Alpha Rolan’s POV
The moonlight filtered through the tall windows of my chambers, casting long shadows across the room. I sat by the fire, its warmth doing little to ease the cold anger brewing inside me.
Griffin.
The thought of him gnawed at my insides. Ungrateful bastard. For weeks now, I’d played along, watching as he schemed behind my back, meeting with the councilmen in secret, plotting to challenge me for the Alpha title.
I had known him for some time, but each time I saw him, pretending to be loyal, it became harder to restrain myself from tearing him apart.
The flames flickered in the hearth, much like the burning desire I had to confront him. But I couldn’t act yet. Not until I was sure.
I had always given Griffin the benefit of the doubt. He was the illegitimate son of my father, after all. I owed him a sense of loyalty, a brotherly bond, even if we were not full brothers by blood.
But lately, it had become clear that Griffin wanted what I had. The power, the respect, the title. He’d become drunk on his ambitions, blinded by his desire to be Alpha, and now it seemed he was willing to challenge me for it.
It was late when Pandora entered the room. She moved silently, her delicate figure almost blending into the shadows. But she always knew when something was wrong.
Even before she said a word, I could feel her watching me, studying the tension in my body.
“What’s wrong?” she asked softly, her voice breaking the silence.
I clenched my jaw, staring into the fire, trying to push back the rising tide of frustration. “Nothing,” I muttered.
Pandora wasn’t one to let things go easily, though. She stepped closer, her hand resting gently on my shoulder. “You don’t look good, Rolan. Tell me what’s going on.”
There was no point in lying to her. She always saw through me. I sighed, rubbing a hand across my face. “It’s Griffin,” I finally admitted, the words tasting bitter on my tongue. “He’s going to challenge me to a duel.”
Pandora froze for a moment, the shock evident in her eyes. “Are you sure?” she asked, her voice a whisper.
I nodded grimly. “Yes. My informant told me earlier today. He’s been meeting with some of the councilmen in secret, making plans to overthrow me.”
Pandora’s brow furrowed, her lips pressing into a thin line. “I can’t believe he would be so foolish,” she said softly. “You’ve given him everything. How could he betray you like this?”
I stood up, pacing the room, the anger bubbling beneath my skin. “Because power has a way of poisoning people,” I spat, my voice rising. “Griffin’s always wanted more. No matter how much I’ve given him, it’s never been enough. And now, he thinks he can take what’s mine.”
Pandora watched me for a moment, her eyes filled with concern. “What are you going to do?” she asked quietly.
I stopped pacing, turning to face her. “That’s the thing, isn’t it?” I said bitterly. “I’ve tried to be patient, to let him come to his senses. But he won’t. He’s too far gone now. I don’t want to kill him, Pandora. But if he challenges me, I won’t have a choice.”
The weight of my words hung heavy in the air. The Alpha Duel was a sacred tradition, a fight to the death. There could only be one victor, one survivor. Griffin was no match for me, and deep down, I knew that if it came to that, I would end him without hesitation.
Pandora stepped forward, placing her hand on my chest, calming the storm brewing inside me. “I know you don’t want it to come to this,” She began softly.
“But you’ve tried, Rolan. You’ve given him every chance to prove his loyalty. If he’s truly set on this path, then you have to defend what’s yours.”
I looked down at her, my heart heavy with the burden of what was to come. “I listened to you before,” I said quietly. “I tried to give him another chance. But now, I need to handle this the way I want.”
Pandora nodded, her expression resolute. “You’ve done your best, Rolan. If Griffin forces your hand, then do what you must.”
I let out a long breath, grateful for her support but still weighed down by the reality of what was happening. Griffin had been like a brother to me once.
We had grown up together and fought side by side. And now, he was willing to throw all of that away for a shot at power.
“He won’t survive the duel,” I said, my voice cold. “He’s not strong enough.”
Pandora frowned, her eyes searching mine. “Do you really think he’ll go through with it?”
I shrugged, the tension in my body easing slightly. “I don’t know. But if he does, he’ll leave me no choice.”
Pandora reached up, cupping my face in her hands. “Don’t worry,” she said softly. “Everything will work out the way it’s supposed to. Just remember that you’re the rightful Alpha. Griffin’s ambitions will be his downfall, not yours.”
I nodded, trying to take comfort in her words, though the unease lingered. “What are you working on?” I asked, eager to change the subject. I needed something else to focus on, something to distract me from the storm brewing in my mind.
Pandora smiled, a spark of excitement lighting up her eyes. “I’ve been planning the full moon festival,” she said. “It’s in a few days, and I want to make sure everything is perfect.”
I smiled, her enthusiasm lifting my spirits just a little. “You’ve always been good at making things perfect,” I said, wrapping my arms around her. “Let me know if you need anything.”
She laughed softly, leaning into my embrace. “I will. But you need to stop worrying so much. Everything will be fine.”
I kissed her forehead, grateful for her presence. But as I held her in my arms, the nagging feeling in the back of my mind wouldn’t go away. I knew that sooner or later, I would have to face Griffin. And when that time came, there would be no turning back.