Chapter 4
The training grounds stretched before me, a sprawling expanse of packed earth surrounded by ancient trees. Morning light filtered through the branches, casting dappled shadows across the combat arena where Eithan stood waiting for me.
"You're tense," he observed, tossing me a pair of training gloves. "Liam's threats are affecting you more than you admit."
I caught the gloves with a sharp nod. Three days had passed since Liam's mental assault, his accusation of treason still echoing in my mind. The memory made my wolf stir restlessly beneath my skin.
"I won't deny it," I replied, pulling on the gloves. "But I won't let him break me either."
Eithan's eyes softened with something I couldn't quite name. "Then let's channel that anger properly."
He circled me slowly, his movements fluid and predatory. Unlike Liam, who fought with brute strength and dominance, Eithan moved with calculated precision.
"Ready?" he asked, his voice dropping to a dangerous purr.
I nodded, dropping into a defensive stance. The first blow came faster than I expected—a feint to the left followed by a lightning strike to my ribs. I barely blocked it, stumbling back.
"Too slow," Eithan said, not unkindly. "Your mind is still on Silverclaw."
He was right. I was fighting with the restraint of a Luna, not the ferocity of a survivor.
"Stop holding back," he commanded, circling again. "I'm not one of your precious pack members who needs protection."
Something snapped inside me. When he came at me again, I didn't defend—I attacked. My fist connected with his shoulder, earning a surprised grunt.
"Better," he said, a smile playing at his lips.
We clashed again and again, each exchange more intense than the last. Sweat dripped down my spine as anger poured out of me—anger at Liam's betrayal, at Zoey's manipulation, at the pack that had stood by in silence.
"I trusted them!" I shouted as I drove forward, my fist aimed at Eithan's jaw.
He caught my wrist mid-strike, his grip firm but not painful. Our faces were inches apart, his eyes burning into mine.
"Victoria," he said, my name a caress on his lips. "Listen to me."
I struggled against his hold, but he didn't release me. Instead, he stepped closer, his aura enveloping me like a protective shield.
"I vow to you," he said, his voice low and fierce, "I will burn Silverclaw to the ground before I let Liam touch you again."
The intensity of his promise stole my breath. My wolf surged forward, responding to the primal protection in his words.
"Your pack has become a liability," he continued, releasing my wrist but not stepping back. "And I will not let them drag you down with them."
---
Miles away, Liam paced the Alpha's office, his face gaunt and eyes wild with fever.
"No more," he snarled to his assembled Betas. "No more trade with the Lycans."
Derek stepped forward cautiously. "Alpha, our medical supplies come through Silverclaw territory."
"Then find another route," Liam snapped. "Or make do with what we have."
"But sir," Derek persisted, "we also supply grain to—"
"Are you questioning me?" Liam's voice dropped to a dangerous growl.
The room temperature seemed to drop as Liam's Alpha aura flared. "I said no trade. Any wolf caught trading with Lycan territory will be punished as a traitor."
Two weeks later, the consequences were undeniable. Silverclaw's granaries emptied as the Lycans withheld their shipments. Pack members went hungry as medical supplies dwindled.
Derek stood before Liam again, this time with the support of several senior pack members.
"Alpha," he said firmly, "we must lift the blockade. Our pups are going hungry."
Liam's eyes flashed dangerously. "You dare question my decision?"
"We question the wisdom of starving our own people," Derek replied, standing his ground.
Liam rose from his chair, his Alpha aura crushing down on the room. "As your Alpha, I command you to be silent!"
The Alpha Command hit like a physical blow, forcing Derek to his knees. The other pack members bowed their heads in submission, but not before I saw the horror in their eyes.
"Your loyalty is to me," Liam growled. "Not to your stomachs."
---
In the shadows of the pack house, Derek moved silently through the corridors. The blockade had failed—of course it had—and now Silverclaw was paying the price.
He slipped into Victoria's old office, now abandoned but still bearing traces of her organization. From a hidden compartment in the desk, he retrieved a small communication device—one that operated on Lycan frequencies.
"The evidence was too convenient," he muttered to himself as he powered it on. "Too perfect."
For days, he'd been tracking Zoey's movements, noting her late-night disappearances and secretive meetings. Tonight, he'd found something more—a young Omega who'd seen Zoey sneaking out toward the fringe lands.
"This is Beta Derek of Silverclaw," he whispered into the device. "I need to speak with King Eithan directly."
The response came almost immediately—Eithan's calm voice filling the small room.
"Beta Derek. This is unexpected."
"I have information about the treason charges against Victoria," Derek said urgently. "They're false. Fabricated by Luna Zoey."
A dangerous pause followed. "Can you prove it?"
"I'm working on it," Derek replied. "But I need your help. Our Alpha... he's not himself anymore."
"Then we'll help each other," Eithan said, his voice hardening with resolve. "Because I won't let Liam destroy what's mine."
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