Unknown P. O. V
Rax Moore was comfortably lying back on the luxurious Alpha throne which was designed for someone of high status but clearly not someone like him. A mischievous smile played on his lips suggesting he was enjoying the moment.
He absentmindedly tapped his fingers in a rhythmic manner against the beautifully carved armrest of his throne while he watched the three pack elders standing in front of him. They looked quite upset and full of tension. Next to him, Twisted Cassandra was relaxed and composed.
She was elegantly tracing intricate patterns on the smooth and polished stone surface beside them with her finger. The atmosphere around them was filled with a sense of excitement and anticipation much like the unsettling feeling that hangs in the air right before a storm hits.
Elder Aurelius, who was the oldest of the three, shifted his weight from one foot to the other with his face showing both disbelief and anger.
“Rax, you need to think again. Teaming up with the rogue king will lead to our downfall. We shouldn’t associate with him because of his cruelty!”
“Lost are we?” Rax’s voice echoed in the room while catching the elders’ eyes. “I see only power here. Power that will soon face the rogue king’s army.” He leaned in with his eyes narrowing with a fierce look.
“You challenge my choices as if this is a vote. Let me remind you-you are with your Alpha. Question me again, and you might see your places in this pack disappear faster than you can say ‘betrayal.'”
Elder Octavian took a step forward with his face white and shaking his head a bit as if to push away some hidden threat.
“But Rax, think about what might happen! Enemy troops are at the door of other packs watching us. You’re risking everything that could ruin us!”
“Consequences?” Rax laughed and waved his hand. “Weakness isn’t welcome in my pack. You should remember what happened to the last elder who tried to challenge me.” He leaned back while looking relaxed, but there was a hint of tension in the air. The elders shared worried looks.
“Knock! Knock!” A guard said as he entered the room while looking very urgent. “My Alpha! The rogue king is coming!”
Hearing that, the elders turned pale. Rax only smiled more. “Oh yes the king,” he said while enjoying their fear. “You see? Your fear is not needed.”
“Rax!” Aurelius shouted while trying to keep his composure despite feeling scared. “You let this man into our safe place! What were you thinking?”
Cassandra’s laugh broke the tension like bells ringing in a storm. “But they really must get it right, Rax? You’ve given this pack a fresh aim-a new future linked to the rogue king.” she said with her eyes sparkling playfully.
Rax got up and helped Cassandra stand, then they walked to the door. “Come on let’s greet our honored visitor,” he said while going outside. The elders followed while muttering quietly and upset but too scared to confront him.
Standing in front of the pack house, they saw the sky darken with the shadows of wild rogues. The horses pranced while showing their wild energy while a carriage rumbled along behind.
Rax’s demeanor changed completely. He stood tall and threw a serious look at Cassandra and greeted, “Rogue king! Come into the light of the Green Forest Pack!”
Just as he finished speaking, the carriage door opened, and a man got out. The crowd gasped in shock with their faces showing their disbelief as a grin appeared on his face.
Rax knelt down right away, showing loyalty that spread among the onlookers. Cassandra did the same without thinking. The elders stood stiff and frozen with a mix of confusion and anger.
“You don’t have to bow to me,” said a strong voice, calm and full of power. When the rogue king’s envoy appeared it was obvious he looked just like the Alpha King-but this was just Ben…
Elder Octavian couldn’t hold back his shock and his voice trembled. “Wait-you’re here for the rogue king? Why? He never comes this far! This is crazy!”
Ben tilted his head with a mischievous spark in his eyes. “Madness? Or just what has to happen? Your pack is on a strange journey, right?” He glanced at the worried elders with enjoyment before turning back to Rax. “I’m here to see how useful your people could be to my liege. Can we go inside?”
Just like he was waiting for the right moment, Rax held out his hand, leading Ben and Cassandra back into the pack house. The elders followed slowly with their anger bubbling as they finally entered the dark room.
“Ben,” Rax said while waving his hand to invite them to take a seat. “Let’s have a conversation. I understand that Augustus is eager to find out how things are going with your kind and generous hosts.” The way he spoke had a tone that seemed a bit superior, as if he were making fun of them.
Ben grinned and leaned back as if he didn’t care. “But why not just show off? You have the power now. How many good soldiers do you lead these days?”
Cassandra took her chance and leaned in a bit. “The night is ours to enjoy, you know. You might want to rest after your trip. Tomorrow we can plan a visit to our… treasures.”
“That’s really kind of you,” Ben said while smiling bigger. “But I have something else to talk about.” He raised an eyebrow and became more serious. “What about your old Alpha Raider? I assume he’s still locked up?”
Cassandra’s smile grew wider with her eyes shining with pleasure. “Raider, that idiot? He’s been stuck in our dungeons. He was really a trouble, but it looks like he’s just like his father.”
Ben frowned a little. “What about his dad, Alpha River?”
A cold laugh came from Cassandra. “Alive! A smart trick right? Everyone thought the Rivers were gone forever. It was a setup-a scheme to strengthen my power, Rax’s power… our power. All to support Augustus’s big plan.”
Ben laughed with his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Clever move. I give you credit. Adams wouldn’t expect this. But what about those who challenge loyalty?”
“It doesn’t matter,” Rax said passionately. “Adams and his beloved Lilith can’t see the truth right in front of them. Time will bring your kingdom nearer to the rogue king.”
Ben nodded happily. “I’ll take it easy today, but I need to meet Raider and River tomorrow!” He said.