Defy The Alpha(s) novel Chapter 728

Chapter 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.

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