Chapter 4: Whispers Behind Closed Doors

Arielle walked down the corridor of the mansion, her heart filled with a single desperate resolve: The Book of Spells. She would steal it, or watch the blood-stained history repeat itself.

She climbed the staircase quietly, her hand brushing against the cold stone wall. But as she drew closer to Xander’s study, she heard hushed voices, she paused, instinctively pressing herself against the wall, listening.

“Arielle possesses a very strong power from her bloodline, she must never awakens her true gift, if she does even I will not be able to control her. So long as Arielle remains in the dark, our plans remain untouched.” Alpha Xander said his voice deep.

“That little wretch is lucky to have been born with such power,” Celeste hissed. "At least she is useful to us now!” Luna Celeste said her voice laced with venom and filled with disdain.

“Arnold, you know the sacred rite and requirements. On the full moon the power will be drawn, and I will rise as the strongest Alpha for centuries. You will inherit what I claim.” Xander’s words were sharp and devoid of emotions.

Celeste's lips curled into a cold smile. “So, dear, you must keep up with the love charade, for a little longer.”

Arnold exhaled sharply and rolled his eyes, his tone was sharp and impatient. “I’m sick of this act already. Every moment with her is torture. I can’t wait for the full moon to end this farce

Arielle’s breath caught in her throat, horror crashing over her like a wave. The memories of her past life resurfaced— Arnold had performed that very ritual. He had stolen what was hers. But listening now, she realized what she had missed before: it had been Xander’s idea all along, he was the one who planted the seeds.

Her fingers clenched against the wall as the bitter truth settled in. She whispered under her breath, her voice breaking;

“Alpha Xander… The man I trusted as a father… all this time, you wanted me dead? You wanted to steal my powers? I could never expect kindness from Celeste, her hatred is plain… but you…?”

Her voice faltered, her chest tightening with disbelief. She clenched her fists, a silent sob caught in her throat.

"And Arnold…” she whispered bitterly. "You’ll betray even your own blood for power.

Still in shock, her hand mistakenly brushed against the tall candle stand resting on the small table near the door. It wobbled dangerously, and Arielle’s heart was in her throat as she caught it just in time before it could crash to the floor.

The voices inside the study fell silent.

“Who’s there?” Celeste snapped.

“Go check.” Xander ordered, his voice cold and sharp, with a curt jerk of his chin, towards the door.

Arielle’s breath caught in her throat. Her body tense, as heavy footsteps approached the door.

As Arnold reached for the the door latch, Arielle suddenly pushed the door open.

All three froze as they saw Arielle, shock flickered across their faces, but within a blink of an eye they masked their expression.

“Oh… Alpha Xander… I came to speak to you,” she said softly, feigning indifference, “but I see you’re busy. I’ll come back later.”

She turned to leave, but Xander’s voice cut through.

“No, no, no, Arielle. Wait.” His tone was sharp at first, but then he forced it softer. “How long have you been outside?”

Her spine stiffened. The words she wanted to scream burned at the back of her throat, but she forced them down into a whisper only she could hear.

“Long enough to know you bastards want me dead… long enough to know you plan to steal my powers and that of my bloodline under the full moon.”

“Hmm?” Xander furrowed his brow “what was that?”

Arielle turned, masking the tremor of her voice with a smile. “Not quite long,” she lied smoothly, her eyes wide and guileless. “I Just came now, is there a problem?”

Xander let out a sigh of relief, but before he could answer, Arnold quickly stepped in, his voice had a touch of eagerness.

“Ugh—no, no, there’s no problem Ari,” he said, flashing his most charming smile. “There’s no problem at all. Mom and I were just leaving, right mum?”

Celeste smiled tightly.

Xander gave a short nod, his lips curving faintly.

“Of course.”

Arnold and Celeste moved past her, leaving Arielle alone with Xander. He turned towards her, with a composed expression.

“All right, dear,” he said. “What is it you wanted to talk about?”

Arielle’s stomach knotted. Her throat went dry. She couldn’t ask about the Book of Spells or reveal her true intent, not now—it would give away that she overheard something.

“I… it’s about the…it’s about me and Arnold,” she stuttered. “Our wedding—”

Before Xander could respond, a voice echoed from the hall.

“Alpha Xander.” The voice thundered.

Deep. Commanding.

Xander’s brow lifted. “Hold on,” he said as he strode out.

Arielle exhaled a shaky breath, clutching her chest tightly. “Oh, Goddess bless whoever that is.” she said under her breath.

Wait—that voice…” she whispered to herself. “I know it. But from where?” She leaned closer, furrowing her brows.

She stepped out carefully, her gaze lifting towards the stairs as her eyes swept downwards, she saw a male figure—boots polished like obsidian, legs straight and powerful beneath his black trousers, a broad chest rising beneath a tailored coat, shoulders that carried the weight of authority.

When her eyes reached his face, the memory struck.

Beta Leo.

“The Beta of the dangerously cursed Alpha who saved me in my past life, from those troublesome wolves in the woods.”

His presence and aura filled the hall, which commanded respect, making Alpha Xander seem small beside him.

Meanwhile Xander’s smile spread as he came down to meet him.

“Oh, Beta Leo. What a pleasant surprise. To what do I owe this visit?”

“Come in, Come in, Beta Leo," Xander gestured, Leo entered the hallway and sat on the sofa. Xander stood in front of Leo but at a distance.

“I came to deliver a warning. Some Wolves from your pack have been stirring trouble across borders. Alpha Ethan commands that you put an end to it. If not…” His eyes flashed, his voice cuttng through the air.

“He will”

Celeste and Arnold, hearing the Beta’s voice hurried to the hallway, they took their places, standing at Xander’s side, and they both bow their heads slightly at Leo’s presence. Their faces schooled into respectful masks. None of them dared interrupt.

Do you want a drink?” Xander offered, too politely.

Leo shook his head. “I'm fine.” His eyes were steady, and his tone cold steel.

“Those wolves have caused disturbances in many territories. I expect you to control them before the Alpha takes matters into his hands. And you know, Alpha Xander… that will not end well.”

A tense silence filled the room.

Xander forced a calm smile. “Very well, Beta. I will deal with the matter.” Xander assured.

Leo’s gaze sharpened. “No. Do not deal with it,” Leo corrected firmly “End it.”

The finality in his tone left no room for argument.

Xander swallowed hard then inclined his head.

“Yes Beta, Understood.”

But while all eyes were fixed on Leo, Arielle’s mind raced. This is my chance.

Xander would be occupied, Celeste and Arnold were beside him. If ever there was a time to sneak into the study—it was now.

Arielle enters Xander’s study in search of The Book of Spells. If the book was hidden anywhere, it has to be here.

She rifled through the shelves, tables, drawers, and cabinet. Nothing here. “Think, Arielle, think…” she said as her gaze swept the room. “Where would Xander hide something so precious?”

She searched everywhere but found nothing. Frustrated, she leaned against the wall, her foot tapping the floor restlessly. Thinking of where else it could be.

That’s when she noticed—the floor beneath her sounded different, a wooden panel hidden under a small rug. Heart racing, she yanked the rug aside and uncovered a small wooden door.

She knelt down and opened the wooden door and her gaze fell on a carved chest buried. Heart hammering, she dragged it out. The latch unclicked beneath her fingers.

Inside the chest lay a tome. Its cover pulsed faintly with golden runes, the words Book of Spells glowing as if alive.

Arielle’s lips parted in awe. “This is it.”

She tried to open it, but it was locked by some unseen powers. Forces. She dared not to press further.

Thinking quickly, she drew her own witch power, pulling a random book from the shelf and weaving an illusion around it until it bore likeness with the ancient book of spells. With steady hands, she sets it back in place, arranging everything exactly as they were.

Stepping into the hallway, she froze again. Voices drifted up the stairs—Leo’s and Xander’s.

“The mating ball will be tonight,” Leo's voice deep and steady. “The first one of the year, the packs gather. Those without fated mates must attend. Inform your pack, Alpha Xander. Unity between packs is not optional.”

Arielle’s chest tightened. “The mating ball.”

Memories from her past life came crashing in. She had dismissed the event back then, too arrogant, too lovestruck to care. Why go, when she already had Arnold? but Arnold didn’t regard what they had and went for the ball party. And she couldn’t see through his lies,because she was blinded by her love for him.

And yet, he still betrayed her.

Her throat burned. ”How could I have been so foolish? So blind? That bastard…”

“But this time, I will go.” She said as she turned sharply toward her chambers.

Leo rose, and turned to depart.

Xander, Celeste, and Arnold bowed deeply as Leo turned to leave. Their reverence confirmed it—he wasn’t just any Beta. He was the Beta of the Alpha king.

Arnold’s smirk returned the moment leo was gone. "A ball full of women, all desperate to be chosen.” He smirked. “I’ll enjoy every second.”

Celeste's eyes glowed with hunger as her gaze turned to Xander. “Just a little longer, when the moon rises, you will bow to no one.”

Xander nodded, his approval heavy in the silence.

“Indeed. But until then…” His eyes cut to Arnold, sharp as steel. “Go. Inform the Deltas to spread word of the mating ball.”

Arnold rolled his eyes but obeyed.

“Fine.”

"And as for the Forsaken wolves…” Xander added, lowering his tone.

“I’ll handle them myself.”