Chapter 171
1374words
The forest appeared ahead covered with an uneasy feeling. As I guided my men into the Green Forest Pack's territory, I felt the heavy crown on my head.
It was a steady reminder of my responsibilities as Alpha, and King of all the Packs. My warriors were nearby, their faces tensed with anticipation, ready to battle, but the deep silence unsettled even the most seasoned of them.
'What's happening?" Ronan, my Beta, whispered, looking at the trees as if they might suddenly attack us.
'Be careful!" I said, looking closely at the darkening sky. 'We might be walking into a trap."
Next to me, Lilith rode, her calmness a source of comfort. She looked at me, and said, 'No matter what comes, we will handle it."
I nodded, feeling thankful for her bravery. We had made it too far and given up too much to stop now. Together we moved forward deeper into the Pack.
By the time I stepped on the boundary, I expected trouble, but the woods were strangely quiet. I noticed my men sharing anxious looks, their silent worries becoming clear.
'Something feels off," Ronan said coolly, and his eyes turned to the thick trees.
I moved ahead feeling more and more worried with every step my horse took. Then in a clearing ahead, I saw someone I knew waving happily as if all the trouble from before had been just a game.
'Captain Kael!" I shouted as we got closer.
Kael smiled more as he stepped closer, coming near with no signs of anger. 'Your Highness!" He bent down low, showing his respect.
'What's going on, Kael? Where are your troops?" I asked, my voice filled with urgency.
Kael stood up, his smile disappearing as he understood how serious my question was. 'I have defeated the Green Forest Pack just like you asked."
'All alone?" My voice was filled with disbelief.
He shook his head, a joyful spark in his eyes. 'Not really. I had some help."
Then, as he came out from behind the trees, I felt a warm joy I didn't expect. It was Shane, my oldest brother.
'Shane!" I screamed, quickly getting off my horse and running to him. We hugged tightly, feeling our family connection and loyalty come alive. 'What are you doing here?"
Shane laughed, his eyes shining with friendly pride. 'I was heading to the palace ready to help fight Augustus. Then I met Kael, and it felt better to help out here first."
'Are you saying you didn't believe I could finish this?" I joked, but there was a serious feeling between us.
He lifted an eyebrow. 'You are my little brother. I trust you. I just figured a bit more hands would help."
While we talked, Kael coughed and looked back at the spot where the Green Forest Pack still knelt. 'Your Highness, what will you do with them?"
I turned and felt my heart drop at what I saw. At Kael's feet were the traitors—Alpha Rivers, his son, Raider, Cassandra and Rax Moore—all tied up in chains made of Wolfsbane, their bodies lowered in a sign of defeat.
I saw Lilith change right away, her expression toughening when she noticed the men who caused her parents' ruin. Without thinking, she got off her horse. It was obvious this was not finished.
I followed after Lilith, and hung my arm lightly on hers, showing my support in this awkward time. We went toward the kneeling people and the air felt charged with nervous energy.
'Well, look who's back," Cassandra said with a smirk, even though she was tied up. 'You think this is over?"
Lilith's face grew cold, and she spoke quietly but strongly. 'Do you really think I'll just let you joke about the hurt you have caused? You don't understand how deep the wounds are."
Fear flashed in Raider's eyes—both real and urgent. 'Please Lilith! I did not know! I promise I had no clue your parents were innocent! It was Alpha Haines who set them up, and my father foolishly believed him!"
I saw Alpha Rivers lower his head looking ashamed, while Cassandra fought against her ropes, her voice fierce and angry. 'My dad will get revenge! You really think you can escape this?"
I rolled my eyes and crossed my arms, showing how annoyed I was. 'Your dad? He's probably got his own issues to handle." I looked at a soldier who hurried over to me. 'What's happening at the Silver Crest Pack?"
The soldier hung his head out of breath. 'Sir, our troops have surrounded the area. They've taken charge just like you ordered."
'Pass this on to the soldiers." I ordered with a firm, but calm voice, 'Take out the Alphas and their families, but save the regular pack members. They will be moved to a new place. Set their buildings on fire!"
As the soldier ran off, Cassandra fell apart crying hard, her sobs rang out in the open space. 'You don't need to do this! We can team up! We can—"
'Power doesn't allow for betrayal!" Lilith yelled, her strong resolve echoing in my ears.
I looked at her feeling proud of her strength. 'What should we do with them?" I asked, realizing this moment was very important for us both.
She moved closer, her face was looking determined. 'I want them executed in exactly the same way my parents were. I want them to feel the hurt they caused my family."
I nodded yes, feeling both proud, and sorry for those kneeling in front of us. 'Okay."
Kael hurried to take action, gathering the soldiers for the tough job ahead. The cries of the traitors echoed around them, urgent and heartbreaking.
'Stop! Don't do this!" Raider yelled, his voice breaking as they were lifted—their chains groaning loudly.
'Your pain will be just a small part of what made others feel," Lilith said loudly, unchanging over their cries.
As the traitors struggled in pain, their fights ending with their last screams, the heaviness of the moment was all over the place.
'Destroy this pack" I said, hardening my heart against my feelings. 'Burn it down and move the members to Ravensong where they will have new leaders. They deserve another chance."
Looking away from that sad scene, I put my arm around my mate, feeling the bond the moon goddess blessed us with. Together we walked from the ruins of betrayal toward a brighter future.
**********************
I walked back and forth nervously outside the royal room feeling hot like a hungry monster. Lilith had been in labor for hours and every minute felt like forever. Ronan leaned against the wall with his arms crossed while Adeline stood close by looking concerned.
'Adams, you should relax," Ronan said, trying to reduce the stress. 'You are making us all more worried."
I tightened and loosened my hands, looking back at the shut door. 'I can't stop it. I can sense her pain."
'Just take a breath," Adeline said, hoping to cheer me up. 'She is tough just like you."
At that moment, a voice cut through the silence. 'Your Highness, it's a boy!"
In a rush, I opened the door. My breath stuck in my throat. Lilith was in bed looking pale but beautiful, her eyes bright with love that hit me hard. Cradled in her arms, wrapped in cozy furs, was our son. My heir.
I hurried to her side feeling a strong love I was never aware existed in me. Carefully, I took the baby from her arms, the little one warming my hands. Holding him close, I looked into Lilith's eyes. A big and real smile grew on my face.
'My boy. Our boy. The future of the Bloodhound."
I sat down beside her, carrying our bundle of joy in one hand. I gave her the most beautiful kiss ever, and whispered aloud into her ears, "I love you so much! Thank you for this wonderful gift!"
Far away, a bell started to ring, its sound filling the palace—a sign to the pack that a new prince was born, marking a new time. A time of peace built from struggles and sacrifices, sealed with the hope of new life.
The End.
