Chapter 6: Challenging the Alpha

**Rowan**

Mikail’s reputation was well-deserved, and everyone in the Moonfang pack knew it. He was a cruel and ruthless Alpha, one who had no qualms about destroying anyone who stood in his way.

However, as I observed him during my stay, I realized that his interest in Lyra seemed to be nothing more than a matter of dominance.

That made me relax slightly.

If Mikail had shown any kind of attachment to the former Luna, the situation would be much more complicated. But no, everything about his demeanor suggested he was merely marking his territory, ensuring his authority wasn’t challenged.

Even so, Calista, ever perceptive, immediately sensed the tension in the air.

“What are you thinking, Rowan?”

I shot her a quick glance after making sure Mikail had moved far enough away with his second-in-command.

“That you tone down your defiant attitude a couple of notches,” I replied in a low voice, serious enough for her to know I wasn’t joking.

Calista frowned and crossed her arms in exasperation.

“What are you talking about?”

I let out a sigh and tilted my head with some irritation, interlacing my fingers.

“We need Mikail to think we trust him.”

Calista tilted her head in disbelief.

“Why the hell would we do that?”

I didn’t answer right away. There was no need to share every single one of my thoughts with her.

What mattered was that Mikail wasn’t someone to be underestimated. Keeping him in the dark about our true intentions was best for now.

And if Calista wanted to play the schemer, let her. As long as she didn’t ruin my plans.

---

**Calista**

The dungeon reeked unbearably of dampness and old blood, but that didn’t stop my mood from lifting with every step I took.

I was eager to see Lyra in the wretched state I’d left her in. I wanted to see her broken, completely subdued, so she’d finally understand she had no place in this pack.

But when I approached the cell, I found… nothing.

The space where her chained body should have been was empty.

My blood ran cold for a moment before rage took over.

“Where is she?!” I roared, turning toward the guards patrolling the area.

The two of them flinched, but didn’t answer right away.

“Are you deaf or just stupid?” I snapped, venom in my voice.

One of them swallowed hard before nodding awkwardly.

“We… we don’t know, my Luna. The last time we checked, she was still here…”

“Well, clearly she’s not here anymore!” my voice echoed off the stone walls.

My mind began racing. There was only one person bold enough to defy orders like this.

Mikail.

That bastard…

I spun on my heels and stormed toward Rowan’s office.

When I burst into the room, he was bent over maps and strategic documents, but upon seeing my expression, his gaze hardened.

“What is it now?”

“Lyra has escaped!”

Rowan stood up abruptly, knocking over some papers in the process.

“What did you say?”

“Exactly what you heard,” I snapped, striding toward him. “The cell was empty when I went to check on her.”

His eyes flashed with anger.

“How the hell did that happen?”

I crossed my arms and let the accusation that had been burning on my tongue slip out.

“It was Mikail. I’m sure of it.”

Rowan frowned and shook his head.

“That’s impossible.”

“Really?” I let out a dry laugh. “Do you really think that man follows anyone else’s rules?”

My Alpha didn’t answer right away, which only fueled my frustration further.

“If you don’t want to do anything about it, I will,” I stated firmly, turning to head toward Mikail’s room.

I couldn’t let this man think he could walk all over me.

---

**Mikail**

I knew full well that going against Rowan’s orders on his own territory was a clear declaration of war.

And yet, I did it anyway.

My instinct had spoken faster than my reasoning. I had taken Lyra and pulled her out of that dungeon without stopping to consider the consequences.

Now, as I sat in the dim light of my room, I could feel Krimson’s gaze fixed on me.

“What do you plan to do with her, Alpha?”

I didn’t answer right away.

I didn’t want to think about it.

It was easier to pretend this meant nothing. That I was just stopping Rowan from getting his way.

But the truth was different.

There was something about the sight of Lyra, bloodied and chained, that had awakened something primal inside me.

I was an Alpha. I was a man of war. I knew the difference between justice and cruelty.

And what they had done to her…

“I don’t know,” I finally murmured, running a hand through my hair.

Krimson didn’t seem convinced.

“Mikail, this isn’t just a power play.”

I shot him a warning glance, and he shut his mouth.

But we both knew he was right.

This wasn’t just a challenge to Alpha Rowan.

It was a challenge to myself.

Suddenly I stood up firmly, feeling determination coursing through my veins.

“I’m taking her.”

Krimson pressed his lips together, clearly uncomfortable with my decision.

“Alpha Mikail, if you take Lyra, it will be seen as a direct provocation to Rowan.”

I stood up, my imposing figure looming over him.

“She was judged and punished by her own pack. She owes them nothing anymore.”

Krimson watched me cautiously as I crossed the room toward where Lyra lay, pale and weak, unable to feed herself.

“She belongs to me now,” I said in a low, firm tone, lifting her carefully. “I’ll take her to my territory.”

Krimson looked at me for a moment, knowing that nothing would change my decision.

“As you wish, Alpha.”

I nodded, my mind already focused on what was to come.

Rowan wouldn’t stop me. No matter the consequences, I wasn’t going to leave her behind.