7. The Miracle Pill

 || Lilac’s POV ||

The press room was chaos—reporters rushing, keyboards clacking, and the smell of coffee and ink filling the air. I moved through it like a shadow, my heart racing. There was no time to hesitate. My mission was clear: plant a document that would cast doubt on Kael’s new “miracle pills.” If I could spark enough suspicion, it might buy me time to gather real proof before it was too late.

I spotted a messy table near the wall, papers scattered everywhere. Perfect. No one would notice one more sheet. I flipped through the pile, pretending to search for something, and slipped my document in. It was subtle—just a few lines questioning the safety of the pills. A small spark, but enough to start a fire.

As I stepped back, my fingers tingled. Every nerve screamed at me to leave before someone noticed. I forced myself to walk calmly, blending in with the frantic energy of the room. But with each step, doubt crept in. Was this the right thing to do? Was I any better than Kael if I used deception?

Then I thought of Ezra. My brother, banished and broken because of Kael’s lies. I had failed him once. I wouldn’t let it happen again. This time, I would fight.

I slipped into the auditorium just as the conference began. The room was packed, everyone focused on Kael as he took the stage. He looked every bit the confident Alpha King—sharp suit, golden eyes, and a voice that commanded attention. He introduced the Miracle Pill, claiming it would make warriors unstoppable. The crowd erupted in applause, but I clenched my fists, remembering the truth. Those pills came at a cost—addiction, destruction, and Ezra’s ruin.

I scanned the room and saw Alaric near the front. His grey eyes met mine, and for a moment, it felt like he could see right through me. I looked away, my cheeks burning.

When the presentation ended, the crowd buzzed with excitement. I stayed in my seat, planning my next move. Then Alaric appeared beside me, his smirk as annoying as ever. “Impressive, isn’t he?” he said, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

I forced a smile. “He knows how to work a crowd.”

Alaric’s eyes narrowed. “And what about you, Dove? What are you up to?”

Before I could answer, Kael called my name. He was walking toward me, his golden eyes fixed on mine. “Lilac,” he said, his voice warm but with an edge. “I’ve been looking for you.”

I stood, my heart pounding. “Congratulations on the presentation,” I said, keeping my voice steady.

Kael smiled, but his eyes were sharp. “Thank you.” He glanced at Alaric. “Brother. Didn’t expect to see you here.”

Alaric smirked. “Wouldn’t miss it.”

The tension between them was thick. I glanced between them, unsure how to defuse it.

Kael turned back to me. “Lilac, join me for a meeting with the nobles. Your insight would be valuable.”

I hesitated. This was a test. Kael was testing my loyalty. I couldn’t refuse without raising suspicion.

“Of course,” I said, forcing a smile.

As I followed Kael, I glanced back at Alaric. His grey eyes held mine, and for a moment, I felt a flicker of hope. He was watching me, a silent reminder that I wasn’t alone.

Whatever came next, I wouldn’t let Kael win. Not this time.

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The meeting room was quiet, a sharp contrast to the noisy auditorium outside. The dark wood walls and flickering chandelier light gave the space a heavy, serious feel. The smell of expensive cologne and coffee filled the air, adding to the tension.

I stood beside Kael at the head of the table, playing my part as the loyal future Luna. The nobles and alphas around us watched him with admiration and greed. The Miracle Pill wasn’t just a product—it was a symbol of Kael’s power and vision. Everyone wanted a piece of it.

But beneath my calm exterior, my heart raced. The document I’d planted in the press room had done its job. Now, I had to wait and see if the seeds of doubt would grow.

The meeting started smoothly. Papers were passed around, and the nobles nodded as they reviewed the numbers. Pens clicked, ready to sign. I kept my hands clasped, nails digging into my palms under the table.

Then, a voice cut through the room.

“This is incredible work, but I can’t approve it.”

All eyes turned to Alpha Asher. He was one of the strongest alphas, known for his integrity. His words carried weight.

“What do you mean?” another alpha asked, confused. “This is a great opportunity.”

Asher leaned forward, his blue eyes sharp. “The pill was only tested on two rogues, and they both died. A pill this powerful comes with a price.” He paused, his gaze locking onto Kael. “And I found traces of wolfsbane in it.”

The room went silent. Wolfsbane, even in small amounts, was dangerous for werewolves. It weakened them over time, corroding their strength and bond with their wolf.

“It’s reckless,” Asher continued. “I won’t risk my people with this.”

The silence grew heavier. Cameras clicked, capturing every tense moment. The media, here for promotion, now had a scandal.

Murmurs turned to whispers, then accusations.

“Is this true?” one alpha demanded.

“Why didn’t you mention this, Kael?” another noble asked, his tone sharp.

Kael’s jaw tightened, but he forced a smile. I could see the crack in his calm facade.

I looked down at the document in my hands, my heart pounding. This was my moment. I let my fingers tremble slightly, as if I were just realizing the truth. I took a shaky breath and looked up at Kael, my eyes wide with feigned shock.

“Kael,” I said softly, my voice trembling. “It’s all here… there’s wolfsbane in the ingredients.”

The room erupted. Voices rose, questions flying like daggers.

“Is this true?”

“Wolfsbane? How could this happen?”

“You said it was safe, Kael!”

Chaos filled the room, and I stayed quiet, watching as Kael’s carefully built image began to crumble.