Chapter 9

Melvin let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding, a genuine smile spreading across his face.

He pulled Kiara into a tight embrace. “I’m glad we’re in this together,” he murmured. “No matter what comes next, we’ll handle it side by side.”

Kiara patted his back lightly, then pulled away, looking up at him with a small smirk. “You’re acting like I had a choice,” she teased.

“You’re my brother, Melvin. You drag me into your messes whether I want to be involved or not.”

Melvin chuckled, shaking his head. “That’s not true.”

Kiara crossed her arms. “Oh really? What about the time you convinced me to sneak into the royal vault when we were kids? Or when you made me distract the kitchen staff just so you could steal extra desserts?”

“That was years ago,” Melvin defended, grinning. “Besides, we didn’t get caught, did we?”

Kiara raised an eyebrow. “That’s because I covered for you!”

Melvin laughed, throwing an arm over her shoulder. “See? That’s why we make a great team. I get us into trouble, and you get us out.”

Kiara sighed, shaking her head in amusement as they continued toward the royal canteen.

The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm orange glow over the gardens.

The scent of freshly baked bread and sizzling meat filled the air, making Melvin’s stomach grumble.

“I hope they have roasted lamb tonight,” Melvin said, rubbing his hands together.

Kiara glanced at him. “You eat like a starving wolf.”

“It’s because I train hard,” he retorted. “Unlike you, who prefers sneaking around and gathering information.”

Kiara rolled her eyes. “We all have our strengths, brother.”

They stepped inside the canteen, where the sound of laughter and chatter greeted them. Knights, nobles, and servants sat together, enjoying their meals. The royal siblings chose a table near the window, where a cool evening breeze slipped through.

Melvin leaned back in his chair, watching the lively scene before them. “Do you ever wonder what it would be like to live a simple life?” he mused.

Kiara raised an eyebrow. “Simple? Like what—owning a little bakery in town?”

“Maybe,” Melvin said with a shrug. “Or a quiet farm. Just living without all this… responsibility.”

Kiara chuckled. “You wouldn’t last a week. You’d get bored and challenge the cows to a duel.”

Melvin laughed, shaking his head. “You’re probably right.” He sighed, growing serious. “But sometimes I wonder. Do you ever think we’ll get to live for ourselves? Not for the kingdom, not for duty—just for who we are?”

Kiara took a sip of her drink, her expression thoughtful. “I don’t know,” she admitted. “Maybe one day. But right now, we have bigger things to handle.”

Melvin nodded. “Yeah. We do.”

They fell into a comfortable silence as they ate, both lost in thought. Outside, the sky darkened, and the soft glow of lanterns lit up the canteen. The world felt calm—for now.

Meanwhile, in Alpha Ariana’s kingdom, unease settled over the palace. The air felt heavy, charged with something unseen. Ariana stood by the window of her chambers, watching the distant treetops sway. A feeling stirred deep inside her, a warning she couldn’t ignore.

She turned on her heel and strode down the hall, her boots clicking against the marble floor. She didn’t hesitate as she pushed open the heavy wooden doors to her father’s chamber.

Alpha Jeffery glanced up from his desk, raising an eyebrow. “Ariana,” he greeted, leaning back in his chair. “You look troubled.”

“I have a feeling we’re in danger,” she said without hesitation. “Something is coming. I believe Melvin is planning an attack on our pack.”

Alpha Jeffery sighed, rubbing his temples. “You and your instincts,” he muttered. “Must you always assume the worst?”

Ariana’s eyes flashed with frustration. “Father, we cannot afford to ignore this. You know what his pack did to Jae’s mother. You know what they’re capable of.”

Jeffery was silent for a moment. Then, finally, he nodded. “You have a point. We can’t take chances.” He sat up straighter, his tone sharp. “Strengthen our defenses. Make sure our warriors are prepared.”

Ariana let out a breath, satisfied. “I already planned to,” she said. “I’ll make sure we’re ready.”

She turned and walked briskly out of the chamber. She didn’t stop until she spotted Justin in the courtyard, inspecting the weapons rack.

“Justin!” she called.

He turned to her, immediately alert. “Alpha Ariana?”

“We need to gather our warriors,” she said firmly. “We can’t afford to be caught off guard.”

Justin gave a small nod. “I sensed it too,” he admitted. “I’ll make sure our men are ready for battle.”

They exchanged a look of understanding before moving with purpose. War was on the horizon, and they would not be unprepared.

Back at the training grounds, Kiara approached General Steve, her expression unreadable. The seasoned warrior bowed slightly in respect.

“My lord,” he greeted. “What brings you here?”

Kiara studied him for a moment. “I want to see how prepared you are.”

General Steve gave a small smile. “The army is ready. We’ve trained hard. Every strategy is in place.”

Kiara crossed her arms. “And you? Are you ready?”

Before he could respond, she struck without warning. Her fist shot forward, aiming straight for his chest. Steve barely managed to block the blow, his eyes widening.

“You’re testing me?” he asked, a hint of amusement in his voice.

“I need to know if you’re just good at talking,” Kiara said with a smirk.

Steve straightened, rolling his shoulders. “Then let’s put words aside.”

They launched into combat, circling each other with steady focus. Kiara was fast and agile, striking with precision. Steve, however, had years of experience, countering each of her moves with practiced ease.

Blow after blow, their fight intensified. The air crackled with energy as they exchanged attacks, neither backing down.

Finally, Kiara saw her opening. She delivered a powerful strike that sent Steve stumbling backward. He caught himself but knew the fight was over.

He let out a small laugh, shaking his head. “You’re stronger than I expected,” he admitted.

Kiara held out her hand. “We fight as one, General. This isn’t about proving anything. It’s about being ready.”

Steve took her hand, nodding. “Together, we will lead our troops to victory.”