LOGINKellan“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Your Grace,” I instantly say, the denial slipping out quicker than I intend.Aeron only smiles, then tilts his head slightly, eyes never leaving mine. “Wouldn’t it be nice if I too knew those who plotted my assassination?”I nod slowly, forcing the motion to look thoughtful rather than trapped. “That would really be nice,” I reply, keeping my tone even, though my mind races through every possible trap hidden in his question. Nice? It would be catastrophic if he learned the full truth before I am ready to wield it.Aeron nods once, visibly satisfied with my response. Then he takes a step forward. The subtle advance closes the distance again, his presence filling the doorway."Can I come in?" he asks calmly. "Figured you're not ready yet. But I can wait inside."I step aside smoothly and open the door wider in invitation, my hand steady on the wood despite the tension coiling in my shoulders. He walks past me into the room with that eff
KellanI push through the main doors of the packhouse with speed, my boots echoing sharply against the polished stone floors of the entrance hall. The cool night air still clings to my clothes, carrying faint traces of pine, blood, and earth from the forest, but I barely notice. Outwardly, I tell myself I am simply moving quickly to investigate why those lights flickered on in the archives. It is out of curiosity, nothing more. But deep down I know the fire driving me to pick up speed has nothing to do with some idle curiosity. It is a pure, burning desire for the throne of Nightbane. I strongly believe the evidence against Aeron sits somewhere in those records like a hidden dagger waiting for my hand, and I cannot wait another moment to claim it and strengthen my position before the next council meeting turns the pack against him. That desperation is what drives me, nothing else.I speed past several guards stationed along the main corridor, their surprised glances following me.
Helena"You cannot be serious about this," I instantly snap back into the conversation, my voice cutting through the line with urgent force. "Storming Nightbane with full Grimward forces is beyond irritational–it is reckless and will shatter everything we've worked toward for years."I take a deep breath, realising that my voice was getting louder. "Lucian. The pack will see it as an open coup and war, never as a rightful claim. Allies will flee, and the whole council will turn against us. We need timing, the right leverage–""We've made our decision, Mother," he cuts me short without hesitation. "You must stand by it. The throne of Nightbane is ours for the taking, and we must have it."The line goes dead before I can utter another word. The suddeness that comes with the silence feels louder than his insane shouting ever did.I stare at the phone in my hand, and for a split second I feel like hurling it across the room and watch it smash against the wall. But my arm fights the impuls
KellanIt is dark already, and I rise quickly–dressing up in my hunting clothes.There is no full moon tonight, but the great urge to hunt burns strong within me. I need the forest, the chase, and the clarity only the wind can bring.Heading out my room, I move silently through dimly lit corridors. The packhouse is quiet as usual.Outside, I am washed over by the cool night air. It carries the rich scents of pine, damp earth, and distant good game. I walk briskly at first, reaching the gates and passing by the stationed guards. Their greetings are full of respect, more like they wouldn't have joined hands to kill me if the last council meeting had turned negative.Once out of the packhouse premises, I break into a jog along the familiar path leading to the nearest forest grounds.The jog naturally transitions into a full run. Wind whips through my hair, and branches blur past.With each stride, my convictions to become the Alpha of Nightbane deepens. There is no better path than usin
KellanI walk into my room with much higher spirits and enthusiasm than I had felt for a long time. The weight that had been crushing my chest for days seems lighter and more manageable now.Aeron promised to make me chief warrior? After all the evil I had helped execute against him?No, this is more than enough–I reason as I turn down the familiar corridor. It is time to end the rather foolish dream of eliminating Aeron and becoming the Alpha. I could just settle as commander of warriors.The position carries similar power and authority as that of the Alpha, and it is a clear path to influence without the constant target that would be on my back if I go for the throne.I smile to myself, my thoughts warming me as I walk. From all seen indications, Aeron is not aware of my strong hand in the ambush. So I must remain low-key, accept the position with honor, and let the dirty past stay buried.With this joy-provoking thought revolving around my head like some mantra, I proceed to make
AeronKellan and I talk about other things for a while–small random topics with little or no interest.From the weather shifting toward autumn, to the latest training reports from the border patrols. Even a minor dispute over hunting rights in the eastern woods.I try to keep the conversation light, but my eyes never leave Kellan's face for long. I watch how he holds his glass, and how his gaze flickers a bit when the music changes to a slower and more melancholic tone.Eventually, I lean forward, swirling the last of my whiskey in the glass. "Now, you can come up clean with me, Kellan. Why did you go to the chamber of archives first before reporting to me?"I watch as he hesitates for a moment, taking another gulp. The alcohol seems to have loosened him, but I can still see the calculation going on behind his eyes."I was driven under the sense of great emergency, my Alpha," he says. "After what occurred, I strongly believed those who struck against the throne would do it again some







