Ragnar’s POV.
The members of the werewolf council held a meeting on my behalf. Even though I had no intention of attending because of the grief which I felt. I was called by Lord Kieran, my father’s Beta, who walked me down to the Meeting point of the royal court. While we walked down there he brought to my notice.
“You don’t seem to be the young man I used to know, Ragnar. You have to brace up.”
I kept mute and walked continually with my hands behind my back while I watched the manservant and maidservants carry on with their duties, it was almost like I didn’t hear him ask so he held me by the hand and asked again.
“Ragnar? Are you with me?”
I turned pretending to look surprised at the whole scenario.
“Oh,”
“I asked you a question boy, don’t pretend to hear or understand me, I know you heard me loud and clear, you just have to admit that fact.”
“Fact? My Lord, Pardon my manners.” I laughed and continued.
“My Lord before I dish out any answer to you, I want you to swear on this ground you stand that you do not believe something or someone is responsible for his death.”
He paused for a while and exhaled.
“Look Ragnar, No matter how sharp and intelligent you may be, you cannot see what an elderly person sees, you must risk climbing hurdles, I know that his death has been pronounced as being a natural one but believe me, we in the council aren't fools, at last not all of us, we know something is behind that and nothing can change that fact.”
“Kieran I want to let you know one thing, no matter how long it takes, I'll make sure I do my best in finding out what's responsible for the death of my father.
I stood at the edge of the council chamber, my heart still heavy with grief. My father, our Alpha, was gone. The weight of his loss hung in the air like a dark cloud.
Lord Kieran, stepped forward and addressed the council.
. “Able members of the council, we gather today to discuss the untimely passing of our beloved Alpha."
The room fell silent, each face etched with sorrow. He continued.
"We must acknowledge the suspicious circumstances surrounding his death," Lord Kieran continued. "An investigation is underway, but we must also consider the future of our pack."
Lord Lloyd, a council member, spoke up.
"The Alpha's demise leaves a power vacuum. Ragnar, though a worthy young wolf, is inexperienced and unmated. Our pack needs a strong leader, one with a suitable Luna by his side."
My hackles rose. How dare he question my ability to lead?
"I object," I growled, my voice low and even. "My father's death is still fresh, and you're already plotting to replace me?"
Lord Lloyd sneered. "I'm merely stating facts, Ragnar. You're a boy playing at being Alpha. Our pack requires stability and strength, not a lone wolf with no mate to support him."
My anger flared, and I took a step forward. "How dare you! My father believed in me, and I will prove myself worthy of his legacy!"
The room erupted into chaos as the council members began arguing. Lord Kieran intervened, his voice firm. "Enough! This is not the time for fighting. We will continue the discussion when emotions have cooled."
I glared at Lord Lloyd, my eyes blazing with fury. He met my gaze, unyielding. I knew at that moment, our conflict was far from over.
I faced off against Lord Lloyd. "You question my ability to lead, but you know nothing of my father's vision for our pack!" I snarled.
Lord Lloyd sneered. "Your father's vision was blinded by his love for you, Ragnar. You're not ready to lead."
I took a step closer, my fists clenched. "I'll prove myself, with or without your support."
Lord Kieran intervened yet again and this time alongside other older members of the council, grabbing my arm. "Ragnar, calm down."
I shook him off. "No, Kieran, I can't be silenced here, I have a mate, Fiona, she's the one my late dad had endorsed to me for my future Luna, I won't be silenced."
Lord Lloyd smirked. "You're acting like a child, Ragnar. No wonder your father—"
I lunged at him, but Kieran held me back. "Enough, Ragnar!"
The room fell silent as a council member, Marcus, spoke up. “Lord Lloyd, I think we've found something that might change the conversation."
He held up his phone, displaying a photo of Fiona kissing Aegon, the werewolf guard. My heart sank as the image circulated the room.
"No...that's not what it looks like," I stammered, feeling shame and disappointment wash over me.
Lord Lloyd raised an eyebrow. "It seems your intended mate has already moved on, Ragnar. Perhaps you should reconsider your choice of Luna."
I felt a growl building in my chest, but Kieran's grip on my arm tightened.
"Ragnar, don't. This is exactly what they want."
I glared at Lord Lloyd, my voice low and even. "I'll marry Fiona, no matter what. She's the one I choose, and I won't be swayed."
I had that off my chest in a bid to prove I was unquestionable and never minded even though it hurt me. I had been pierced in my heart and that wound could be a long-lasting one.
The room fell silent, the weight of my declaration hanging in the air.