Damon
After the formal challenge had been accepted, we found ourselves standing in the heart of the Blood Rose pack's territory. Over time, this place had become the customary arena for those seeking to challenge the reigning alpha for their position.
The members of the Blood Rose pack had gathered to witness this fight to the death. I was fully aware that this duel would only conclude when one of us lay lifeless. It weighed heavily on my heart that either my father or I would meet our demise, but I had reconciled with this grim reality the moment I decided to contest his authority. Knowing my father, he would sooner see me dead or meet his own end than let me take charge of his pack.
At last, the shofar resounded, a ram's horn instrument signaling the commencement of our confrontation. In the blink of an eye, my father transformed into his renowned wolf form, inciting terrified screams from the onlookers. Indeed, my father's wolf form was the stuff of nightmares.
I followed suit, embracing my own wolf form, relinquishing control to my inner Romulus and trusting in his instincts to navigate us through the night. I let out a resounding howl, a message to the goddess, vowing that if my destiny was to meet its end in this place, I would ensure it held meaning.
We circled each other, locking eyes with our dark, fiery red gazes. His eyes blazed with an intense fiery red, while mine carried a shade closer to scarlet. He growled ferociously, and I responded with a low, guttural sound.
I gazed at the formidable beast before me and undeniably, it was a terrifying sight, particularly the sharpness of his claws and teeth. However, I refused to succumb to intimidation. This was the most critical battle of my life, and I couldn't afford to make any mistakes.
Then, my father made his move. He pounced on me like a ravenous predator, swaying his razor-sharp claws in the air, clearly intemding on ending my life.
Our bodies collided, both of us attempting to inflict pain on the other through our frenzied clashes. Dad's claws lashed out, drawing blood as they grazed my ear. I couldn't allow him to seize an early advantage, so I retaliated by sinking my teeth into his shoulder. He howled in agony, attempting to shake me off, but I clung tenaciously. However, the moment my sharp canine teeth lost their grip, he sent me hurtling toward a nearby tree.
The crowd rushed toward my direction, their shouts and cheers urging me on. I struggled to regain my footing, my claws now bloodied. The spectators grew frenzied, while my father unleashed another chilling growl. The sight of the blood stirred my primal instincts, confirming that this was indeed a battle to the death.
I lunged at him, but he didn't flinch. Instead, he leaped over me and seized my tail. I yelped as I was violently yanked backward and slammed into a boulder at the side. Gasping for breath, I picked myself up, my side throbbing with pain, indicating possible broken ribs.
Dad wore a smug grin as he approached me, eventually looming over my battered form. He snatched me up in his massive hand and flung me into the air as if I were no more substantial than a scrap of paper. Before I even hit the ground, his claws tore through me, blood spraying into the air.
“Damon, no!” I heard Serena’s voice echoed from the audience side. The crowd fell into a stunned silence, and I was no exception. All I could hear was the sound of my labored breathing, accompanied by a low growl emanating from my chest. I had anticipated a difficult fight, but I had never imagined it would end so swiftly. In less than ten minutes, my body was already on the verge of surrender.
Summoning the very last ounce of my strength, I seized control of the battle. Our bodies collided with brutal force, rending each other apart. My hands shot out repeatedly, attempting to strike him with all the might I could muster. Some of my blows he skillfully evaded, but others found their mark, tearing into his flesh. Even if I couldn't end him today, I was determined to weaken him as much as possible.
Dad launched another assault, this time aiming for my already injured side. He deftly maneuvered and seized me, hurling me into the air once more. An excruciating, paralyzing pain overcame me, and blood oozed from my mouth.
As I lay on the ground, my world continued to slow down. My body had gone completely numb, and the surrounding sounds transformed into faint, indistinct echoes. My vision blurred, and I watched Dad move towards me, sitting down as if preparing to deliver his final words. By this point, he had reverted to his human form, proudly displaying my blood staining his body.
"It turns out, I was right all along," he declared. "You're nothing, Damon. You are not worthy of your title. You are not worthy to be called my son and heir."
His words hit me with the force of a sledgehammer. Perhaps Dad was correct. I didn't deserve Blood Rose. Shame engulfed me, and I questioned how I could have ever believed I could be worthy in my father's eyes.
Then, Dad turned to the assembled crowd. "I, Alpha Roman Sanford, Alpha of Blood Rose Pack, hereby disown my son, Damon Sanford, and strip him of his title as the heir to my throne. I shall exile him, along with his friends and allies, for committing treason. I sever all ties with him, and he shall live as a rogue for the remainder of his pathetic life. I, your Alpha, have spoken."
At that moment, it felt like all hope within me had been extinguished. The urge to close my eyes grew overwhelming, and I could no longer resist it. My breath slowed down, and I lost all sensation in my body.
Perhaps this is what real death feels like.
I looked to the side where Serena was. She gazed at me, her eyes glistening with tears, and her trembling hand covered her mouth. I bit my lower lip until I tasted blood, consumed by self-doubt. What kind of lover was I that I had failed to protect the woman I loved?
And then, I watched as she slowly crumpled to the ground, fainting. It was evident that the weight of her worries and anxiety had taken its toll.
"Serena...Serena..." All I could do was extend my hand helplessly as Ashford and Alexei cradled her. Then, slowly, darkness closed in on me, and I too succumbed to its embrace.