciousness, the first thing he noticed was Kaelos yelling out in a panic, asking him about Odessa’s whereabouts. It was then that he remembered everything that happened before he passed out. That cunning little witch... She was a powerless witch but a witch nonetheless. ’I guess I underestimated her.’ He thought to himself, watching as Kaelos began panicking and acting like the world was about to end. Marcellus had never met his mate and didn’t even know if he had one. Maybe the moon goddess had stripped him and others like him of that ’privilege’ the moment they decided to become this way. Aberrations of the natural order. Werewolves who are capable of wielding magic but at the cost of taking the lives of others. Well, it didn’t matter anyway. Kaelos’ behavior right now was just extra proof of what Marcellus has always believed. Having a fated mate or being romantically entangled was a weakness that would only hinder him. "Find her!" Kaelos suddenly barked at his assistant, Layla, who stood beside Marcellus meekly. Those were the last words the Alpha King said before jumping off the balcony and heading out to search for his dear witch bride. "Ugh, drama queen..." Marcellus mumbled to himself, shaking his head as he slowly got off the ground. Layla came to his aid just then, holding his arms closely and trying to help him stand. "Are you okay? Do you need help, sir?" She asked innocently, although her voice came off as bashful to Marcellus. Well, he wouldn’t be surprised if the woman had a crush on him. He’s come to discover that several females in the pack found him attractive and would want to be with him. Too bad he didn’t have eyes on any of them aside from being potential tools. "I’m fine, Layla. Thank you." Marcellus plastered a smile on his face, his kind Beta facade almost faltering at that moment. He successfully got on his feet and glanced at the room’s balcony where an influx of wind blew into the room, causing him to dim his eyes. He could pick up Odessa’s scent, but it was becoming faint already, which was odd. He hasn’t been knocked out that long and it should still be traceable by him. Unless... "She found a way to mask her scent..." Marcellus blurted, tilting his head with an amused smirk. Now he wanted to get his hands on that grimoire even more. Suddenly, the room door swung open and Odessa’s maid, Caroline, barged in with an awkward expression on her face. Marcellus glanced back at her, noticing the deep sadness on her face as she fiddled with her fingers. "B– Beta Marcellus." She spoke weakly, lowering her head. "It’s my fault that Odessa is gone." Marcellus dimmed his eyes, scrutinizing the girl. She was young, looking to be around Odessa’s age and her demeanor came off as meek. It was quite surprising to him that this she wolf was able to soften up so much to a witch. Meanwhile, Layla turned her gaze from Marcellus and Caroline briefly before she cleared her throat and began walking toward the exit. "I have to go alert the Gamma so he can begin mobilizing pack soldiers for the search." She remarked somberly, glancing back at the balcony. "I’ve never seen the Alpha King so worked up. Why is he so concerned about that witch?" Marcellus sniggered just then but he didn’t say anything, simply folding his arms in front of his chest. If only they knew that their beloved Alpha King was mated to the witch in question. Anyway, Layla walked past Caroline, briefly glancing at the maid with a fleeting moment of curiosity. Caroline’s face heated up with a blush, causing Marcellus to arch an eyebrow. But the interaction was so brief that he didn’t pay much attention to it as Layla left the room. "Yes, Caroline. You were saying something." Marcellus said, nodding at the maid to continue as he slowly walked toward her with his arms behind his back. Caroline nodded, her hands clenching before she continued speaking. "Earlier today, ma’am Odessa asked me to help her make some potions. I didn’t think much of it because she said they were meant for ’sleeping’." Interesting... So the maid witnessed Odessa making potions. Potion-making didn’t always involve spells or magic, but it was still a form of witchcraft. If Caroline has witnessed Odessa doing it... "How many times have you helped Odessa to brew potions?" Marcellus asked, dimming his eyes with curiosity as he paused a few meters away from her. Caroline’s eyes fluttered before she composed herself enough to speak. "Just two, sir. Last night when she made some for you and the South American Alpha King. But she didn’t give me many details about their use, though." Clever girl... Marcellus smirked, finding himself getting more and more impressed with Odessa’s antics. "Anyway, sir. My point is that I suspect the potions ma’am Odessa made today have a different use. Maybe... They helped her to escape." Caroline said weakly, lowering her head with shame and guilt. Marcellus had the urge to roll his eyes but he didn’t and instead stepped forward until he was mere inches away from Caroline. He stretched his right hand forward, using his fingers to part aside strands of her hair. "Oh, Caroline. You shouldn’t blame yourself for any of that." He whispered, his voice gentle but holding a hidden edge. She slowly raised her head, staring into his hazel eyes which seemed to glint with an unknown light in the darkness. "S– Sir? What are you... Doing?" Caroline asked with a weak voice, her eyelids fluttering as well, as if she was about to fall asleep. Marcellus didn’t waste any time finding his way into her mind. Unlike Celine, she wasn’t from a strong werewolf bloodline so she couldn’t put up a strong resistance. Yet her will was still strong, causing him to chuckle softly. "Just relax and let go, dear." He whispered, his smirk widening as she seemed to finally be giving in, and her mind started becoming open. However, as he bared his fangs, about to sink them into her neck to drain her of her life force, he was interrupted by a voice speaking in his head telepathically. ’Marcellus, my right hand...’ He froze, withdrawing his right hand from Caroline’s face and also his fangs, focusing all his attention on the telepathic link. ’Lord Ryker. Perfect timing.’