CHAPTER 8

(ATLAS' POV)

As I walked towards the staircase to the banquet hall, I could feel a palpable tension hung in the air, thick with murmurs and anticipation.

"I just walked out of dressing room and of course! Drama!" I grumbled to myself, feeling the weight of expectation settling upon my shoulders like an unwelcome guest.

Intrigued, I followed the sound of the unrest. My polished shoes gliding effortlessly across the marble floor.

Peering around the corner, I found myself drawn into the heart of the unfolding drama, I heightened my hearing to listened in.

From afar, I saw Rhea knelt before Hera, her voice trembling with urgency as she pleaded her case. And there, standing behind her like a guardian sentinel, was Kaida, radiating an aura of stern authority. She was ensuring Rhea remained firmly in her place.

"I'm truly sorry, Lady Hera. I never meant any harm," I rushed out, my words tinged with urgency. "I didn't know about your allergies, and peanut sauce is standard in Nightspire. Moreover, there are alternative options on the starter menu such as stuffed mushrooms, crispy calamari, and a bruschetta trio. Since you haven't consumed any peanuts, I believe you are far from harmed, Lady Hera." Rhea explained in desperation.

I watched the turmoil unfold below and frowned. I was contemplating to step in and interver. However, Caden, pack alpha of the Duskwynd Pack, had swooped in with surprising agility. He caught Hera's hand mid-air before it could strike Rhea. Despite his timely intervention, I felt a growing dislike toward the fellow pack alpha.

"Alpha Caden!" Hera's exclamation pierced through the tension like a bolt of lightning.

"Lady Hera, cease your aggression," Caden's voice was soft yet commanding, his touch gentle as he released her hand. With a grace that belied his strength, he extended a helping hand to Rhea, who struggled to rise.

As Rhea finally regained her footing, Caden assumed control of the situation with the authority befitting an alpha. "As the pack alpha of the Duskwynd Pack, I vow to protect this lady until the end of this banquet," his declaration resonated with unwavering resolve.

The crowd, awed by Caden's display of chivalry, fell into a reverent silence, though whispers of curiosity lingered. Gripping the railing tightly, I suppressed a growl of frustration.

'Bah, what a show off...' I gritted my teeth. I couldn't exactly shouted and deny Caden's pledge since his words didn't violate any of Nightspire Pack's rules.

With decisive efficiency, Caden guided Rhea out of the ballroom, quelling any further disruption.

Not wanting to leave Caden and Rhea alone, I quietly left the second floor through a back exit. I didn't bother announcing my departure to the crowd. Using my wolf ability to hide my presence, I slipped out of the building unnoticed.

--

Outside, a suffocating pain gripped me as I listened to the conversation unfolding between Caden and Rhea. I continued to listened to their conversation as I hid behind one of the large pillars.

"Forgive my bluntness, but I must confess, Lady Rhea," his voice steady yet filled with emotion, "From the moment I saw you, I felt drawn to you. If you would consider it, I ask that you become my Luna."

“What?” Rhea's sharp whisper cut through the air, expressing surprise.

There was a pause before Caden continued, his tone soft but earnest. "I meant no harm, Lady Rhea," he explained. "I was once married. My wife passed away four years ago from illness. I may not articulate my feelings well, but much has changed since then. I believe you could fill the void beside me as my Luna. I promise to cherish and respect you."

Stuttering, Rhea responded, her voice trembling mirroring uncertainty. "Alpha Caden, I'm flattered. But this is all so sudden…. I-I hardly know you..."

Caden replied softly, “Perhaps, if you wished for a simpler reason, it was your resemblance to my late wife that convinced me you were meant to be my Luna." He paused before adding, "But, Lady Rhea, while I hope for your acceptance, I would never pressure you into something you don't desire. I truly wanted to give you the will to choose."

Rhea bowed deeply, her voice filled with regret. "I truly apologize, Alpha Caden."

"It's alright, Lady Rhea. I assure you, there's no need for apologies," Caden reassured her gently. "I must take my leave now. There are other matters I need to attend to with the other guests. Please, excuse me, Lady Rhea."

Once I was certain Caden was gone, I emerged, my determination to confront Rhea unwavering. It was almost as if fate guided me, for there she was, walking in my direction.

Rhea froze as she saw me approach, clearly taken aback. Without hesitation, I grabbed her by the uniform, pressing her against the nearest pillar.

"You little whore...," I spat venomously. "This morning, you were practically begging for relief from your pre-heat symptoms. And now... you've got Caden all over you, swearing to protect you in the banquet, that I hosted! What are you playing here, Omega?" I demanded answers.

"Alpha Atlas!" Rhea's voice quivered with desperation. "I swear, I've done nothing—"

I scoffed, incredulous. "I heard Caden was confessing to you! You still dare to lie to me?"

Just then, Kaida rushed over. "Alpha Atlas, I was searching for you. Alpha Caden informed me—"

"Enough, Kaida," I cut her off sharply. Grabbing Rhea by the collar, I flung her to the ground near Kaida. "Tie her to that arbor," I ordered, pointing to the nearby garden. "Let the sun burn her alive."

Kaida hesitated only briefly before complying, binding Rhea to the arbor with makeshift restraints fashioned from nearby branches.

The chaos spread like wildfire through the ballroom, drawing the attention of every guest. They surged out to witness the unfolding drama.

Caden's stormy exit was impossible to miss, his anger practically tangible. "Lady Rhea?" His urgent call sliced through the tension as he rushed towards her captive form in the garden. His accusing glare shifted to Kaida, challenging her authority.

But I couldn't allow Caden to intervene. With a thunderous roar, I asserted my alpha dominance.

"Anyone who dares to save that omega maid will be deemed enemies of the Nightspire Pack!" All eyes turned to me, including Caden's, a mix of defiance and frustration etched on his face.

As Caden exchanged whispers with Rhea, I could only watch from afar. Rhea seemed to deny his help... and that gave me a small triumphant smile.

Yet, anger still simmered within me. So, I decided to leave that please as soon as possible.

Just like on cue, Hera's suggestive gesture caught my eye from a far corner. She beckoned me towards her, disappearing into the turn of the hall.

A smirk tugged at my lips as I made my way to Hera. I needed an outlet for my anger, and being with her could provide just that.

Suddenly, Mundus materialized in my mind. 'Boy, don’t let your emotions lead you astray—' his warning echoed in my mind.

I closed my eyes and muted our connection momentarily. I then wasted no time to hind Hera and carried her to the nearest empty room that I could find.

I decided to succumb to my desires and lifted her dress just enough to expose her waist as I pressed her against the wall, consumed by passion.

But her unexpected plea for mercy halted me in my tracks. "Alpha, please!" Her words pierced through the haze of desire, leaving me momentarily bewildered.

Withdrawing slightly, I searched her face for answers, only for Hera to smile wickedly and whisper, "Ravish me."

Driven by desire, I  resumed my actions, losing myself in the intoxicating sensations as I thrust into her deeply, savoring her uncharacteristic cries of pleasure. Yet, my bliss shattered abruptly when searing pain erupted in my neck.

Dropping Hera to the ground, I reached instinctively for the stigning source—a syringe filled with a sinister purple liquid. “This… this is wolfsbane?!”

Collapsing to my knees, I snarled, locking eyes with Hera, my alpha instincts roaring within me. "Hera...!"

Meanwhile, Hera, her appearance disheveled, calmly discarded her ruined panties, casting them aside with a devilish smile. "Well done, Atlas. You've played your part perfectly."

With a resounding slam, she flung the door open, unleashing a fabricated cry of horror. "Help! The pack alpha is assaulting me!" With that, she bolted from the room, leaving chaos in her wake.

Struggling against the poison coursing through my veins, I fought to stand, my body weakened and trembling. "Hera!" I choked out, my voice strained.

After a moment of retching, I managed hoarsely, "You'll pay for this!"