Chapter 4; A Game Of Blood And Lies

“ Is the sacrifice  ready? ”

The question hung heavy in the air of the dimly lit chamber, spoken by an elder whose voice rasped with age and

malice.

A circle of men sat around an obsidian table, their robes flowing like shadows. These weren't just any elders, they were the hidden rulers, the ones who held dominion over all the Alpha's. Their power was feared, their influence undeniable. 

Yet, the truth remained buried — no one knew the price of their reign.

At the head of the table sat Elder Vulcan, his silver eyes gleamed under the flickering torchlight.

“ The sacrifice must be made within three days, ” another elder urged. If we do not offer the Moonfire’s blood, we risk losing everything…our power, our control.”

 

Murmurs of agreement rippled through the room.

Elder Vulcan exhaled  slowly, a cruel smile stretching across his face. “ There's no need for concern. I've already chosen the one . She bears the mark unknowingly.”

 “ Who's she? ” an Elder asked anxiously as excitement spread through the room.

Vulcan chuckled, the sound laced with amusement. “ Patience, my brothers. You'll know soon enough. ”

Before anyone could press further, the chamber doors burst open.

A tall figure strode inside, dressed in flowing black robes, his dark hair framing a sharp, tense face.

Alpha Kieran.

He moved swiftly,stopping before Vulcan’s throne and bowing his head.

Vulcan studied him with mild amusement. “ You’re late. ”

Kieran’s jaw tensed. “ I have what you asked for. ”

From within his robes, he produced a small vial containing a thick, dark liquid. He handed it to Vulcan, who took it with great satisfaction.

Vulcan swirled the vial, watching the liquid shimmer under the torchlight. “Impressive.”

“ Now, keep your end of the deal, ” Kieran said, his voice low, laced with restrained desperation.

Vulcan lifted a brow. “ You’re quite impatient for someone in your position. ”

“ You’re holding my mother hostage, ” Kieran snapped. “ The only reason I agreed to this.. to betray Selene is because you forced me to. Now tell me, when will my mother be freed? ”

Vulcan chuckled.“ When you have fulfilled your role completely.”

Kieran’s fingers curled into fists. “ I delivered what you wanted. What more do you need? ”

Vulcan’s smirk remained. “ Patience,dear boy. ”

Kieran’s gaze darkened. “ What's the blood for? ”

Vulcan’s smile faded. “ That is not your concern. ”

Kieran clenched his teeth but knew better than to argue further. He had already risked too much.

He growled and then left them. Vulcan leaned back on his throne, staring at the vial with great satisfaction. It was done.  

“ The boy is useful, ” one elder remarked.

Vulcan scowled. “ Indeed. And soon, Selene will serve her purpose as well. ”

The elders’ laughter echoed through the chamber.

***

Rylan’s Quarters.

Rylan sat alone in his chambers, the fireplace crackling before him.His mind was restless.

Where was Selene?

He'd returned at first light, expecting to find her waiting for him. He had even prepared to apologize for his coldness the previous night. But she wasn't there.

The servants knew nothing. His Beta, Tristan, had no answers either.

He called her again and again. No response.

A cold dread crept over him. With the recent rogue attacks, has something happened to her?

No. She was strong. She could handle herself.

But then .. where was she?

Before he could drown in his thoughts further, the door burst open.

Rylan shot to his feet, muscles tense.

A group of men stepped inside, their presence suffocating.

Elder Vulcan stood at the forefront, closely followed by other elders 

Rylan’s chest tightened. The Elders never visited an Alpha . Alphas came to them. Their sudden arrival  could only mean one thing — disaster.

Forcing his features into neutrality, Rylan bowed slightly. “ Elder Vulcan. ”

Vulcan didn’t return the courtesy. “ We bring matters of grave importance. ”

A chill ran through Rylan. “ What matters?”

Vulcan stepped forward and held out a small vial. “You need to see for yourself.”

Rylan took it hesitantly.

The moment he uncorked it, the sharp scent of blood filled his nose. But not just any blood.

Selene’s. Fear gripped him.

And mixed with it — another scent he recognized.

His breath caught. Anger slowly creeping through his spine. His blood roared in his ears.

No. He staggered backward.

No, it couldn’t be.

A blood bond! How could she do this to him? After everything, after all they've shared together.

His fingers trembled as a sudden vision clouded his mind.

Images flashed before him — Selene and Kieran, whispering in the dark. Scheming against him.

His blood ran cold. They were planning to kill him and take over the pack.

Then, an intimate moment. Kieran’s hands on her waist, her lips parting under his.

Rylan’s vision blurred with fury.

“ No. ” he whispered in cold rage.

Selene had bonded with Kieran.

To enter a blood bond with another while mated was treason. 

She had done the unforgivable.

And worse,  she was planning his downfall.

Vulcan’s voice was like ice. “ Your mate has committed the gravest of sins, Alpha Rylan.  And you must pass judgement.”

Another elder stepped forward. “ She betrayed you. Betrayed the pack. ”

Rylan’s entire body trembled, anger. Heartbreak. Betrayal. A storm of feelings raged inside him.

She had gone behind his back after he warned her.

She had been seeing Kieran all along. Cheating on him.

His eyes sparked with fury. That fool, Kieran. He'd rip him apart!

“ Selene ” His voice was raw. Had she ever truly loved him?

Was everything a lie?

Vulcan watched him closely, waiting. And a sly smile crept onto his face. It was so easy, using dark magic and Selene's blood to create false vision.

Another elder spoke, his voice hard. “ Alpha, you must not let personal feelings cloud your judgment. ”

Rylan’s hands clenched into fists.

His Beta, Tristan, stepped forward. “ Alpha Rylan, you have to make a choice. ”

Silence fell over the room.

Rylan’s breath was ragged. Selene. His mate.

He felt betrayed.

The one he thought was meant for him.

His Luna.

What would it be?