Chapter 4
742 Words
CHAPTER FOUR.
PACK POLITICS (I)
Ayla’s POV.
Very early the next day, I got ready and went to the council of alphas and lycan Kings.
I knew what I was doing was crazy, but I was so desperate at this point to think straight.
The Lycan Kings and the Alphas moved the side to let me pass, their eyes fixed on me, I could sense curiosity and suspicion. I kept my head held high, even though my heart was pounding in my chest.
As I reached the central area, I saw my father, seated at the head, his eyes weak and his fur don. He looked... fragile, and pained. Fear and worry struck me, and I hurried my pace.
"Ayla," he said, his voice weak. "I'm glad you're here. We need to discuss the pack's future."
I nodded, but I was feeling uneasy. Something was wrong.
Thorne, the strongest Lycan King, stepped forward, his expression showed me that he was bearing bad news. “Ayla, your father's leadership is... being questioned. His failure to defeat Stone has put our pack in danger."
My eyes flashed with rage but I remained calm.
Thorne continued. "If your father cannot prove himself worthy, the pack will be given to another alpha. One who can protect and lead us to victory."
I felt my blood run cold. "What do you mean?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
Thorne's smile was cold. "Your father's time is running out, Ayla. If he doesn't defeat Stone soon, he'll be... forgotten."
I felt like the ground beneath my feet was slipping away. “Forgotten? What did that even mean? I looked at my father, and he gave me a small smile. He was in grave danger, and I had to act fast.
I felt like I had been punched in the gut. Forgotten? How could that even be possible? My father, the great Alpha, the one who had always protected and led our pack with strength and wisdom.
I took a step forward. "That won't happen. My father will defeat Stone, and he'll continue to lead our pack."
Thorne scoffed. "You are naive, Ayla. Your father's time is running out. He's weak, and Stone is getting stronger by the day. Now don’t get me wrong, I am not a hater I am just worried.”
I clenched my fists, trying to keep my anger in check. "You don't know anything about my father. He's still the strongest and wisest Alpha our pack has ever had. You can keep your big mouth shut.”
Thorne shrugged his shoulders. "Maybe once, but not anymore. And if he can't protect our pack, then someone else will have to take his place. And just so you know, many are waiting in line.”
I felt like slapping him hard. I wouldn't give Thorne the satisfaction of seeing me lose control.
My father's voice was weak. "Ayla, it's okay. I know what I have to do. I'll defeat Stone, and I'll prove myself worthy of leading our pack once again."
I nodded, trying to hide my fear. I knew my father was more than able, but I also knew he was running out of time. And if he failed...
The thought sent a chill down my spine. I had to do something, but what?
I placed a gentle hand on my father’s shoulder. "Father, I'm ready. I'll do whatever it takes to help you defeat Stone and protect our pack."
My father smiled. "Ayla, I knew I could count on you. But I need you to promise me something."
"Anything, Father."
"Promise me you'll stay safe. I can't bear the thought of losing you too. If your safety is ever compromised, then what’s the point of the throne?”
I nodded, my mind racing with thoughts of Lyrien and the secret plan I was cooking up. "I promise, Father. I'll be careful."
My father's gaze met mine as if searching for any sign of deception or lies. But I kept my expression unreadable, hiding my true intentions.
As I left the council of alphas and Lycan Kings. I felt a sense of determination rising within me. I would help my father, but I would also make sure that Lyrien was by my side, ready to strike and claim the victory when the time was right.
“What if my plan failed? What if Lyrein backs out last minute? What if Thorne Wins?”
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