THE ALPHA'S FIERY REIGN

Chapter 1 Cruel Fate

20 years ago…

The castle was shrouded in the quiet chill of midnight. Moonlight streamed through the tall, arched windows, generating ghostly patterns across the stone walls. In the heart of the royal chambers, Braxton’s mother, Queen Malena, paced back and forth, her face pale and drawn. Her usually calm demeanor was replaced with a frantic urgency as she glanced at her husband, King Aldric, who stood by the window, his gaze steely as he looked out into the night.

“Aldric, Your Grace” she whispered, barely able to keep her voice steady. “Are you sure about this? Sending him away – he’s just a child.”

King Aldric closed his eyes, the burden of his decision pressing down on him like an iron chain. He turned to face his wife, his expression a mixture of sorrow and determination. “Malena, if we don’t send him away, he’ll never be safe here. You know as well as I do that my brother won’t stop until he gets what he wants. And if he finds Braxton–” He broke off, his voice catching, unable to finish the thought.

Malena reached out, taking Aldric’s hand in hers. “He’s our only son, Aldric. Our only child. We waited ten years just to have him. How can we just… let him go?”

Aldric placed a hand on her shoulder, his grip firm yet gentle. “We’re not letting him go. We’re saving him. Sending him away is the only chance he has. The bloodline must survive, Malena. If anything happens to us…” His voice trailed off as his gaze shifted to the small boy sleeping in the corner of the room.

Braxton lay curled under a thick, woven blanket, his tiny face peaceful, his dark lashes brushing against his cheeks. He was blissfully unaware of the chaos that surrounded him, unaware of the danger lurking just beyond the castle walls. Aldric’s chest tightened as he looked at his son, his heir, the child who would have been a king.

“Jaxon has spies everywhere,” Aldric murmured, his face darkening. “It’s only a matter of time before he learns the truth about Braxton’s power. We can’t afford to wait any longer.”

He could still remember the prophecy given by the witch who has the power to peak some events from the future. Although her visions sometimes are not exact, still, they serve as warning to the kingdom. This witch was also the one who told him that someone so close to him will betray him and will rise against him to take his throne meant for his son.

In the center, sitting cross-legged on a woven mat, was the witch – the legendary seer Maren, known for prophecies that could shift the fate of kingdoms.

Her age was indeterminate, her hair was long, silver, and tangled, and her dark eyes gleamed with an unnerving intensity that made Aldric’s pulse quicken. She looked up as he entered, her gaze penetrating, as if she could see directly into his soul.

“Your Majesty,” she greeted, her voice low and laden with ancient wisdom. She gestured for him to sit before her.

King Aldric hesitated, uncomfortable in the presence of one so powerful yet tough. But he had heard rumors of her vision, the whisperings of a prophecy so fearsome it had shaken even the bravest of men. He lowered himself onto the mat, facing her, and forced himself to keep his gaze steady.

“Maren,” he began, his voice deep and even. “You have summoned me with whispers of a prophecy. Speak now, for I would know what fate awaits my kingdom.”

Maren’s expression remained impassive, but her eyes held a strange glint. She leaned forward, she started dropping to a whisper that seemed to echo in the silence.

“There is a prophecy, yes,” she said slowly. “One that speaks of a child born from your bloodline, a boy with a fire unlike any seen in this world. A fire that even dragons will bow to… a flame that will strike fear into the heart of every living creature.”

King Aldric’s jaw clenched, his mind racing. “What do you mean, Maren? A fire even dragons cannot match? What kind of child would possess such power?”

Maren’s lips curled into a small, unsettling smile, and she reached into her robes, pulling out a small vial filled with a thick, swirling liquid. She uncorked it, letting the scent of rare herbs and ancient magic fill the room. Holding it close to her chest, she began chanting in a language King Aldric didn’t recognize.

Suddenly, a vision formed in the air above her, a swirling cloud of light and shadow. King Aldric’s eyes widened as he saw the figure of a young boy, standing on the peak of a dark mountain. His eyes glowed a fierce amber, and flames danced around him, wild and untamed, yet bending to his will. As the vision cleared, the boy lifted his head, and from his mouth erupted a torrent of fire, powerful and brilliant, consuming the night itself.

King Aldric watched in awe and horror as the flames in the vision grew, spreading outwards, and even dragons circling above seemed to retreat, their roars subdued, as if cowed by the boy’s power.

The vision faded, and Maren fixed her dark gaze on Aldric once more. “This child… he is your blood, Your Majesty. Born of your line, a son who will rise as a king, a leader… an Alpha. He will be a force that no creature, no army, and no magic can hope to control.”

King Aldric’s heart raced as he tried to grasp the enormity of her words. “My son… you are saying he will have the power of dragon fire?”

“No,” Maren replied, shaking her head, her eyes filled with a strange mixture of awe and fear. “What he will possess is greater than dragon fire. It is a flame born of his very essence, a power that transcends the laws of our world. He will wield it without the need of a dragon’s scale or a spell, for it will live within him.”

King Aldric’s brow furrowed, a sense of foreboding filling him. “And what of the prophecy, Maren? What does it say of his fate… of my son’s future?”

Maren’s face grew somber, and she held his gaze, her voice dropping to a whisper. “The prophecy speaks of greatness, yes… but it also speaks of darkness. For a power so immense draws enemies, your Majesty. Those who would use him for their own ends, those who would seek to destroy him, and those… closest to him… who may betray him. This child will live a life of fire and fury. He will know love and loyalty, but also betrayal and heartbreak.”

She paused, watching him closely as she let the intensity of her words sink in. “And there is more. This boy, your son, he will grow to be more than just a king or an alpha. He will lead our world into a new age… if he survives the trials that await him.”

King Aldric’s fists clenched at his sides, his face pale. He had known that a prophecy could be both a blessing and a curse, but he hadn’t expected this – a future where his own flesh and blood would face such danger, such pain.

“Is there any way to shield him from this fate?” he asked, hoping. “Any way to protect him?”

Maren shook her head slowly. “Fate is like the river, Your Majesty. It flows as it wills, carving its path through the hardest stone. All you can do… is prepare him. Teach him strength and honor, fill his heart with courage, and protect him as long as you can. But remember, the power within him is like no other. He must embrace it, or it will consume him.”

King Aldric’s shoulders sagged, her words settling heavily upon him. He thought of the family he had dreamed of, the life he had wanted for his future son, and now it seemed that destiny had its own designs. “What is his name?” Maren asked suddenly, breaking the silence.

King Aldric looked up, startled. “We… we have not chosen one yet.”

The witch leaned forward, a gleam in her eyes. “Then let his name be one that embodies strength, resilience… and fire. Call him Braxton, for it is a name that will echo through history.”

King Aldric repeated the name softly, feeling the significant of it. “Braxton…” It felt both powerful and solemn, like an incantation. “He will be Braxton, then.”

Maren gave a slow nod, as if sealing the fate of the name itself. “And so, it is written. But remember this, Your Majesty… the flames that burn within him are both a blessing and a curse. His life will not be an easy one, but he will have the power to change everything. He will be both feared and loved, and his choices will shape the fate of all who follow him.”

King Aldric rose, his determination hardening. He would ensure that Braxton was prepared, that he would have the knowledge and strength to meet whatever trials awaited him. He would teach him honor, loyalty, and courage – the qualities of a true king.

“Thank you, Maren,” he said, bowing his head in gratitude, though his heart was heavy. “I will not forget your words. My son will be strong, and he will rise to his destiny.”

Maren’s gaze lingered on him, unreadable. “Then go, Your Majesty. Time is a river, and yours is already flowing. Protect him as best you can… for the world will tremble when Braxton’s flame is unleashed.”

With those final words, Maren disappeared into the shadows, leaving King Aldric alone in the flickering light, his mind filled with the image of a boy who would one day wield a fire so powerful that dragons would bow before him. The night air was heavy with the scent of incense and prophecy, and Aldric knew that from this moment forward, his life, and the life of his son, would never be the same.

A loud, echoing thud sounded from somewhere in the castle brought him to the present time, followed by the clatter of hurried footsteps. King Aldric and Queen Malena exchanged a panicked glance, their fear intense.

Malena’s voice was so low as she clutched her husband’s arm. “Is it him?”

King Aldric’s jaw clenched, his eyes narrowing. “Perhaps… but we can’t take any chances. If Jaxon is here, we’re running out of time.”

He strode quickly to Braxton’s bed, reaching down to gently shake the boy’s shoulder. “Braxton, wake up,” he said, his voice low but urgent.

Braxton stirred, blinking sleepily as he looked up at his father. “Daddy?” he murmured, rubbing his eyes. “What’s wrong?”

Aldric forced a gentle smile, hiding the fear that clawed at his chest. “Braxton, my boy, we need you to go on a little adventure, all right? Somewhere safe, where no one can harm you.”

Malena knelt beside Braxton, her fingers brushing his cheek as she tried to hold back her tears. “Listen to your father, darling. We’re sending you with someone who will take very good care of you, but you must be brave and do exactly as they say. Can you do that for us?”

Braxton looked between his parents, his face scrunching in confusion. “But… I don’t want to go without you,” he said, he began to sob. “Why can’t you come with me?”

Malena choked back a sob, pulling him into her arms. “Oh, my sweet boy. We’ll be with you again soon, I promise. But right now, we need you to be strong.”

Aldric placed a hand on Braxton’s shoulder, his gaze intense. “Braxton, I need you to remember something very important. You are our son, and you come from a line of powerful kings. One day, you will understand what that means. But for now, trust in us, and remember… you are never alone. You carry our strength with you, always.”

Braxton’s bottom lip quivered, his tiny hands clutching his father’s sleeve. “Daddy, please… I don’t understand.”

King Aldric swallowed hard, his heart breaking as he looked into his son’s innocent eyes. He wanted to explain, to tell him everything, but there was no time. Every second they lingered put Braxton at greater risk.

There was another crash from the hallway outside, and they heard the sharp clank of armor and voices shouting orders. The guards were trying to hold the intruders back, but King Aldric knew they were fighting a losing battle. Jaxon’s men would break through any moment.

“Go,” King Aldric said sharply to Malena, his face set with grim determination. “Take Braxton to Lucien. He’ll know what to do.”

Malena nodded, scooping Braxton up into her arms as he clung to her, his small body trembling. She kissed his forehead, her tears soaking into his dark hair. “I love you, Braxton. Always remember that.”

As she turned to leave, Braxton’s small voice called out, panicked. “Daddy! Aren’t you coming?”

King Aldric forced himself to smile, hiding the agony that twisted in his chest. “I’ll join you soon, my boy. But right now, I need to make sure no one follows you.”

Queen Malena carried Braxton down a narrow, winding staircase, her footsteps silent and swift. Braxton buried his face in her shoulder, his tiny fingers clutching her cloak as she moved through the darkened corridors. Finally, they reached a hidden door at the end of a long hallway. She pushed it open, revealing a shadowy figure waiting in the dim torchlight.

“Lucien,” she breathed, relief bathing over her as she saw the man she trusted more than anyone.

Lucien was a tall, imposing figure, his face obscured by the hood of his cloak. He looked down at Braxton, his expression softening as he took in the boy’s wide, frightened eyes.

“Queen Malena,” he said quietly, bowing his head. “Is everything prepared?”

Queen Malena nodded with her face streaked with tears. “Yes. But you must be quick. Jaxon’s men are already inside the castle. His Highness is… he’s holding them off, but I don’t know how long he’ll last.”

Lucien reached out, taking Braxton gently from the queen’s arms. “I will protect him with my life,” he promised. “No harm will come to him while he’s under my care.”

Braxton clutched Lucien’s cloak, looking back at his mother with wide, tearful eyes. “Mommy, please don’t leave me,” he whispered, pleading.

Malena knelt down, cupping his face in her hands. “My precious boy, you are stronger than you know. And one day, you’ll understand why we had to do this. But for now, trust Lucien. He will keep you safe.”

“Will I see you again?” Braxton asked, the innocence in his tone only made the queen’s heart broke even more.

Malena’s heart shattered as she looked into her son’s face, knowing she might never see him again. But she forced herself to smile, to give him a sliver of hope. “Yes, my love. We’ll be together again someday. Until then… be brave.”

With a final kiss on his forehead, she straightened, nodding to Lucien. “Go. And may the spirits and the Moon Goddess protect you both.”

Lucien nodded, pulling his hood lower over his face as he turned and disappeared into the shadows, carrying Braxton away from the only family he had ever known.

As they made their way through the secret tunnels beneath the castle, Braxton buried his face in Lucien’s shoulder, his small body trembling. He didn’t understand what was happening, why his parents were sending him away. All he knew was that he felt an echoing ache in his chest, a sense of loss he couldn’t put into words.

“Lucien?” he whispered in a muffled voice. “Where are we going?”

Lucien’s voice was low and calm, soothing in the darkness. “Somewhere safe, young prince. Somewhere that no one will find you.”

Braxton’s head lifted slightly as confusion imprinted across his face. “Prince? But… I’m just Braxton.”

Lucien gave a small, sad smile, his eyes filled with a sorrow that Braxton couldn’t yet understand. “You are more than you know, child. One day, the truth will reveal itself. For now, rest.”

As they moved further into the shadows, Braxton closed his eyes, exhaustion overtaking him. But even in sleep, he felt the lingering presence of his parents, their love wrapping around him like a cloak, a memory he would carry with him into the unknown.

A few hours later, the sound of hooves pounding against the earth echoed in the air as Lucien pushed Braxton onward through the dense woods, the wind howling through the trees. Braxton’s small legs were struggling to keep up with the frantic pace, his chest heaving with each breath. His golden hair clung to his forehead, his eyes wide with terror as they ran, the shadows of the trees seeming to close in around them.

"Lucien," Braxton gasped as he trembled. "What’s happening? Where are we going?"

Lucien’s heart broke at the sight of the fear in the boy’s eyes, but there was no time to explain. “Keep running, Braxton,” Lucien urged, his own voice tight with desperation. “You need to stay close. I’m taking you somewhere safe. You must trust me.”

Braxton didn’t fully understand, but the fear in Lucien’s voice was enough to propel him forward. He clutched the hem of Lucien’s cloak, trying to match his pace, but the sounds of galloping horses were growing closer – Jaxon’s men were gaining on them.

“Lucien, what about my parents? Where are they?” Braxton asked, panic creeping into his heart.

Lucien didn’t answer immediately, his jaw clenched. He couldn’t bring himself to say the words, not yet. He couldn’t let Braxton know the truth, not while they were still being hunted, not when the boy had no idea what was truly at stake. All he could do was run.

The woods were dense, but Lucien knew them well, having spent many years in these lands. He turned sharply, leading Braxton through a narrow path between thick trees, dodging under branches and rocks, hoping to lose their pursuers. But the sound of the horses only grew louder, and Lucien’s breath hastened. He knew they couldn’t outrun them for much longer.

Just as they reached a clearing, Lucien spotted it – a small, secluded cabin nestled between the hills. The cabin wasn’t much, but it was hidden, and it belonged to Ardon, an old friend of Lucien’s. Ardon had long been part of a small nomadic pack, living off the land in the hills away from the kingdom’s eyes. It was the perfect place to hide Braxton – at least for a while.

“Stay low, Braxton,” Lucien whispered urgently as they neared the cabin. He could hear the thundering hooves of Jaxon’s men now, dangerously close. They didn’t have much time.

With one final push, Lucien shoved open the creaky door, pulling Braxton inside. Ardon was already there, sitting at a wooden table, his graying hair and rugged face a comforting sight in the chaos of the moment.

“Lucien?” Ardon stood quickly, his sharp eyes taking in the desperate situation. “What’s happened?”

Lucien didn’t waste time with pleasantries. “Jaxon. He’s taken the castle. He’s taken everything.”

Ardon’s face paled at the news, but his expression hardened quickly. “Then the boy…” He looked at Braxton, his gaze filled with understanding.

Lucien nodded gravely. “He’s the son of King Aldric and Queen Malena - the true heir to the throne,” he answered in a whisper, so Braxton won’t hear. “Jaxon’s men are hunting him down, and I’m not sure how much longer we can keep him safe.”

Ardon was silent for a moment, taking in the severity of the situation. He knew the power that a child like Braxton could hold. The blood of King Aldric, the true king, flowed through his veins. Jaxon would stop at nothing to destroy him, to prevent Braxton from ever claiming the throne.

“We’ll protect him,” Ardon said finally, his voice low but resolute. “But it won’t be easy. Jaxon won’t rest until he has the boy.”

Lucien nodded, pulling Braxton into his arms and holding him close. “I know. We’ll have to keep him hidden. I don’t know how long we can stay here, but we need to wait for the right moment. For now, this is the only place safe enough.”

Braxton, looking up at Lucien, clung to his cloak, his small face pale with fear. “What’s happening, Lucien? Why are they after me? What did I do wrong?”

Lucien’s heart tightened. He couldn’t explain everything to Braxton – not yet. The boy was far too young to understand the cruel twists of fate that had led to this moment. But Lucien couldn’t ignore the fierce protector instinct inside him, the promise he made to Braxton’s parents before they were forced to flee the kingdom.

“You did nothing wrong, Braxton,” Lucien said softly, kneeling before him. “You are special. You are meant for great things. But right now, we must have to keep you safe. Your parents, King Aldric and Queen Malena, they wanted you to be safe. They loved you very much.”

The boy’s eyes grew with tears, and he looked up at Lucien, seeking comfort. “Are they coming? Are they safe?”

Lucien’s throat stiffened, and he fought to keep his voice stable. “They’re… they’re fighting for you. They’ll do everything to make sure you’re safe.”

But Lucien knew the truth. He knew that King Aldric and Queen Malena were dead by now. The betrayal had been swift and brutal. King Aldric had been murdered in cold blood by his own brother, Jaxon. And Queen Malena, in a desperate attempt to protect her son, had been slain as well.

Jaxon had then crowned himself king, his voice booming across the kingdom as he declared himself the ruler of all. The castle, the throne, and the crown were now his, and with it, the power to control the kingdom. But Lucien knew the truth – Jaxon was nothing more than a usurper, a tyrant who would stop at nothing to keep Braxton from claiming what was rightfully his.

As Lucien watched Braxton tremble in his arms, he made a vow deep in his heart. No matter what happened, no matter how long it took, he would ensure that Braxton would rise. He would keep the boy safe until the day he could reclaim what was taken from him.

But that day was far off, and for now, Lucien knew they had to stay hidden. Jaxon’s men would be searching for Braxton relentlessly.

“We’ll need to move quickly,” Ardon said, breaking the silence. “Jaxon’s men will be close. They’ll stop at nothing to find him.”

Lucien nodded, wiping the tears from Braxton’s face. “We’ll keep him hidden here. You’ve got my word, Ardon. No one will find him. We’ll wait until the time is right, until we can strike back.”

Ardon gave a single nod, and the three of them began to prepare. Lucien knew the road ahead would be long, and the dangers they faced would be numerous. But as Braxton clung to him, trusting him with the innocence of a child who didn’t yet understand the responsibility of the world on his shoulders, Lucien swore to protect him at all costs.

The future of the kingdom, of the world, was now in the hands of a boy who had yet to realize his incredible power. A boy who was destined to rise, no matter how fierce the fire he had to face.

And Lucien would make sure of it – no matter the cost is.