Rowland walked into the court of the late Alpha. He as bolder with each day he spent convincing himself that he was the one the pack needed and not anyone else. Not his brother, most definitely.
The wide chamber was quiet and it seemed like the place still held some sacred powers that relates to the alpha. But most importantly, walking into the hall reminded him of his father. But once the thought struck him, he pushed it off his mind strongly. He did not hesitate. He marched up the steps and sat down on his father’s seat. His eyes glowed with pride as his hands rested on the carved armrests.“This is where I belong,” he said aloud, his voice echoing. “This is the seat I must soon take over. This is the place of the Alpha, and it will be mine alone to sit on and dictate the fate of the Crystal pack and all it's members.”Maggie entered behind him, her arms folded tight across her chest. She watched him with a thin smile.“You look bold in that chaThe night was quiet in Kendrick’s chamber. The fire burned low. Rina lay in his arms, her hair spread on his chest, their bodies still warm from lovemaking.She broke the silence. “Kendrick, I need to tell you something.”He stroked her back gently. “What is it, my mate?”Her voice trembled though she tried to steady it. “It is about Rowland. He is working against you. He wants to make the pack members turn against you so he can take over the pack alone.”Kendrick let out a slow breath. “I know my brother. He may be evil, he may be unreasonable, but still I must respect our father’s wish. Father wanted us to rule the pack together. I cannot throw that away.”Rina lifted herself and looked into his eyes. A small laugh escaped her lips, though it was sharp. “You are living in denial, Kendrick. Even Rowland himself has said many times he will never rule beside you. He made it clear. He does not want to share the throne. He wants it all.”
The night was quiet, yet Alpha Glint could not rest. He walked across his chamber, his steps heavy. The fire in the hearth burned low, but his mind was hotter than flames.He muttered to himself, “Why would my daughter be glad to think of destroying a brother? Why would she speak with such fire about taking one side and spilling blood?”He stopped and looked out the window at the dark fields.“Kendrick,” he whispered. “I know that boy. I know him well. He is kind. He is honest. He stayed under my roof for long moons. I trusted him. He is not like the others.”Glint rubbed his chin. “But politics of the packs is never done with soft hands. It is not about kindness. It is about strength, about power, about who can stand tallest when the storm comes.”He sighed and shook his head. “If I agree with Leah, I will be joining Rowland to crush Kendrick. Can I do that? Can I betray the one who lived with me as a son?”He kept pacing, his h
Leah sat upright in her carriage, Lora rode beside her, glancing out nervously.“Are you afraid, my lady?” Lora whispered.Leah pressed her lips together. “Half afraid,” she admitted. “But half determined too. I must prove to myself that I am not weak. Maggie only spoke to scare me. She wanted me to tremble.”Lora sighed in relief. “So you truly think it was only threats?”“Yes,” Leah said firmly. “Look around, Lora. Nothing has happened. We are safe. Maggie wanted me restless, but I will not give her that pleasure.”Lora nodded quickly. “Then I am glad. I was worried all night.”“You worry too much,” Leah said with a small smile. “We will reach my father’s lands soon.”By midday, the woods cleared, and the banners of the Sauna pack came into view. Leah straightened with pride as soldiers recognized her. Horns blew, and dancers stepped into the path, spinning and clapping to welcome her home.“See, Lora?” Leah
The room was warm with laughter. Mira sat on a soft blanket spread over the floor, her tiny hands clapping as she tried to steady herself. Elara sat close, smiling as she watched the little girl push forward with her wobbly steps.“Careful, little one,” Elara said softly. “You should take it slow.”Mira fell back on her bottom and let out a small squeal. Neri, sitting beside Elara, laughed with delight.“She is strong,” Neri said. “Look at her. She does not even cry when she falls.”Elara reached over and lifted Mira into her arms. She kissed the child’s forehead. “She is growing her first teeth now. Do you see? She bites everything she finds.”Neri leaned closer, watching the child’s mouth open. “I see them. Small but sharp already. How has she lived so long without her mother?”Elara’s eyes softened. She held Mira close and rocked her gently. “I have been her mother. From the day she was born, I took her in my arms. Even when t
Leah’s chambers were full of movement early that morning. Her maid, Lora, folded the last of her gowns into a trunk, while Leah stood before the mirror fastening her robe. Her eyes were calm, but her mouth was set with determination.“Are the bags ready? Did you make sure to pick all my jewelry? I acquired quite a few during our stay here. Have you had them all packed ?” Leah asked, adjusting the necklace at her throat.“Yes, my lady,” Lora said. “All packed. The men Rowland sent will soon come to take them down.”Leah nodded slowly. “Good. We leave soon. I want to arrive at my father's house before the sun fully sets and night comes upon us. I hate to make my trips at night time."A knock sounded at the door. Before Lora could move, the door opened and Maggie walked in with a smile too wide to be friendly.“Well, Leah,” Maggie said sweetly, stepping into the room. “So the guest prepares to leave us. How sad. The pack will surely miss you
Leah waited for the most part of the pack to go silent in peaceful slumber before she decided to make the trip to Rowland's chambers. Leah walked down the narrow passage to Rowland’s chambers. Her steps were slow, careful. She wore a thin robe that flowed softly against her body, the fabric clinging just enough to show her shape. Her hair fell over her shoulders, and her lips held a faint smile.Rowland was waiting. He had already poured wine and pushed the table aside. He stood tall when she entered, his eyes roaming over her robe.“So you came,” he said with a grin. “I knew you would not resist me. You are dressed for me. I can see it.”Leah closed the door behind her and leaned against it for a moment. Her voice was soft, teasing. “I told you I wanted to see you before I leave. I came with a gift, Rowland. A parting gift.”Rowland’s grin widened. “A gift? Then let me unwrap it.” He stepped close, his hand reaching for her waist.Leah