Chapter 10
243words
He knelt in my great hall, the Alpha scepter extended in both hands.
"I surrender my position as Alpha. I ask only that you save my pack."
I descended from my throne and took the scepter from his trembling hands.
In that moment, the fate of both packs rested in my hands alone.
"From this day forward, Silver Moon and Dark Night will become one pack. I am the sole ruler, and you..."
I paused, savoring the moment.
"You will be my guardian."
Karl's head snapped up, humiliation burning in his eyes.
Guardian—the lowest rank in a pack's hierarchy.
Little more than a glorified servant.
"I—"
"Having second thoughts? Then your pack can continue dying without my help."
Karl's jaw clenched tight.
"I accept."
"Then take the oath."
"I, Karl, swear by the blood of my ancestors... from this day forward, I submit to Queen Ella... to protect with my life, never to betray..."
As the final words left his lips, I extended my hand.
"Kiss my hand to seal your oath."
Karl bowed his head.
His lips brushed against my skin.
The ceremony was complete.
"Rise, Karl. From this moment, you serve as my guardian."
The once-proud Alpha was now my servant.
Three years ago, he forced me out on my knees.
Three years later, he returned the same way.
