Changing Dynamics

Alaric's gaze shifts to Mikos, his eyes as sharp as a blade. The shadows around him twist and churn uneasily, eager for another victim to unleash its wrath on, an evidence of just how much control Alaric must have to keep his element in check all this while. The tension between the two Alphas is palpable, for a moment, they are stuck in a silent stare down.

However, it is obvious to all who between the two has the upper hand. Alpha Mikos is only slightly stronger than Trent, but he is still far off from Alaric's level. There was no comparison whatsoever between the two and Mikos knows it.

Commendably, Mikos meets Alaric's gaze head on. His jaw tightens visibly but he doesn't look away. His posture is rigid and his fists clench tightly at his sides, reflected in his eyes is the perfect blend of agitation and terror. The Alpha in him is fighting for dominance, but it is a losing battle.

"You failed to control your opponent and chose to toy with him instead. You've done the same throughout this tournament, in an attempt to prove what?" Alaric says, his tone maintaining that eerie calm. "Your arrogance and incompetence allowed this to happen."

Mikos's shoulders tense and his eyes darken. "I didn't..." He begins to say but is cut off by Alaric.

"You are disqualified from this round." Alaric's decision is swift and absolute. "Your pack will be judged by the points already accumulated and awarded a ranking based on that. But you are unworthy of concluding this tournament or emerging the winner. Leave the arena."

A heavy weight of shock settles over the crowd. I am equally shocked speechless by Alaric's harsh judgements, denying Mikos a win that is already assured. However, no one protests, not Mikos... and certainly not me.

For a brief moment, Mikos cannot hide the fury in his eyes. His muscles pull taut, like he is contemplating attacking Alaric, but then he bows his head. "I understand." Mikos's voice is laced with barely concealed resentment.

He turns and walks away, his shoulders are rigid and his movement stiff but he doesn't argue...he doesn't dare. He takes his place beside Lana in the platform for the audience and only then can anyone breathe.

The shadows retract till they curl around Alaric alone, finally freeing the arena from their oppressive power. Alaric stands there, calm and composed. His expression is once again indifferent , as if he did not just demote an elite Alpha and dismiss another from the final stage like they are nothing but insignificant nuisances.

Alaric turns, his eyes meet mine and I see something in them that I have never seen before.

Not just his power, not just his supremacy,

But the burden of it all, of his identity, his element and the terrifying weight of the responsibility and influence he carries.

Alpha Supreme... the Alpha of Alphas, so this is what it mean. A melancholic feeling settles in my heart as my mind drifts to my child who carries Alaric's blood.

Much to my surprise, Alaric's expression softens at the sight of me, his shoulders relaxing visibly. His shadows lift him off his feet and carry him through the air over to the platform till they deliver him to me and now he is standing right across from me, barely a few inches away.

"Are you alright?" He asks me, his voice is tender enough to be a whisper and it is shocking. Had he been so furious because...he was scared I could have been hurt?

But it couldn't be. Alaric does not care so much about me. What he really wants is the child, isn't it? Yet, I am beginning to doubt that.

The thought is hard for me to process but there is no other explanation for his reaction and the look of relief in his eyes when I slowly nod.

All traces of Alaric's mania disappear immediately, like they were never there. He takes my hand and guides me to take a seat, and then he settles down beside me. His presence is grounding, it provides an unexplainable warmth that dispels the chilling terror Mikos had left behind.

Somehow, the atmosphere between us is different than it was a moment ago. In the moment of danger, we both protected each other first and I fear that will begin to change our dynamics.

Alaric leans closer to me, his voice is low, words meant only for me. "I didn't kill him because the sight of blood might not be good for the baby. But if such a thing happens again...do me a favour and close your eyes. I do not want you seeing anything... gory."

Alaric's words shock me to silence and as terrifying as they may be, they fill me with assurance and confirm to me his silent vow of protection.

This time, I do not doubt a word he has said... I believe him.

For the first time, I have seen the extent of Alaric's power and I know now that nothing can stand against him.

Not Mikos, not anyone.

And I am also assured that I have his protection, though I cannot say for how long.

The arena remains deathly silent as the tournament resumes between the three participants left. The next match is called but there are no cheers, the audience is still reeling from the display of Alaric's supremacy. 

No one dares steal glances our way like they did before. No one can risk meeting his gaze, no one even dares whisper about us.

Even Lana's glare has long disappeared. 

'Unless someone more powerful makes it matter.' Alaric had said.

Only now do I understand what that means. Only now do I see the true definition of power.

And somehow, this man that everyone is so terrified of is the one at my side. And I...do not loathe it.

No, far from it. For the first time in my life... I feel seen.