Damon
"Alpha Heir, we got a problem!"
I was striding purposefully when a tracker intercepted me, urgency in his eyes. I let out a sigh, already running late for my expected visit to the Alpha.
"Not now," I responded curtly, but the tracker refused to relent, leaning in closer and whispering,
"It's about your future bride's pack. We heard from an intel that Goldenridge was attacked."
My heart quickened at the news, and I could feel the color drain from my face. I motioned for the tracker to follow me inside my room, shutting the door behind us. "Tell me everything," I demanded.
The tracker repeated, "We were told by our spies from the north that Goldenridge was attacked by a group of rogues last night. It took them a while to ask for backup, recognizing our alliance with them. But when the backup finally came, it was all too late."
Dread clawed at me as I asked the question I feared the most. "Are there any survivors?"
"The Alpha and his warriors have fallen," the tracker replied gravely. "What's left are a few women and children who managed to hide while the fight was ensuing. They are all being attended to by our men."
I couldn't help but inquire further. "And the Beta?"
The tracker shook his head sadly. "Unfortunately, he died with his alpha brother. We saw his mutilated body inside the Beta mansion. I am sorry to say that our men failed to save your future father-in-law."
I clenched my fists, my mind racing as I thought about Ashford and his mission. My heart sank at the thought that something might happened to him and yet I couldn’t just ask the tracker directly about him as the confidentiality of his mission hung in the balance.
Unable to reveal our secret, I asked cautiously, "What about our men? Is anyone hurt from our side?"
"When our men reached the pack, the rogues had already fled."
"Did our men find out who those rogues are?" I pressed.
"They are still unsure about the group's identity," he replied, which disappointed me. "But they found this brooch when they were searching for clues. Although they are unsure what emblem this is or if this really belongs to the attackers.”
The tracker handed me the emblem and my brow furrowed upon seeing it. I was well-versed in the symbols of every wolf pack and notable rogue group in the continent, but this one was unfamiliar. A wolf and a waning crescent moon with four stars above it – it was unique, and that sent shivers down my spine.
"Thank you for your report," I said, my mind racing with thoughts of the devastated pack. "Allow me to talk to Serena about what happened to her pack. I will also speak to the Alpha personally about this matter, so there's no need to update everyone about it. I’ll deliver them the news myself." Hearing this, the tracker bowed his head and took his leave.
As he left, my thoughts shifted to my best friend, Ashford. Since his body wasn't found in Goldenridge, I held onto the hope that he was still alive, even though the circumstances were dire. I wondered how he was, whether he was nursing wounds and biding his time before returning home to the Blood Rose Pack.
I just hope that the moon goddess will protect him and keep him safe.
I knew my next steps were clear. I needed to visit my Alpha father and then face Rina and her mother, offering them updates on Beta Janus's fate.
I made my way to the Alpha's chambers, the weight of the devastating news heavy on my shoulders.
"Alpha," I began, my voice steady but filled with sorrow, "I have grave news to report." I proceeded to recount the tragedy that had befallen Goldenridge and saw his face darkened as he listened.
"This is a terrible blow," he murmured, his voice heavy with sympathy. After a moment's reflection, the Alpha made a decision. "We must act swiftly to help Goldenridge recover. I will appoint a temporary governor to oversee the pack's restoration In time, we will decide whether it's best for the survivors to seek refuge here in Blood Rose or if the governor should assume the role of the Alpha, considering the unfortunate demise of all the previous council members."
With the Alpha's directive clear, I took my leave, my thoughts heavy with the weight of the responsibility that lay ahead.
Next, I headed toward Rina and her mother's room.
“NO! That’s not true! My dad is not dead. No!!!!!”
Rina's cries filled the room, her grief pouring out as she mourned the loss of her father. I let her seek refuge in my chest. Although I hate her for what she and her mother did to the real Serena, I genuinely felt sorry for her for losing a loved one.
Mathilde, on the other hand, wept for her husband, but I couldn't shake the feeling that her tears were more for show than genuine sorrow. Then, unexpectedly, Mathilde turned her attention to me.
"Your grace," she began, her tone suggestive, "perhaps, given the circumstances, it would be wise to hasten your wedding with my daughter. I couldn’t help but think of our people. It would strengthen our position and ensure the continuity of our alliance with Blood Rose.”
I blinked in surprise at her proposal, taken aback by her audacity. I turned my attention back to Rina, who was still weeping, before answering.
“No need for that, Mathilde. My father already gave orders to ensure the survivors would be taken care of. For now, please do not worry about them and focus on your grief. You just lost a husband and I know how hard it is for you.”
I could see her cheeks turning red with embarrassment after what I had said. Soon, I heard her quiet sobs. I decided to keep quiet about her behavior and greed. I knew that one day I would find the real Serena and kick her out of my pack permanently. But for the time being, I had to tough it out and wait for the right moment.
I just hope that Ashford will be back soon to help me accomplish it.