Alpha Kadel’s Command

Devon burst into laughter at that, the tension cracking for a brief moment.

“Relax,” he teased. “You make it sound like I’m planning a public execution.”

Phil didn’t laugh.

Devon’s smile slowly faded as he leaned closer and lowered his voice.

“I’m going to reply to Kadel,” he said. “I’ll agree to his revised terms.”

Phil stiffened.

“…What?”

“But,” Devon added calmly, “I won’t include this letter with the report being sent to Draven.”

Phil’s eyes widened in shock.

“Devon,” he warned, his voice sharp, “this is dangerous. I don’t support this. When the truth comes out—and it will—you will bear the full consequences of your actions.”

Devon met his gaze without flinching.

“I know,” he said simply. “And I’m prepared for it.”

Then he gave a crooked smile.

“Just don’t rat me out yet.”

Phil stared at him for a long moment, torn between anger and reluctant understanding. Finally, he let out a long, heavy sigh.

“…You’re insane,” he muttered.

But he nodded.

“Fine,” Phil said. “But don’t expect me to save you when Draven finds out.”

Devon smiled faintly.

Phil turned back to his work, picking up a fresh quill and continuing the security report. The scratching of ink soon filled the room once more as Devon began drafting his reply—two letters now taking shape side by side, each carrying consequences that would shake more than just packs.

-----

Back at Crestmoon Pack…

When Alpha Kadel received the sealed letter from BloodFall Pack, the tight knot that had been choking his chest for days finally loosened. His shoulders sagged with relief as he read through the words again, just to be certain he had not imagined them.

Draven had agreed.

Without wasting another second, Kadel summoned an emergency council meeting. The elders gathered quickly, anxiety still etched into their faces—until Kadel revealed the contents of the letter. The moment they heard that Draven BloodFall had accepted the agreement, the hall erupted in relieved murmurs.

Some elders clasped their chests and thanked the Moon Goddess. Others exhaled loudly, as if they had been holding their breath for days.

War had been avoided. For now.

The meeting ended swiftly, each elder leaving the hall lighter than when they had arrived. Crestmoon Pack would survive. At least, that was what they all believed.

Kadel left the hall with the same sense of relief—but beneath it lurked a heavier burden. He went straight to Lyria’s chamber.

The moment he pushed the door open, he found Kaden sprawled lazily on a chair, one leg draped over the armrest, a careless grin on his face. The sight alone was enough to darken Kadel’s mood.

“Get out,” Kadel snapped.

Kaden blinked. “Father—”

“Now.”

The sharp authority in Kadel’s voice left no room for argument. Kaden rose slowly, muttering under his breath as he shuffled past. Just before leaving, Kadel shot him a warning glare that made him fall silent.

Once outside, Kaden didn’t go far.

He leaned against the closed door, smirk returning to his face as he pressed his ear closer, listening.

Inside the chamber, Kadel sank onto the couch beside Lyria and finally allowed himself to breathe.

“Draven has agreed,” he said.

Lyria’s eyes widened before soft relief washed over her face.

“Thank the Moon Goddess,” she whispered. “This will calm the pack. We’ve been walking on the edge of disaster.”

Kadel nodded slowly. “Yes. Carlo will not dare move now.”

For a brief moment, peace settled between them.

Then Kadel spoke again. “Philipa will be sent to BloodFall Pack,” he said evenly. “As Draven’s mate.”

The color drained from Lyria’s face.

Her lips parted slightly, but no sound came out at first. She lowered her gaze, inhaled deeply, then exhaled with a long, heavy sigh.

“So… it has come to this.”

Kadel didn’t respond. He didn’t need to.

They had both known this outcome was inevitable the moment Draven’s name entered the conversation.

Lyria closed her eyes briefly.

“She will never accept it,” she said quietly. “You know her, Kadel. She will resist with everything she has.”

“I know,” Kadel replied grimly.

Lyria turned to him, worry etched deep into her features.

“We must tell her calmly,” she urged. “Gently. If you force this upon her, she will only create more trouble—for herself and for the pack.”

Kadel clenched his jaw. “She is my daughter,” he said. “And Crestmoon’s future rests on this decision. Whether she agrees or not… she must obey.”