THE ALPHA KING LAST ENEMY

“Lucian, stay here.” Young Lucian stared at his mother,confused by the fear in her voice. “Why?” “Just stay inside.” “But you look scared.” “I’m not.” “You are.” She fell silent, glancing toward the tall windows of the Blackthorn estate. Beyond them, the night was strangely still. “Where is Father?” “Outside.” “Can I go to him?” “No. I need you to listen.” “I always listen.” “Then listen now.” She knelt and gripped his shoulders. “If anything happens, stay here.” “What could happen?” “I don’t know.” “You said nothing was wrong.” “I know what I said.” “Then why are you acting like something is wrong?” She looked toward the doors. “I need you to trust me.” A sound outside made them both turn. “What was that?” His mother rose quickly. “Stay here.” “Mother ” “Lucian.” Her voice stopped him. “Do not leave this room.” He nodded slowly. She disappeared through the doorway. Moments later, another sound came from outside. Then another. Shouting followed. Lucian’s heart began to race. “What is happening?” He moved toward the window and saw her. “Mara?” Mara Everwyn stood near the gates. Lucian knew her well. She was the rival Alpha’s daughter, but his parents had trusted her despite their families’ history. “Mara, what are you doing there?” She did not hear him. “Mara!” She turned slightly, and their eyes met for one brief moment. Then she looked toward the gates. Lucian frowned. “Why is she there?” A crash shook the estate. “Mother!” He ran toward the doorway, but her voice came from outside. “Lucian! Stay where you are!” “Mother!” “Stay inside!” “What’s happening?” “Lucian, please!” He stopped. He had never heard her sound like that. “Mother?” No answer came. He stepped into the hallway as the shouting grew louder. Another crash followed. “Mother?” Lucian ran to the nearest window. People were moving through the estate. “What’s happening?” He searched for his father. “Father!” There was no answer. Lucian turned toward the gates. “Mara!” She was gone. “Where did she go?” He rushed toward the entrance, but his mother appeared and grabbed him. “Lucian!” “Mother! Where is Father?” “Come with me.” “Where is he? Did something happen?” Her face changed. Lucian knew the answer before she spoke. “Mother?” She pulled him close. “Everything will be all right.” “Where is Father?” “Don’t ask me that.” “Why?” “Because I need you to be brave.” “I am brave.” “I know.” “Then tell me.” She held him tighter. “I love you.” His eyes filled with tears. “Why are you saying that?” “Because I need you to remember it.” Another crash sounded outside. His mother pushed him toward a hidden room. “Go.” “No. I’m staying with you.” “Lucian, you have to.” “Mother!” She held his face between her hands. “You must survive.” “Why?” “Because you are a Blackthorn.” “I don’t understand.” “You don’t need to.” “But I’m scared.” “I know.” “Don’t leave me.” She looked at him for a long moment. “I’m sorry.” Then she pushed him inside. “Mother!” The door closed. Lucian pressed his hands against it. “Mother!” He heard movement outside, then silence. “Mother?” Nothing. He waited, but no answer came. A distant sound drew his gaze to the room’s small opening. Smoke filled the estate. “No…” The Blackthorn estate began to burn. “Mother!” He tried to open the door. “Let me out!” Voices echoed outside, but he could not understand them. “Father!” No answer. “Mother!” Nothing. His eyes returned to the gates. Mara had been there before everything happened. His family had trusted her. Then she disappeared. “Mara…” His voice broke. “Why did you leave?” The flames grew brighter. Lucian sank to the floor, his small hands tightening. “They trusted you.” He remembered his mother’s words. You must survive. He looked around the room. “I will.” His voice trembled. “I’ll survive.” He stared toward the burning estate. “But I’ll remember.” Tears fell silently. “I’ll remember everything.” The Blackthorn estate burned around him. His family was gone. And the last person he remembered seeing before the attack was Mara Everwyn.