CHAPTER 16

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

DAMON Point of View

I stood watch at the edge of my chambers, gazing at the shadowy landscape before me. The moon, a silver crescent, casted an eerie light upon the untamed territory. This was my kingdom, forged from the shadows—a place for the exiles, the outcasts and the warriors who have nowhere to go. Still, it wasn't enough. My true kingdom had been stolen from me. My birthright was taken away by the treachery of Damisus, and now, the pain of my sister's troubles tormented me like an open wound that refused to heal. Jessica. I clenched his fists at my sides, I had failed her. I had always vowed to protect her, but now she was trapped, shackled to a man who had no mercy. Johnson. And I did nothing. The name alone made my blood boil. The same man who had destroyed my life now owned my sister—my little sister Jess, who had once laughed so freely, who had dreamed of freedom and adventure. Now, she's a prisoner, trapped in the hands of a monster. And as if that wasn’t enough, He took my mate too. TYLA. My jaw tightened, my claws threatening to pierce through my own skin. Even now, the thought of her being under the same roof as that bastard made my stomach ache. She was my mate and yet, she was forced to live in that wretched house, surrounded by treachery and cruelty. How much more pain can I withstand? When will all these end? No. I was done waiting. I would take action. I would take back what is mine, I would reclaim my throne, my little sister and my mate. Even if it meant starting a war, I would do it. The door creaked open behind me, but I didn’t turn around. There was no reason to. “Simon,” he said, his voice even. My second-in-command stepped inside, his movements careful but deliberate. Simon was loyal, one of the few people i truly trusted. He had been with me from the beginning, from the moment I was exiled from my pack and left to rot in the wilderness. He had believed in me then, and he still believed in me now. But tonight… I knew exactly why he had come. “My King,” he said firmly but cautious, closing the door behind him. “You must reconsider this war.” I didn’t move. “There is nothing to reconsider.” I said He sighed, stepping further into the room. “Damisus is strong. His army is larger than ours. He has the resources, the warriors—” “And I have the rage of an entire generation of rogues,” I said, cutting him off, my voice low but dangerous. “Do you think they will sit back and let the man who abandoned them remain in power?” He hesitated. “No. But that doesn’t mean this is the right move.” I turned to face him now, my golden eyes burning with determination. “You think I don’t know the risks?” “I think you’re letting your emotions drive your decisions.” He said, his voice thick. My expression darkened. “My sister, Jessica is staying in that house with a man who has broken her beyond repair.” I clenched my fists in rage. “And now, that bastard has my mate too.” He exhaled sharply. “I know. I know what he’s done. But Damon—if you die in this war, what happens to them? What happens to Jessica? To Tyla?” For a moment, there was silence, the weight of those words pressed into my chest. I was prepared to die for them—but could I afford to? Simon took a cautious step closer. “You don’t have to do this alone.” Damon’s eyes flashed. “I’m not waiting any longer. I will fight him, Simon. I will take back what’s mine.” He shook his head, frustration evident in his stance. “Then at least be smart about it. Damisus isn’t just going to roll over and hand you the throne. If you challenge him directly, he’ll make sure you don’t live to see another sunrise.” “I know.” He studied me for a long moment. “Then why do you want to risk it?” My voice was quieter now, but no less fierce. “Because, he took everything and, I am tired of watching the people I love suffer.” A heavy silence stretched between us. Finally, he exhaled. “What do you want me to do?” I glanced at him. “There was another rogue attack on a neighboring village.” He stiffened. “I heard.” “I need to know who’s behind it.” I said, giving a piercing stare. His face turned into a frown. “You think it wasn’t one of ours?” I shook my head. “No. And that’s what worries me. Someone else is organizing those rogues groups and I need to find out who.” He hesitated. “You want me to send spies?” I shook my head. “No.” His brows furrowed. “Why not?” “Because I don’t trust anyone.” There was a chilling finality in my words, a creeping sense of uneasiness that had been carved into me after years of betrayal. He didn’t argue. He knew better than anyone how much i had suffered. Instead, he nodded. “I’ll find out what I can.” I nodded in return. “Good.” He lingered at the door. “And Damon?” I glanced at him. "Yes?" “Be careful.” For the first time that night, i allowed a small, tired smile. “I’ll try.” He didn’t look convinced, but he said nothing more as he slipped out of the room, leaving me alone to be buried with my thoughts. Alone with my rage. I turned back to the window, my golden eyes reflecting the moonlight. This wasn’t just about vengeance. This wasn’t just about the past. This was about the future. I would take down, every enemy, every traitor who came in my way I would take back my throne. I would free my sister, I would take back my mate. And God helps anyone who tries to stop him.