Sasha’s Move

Chapter Thirty Nine - Sasha’s Move

— Sasha’s POV —

“She’s in the East Border. She’s with the Lycan King… in Ardent Claw Pack.”

The guard’s words hit me like cold water.

I stood there frozen for a moment. My fingers gripped the doorframe, my nails digging into the wood as his words echoed in my mind.

Selene?

With the Lycan King?

How?

How did she even get close to someone like him?

And not just any Lycan King — Evric. One of the most feared and respected Lycans alive. A man whose name makes warriors freeze and elders bow. What was she doing there?

What if he finds out who she really is?

What if he comes here… and tells everyone the truth?

What if he takes everything I’ve built and hands it back to Selene?

I pressed a hand to my chest. My heart was racing.

No. I won’t let that happen.

I can’t let that happen.

I’ve worked too hard. I’ve climbed too far. I stole everything from her—her name, her rank, her future. I became her. I became Alpha.

No one can take that from me.

Not even Selene.

Not even a Lycan King.

⸻

I went straight to my room and changed into something that would help me look soft and sweet — like someone who needed to be protected. But I also made sure the dress showed just enough skin to catch a man’s eyes.

I let my hair down and combed it neatly. I added a little gloss to my lips. I couldn’t take chances. I had to look perfect. Not desperate — just desperate enough.

Then I packed a small bag and made my way to the stables behind the pack house. It was still early — the sun hadn’t fully risen yet. The sky was pale blue, and the trees were covered in soft morning fog.

No one questioned me. Of course they didn’t. I was their Alpha now.

I chose the strongest black horse in the stables. His name was Arrow. He was fast and silent — just what I needed.

Ardent Claw was far. It would take me half a day to reach it, maybe more if I rested. But I wasn’t planning to stop.

I didn’t care how far it was. I didn’t care how tired I would be. I had to see him.

I had to speak to the Lycan King before Selene destroyed everything.

The road was long and lonely. I rode through quiet woods, dry plains, and cold rivers. My thighs ached. My back burned. My hands were stiff from holding the reins too tight.

But I didn’t stop.

The whole time, my mind was full of thoughts.

What if he already believes her?

What if he already knows the truth?

What if he brings her back and says she is the real Alpha?

I shook my head, forcing the thoughts away.

No. That won’t happen. I won’t let it happen.

Selene is weak. She has always been weak. I made sure of that. She couldn’t lead a lost puppy, let alone a whole pack.

She doesn’t deserve the title. I do.

And if I had to lie, cry, or even crawl to Evric to keep it — then so be it.

⸻

By the time I reached the edge of Ardent Claw’s land, the sun was already high in the sky. The wind had picked up, and the trees whispered warnings I didn’t want to hear.

I rode up to the gates, slowing down just enough not to seem threatening.

Two guards stepped forward.

“Halt. Who are you?”

I swallowed and smiled politely.

“I’m Sasha of Westshade Pack,” I said softly. “I need to speak to Alpha Evric. It’s urgent.”

They looked at each other.

“It’s about Selene,” I added, my voice lowering.

That got their attention.

They took me inside.

The Ardent Claw Pack House was nothing like ours. It was bigger, darker, colder. The walls were made of black stone. The floors echoed. The silence was heavy.

And then I saw him.

He was standing at the far end of the hall, arms folded across his chest. Tall, strong, and terrifying.

Evric.

His eyes met mine. I felt a chill run down my spine.

“Why are you here?” he asked, his voice low and cold.

No warmth. No smile. Just power.

I took a step forward, letting my voice shake a little.

“I’m sorry to come without warning,” I said softly. “But I had no choice. It’s about Selene.”

He didn’t move. He didn’t blink.

“Go on,” he said.

⸻

I took a deep breath. This was it.

“She’s trying to ruin me,” I said. “She’s trying to take back everything I’ve worked for.”

He raised an eyebrow.

“She’s been… spreading lies,” I continued. “Saying I stole her life. That I cheated to become Alpha.”

“And did you?” he asked bluntly.

I flinched.

“No,” I whispered. “I fought for it. Fair and square. I passed the challenge. The elders accepted me. The pack accepted me. I worked for it.”

He was quiet.

I stepped closer.

“She wants to return and destroy everything,” I said. “But she’s not strong enough to lead. She still cries when things go wrong. She’s too soft. You know what happens to packs led by weakness.”

Still, Evric said nothing.

So I played the next card.

“I came here because I need your help,” I said gently. “You’re powerful. People listen to you. I just want to protect my place. I’ve done so much for Westshade. I’ve kept it strong, peaceful. I’ve led well.”

I touched his arm lightly.

“You can understand that… can’t you?”

He looked down at where my hand touched him. Then he stepped back.

“You came all this way just to ask me to pick your side?” he asked. His voice was still cold.

“No,” I said quickly. “I came because I’m afraid. Selene is living here… with you. That alone says something. People are starting to whisper. They think she’s coming back for her title. They think she has you on her side now.”

I paused, then dropped my voice.

“I don’t want a war. I just want to keep what’s mine.”

Evric studied me for a long time.

“You’re not bad,” he said finally. “Your shape is… pleasing. You know how to speak. So, what do you really want from me?”

I met his eyes.

“I want your support,” I said clearly. “I want to keep my title. I want you to tell the other Alphas that Selene is weak. That she’s not fit to lead. That I earned my place.”

There was a long silence between us.

Then he said, “I don’t make decisions based on fear or flattery.”

I held my breath.

“But…” he added, “I’ll think about it.”

That was all I needed.

As I left the hall, I smiled to myself.

The game had just begun.

And I was ready to play.