Chapter Three: The Duel and the Darkness

Caden stood in the center of the pack’s gathering ground, his chest still heaving with anger from his confrontation with the rogue Alpha. His mind raced with the conditions set before him—Mate, or lose the pack. The words echoed in his head like a relentless drumbeat, mocking him, taunting him with their simplicity and brutality.

He could feel the weight of his pack’s fear pressing down on him. The usual lively buzz of conversation was muted; their eyes, wide and worried, darted around like they expected an attack at any moment. Mothers clutched their children closer, warriors whispered among themselves, and the older pack members shook their heads with grim expressions.

"They’re scared," Caden realized, his jaw tightening. "They don’t think I can protect them."

He knew he had to act fast, do something to restore their faith in him, something to reignite their spirit and make them believe in their Alpha again. His eyes flicked to the dueling ground, where his Beta, Kiernan, was preparing. The earlier challenge hung in the air between them like a heavy cloud. 

Caden took a deep breath, forcing a smile that he hoped appeared confident. "Alright, everyone!" he shouted, clapping his hands together. "Let’s have a bit of entertainment, shall we?"

The pack members turned to look at him, their faces still tight with anxiety, but there was a flicker of curiosity. A murmur went through the crowd.

"Kiernan!" Caden called, his voice booming. "Let’s give them a show. Remind them what true warriors look like."

Kiernan nodded, stepping forward, his expression calm and controlled. "As you wish, Alpha," he replied, but there was a flicker of something in his eyes—determination, or perhaps defiance. He knew this wasn’t just about entertaining the pack. This was about proving himself.

Aria stood at the edge of the crowd, her heart pounding against her ribs. She couldn’t take her eyes off Kiernan. "Please, be careful," she whispered under her breath, knowing he couldn’t hear her, but hoping somehow her thoughts would reach him. "Don’t let him hurt you."

The duel began with a flurry of movement, both men circling each other, their muscles tense, eyes locked in a predatory gaze. Caden lunged first, his fists aimed straight at Kiernan’s chest, but the Beta dodged quickly, moving with a speed that surprised even Caden.

"He’s fast," Caden thought, narrowing his eyes. "But I’m stronger."

They clashed again, a blur of fists and claws, the sound of blows landing echoing through the clearing. The pack watched with bated breath, their tension easing into shouts and cheers. For a moment, they were caught up in the fight, their fear of the rogue Alpha forgotten.

Aria’s eyes never left Kiernan. Every move he made, every dodge, every strike, she watched with a mix of fear and admiration. "He’s holding his own," she thought, her heart swelling with pride. "He’s really doing it."

But then, in a sudden move, Kiernan ducked low, his body twisting like a snake, and he lashed out with his claws, aiming for Caden’s face. His claws made contact, slashing across Caden’s cheek, leaving three deep marks. Blood instantly welled up, dripping down Caden’s face.

A collective gasp swept through the crowd. Silence fell over the clearing. Even the wind seemed to stop. The only sound that followed was Aria’s uncontrollable cry of joy, her voice ringing out in the stillness. "Yes!"

All eyes turned to her. Her face went pale as she realized what she had done. Her hand flew to her mouth, but it was too late. She could feel the weight of every stare, the judgment, the shock. She quickly looked down, her heart hammering, her cheeks burning with embarrassment. 

Caden’s eyes, dark with fury, locked onto her. His bloodied face twisted in anger, his gaze piercing through the crowd like a dagger. "Her?" he thought, rage boiling inside him. "She dares to celebrate my pain?"

Without a second thought, he roared and lunged at Kiernan with renewed ferocity. Kiernan barely had time to react before Caden’s powerful form collided with him, sending them both crashing to the ground. Caden's hand went to Kiernan's throat, squeezing tightly, his other hand raised, claws poised to strike.

Kiernan struggled beneath him, his breath coming in short, desperate gasps. "He’s going to kill me," he realized, staring up into the Alpha’s blazing eyes. "This isn’t just a fight anymore… he’s really going to do it."

But before Caden could bring his claws down, his father’s voice cut through the air like a whip. "Stop this madness, Caden!" his father shouted. "Enough!"

Caden hesitated, his hand still raised, his chest heaving. Slowly, he lowered his claws and released Kiernan, stepping back with a snarl, but not before glaring at Aria again. His father’s intervention had saved Kiernan, but it did nothing to calm the storm brewing inside Caden.

"Get up," he snapped at Kiernan, his voice cold and hard. "This isn’t over."

Back in his private chamber, Caden paced, his mind a whirlwind of anger and frustration. "She dared to mock me," he thought, his fists clenching at his sides. "An omega… laughing at her Alpha. I’ll make her regret it."

He barked an order at the guards outside his door. "Bring her to me," he commanded, his voice like steel. "Now."

A few moments later, the door creaked open, and Aria was pushed inside, her face pale and her eyes wide with fear. She stumbled forward, trying to steady herself, her heart racing. 

Caden stared at her, his eyes dark, his expression unreadable. "Do you think this is funny, Aria?" he asked, his voice low and dangerous. "Do you think it’s amusing to see your Alpha wounded?"

Aria shook her head quickly, her voice trembling. "No, Alpha… I—I didn’t mean—"

"Silence!" he roared, taking a step closer. "You humiliated me in front of my pack. You dared to show your joy at my pain."

Tears welled up in her eyes as she lowered her head, her body trembling. "I’m sorry," she whispered. "I… I wasn’t thinking…"

Caden closed the distance between them, his breath hot on her face. "Sorry isn’t good enough," he growled, his hand gripping her arm tightly. "I think you need to be taught a lesson in respect."

Before she could react, he pulled her closer, his grip firm and unyielding. "No, please," she whimpered, struggling against him. "Alpha, don’t… please…"

But he didn’t stop. His hands moved over her body, and despite her attempts to push him away, she was too weak. His strength overpowered her, and soon he had his way with her, forcing her onto the bed. She closed her eyes, tears streaming down her face as she felt the weight of his body against hers.

Inside, her mind screamed, her thoughts a whirl of fear and confusion. "Why is this happening? Why now?" But her voice was silenced by his force, her body yielding under his control.

When he was done, he pulled away, leaving her lying on the bed, her clothes torn, her dignity shattered. He stared down at her with a mixture of contempt and satisfaction.

"Remember this, Aria," he hissed, his voice cold. "Remember what happens when you challenge your Alpha."

And with that, he turned and walked out, leaving her alone in the darkness, the tears flowing freely now, the reality of what had just happened sinking into her bones like ice.

"What have I done to deserve this?" she thought, curling into herself, her body trembling. "Why… why me?"

But no answers came. Only the cold, hard silence of the empty chamber.