BOOK 1: FOREVER SCARRED (from BETRAYAL OF THE HEART series)

Chapter 10: The Forgotten Vale

The Forgotten Vale was no ordinary place—it was the birthplace of legends, a sacred ground that had, for over a century, served as a meeting point for the supernatural elite. Under Xavier’s reign, however, it had transformed into the most feared battleground.

Every 27th of November, it became a proving ground where strength was the only currency. The strongest came to fight, earning honor, respect, and their place in the pack’s hierarchy. For new members, participation was mandatory; they had to fight to earn their space among the pack. Even the Luna wasn’t exempt, tasked with facing a group of skilled members to prove her worth.

But the ultimate test was reserved for the Alpha King. The throne was offered to anyone bold enough to challenge him and win—a feat that had proven impossible. Xavier was undefeated. Challenger after challenger had fallen, their deaths serving as stark warnings to anyone daring to question his rule. His merciless victories had solidified his reputation, making him both revered and feared across the supernatural world.

This year’s Forgotten Vale Battle was particularly significant. The pack was abuzz with whispers of Luna Queen Hazel’s pregnancy. Though no one dared to speak openly, the news had fueled tension and speculation. Preparations were in full swing, the atmosphere electric with anticipation.

The Forgotten Vale, once a symbol of neutrality and unity, was now a brutal reminder of Xavier’s absolute dominance. It was no longer just a battleground—it was a graveyard of hope for anyone who dared to dream of overthrowing the Alpha King.

💥

The throne room was a magnificent space, adorned with black marble and intricate gold detailing that spoke of wealth and power. At its center, Xavier sat on his massive obsidian throne, a symbol of his unyielding rule. His posture was commanding, one arm resting on the throne’s armrest while his other hand tapped idly on its edge.

Before him stood Damian and several high-ranking pack officers, all focused on maps and parchments spread across a large oak table. They were discussing tactics to expand the pack’s territory—a matter Xavier had demanded they prioritize.

Damian’s voice was steady as he pointed to a particular region on the map. “If we push eastward, we’ll gain control of the riverbanks. It’s a critical resource for water and trade, but it’s close to enemy lines.”

Another officer chimed in, “We’d need to fortify the borders immediately. The rogues in that area won’t give it up without a fight.”

Xavier’s expression remained unreadable as he listened, his piercing gaze shifting between the map and the officers. His wolf stirred restlessly inside him, unimpressed by the lack of boldness in their suggestions.

Before Xavier could speak, the heavy doors to the throne room opened, and Sean entered, his steps quick and purposeful. He bowed deeply before addressing Xavier. “Alpha King, the arrangements for the Forgotten Vale are complete. Everything is ready for tomorrow.”

Xavier’s tapping stopped, and he leaned forward slightly, his sharp eyes locking onto Sean. “Good,” he said, his voice cold and commanding. “Make sure nothing is out of place. This year will be a reminder of why I sit on this throne.”

Sean nodded, but before he could continue, Hazel appeared in the doorway. She looked pale, her delicate frame wrapped in a flowing gown that only emphasized her fragility. The entire room fell silent as she walked in, her steps slow and deliberate.

Her hand rested lightly on her stomach as she made her way to the smaller throne beside Xavier’s. The officers exchanged glances, unsure of whether to stay or leave.

Hazel sank into her throne, her face drawn with an expression of feigned exhaustion. She turned to Xavier, her voice soft but filled with calculated vulnerability. “I wasn’t feeling well, Xavier,” she murmured, her other hand reaching for his. “I thought it best to stay close to you.”

Xavier’s demeanor changed instantly. The cold, calculating Alpha King melted into something softer, his concern evident. He ignored the officers and Damian entirely, his full attention on her.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, his voice low but no longer cold.

Hazel leaned her head back against the throne, closing her eyes briefly. “I think it’s just the baby… I’ve been feeling so weak lately.”

Xavier stood from his throne, towering over everyone in the room. “Leave us,” he commanded, his tone brooking no argument.

Damian and the officers bowed quickly and began gathering their things, leaving the room in silence. Sean lingered a moment longer but followed suit after a warning glance from Damian.

Once they were alone, Xavier knelt in front of Hazel, his hands gently resting on her knees. “Tell me what you need,” he said, his voice softer than anyone but Hazel ever heard.

Hazel gave him a faint smile, her fingers brushing against his cheek. “Just you, Xavier. That’s all I need.”

Xavier didn’t reply, but the protectiveness in his eyes spoke volumes. Hazel leaned forward, resting her head on his shoulder. She smiled inwardly, knowing she had his full attention exactly where she wanted it.

💥

Paris leaned casually against the doorframe, her sharp eyes following Felipe as he paced the room, the tension in his movements growing with each passing second. He was clearly agitated, and it didn’t take much for her to sense the undercurrent of worry running through him. Her patience was wearing thin, and she finally spoke up.

“What’s wrong with you?” Paris asked, her voice sharp and cutting, unable to hide her frustration.

Felipe didn’t answer immediately, his mind clearly elsewhere. He walked to the window, looking out but not truly seeing anything. Paris let out a bitter laugh, trying to mask the jealousy bubbling up in her chest.

“Still thinking about Margie?” she asked, her tone venomous, though she tried to sound casual.

Felipe stiffened at her words but didn’t turn to look at her. He remained silent, but Paris could feel the weight of the unspoken tension between them. Her wolf growled lowly in her chest, irritated by the way Felipe seemed to be slipping away from her.

“Why do you care so much about her?” Paris pressed, stepping closer. “She’s weak, Felipe. Pathetic. She doesn’t belong here. What’s so special about her?”

Felipe’s shoulders tensed, but he didn’t respond. The silence grew thick, uncomfortable. Paris couldn’t take it anymore and moved to stand right in front of him.

“I don’t understand you,” she said, her voice trembling with the mix of frustration and hurt. “You’re my mate, Felipe. I don’t know what’s going on with you, but this distance... this coldness—it’s not how it’s supposed to be. Why are you still obsessed with her?”

Felipe finally turned to face her. His expression was unreadable, but his eyes held a storm of emotions—anger, regret, but also something deeper. He took a deep breath, trying to hold his composure, but his voice betrayed his frustration.

“Paris, drop it,” he said, his tone clipped and firm.

But Paris wasn’t finished. “You’ve been distant for days,” she continued, her voice rising, “barely talking to me. And now, you’re running off to her? After everything—this isn’t just about her, is it? You’ve been thinking about her for weeks, and now it’s like I don’t even exist.”

Felipe didn’t speak, his expression hardening, but Paris wasn’t done. Her jealousy bubbled up again, and her wolf growled once more.

“You’re going to her, aren’t you?” Paris pressed, stepping closer to him, her words coming out in a rush. “To Margie? You can’t even stay here for one minute with me, yet you’re going to her again?”

Felipe hesitated, his hand hovering over the door handle. He was torn, clearly, but he couldn’t hide the truth any longer. His eyes softened for a brief moment, but the weariness in them made Paris’ chest tighten. He didn’t look angry anymore, but defeated.

“Paris,” he began softly, “Let it go. I’m not doing this with you right now.”

“What do you mean ‘let it go’?” she demanded, her voice rising in frustration. “You’ve been avoiding me for days, Felipe, and now you’re leaving to see her again? This can’t just be about her. What’s so different about Margie that you’re willing to throw everything we have away?”

Felipe exhaled sharply and turned to the door, ready to leave. He was at his limit with the conversation, his patience running out.

“Felipe!” Paris called after him. “Wait! Don’t you think you should remind her about the Forgotten Vale?”

The mention of the Forgotten Vale hit Felipe like a bolt of lightning. The weight of her words finally sank in. He had been so caught up in his worry for Margie, he’d forgotten all about it—the event that was just around the corner. The Forgotten Vale was where every new pack member had to fight to prove themselves. Even the Luna would have to face challenges. The Alpha King was the most feared and respected figure in the pack, and anyone who dared to challenge him in combat could claim the throne. Xavier had made it clear—no one was exempt from that brutal tradition.

Felipe’s eyes widened as the realization hit him. The Forgotten Vale.

Margie would have to fight to prove herself, just like every other new member. He cursed under his breath, his thoughts racing. How could he have forgotten about such an important tradition?

Without another word, he grabbed his keys, ignoring Paris’ protests. “I need to go,” he muttered, his focus now completely on Margie and what she would have to face in the coming days.

Paris stood in the doorway, watching him go, her heart pounding with a mixture of frustration and sadness. She knew Felipe was leaving for Margie, and there was nothing she could do to stop him. Her wolf howled in fury, but deep down, Paris knew that it wasn’t just about Margie anymore—it was about Felipe’s inability to see the connection between them.

As Felipe slammed the door behind him, Paris stood there, her thoughts racing. There was nothing she could do but wait, hoping Felipe would come to his senses before it was too late.

Felipe’s mind was racing as he drove to Margie’s apartment. The concern he had pushed aside for so long was now consuming him. His wolf urged him to move faster, to reach her, to fix whatever had gone wrong between them. Paris’ words echoed in his head—Forgotten Vale.

In his worry over Margie, he had completely forgotten about the event. How could he have missed it? The Forgotten Vale was one of the most important days for the pack, a brutal event that tested the strength of every new member. Margie would be forced to fight. He needed to make sure she wasn’t caught off guard by the violence that would follow.

As soon as Felipe pulled up to her building, he didn’t hesitate. His heart was racing as he got out of the car and walked briskly toward her door. He knocked once, then twice, louder each time. His impatience grew with each passing second.

“Margie, it’s me. Open up,” he called, his voice thick with worry.

There was no answer. He knocked again, more urgently this time. “Margie, please. I need to talk to you.”

Inside, Margie heard him, her heart pounding in her chest. She had been avoiding him for days now, too hurt to face him after the way he had been acting. She had let her emotions brew, and now, with his voice echoing through her door, she couldn’t bring herself to ignore him any longer.

With a deep sigh, she stood up from the couch, the weight of her training and the weariness in her bones nearly overwhelming. She unlocked the door slowly and opened it just enough for Felipe to see her standing there, her face a mixture of sadness and distance.

Felipe’s eyes immediately scanned her face, his concern deepening. What struck him most was how different she looked—stronger, more confident. The fragile Margie he had known seemed to be gone.

“Margie…” His voice softened, his concern and confusion flooding through him. He hadn’t expected to find her like this.

Her eyes flickered to his, but she didn’t say anything right away. Instead, she stepped aside, allowing him to enter. As Felipe walked in, his eyes continued to scan her, noting the subtle change in her posture. She wasn’t the same person she had been when they first met—her body language was assertive, controlled, and no longer uncertain.

“You’ve been... Working out?” Felipe asked, his voice barely above a whisper, the weight of his words hanging between them.

"Training, My wolf came back a few days ago. It’s been keeping me in check, pushing me to train harder, to get stronger.”

Felipe’s brow furrowed in confusion. “Your wolf came back?”

Margie’s lips quirked into a small, proud smile. “It’s stronger than before. And it’s making me stronger, too.”

Felipe blinked, trying to process her words. He could see the change in her, the way she carried herself now. It was subtle, but it was there—she wasn’t the same uncertain woman he had once known. She was... someone else, someone stronger.

"I thought you couldn't remember anything from your past"

"You never asked about it"

“You’re different,” he said, his voice soft, though it was laced with a sense of awe.

“I had to be,” she replied simply.

Felipe didn’t know what to say. His mind was still trying to catch up with the reality before him. But he couldn’t ignore the sense of pride swelling in his chest, mixed with the worry that gnawed at his insides. The training, the strength she had found—he couldn’t help but admire her. But it also scared him.

After a moment of silence, Felipe let out a quiet breath. “The Forgotten Vale is tomorrow. You’ll have to fight. All new members do.”

Margie didn’t flinch, her face calm as she met his gaze. “I know,” she said, her voice steady, confident. “And I’ll fight. And I’ll win.”

Felipe stared at her, his mind spinning. Her confidence was unexpected, and yet, there was no mistaking the resolve in her voice. This was no longer the Margie who had once doubted herself. The woman before him had grown into someone who believed in her own strength.

“What’s so special about your wolf?” Felipe asked, his curiosity piqued, wanting to understand what had changed in her.

Margie’s smile deepened, her eyes flickering with something fierce. “You’ll see,” she said cryptically, her voice thick with determination and a purpose that sent a shiver down Felipe’s spine.

Felipe watched her, his heart heavy with a mixture of pride and concern. There was no doubt about it now—Margie was ready. Ready for the Forgotten Vale. Ready for whatever came next.

He reached out slowly, his hand gently cupping her cheek, and though his touch was tender, there was an underlying urgency in his gaze. “I just want you to be safe. I don’t want to lose you.”

Margie smiled faintly, her eyes softening, but there was still that sadness in them. “I won’t be lost, Felipe. I promise. But I have to do this. I have to be strong—for me.”

Felipe nodded, his heart heavy. He had wanted to protect her, to shield her from the dangers that lay ahead, but he understood now. She was no longer the fragile woman who needed saving—she was the woman who was going to save herself.

And he would be there, every step of the way, even if it meant letting her fight her own battles.