Chapter 43
Killan’s POV
The grand meeting hall was a spectacle of power and influence, designed to remind every ruler who stepped inside that this world belonged to the strongest. Towering marble columns lined the vast chamber, intricately carved with depictions of conquests and bloodstained alliances. The ceiling stretched impossibly high, painted with constellations, as if the gods themselves presided over these discussions.
A long obsidian rable dominated the center of the room, its polished surface reflecting the dim glow of enchanted lanterns that hovered in the air- like ghosts of old pacts and broken oaths.
If I were being honest, I would have much preferred to be by Ruby’s side.
Aside from the sharp conversations we could share, she was an enjoyable woman–one whose sense of humor I found particularly entertaining. That included her voice, which was….
“You’re starting again, oh mighty Lycan King.”
I nearly flinched–undignified–at the sudden voice cutting through our link.
“Kai. It’s been a while,” I replied internally,
The arrogance laced in Kai’s tone, my wolf, was a perfect reflection of my own.
“That’s all you have to say?”
“Not much hospitality for someone who disappeared and became impossible to reach.”
Kai sounded utterly unaffected by my sharp tone.
“I have my reasons, and you should already know them. So just answer me–about the woman.”
Now it was my turn to sever the link and block him out.
Why was everyone–even Kai–so damn interested in my connection with the Luma of the Ravenhold Pack
This wasn’t the first time I had been in a relationship with benefits like this.
My head throbbed with a nauseating ache,
This was starting to irritate me.
And this meeting was just as infuriating. If not for the sheer number of opportunities I could seize–pulling them all into the palm of my hand–I wouldn’t have bothered coming here.
One dream had to be realized transforming my kingdom into an empire, with every kingdom across the land bowing before me.
I lifted
my teacup, sipping leisurely. Across the table, the others seemed to struggle to swallow even a single drop. I wondered why–until I finally noticed one thing.
Tension crackled in the air like an approaching storm..
The
allics.
meeting had started with the usual matters–trade routes, border disputes, the shallow pleasantries exchanged between enemies disguised as
But everything shifted when he spoke.
Lucius, the insufferable King of the Northern Kingdom, leaned forward, a sharp smirk playing on his lips.
“Have you all heard the latest news?”
one dared to answer.
Noor
Not yet, at least.
“The death of Alpha Julius from the Silver Fang Pack, Lucius drawled, his voice as sharp as a rusted blade slicing through the room’s tension “A tragedy, isn’t i
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10:33 AM
Chapter 48
Once again, silence.
Everyone knew about the massacre,
Everyone knew who was responsible.
But no one dared to say it out loud.
No one–except Lucius:
“I heard it was quite the spectacle,” he continued, feigning sorrow. “The entire pack–wiped from existence. Men, women, children–not a single survivor. Brutal. Unforgivable, really!”
Well, that was the first compliment I’d received today.
Thank you, Lucius. I look forward to seeing your head mounted on a pike at my kingdom’s gates,
I remained silent as if my fa
face were the very symbol of tranquility. Let him play his little game. I have time.
Julius was an old friend of mine.”
Letting out a sudden, sorrowful sigh, Lucius turned away as if he were mourning with an ocean’s worth of sincerity. In truth, this man was simply upset over losing his most trusted rat
“Seeing him die this quickly breaks my heart, he lamented, shaking his head. “I don’t even have a single thing from that poor man that I can keep
amenta.
“He was so kind to me. How cruel fate is..”
Every king and ruler present knew it was nothing but an act. Anyone who had ever met Alpha Julius was well aware of his foul nature. His deceitfulness, loud mouth, and greed weren’t even the worst of it. No one was mourning his death–truly. If anything, they should all be grateful that one more piece of trash had been taken out for good
“I suppose. I finally interjected, stirring the tea in my cup. “it depends on one’s tolerance for betrayal.”
Every head turned toward me. But I was me. Let them direct their attention at me–1 would accept it with ease.
On the other hand, Lucius’s smirk widened, sharp as a dagger. “Ah, and here I thought you would deny your involvement. But no, the great King Killian Rudwick boldly admits to has crimes with pride.”
I lifted my game to meet his. “Lying bores me, King Lucius.”
He bared his teeth in something that wasn’t quite a grin. “Tell me, then–what justification do you have for slaughtering an entire pack**
I took a slow sip of my sea, letting the silence stretch just long enough to carve deeper.
“Someone wanted me dead.” I said simply, accompanied by a charming yet false smile–one I often used to deceive the world about the true state of my heart. “And when someone dares to reach for my throat, I make sure they never get the chance to do it again”
Lucius laughed–loud, furious, unrestrained. “Oh, Killian. You finally found one of my lackeys, didn’t you? And now what? You think this ends here?”
He leaned forward, his voice dropping into a venomous whisper. I want your head, Rudwick. Even now.”
The tension in the room became unbearable.
A sorority elder, a frail yet formidable woman draped in ceremonial robes, slammed her staff against the ground. Magic crackled in the air, powerful enough to make the times in the lamers flicker willy
“Enough,” she commanded, lier voice carrying the weight of centuries. “You will not turn this gathering into a battlefield”
“My apologies, Elder. My intentions in attending this meeting were nothing but good,” Lucius’s voice softened to a tone that could make any hound shiver. “However, when I see a criminal who has been allowed to act with impunity for ages, I simply cannot. I refuse to be a coward,”
The Elder remained unwavering. “You have an entire courtroom in which to speak of justice and law, King Lucius. But not here. Not now.”
I sighed in surrender. “Oh, Dearest Grand Elder. You heard the honorable King Lucius’s confession yourself, didn’t you? So don’t scold me later after this gathering is over.”
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Chapter 43
“King Lucius, mind your conduct!” The Elder slammed her staff again, her gaze sweeping over to me. “And you as well. King Killian
Iraised both hands in mock surrender, though I didn’t forget to offer the old woman a warm smile.
Tm a good boy. Relax,” I said innocently.
Lucius turned his gaze toward the Elder, his nostris flaring. “See what you’ve done, Elder? This bastard grows arrogant because you always defend
“It is my duty to ensure order. The Elder’s sharp gaze flickered between us. “There is no favoritism among us. This meeting is adjourned.”
I smirked, leaning back as Lucius was forced to restrain himself. But just as I was about to take another sip of tea, a scream echoed through the hall.
Ah. here it is. My little performance–the masterpiece of the day.
Then, a body crashed ont
onto the table.
One of Lucius’s lackeys. Dead
Gasps and screams erupted from the gathered rulers. Chaos ensued as everyone scrambled to distance themselves from the blood now pooling across the table. The stench of death hung thick in the air.
Beta Leonidas, ever the efficient shadow by my side, stood unwavering. “As requested, Your Majesty.”
Lucius’s furious scream nearly shattered the room. “You! How dare you, Rudwick! I curse you-”
I rose to my feet, unleashing the full weight of my dominance.
“Never challenge me, Lucius, I warned, my voice a low, lethal growl. “The consequences are far worse than death”
“CHALLENGE YOU!! YOU STARTED ALL OF THIS, KILLIANI”
“YOU STAY WHERE YOU ARE, YOU WRETCHED BEAST! RUDWICK!”
Lucius roared curses and accusations of murder, but I had long since stopped caring. When his soldiers moved to charge at me, a single command left my lips. The moment I unleashed my dark magic, they all fell to their knees.
“Disrupt my life again, and I will erase your kingdom from existence. I lifted a hand in a casual farewell. “Until our next meeting, King Lucius Without another glance, I turned and strode out of the hall, Leonidas and my loyal warriors swiftly closing in around me.
Once outside, Leonidas effortlessly fell into step beside me. I have what you asked for.”
I didn’t slow my pace. “Good”
Leonidas handed me a small scroll. “It took some effort, but I managed to track down the hospital records. The bribe worked. These are Camilla’s lab results.
I halted, flicking my fingers to unroll the parchment. My eyes skimmed over the words, and with each line, my smirk widened,
Not Dominic’s child.
Perfect.
I rolled the scroll back up and turged to Leonidas, “I should give you a raise.”
Leonidas smirked lazily. “I won’t argue with that.”
A satisfied hum left my lips. The next step was contacting Ruby. With this, we had everything we needed. And I now had plenty of reasons to visit the Ravenhold Pack. I was looking forward to Ruby’s expression when she realized it had taken less than 24 hours to obtain the proof she wanted. I enjoyed that look of admiration in her eyes every time I did something for her.
I had just begun savoring the possibilities when a very familiar voice shattered
“Killian
Damn it.
I turned, barely hiding my irritation as Daphne stepped into view.
my thoughts.
