Bought by the ruthless lycan king (Ruby and Killian) novel Chapter 166

Chapter 166

Ruby’s POV

“Actrutus.”

I spoke his name in a warning tone. Instead of feeling threatened, he only became more unhinged. The polite, kind demeanor he had worn so easily had vanished as if swallowed by the earth. Actrutus gripped my waist and effortlessly twisted the scene, making it appear as though we were simply enjoying a newly formed friendship, with the dance floor as our witness.

I didn’t understand what was happening. His sudden change in behavior filled me with dread. It was as if he wasn’t ‘Actrutus‘ anymore.

“Your pretty head is thinking too hard. I can hear the wheels inside spinning like mad.”

That smile might have been charming if it hadn’t been worn by what now seemed like a sudden psychopath. Meanwhile, my bond with Killian had grown taut. A tense unease mixed with a hint of vengeance from Killian echoed beneath my ribcage.

Killian still didn’t know.

“You’re right. I’m not Actrutus.”

My blood turned cold. Sirens blared silently in my ears, screaming danger.

“What do you want?” I asked bluntly.

“Oh, that laid–back attitude of yours. I should be disgusted, it feels like you’re underestimating me. But for you, I’ll tolerate it.”

“This isn’t my first time facing danger,” I said as casually as I could, moving with the rhythm of the music. “You’re a better conversationalist than my husband. Assuming, of course, that the poor man whose face you borrowed is safe and sound.”

“And if he’s not?”

I lifted my chin, my furious gaze locking onto the eyes of this fake Actrutus.

“You’ll regret the day you were born.”

Looks like Killian’s sharp–tongued personality had rubbed off on me. This wasn’t the first time either, those dark little habits, often deemed unacceptable even if the intentions were good, had become mine too. My swollen belly felt calmer than usual tonight. I was grateful for that, and I prayed that this fake Actrutus would keep his focus solely on me.

I wracked my brain, desperate to figure out a way to get this lunatic out of the party without drawing the guests‘ attention. I didn’t want this event to be ruined. I refused to imagine anything threatening their lives.

Actrutus’s laughter no longer sounded pleasant. It made my skin crawl and churned my stomach. I reached out through my bond with Killian and prayed he’d pick up on the signal to catch Actrutus before it was too late.

“That fire inside you, I crave it deeply,” the impostor bared his teeth like a shark. “Does the creature in your belly possess the same spark? I must admit, your three children are quite fascinating. So, naturally, I’m curious.”

Then came the next words from his mouth that tilted the world beneath my

“After all, we’re family.”

“What…?”

feet.

Just as the impostor seemed ready to do far more than a ceremonial dance, Killian appeared behind me swift as lightning. One strong arm effortlessly pulled me away from the fake Actrutus. Killian shielded me behind him, while several members of the royal guard quickly surrounded me like a living barricade. Leonidas let out a low, vicious growl, instinctively reacting to the intruder at our celebration.

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Chapter 166

Killian’s calm was as fragile as walking on shattered glass. Not many could see it, he was a master at hiding the storm withen. Still, rallel toread tomato me; he had received my signal clearly.

But tension now thickened the air. The guests had noticed. Most eyes were on us now. Alice and Alicia were nowhere to be seen nor was Elias, Even so I could sense through our family bond that they were safe, somewhere beyond the crowd.

“Actrutus. Your inappropriate behavior toward the queen will not go unpunished.”

Killian’s face darkened as he stepped forward, placing himself directly in front of the impostor.

“Or should I say Robert Rudwick?”

A ripple of confusion and shock echoed across the room. I furrowed my brow, glancing between the two of them. So Killian knew him? He already knew this man was an impostor?

The color drained from my face. Robert shared Killian’s surname. And he had alluded to family ties.

What was really going on?

“Killian, my precious nephew. Is that how you greet your uncle after all these years?”

“Courtesy is reserved for creatures of dignity. Do you count yourself among them?” Killian shot back sharply.

“How rude.”

Slowly, Actrutus’s appearance began to fade, revealing the true form of Robert underneath Everyone held their breath as they witnessed the impossible transformation. He looked slightly older than Killian, bearing the distinct traits of a Rudwick. If he truly was Killian’s uncle which shouldn’t have been possible, considering Killian’s ageless immortality then Robert must have been granted the same gift.

“I came here as a good citizen. I’ve committed no crime. Isn’t that what this event is for?”

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