The grand office of the Alpha King, a sanctuary of power and solitude, overlooked the sprawling city of Valerius. The panoramic view, a tapestry of bustling streets, towering spires, and the shimmering expanse of the lake in the distance, usually offered Roan a sense of control, a tangible reminder of his dominion. But today, the cityscape held no solace, no distraction from the gnawing unease that lingered within him.
He stood at the expansive window, his back to the room, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon. The city lights, twinkling like a constellation of earthly stars, reflected in his dark eyes, but offered no warmth, no comfort. The events of the past few days, the confrontation with Arin, the bitter taste of betrayal, still lingered, a dark cloud that shadowed his thoughts.
The soft click of the door opening and closing barely registered in his consciousness. He knew it was Corvus, his loyal Beta, his steadfast confidant. Corvus had a knack for sensing his moods, for knowing when to offer a silent presence, when to offer a word of comfort.
Corvus stood quietly, respecting Roan's need for solitude, his presence a silent reassurance. He knew that Roan was grappling with the weight of his decisions, the burden of his crown. He knew that Roan, despite his outward display of strength, was not immune to the sting of betrayal.
After a long, pregnant silence, Corvus spoke, his voice low and gentle. "How are you feeling, my King?"
Roan didn't turn, his gaze still fixed on the city lights. "Relieved," he said, his voice flat, devoid of emotion. "Relieved to be rid of her. I have no need for a mate, least of all one like her."
Corvus hesitated, his eyes filled with a quiet concern. He knew that Roan was masking his true feelings, that beneath the veneer of indifference, a storm of emotions raged. "It is alright to feel betrayed, my King," he said, his voice laced with a gentle understanding. "She was to be your mate, after all."
Roan's shoulders tensed, his grip tightening on the windowsill. "Betrayed?" he scoffed, his voice laced with a cold disdain. "She is too insignificant to betray me, why would I be pained by some wolfless abnormality. I am only bothered by the insult her actions dealt to the crown. Nothing more."
He turned, his eyes flashing with a cold intensity. "Do not mistake my actions for weakness, Corvus," he said, his voice sharp and commanding. "I made a decision, and I stand by it. She has made her bed, now she must lie in it."
Corvus nodded slowly, his eyes filled with a quiet respect. He knew that Roan was determined to project an image of unwavering strength, to deny any hint of vulnerability. He also knew that it was futile to argue with him, to challenge his resolve.
But he also knew that Arin must have penetrated his armor in some way. The mere fact that he had not labeled her actions as treasonable and instead opted to send her home rather than behead her contrasted with his words of indifference.
Before Corvus could speak further, the heavy doors of the room swung open, and Ewan, the playful Gamma, sauntered in, his presence a stark contrast to the somber atmosphere. He plopped down on an empty seat, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
"Well, well, well," he drawled, his voice laced with amusement. "If it isn't the king and his brooding Beta. Discussing the intricacies of royal loneliness, are we?"
Corvus shot him a sharp glare, his patience wearing thin. "Ewan," he said, his voice laced with a warning. "This is not the time for your… levity."
Ewan shrugged, his expression unrepentant. "Just pointing out the obvious," he said, his voice casual. "Wren had probably already got a line-up of eligible ladies, all vying for the queen's throne."
Roan's jaw clenched, his eyes flashing with a hint of anger. "Wren will do no such thing," he said, his voice firm. "I have made my decision to remain without a mate."
"And the kingdom has made theirs," Ewan countered, his playful tone laced with a hint of seriousness. "They don't think you can rule alone, Roan. That is probably why there's a messenger from the Southern Pack waiting in the outer chamber."
Corvus's eyes widened, his expression shifting from concern to alarm. "A messenger from the Southern pack?" he exclaimed, his voice sharp. "Why wasn't the king informed immediately?"
He turned to Ewan, his eyes narrowed, his voice laced with reprimand. "Ewan, this is not a matter to be treated lightly. Why didn't you say so sooner?"
Ewan shrugged, his expression nonchalant. "I am saying it now aren't I," he said, his voice casual. "Besides, I was enjoying the king's little… existential crisis."
Corvus sighed, his patience clearly strained. He turned back to Roan, his expression grave. "Your Majesty, this changes everything. The Southern Pack rarely sends messengers unless it is a matter of utmost importance."
Roan, his face etched with a mixture of annoyance and concern, nodded slowly. "You are right, Corvus," he said, his voice thoughtful. "We need to see what they want."
He rose from his seat, his gaze fixed on the heavy doors of the hall. "Bring the messenger in," he commanded, his voice firm.
Corvus nodded and went outside to a nearby guard, issuing a swift, silent order. The guard bowed and hurried down the hallway.
The tension in the room thickened, the air heavy with anticipation. Roan stood tall and imposing, his expression a mask of regal composure, but his eyes betrayed a hint of unease. He knew that the messenger's arrival could herald a new challenge, a new threat to his kingdom.
Ewan, sensing the shift in mood, abandoned his playful demeanor, his expression turning serious. He knew that whatever the messenger brought, it would not be good news. The Southern Pack was a powerful kingdom, known for its ambition and its ruthless tactics.
The heavy doors swung open, and the messenger, a young man with a weary expression, stepped into the hall. He bowed deeply before Roan, his eyes fixed on the floor.
"Your Majesty," he said, his voice laced with a hint of urgency. "I bring a message from Alpha Yakim of the Southern Pack."
He paused, his gaze lifting to meet Roan's, his expression grave. "It is a matter of… utmost importance."
The silence in the room was deafening, the air thick with anticipation. Roan, his expression unwavering, gestured towards the messenger. "Speak," he commanded, his voice low and steady. "Tell us what Alpha Yakim wants."