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Chapter 24: Watching Out For Emal
āļāļĢāļąāļāļāļĢāļļāļāļĨāđāļēāļŠāļļāļ:
2023-10-12 23:55:24
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ALPHA'S DARKEST SECRET: Rise Of The Ultima   Chapter 25: Athena
MATILDA I move swiftly through the hallway, my heart pounding. My mind races with thoughts of Emal, the vellum, and the secrets Iâm so close to unveiling. But as I round a corner, I freeze in place. Standing just outside Emalâs room is the last person I expected to seeâmy father. The Alpha. His sharp gaze locks onto me, his expression unreadable. Time stands still and I can feel his eyes assessing me, taking in my slightly disheveled state. He knows something is off. "Matilda," he calls, his voice deep. "What are you doing here?" I force a calm expression and meet his gaze. "I was looking for Emal, Father. I thought he might be in his room, but he wasnât. I wanted to ask him something." His brows furrow slightly, as if trying to see through my lie. "You seem flustered," he notes, stepping closer and cupping my face in his hands. I steady my breathing. "I must have just been in a hurry. Nothing to worry about." His suspicions linger, but after a moment, he nods. I rele
āļāļĢāļąāļāļāļĢāļļāļāļĨāđāļēāļŠāļļāļ : 2023-10-13ALPHA'S DARKEST SECRET: Rise Of The Ultima   Chapter 26: A Scandal: Athena's Portrait
MATILDA Wait! What? How in hell? I replayed the scene I heard in my head. Did I hear that correctly? Emal... my little brotherâĶ isnât actually my blood sibling? A shiver runs through me as reality crashes down, shattering the foundation of everything I once believed. Iâve always loved Emal like my ownâprotected him, played with him, stood by him. And now, in an instant, everything has changed. My fingers curl into fists, my breath shallow as emotions swirl in a chaotic storm. Betrayal. Confusion. Anger. How could they? How could my parents keep such a life-altering secret? Why was this hidden from me, from everyone? And whoâĶ who is Athena to him? The innocence of my bond with feels tainted, and I can't help but wonder about the woman who gave birth to him and what her place is in our lives. Tears stream down my face, and I'm paralyzed by a sense of betrayal, not just from my parents but from the very concept of family itself. I don't know how to confront them, or if I even sh
āļāļĢāļąāļāļāļĢāļļāļāļĨāđāļēāļŠāļļāļ : 2023-10-16ALPHA'S DARKEST SECRET: Rise Of The Ultima   Chapter 27: Opening Up To Matilda
EMAL I know my sister all too wellâher curiosity, her persistence, and her inability to let a mystery rest. The moment I sensed someone had entered my room in my absence, I had my suspicions. Now, as Matilda stands before me, feigning innocence, I piece everything together. She must have had a reason for sneaking into my room earlier. A part of me wants to confront her immediately, to demand why she was here and what she was searching for. But I hold back. Thereâs no need to cause unnecessary tensionânot yet. Instead, I choose patience, knowing that sooner or later, sheâll come to me with questions. She always does. As night falls, I sense her presence even before she knocks. "Come in, you donât need to create a noise," I call out. She steps inside, scanning the room. Her gaze falls on the vellum, exactly where I left it. "I guess youâve returned," she says casually. "Not too long ago," I reply. She moves toward my desk, glancing at the vellum once more before turning to m
āļāļĢāļąāļāļāļĢāļļāļāļĨāđāļēāļŠāļļāļ : 2023-10-19ALPHA'S DARKEST SECRET: Rise Of The Ultima   Chapter 28: The Luna's Upcoming Birthday
EMAL By the time we step into the throne hall, the heavy double doors closing behind us, I already sense the weight of the stares. The grand chamber, with its towering pillars and the ever-present scent of burning cedar, feels more suffocating than usual. Father seats on the large, power exuding throne, his piercing gaze sweeping over us the moment we enter. At his right stands Master Aldrien, his Beta. His arms are crossed, expression unreadable, but thereâs no mistaking the sharp edge in his eyes. Asides Father and Master Aldrien, our three older brothers are equally seated on the lined chairs down the throne. "Finally," Shawl drawls. "Norla delivered the message earlier. What took you both so long?" I barely part my lips before Matilda moves slightly forward, ready to respond. But before she can, our father raises a hand. "Let it be, Shawl," he says, firmly. "What matters is that they are here." Matilda spares him a grateful smile. If he notices, he doesnât react, merely shi
āļāļĢāļąāļāļāļĢāļļāļāļĨāđāļēāļŠāļļāļ : 2023-10-20ALPHA'S DARKEST SECRET: Rise Of The Ultima   Chapter 29: Visiting The Royal Library
EMAL I can't stop thinking about what Father said in the throne hall. Everyone has dispersed, but I remain outside, waiting for him. I need to talk to himâperhaps he will change his mind. "Don't waste your time, Emal," Matilda advises before leaving. "In times like this, he never goes back on his word." She's right. I know she is. But it's worth a try. Minutes later, Master Aldrien walks out of the throne hall, documents in hand. "What's wrong, Emal?" he asks, concerned. I shake my head. "It's nothing." "You're still here to see the Alpha, aren't you?" "Yes," I answer reluctantly. Talking to him is worth a shot. "Master Aldrien, I know my father listens to you more than anyone. If there's anyone who can talk to him right now, it's you. I can't take up the task he's given me. How does he expect me to go up against strong warriors? Everyone knows how dangerous the Blood Reckoning is." Master Aldrien places a hand on my shoulder. "Calm down, Emal," he says, tilting my face toward
āļāļĢāļąāļāļāļĢāļļāļāļĨāđāļēāļŠāļļāļ : 2023-11-02ALPHA'S DARKEST SECRET: Rise Of The Ultima   Chapter 30: Power Sharing; The First Dravenang Alpha
EMALMaster Aldrien intertwines his fingers, resting his hands on the desk. His gaze darts to the book I placed before him, but he says nothing at first."Can you tell me more about power sharing?" I ask.His brows crease, and he leans back in his chair, studying me with curiosity and caution. "Power sharing?" he echoes. "What exactly do you mean by that, Emal?"Wordlessly, I flip open the book, turning to the page that caught my attention earlier. I slide it toward him, tapping the passage with my finger. "This. It talks about someone who used power sharing to win a fight. But it doesnât explain how."Master Aldrien exhales slowly, his shoulders visibly relaxing as he takes in the words on the page. A long, unreadable silence stretches between us before I break it."So," I press, watching him closely. "Do you know how to take power from your opponent?"His eyes snap to mine, and his expression hardens. "I donât know what youâre talking about."Liar.I recognize the way his eyes twitc
āļāļĢāļąāļāļāļĢāļļāļāļĨāđāļēāļŠāļļāļ : 2025-04-04ALPHA'S DARKEST SECRET: Rise Of The Ultima   Chapter 31: The Luna's Birthday
EMALThe Luna's Birthday.After days of preparation, it is finally the D-day. As scheduled, the events are divided into two major participations. Starting off will be the indoor event taking place in the throne hall which includes prayers, gifting, and small dances from dance troupes. Then, the outdoor event is scheduled for later in the day, in the open field of White Fur Pack. The throne hall is a grand, intimidating place; high ceilings adorned with ravelled carvings, golden chandeliers, and brown banners hanging in deep earth-like colours, bearing the symbol of our pack. The room is filled with the scent of fresh lilies, the Lunaâs favorite, arranged meticulously along the walls and on the long banquet table. People from the royal family are around already and also esteemed guests invited for the indoor event.The Luna sits beside the Alpha on the elevated dais, poised and elegant in her embroidered silver gown. Her dark hair is pulled back in a crown of woven braids, and desp
āļāļĢāļąāļāļāļĢāļļāļāļĨāđāļēāļŠāļļāļ : 2025-04-08ALPHA'S DARKEST SECRET: Rise Of The Ultima   Chapter 32: I Love You, Lilly.
EMALThe outdoor celebration soon begins as ordered by the Alpha.The sun casts a warm, amber glow over the courtyard, where silk banners ripple in the breezeâeach one bearing the royal sigil: a silver wolf howling beneath a crescent moon with touch of an irregular design I actually didn't take interest to know what it means.The nobles who are only for the outdoor event are already arriving, dressed in their finest silks and ceremonial armor. Guests are laughing with the distant tune of flutes and lyres, and warriors perform blade dances at the prepared spot for them.At the far end of the courtyard, a raised platform has been arranged for the royal family. Elegant, high-backed chairs are ready for the Alphas and royal figures of our pack and other packs. Just below the platform, the rest of usâroyal-borns, nobles, pack warriors of the White Fur Packâstand in place, waiting to begin the ceremonial rite.Despite the lively atmosphere, I can't shake the chill running down my spine. It i
āļāļĢāļąāļāļāļĢāļļāļāļĨāđāļēāļŠāļļāļ : 2025-04-09
āļāļāļĨāđāļēāļŠāļļāļ
ALPHA'S DARKEST SECRET: Rise Of The Ultima   Chapter 38: Mate!
EMALMy feet move on instinct, every step fuelled by dread and desperation.Sheâs not at home. I know that without a doubt. Lilly wouldnât go back to that house after what happened. Not when sheâs still shaking from what she unleashed. That kind of powerâĶ it does something to the mind. And to the heart. Especially to someone like her.Oh heavens, she's fucking human. Well...maybe not. I need to find out who exactly she is, and what.The first place I check is the restaurant. It's dim and quiet, almost eerie without her voice ringing through the kitchen or her scent lingering around. The only presence I sense is Old Fogeyâs, washing glasses with his usual huffing and puffing.I donât ask. I donât need to. Sheâs not here.I already know where she is.The hut. Our little hideout which is just far enough to be forgotten by the pack but close enough to sneak away when the world became too much. It is our place. The one place where titles doesnât matter. Where she isnât a lone human girl a
ALPHA'S DARKEST SECRET: Rise Of The Ultima   Chapter 37: Seething With Rage And Jealousy.
MATILDA We barely make it five steps out of the throne hall when Father dismisses us before a guard appears, bowing low. âThe Luna requests your presence, immediately.âThe guard's tone and gestures as he says it indicates that she wants us allâfour of us, excluding Emal. Of course she does.She didnât even step into the throne room earlier despite that Father instructed a messenger to beckon on her. She claimed the moment Emal transformed had âoverwhelmed her heartââwhatever that means. But I saw the glint in her eyes as she clutched her chest back at the courtyard. It was no breakdown. Just a carefully timed performance to avoid what she already suspected would unfold in that throne hall.She knew it wouldnât end in her favor.Darius walks ahead, flanked by Shawl and Xander. I trail behind the three of them, as always, like the forgotten whisper in a roaring storm. But I donât mind. Iâve grown used to being overlooked by them.Sometimes, being invisible is power.When we reach her
ALPHA'S DARKEST SECRET: Rise Of The Ultima   Chapter 36: Arguing With The Alpha King
EMALâWho is that girl to you, Emal?â Father asks, his gaze fixed on me with that signature sharpness that always cuts too deep.The throne hall is empty now, except for the three of us; him, Master Aldrien, and me. Everyone else was dismissed the moment he made his declaration. But I know this isnât over. Not really.I glance at Master Aldrien but his presence here means this conversation was probably planned.âWho do you mean?â I ask, though the name echoes loud and clear in my mind.âDonât play games with me, boy,â Father snaps calmly in that unsettling, dangerous way of his. âYou know exactly who Iâm talking about.âI stay silent.I wonât give her name to him. Not when I still donât know where we stand. Not when I know what he ordered Blake. What he allowed. I can't do well to think everything is going to end well if I give him Lilly's name. I ha e to talk to her myself first before knowing what next.Itâs Master Aldrien who breaks the silence. âHer name is Lilly.âFatherâs brow c
ALPHA'S DARKEST SECRET: Rise Of The Ultima   Chapter 35: Strength In His Bones, Fire In His Blood
EMALÂŦâWhatâs wrong? Has he gone crazy?âÂŧÂŦHeâs going to end someone at this rate.ÂŧMany people are full of concern with fear on their faces as I charge wild, primal and uncontrolled in my wolf. I don't know how to stop it.I've never had to control this part of me before.The primal side of my being surges, making me overwhelmed. I tear through the courtyard, eyes wild, claws digging into the stone before I leap past the dueling grounds, past the walls, out into the open forest that borders the packlands.My father and Master Aldrien end the event without delay. The last howl I let out had already left some spectators injured...tossed backward, stunned, bleeding from their ears. But I donât look back.I canât.Iâm not me anymore.The forest welcomes me. Branches slap against me, the wind roars in my ears, but nothing slows me. My legs move with blinding speed. I donât even know what Iâm running toward. I just run.âChase after him,â Father commands behind me.My older siblings shift
ALPHA'S DARKEST SECRET: Rise Of The Ultima   Chapter 34: Blood Reckoning II
EMALI expect Father to say something, probably stop the herald from saying anything more about the special request. After all, it is so obvious the Luna staged this. My eyes plead to him, but he shakes his head silently. What was I thinking? We are celebrating the Luna's birthday which gives her such right to call the shots. I just know she wants me dead. She hates me so much.The heraldâs voice barely fades before the ground itself seems to hum.A heavy clang echoes through the air as the massive dueling gates creak open. A figure steps outâno, emerges, like a shadow born of war itself.Valerys Winthrope.The crowd draws a collective breath as he appears, and I swear the temperature drops.He's massiveâeasily thrice my width, and at least a twice taller. His muscles bunch and flex beneath scarred, inked skin that tells stories of every fight heâs ever won. A black tattoo coils around one arm, making him look all the more scary. His eyes are void of mercy, a pale, grey that seem to
ALPHA'S DARKEST SECRET: Rise Of The Ultima   Chapter 33: The Blood Reckoning
EMALReturning to the ceremonial courtyard, the ceremonial rite begins. I make sure to evade Shawl or any other sibling of mine as I proceed in coordinating the arrangements for the ceremonial rites.The courtyard is now filled with hushes as the packâs elite soldiers march out in flawless formation. Their synchronized steps echo against the stones sharply. Each of them carries a ceremonial bladeâpolished, curved, and ancient-looking. This isnât a show of power.Itâs a dance of legacy.They move with grace, spinning and slashing through the air as drums thrum in the background. It feels like the pulse of the earth itself, like the heartbeat of every Luna that ever ruled before ours.When the final movement of the blade dance concludes, they drop to one knee as one, heads bowed.Then, from the line of soldiers, the lead demonstrating soldier steps forward. He is a tall man with broad shoulders and scars like cracked stone lining his neck. Heâs handed a brown-golden container by one of
ALPHA'S DARKEST SECRET: Rise Of The Ultima   Chapter 32: I Love You, Lilly.
EMALThe outdoor celebration soon begins as ordered by the Alpha.The sun casts a warm, amber glow over the courtyard, where silk banners ripple in the breezeâeach one bearing the royal sigil: a silver wolf howling beneath a crescent moon with touch of an irregular design I actually didn't take interest to know what it means.The nobles who are only for the outdoor event are already arriving, dressed in their finest silks and ceremonial armor. Guests are laughing with the distant tune of flutes and lyres, and warriors perform blade dances at the prepared spot for them.At the far end of the courtyard, a raised platform has been arranged for the royal family. Elegant, high-backed chairs are ready for the Alphas and royal figures of our pack and other packs. Just below the platform, the rest of usâroyal-borns, nobles, pack warriors of the White Fur Packâstand in place, waiting to begin the ceremonial rite.Despite the lively atmosphere, I can't shake the chill running down my spine. It i
ALPHA'S DARKEST SECRET: Rise Of The Ultima   Chapter 31: The Luna's Birthday
EMALThe Luna's Birthday.After days of preparation, it is finally the D-day. As scheduled, the events are divided into two major participations. Starting off will be the indoor event taking place in the throne hall which includes prayers, gifting, and small dances from dance troupes. Then, the outdoor event is scheduled for later in the day, in the open field of White Fur Pack. The throne hall is a grand, intimidating place; high ceilings adorned with ravelled carvings, golden chandeliers, and brown banners hanging in deep earth-like colours, bearing the symbol of our pack. The room is filled with the scent of fresh lilies, the Lunaâs favorite, arranged meticulously along the walls and on the long banquet table. People from the royal family are around already and also esteemed guests invited for the indoor event.The Luna sits beside the Alpha on the elevated dais, poised and elegant in her embroidered silver gown. Her dark hair is pulled back in a crown of woven braids, and desp
ALPHA'S DARKEST SECRET: Rise Of The Ultima   Chapter 30: Power Sharing; The First Dravenang Alpha
EMALMaster Aldrien intertwines his fingers, resting his hands on the desk. His gaze darts to the book I placed before him, but he says nothing at first."Can you tell me more about power sharing?" I ask.His brows crease, and he leans back in his chair, studying me with curiosity and caution. "Power sharing?" he echoes. "What exactly do you mean by that, Emal?"Wordlessly, I flip open the book, turning to the page that caught my attention earlier. I slide it toward him, tapping the passage with my finger. "This. It talks about someone who used power sharing to win a fight. But it doesnât explain how."Master Aldrien exhales slowly, his shoulders visibly relaxing as he takes in the words on the page. A long, unreadable silence stretches between us before I break it."So," I press, watching him closely. "Do you know how to take power from your opponent?"His eyes snap to mine, and his expression hardens. "I donât know what youâre talking about."Liar.I recognize the way his eyes twitc
