Kristoff
"Why, father," I stammered, my heart heavy with a mix of anger and confusion. "Why did you do it? Why on the day of my union with my mate?"
There, I had finally said it. I was now confronting the Ironwolf, demanding an explanation for the events that had unfolded. My fists were clenched, and my breaths came out in labored bursts as I tried to control the overwhelming surge of emotions rising up inside me.
But instead of responding, he took a deep breath and implored, "Can you calm yourself first, son?"
"Calm myself?! After everything you've done?!” I had never raised my voice to my father, but I had reached the limits of my patience. “I want to see my bride, and NOTHING CAN STOP ME!"
I strode past my father, my determination unyielding. In that moment, I had shown a level of disrespect I had never displayed before. As I approached the door, my heart raced, each beat echoing the urgency of my desire to see my bride. However, before I could reach the door, a deep, visceral roar reverberated through the room. I turned to see my father, his face contorted into a mask of fury as he began to tear the room apart.
The Ironwolf had lost control, resembling a mad dog as he destroyed everything in his path. He shattered the giant bed with powerful kicks, flung objects onto the table beside the bed, and even punched the mirror in front of it. Wooden chairs were hurled at the windows, shattering the glass all over the room. My father's loud growls continued, rendering me unable to move from my position.
Then, he advanced toward me and grabbed my collar.
"Do you even know what her father did to me?! Eirik betrayed me! He even confessed his betrayal to my face! That person I treated as my own family chose power over our bond. He wanted my throne."
My eyes widened, and it took a moment to process everything my father had just revealed. I recalled the history and camaraderie between my father and Eirik, trying to remind him about how strong their bond was.
"This is stupid! Everyone witnessed his loyalty to your throne!! His pack respected your power... as our vassal pack. That's impossible, father! That's absurd."
The Ironwolf released my collar and met my gaze with a sigh. "Betrayal never comes from our enemies but from the people we value the most."
I felt the weight of my father's words. I understood how deeply this betrayal had wounded him. As his son, I had witnessed the strength of the bond between my father and Eirik. I trusted Eirik's loyalty and couldn't fathom why he would conspire with our enemies to bring down the empire. It made no sense.
"The greatness you both shared on the battlefield, the tales of chivalry you once told me when I was a child,” I continued, attempting to reason with him. “Alpha Eirik was with you since the beginning. He was there for you! I can't believe he could do such a thing. It's out of character for him. He was an honorable man, and you know it."
The Ironwolf sighed, his voice calmer now.
"Not anymore, my son. Eirik chose to betray me in the end. He became a threat to the throne and had to pay with his life."
A more relaxed expression crossed his face, but it was tinged with profound sadness.
"He threw everything away when he conspired with our enemies behind my back to overthrow my throne. His betrayal hurts more than any wounds I've suffered on the battlefield."
“Why are you so certain that Alpha Eirik wronged you? Did you catch him in the act yourself?”
“No, son,” he replied. “But his wife and other daughter did. They were the ones who reported the matter to me."
I found myself unable to speak. The Ironwolf continued to recount the circumstances surrounding Eirik's supposed treachery. I remained speechless, struggling to believe that Alpha Eirik could commit such an act. The involvement of his own wife and daughter in his downfall was particularly surprising.
Then, I thought of my mate. I turned to my father, and he seemed to anticipate my unspoken question.
"I only killed Eirik. Those who died alongside him were the ones who remained loyal to Eirik and resorted to violence.” He walked to the nearby chair and sat. “I spared only those who assisted me in uncovering the betrayal, those who chose loyalty over their own blood. Such loyalty doesn't warrant death or exile.”
I was perplexed and sought clarification.
"What do you mean by that? Please tell me."
"If it weren't for Seraphina and her daughter Maddie, the throne might have been in jeopardy. I might have been in danger. So, I spared their lives and maintained their ranks and statuses while they were here.”
My thoughts turned to my beloved and her potential involvement in her father's alleged wrongdoing. The last time I saw her, Ari was attempting to protect her father from the Ironwolf. I remained silent, my heart heavy with concern for Ari's well-being.
“Do you want to know what happened to your mate?”
I swallowed hard and nodded. My father shook his head. “Your mate was nothing but a traitor. She chose to stand by her father instead of coming clean. It would be best if you start moving on with your life and forget about that woman. She doesn’t deserve you. The wedding is off.”
This devastated me. “No! You can’t do that!"
"Yes, I can!" he declared with unwavering resolve. "Remember, Kristoff, you are a Jarl, the heir to the greatest throne on the continent. Such a woman doesn't deserve to stand alongside you. Go find another woman who is better suited for you," he declared before storming out of the room, leaving me to bathe in my own misery.
The Ironwolf's words left me stunned and hurt. My only concern was for my bride, and I believed it was my duty to protect and stand by her side. I had done nothing to support her and had left her to face this ordeal alone. I couldn't help but imagine the devastation Ari might be experiencing, left to confront this tragedy on her own. Although I had known Ari for only a short time, I couldn't forgive myself for not fulfilling my role as her mate and protector.
"Forgive me, my love. Forgive my helplessness," I whispered to myself as I knelt in the middle of my room, shedding tears for my inability to protect and support Ari.
AriThe battle was over, and Sigurd and Seraphina had lost. It’s strange how hunger for power can lead to such downfall. No one expected Sigurd to betray us like this; his loyalty to his brother was always unquestionable. But jealousy is a powerful force. Beta Sigurd chose power over family, and he paid the ultimate price. Now, with his death, peace has returned, though not without the sacrifice of brave souls during the battle.After the civil war, the high council wasted no time in delivering justice. I watched as they sentenced one of the main instigators of chaos among us.“Your treachery and treason are beyond punishable,” one of the council members declared, addressing Seraphina. “In the name of the great Ironflame, and in honor of the late Alpha, the great Ironwolf, I hereby declare your fate.”They readied Seraphina’s sentence, taking into account the child she carried.“You, Seraphina Rosenberg, will be pardoned for 9 months due to the baby you carry. However, until you give
AriThe sky was cloudy, mirroring the melancholic vibe we all shared. With the late Alpha's family, my hands and feet were tied. We faced the crowd of Ironflame, who did nothing but throw us their pitiful stares. I couldn’t blame them for not acting. After all, what could they do to help us against the usurper?We never saw it coming. We never expected that the calm, collected, and timid Beta harbored such extreme resentment for his older brother, enough to kill him and blame his nephew for the crime. It was beyond his character, or perhaps we were just blinded by his pretentious facade. His betrayal was unexpected, and it was the most painful for the Alpha family. Being from the same blood made the deception the most bitter pill to swallow.I turned my gaze to Beta Sigurd. Beside him stood Seraphina, the temptress who might have orchestrated everything. I didn’t know how their alliance started, but one thing was for sure: their alliance was a force to reckon with. I smirked, seeing m
KristoffAfter that escape, Ulric led me to a place not far from the capital. It was a land called Stelar, which used to be a hiding place of rogues in the past. When we arrived, I saw some of the warriors from Skagi. I recognized some of them who had accompanied us when we went to fetch a cure for Anika in the Canary District.They all nodded at us as we approached. Ulric turned to me, urging me to eat first. Then, he thanked each of his men. At that point, there was no denying that my brother inherited our father’s bravery and charisma. Ulric was one capable leader, no doubt. He was every bit of Ironwolf that wasn’t present in me. I also couldn’t help but remember how he had stepped up to protect Ari on multiple occasions. In his presence, I felt useless and insecure.I ate my soup unenthusiastically, lost in my thoughts. Then, I felt Ulric’s hand on my shoulder. He was also carrying a bowl of soup and ate beside me. I couldn’t help but ask.“Why did you save me? If you let me die,
KristoffFinding myself in such a dire situation was beyond anything I could have imagined. Though my feelings toward my father were complex, I never once entertained the thought of taking his life. Despite our differences, I loved and respected the Ironwolf, just as I did the rest of the Ironflame. Now, as I gazed upon his lifeless form, a profound sense of pain gripped my heart. If only I had accepted his apology before his untimely demise—that was my sole regret as I faced this trial of death."TRAITOR!" "MURDERER!" “HOW COULD YOU KILL YOUR OWN FATHER?”These accusations echoed through the crowd, I felt a wave of despair wash over me. This was once a place where cheers for my name resounded, but now it brimmed with rage and condemnation for a crime I did not commit."Kill him now!" the crowd clamored eagerly, their eyes filled with contempt and disgust.But amidst the cacophony of accusations, there were voices of reason and support."Jarl Kristoff could never do that, you fools!
KristoffAfter Ari and Ulric left, the Ironwolf turned to me, his expression softened in a way I hadn't seen before. It unsettled me, so I turned to leave the council room. But he followed, calling after me with a tone I couldn't ignore."My son..."I quickened my pace, hoping to escape his reach, but he caught up, his words chasing after me."Forgive me for everything, my son."I ignored him, my anger simmering as I walked faster. But he persisted, grabbing my arms to halt my retreat."Kristoff! Wait..."Reluctantly, I stopped and turned to face him, my frustration bubbling to the surface."For what reason, Father?! Have you suddenly realized you have a son who needs you? It's too late for that now."I tried to break free from his grip, but he held firm, his voice pleading with sincerity."I'm sorry... It took me too long to understand. I'm sorry for interfering in your love for Ari."His words ignited a fiery rage within me. Without hesitation, I raised my fist, my anger overpowerin
AriMy heart pounded fiercely in my chest as I sat among the esteemed members of the Ironflame council, the weight of their scrutiny bearing down on me like a heavy cloak. Beside me, Ulric's reassuring presence provided a semblance of comfort, his gentle touch and supportive gaze grounding me amidst the tension.With a steady hand, Ulric pressed mine, offering silent encouragement that spoke volumes in its simplicity. Grateful for his unwavering support, I drew strength from his presence, finding solace in the solidarity of our friendship.Suddenly, the Ironwolf's attention shifted to Ulric, his question hanging heavy in the air like a palpable force. "What’s your plan now, Ulric? Everyone knows about your child already."Ulric bowed respectfully, his response measured and deliberate. "Of course, father. It is time to marry Ari and reinstate her status as a high-ranking she-wolf in the Ironflame."The Ironwolf's approval came swiftly, his words a testament to Ulric's worthiness. "Very