“She’s a traitor too!” the man who looked exactly like Zander shouted.
Before I could even process what was happening, Maddox stepped forward, flanked by two guards.
“You’re under our custody,” they declared, raising their weapons at me.
Shock crashed over me like a tidal wave. Maddox? Betraying Zander? But before I could react, they shoved me toward Zander. I didn’t resist-I wanted to be close to him.
“What’s going on, Zander?” I demanded, my voice laced with confusion and fear.
“Oh, Selena… why did you come here?” he groaned, his voice thick with anguish, his face filled with helplessness.
“Well, well,” the imposter drawled, finally catching my full attention.
The Dark Alpha.
I narrowed my eyes at him, my stomach twisting in disgust. I knew exactly who he was.
“I was waiting for you, mate,” he said smoothly.
Even though his voice sounded exactly like Zander’s, it made my skin crawl.
“I am not your mate!” I bellowed.
He chuckled, shaking his head. “Feisty, huh?”
I turned to the council members and Maddox, who stood there, completely fooled by this monster.
“Why are you not recognizing Zander?!” I yelled at them, frustration bubbling over.
“It’s not their fault,” Zander cut in because no one responded. His voice was tight, but controlled. “He’s captured their shadows and trapped them in his shadow world. That’s why they have no control over their minds. They believe whatever he tells them.”
Oh, Goddess… what kind of monstrous power was that?
“Thank you for admiring me in front of our mate,” the Dark Alpha said with a sick grin.
His face might have been identical to Zander’s, but the resemblance ended there. There was nothing warm or kind about him. He had turned my mate’s handsome features into something cruel-something purely demonic.
“You think you can win with deceit?” I gritted out, my fists clenched. “But you forgot one thing-you have to face me. Selena Blake, Luna of the Alpha King and Queen of the Lunar Realm.”
I rose to my feet, standing tall before him, unshaken.
The Dark Alpha’s sinful smile deepened. “Oh, my mate, I haven’t forgotten a thing,” he said smoothly. “In fact, I’m quite pleased. A she-wolf this powerful, all thanks to the Alpha King.”
He let out a taunting laugh. “But what happens next will make you regret ever being his Luna.”
His gaze darkened, turning sinister, and I felt Arena weaken inside me.
“Fuck!” Zander cursed under his breath.
I turned to him, panic gripping me.
“He stole the shadow of the Lyon,” Zander said grimly. “He’s powerless now. And the moment you entered this place, he captured both your and Arena’s shadows too-this whole area is now part of his demonic territory.”
My eyes widened in shock.
“Listen, demon,” Zander growled, his voice edged with desperation. “Leave Selena and Arena alone, and I will give you everything you want.”
The Dark Alpha smirked and signaled Maddox. Before I could react, Maddox struck Zander, making him stumble. Blood dripped from his mouth.
I gasped, rushing toward him.
“You pathetic Alpha King,” the Dark Alpha sneered. “Do you really think you have anything I want? No. The only thing I desire… is Arena.”
My breath hitched, and I clutched my arms around myself, dread creeping through me.
“Aww,” the demon clicked his tongue, his expression mocking. “I’m sorry, baby, but I have to kill you and your unborn pup.” His eyes flicked to my protruding stomach, dark with intent. “So your ancient wolf can be mine.”
A glinting silver weapon materialized in his hand, its deadly edge catching the dim light.
I tried to summon my powers, but nothing happened. Panic surged through me-I felt like an ordinary woman. Zander was right. Our shadows held immense power, and now, they were under his control.
Zander immediately stepped forward, placing himself between me and the demon. His stance was firm, his body tense.
“No! You can’t harm her,” he roared, his voice filled with raw determination.
I could feel Lyon struggling inside him, just as Arena was trapped within me, both powerless and unable to break free.
The Dark Alpha’s face twisted with irritation. “You fool,” he snapped. “Step aside, or I’ll kill you first before I finish off our mate.”
“I will never let you do this,” Zander declared with unwavering authority.
“Oh, how can you be so stupid, Zander?” the demon sighed mockingly, shaking his head. “I already offered you a chance to join forces with me. Together, we could have ruled the world after claiming the Ancient Wolf.”
What?!