ALPHA KING'S SECRET TRIPLETS Chapter 103

ZORA'S POV

I moved away from the river towards the forest. The plan was taking shape in my mind, a subtle web of strategies that would allow me to interfere with the bonds of Hunter and Fierce without violating the promises made. Entering the territory of shadows, I reached the border between the pack and the lands of the banished. The atmosphere changed, laden with a denser and forbidden energy. Banished wolves, outcast creatures, maintained a marginal existence in this border realm.

Using the ability to communicate with supernatural beings taught by Ignis, I began whispering ancient words, invoking the presence of the banished. The response came in the form of shifting shadows, circling our presence with curiosity and suspicion.

“What do you seek, daughter of Garnet?” a deep, echoing voice emerged from the shadows, belonging to a banished wolf. Staring into the shadows, I spoke, “I need help with Fierce, the wolf belonging to Alastair's pack. She is in my way, and I need to distance her; I'll give anything.”

The shadows murmured among themselves, as if debating the matter. Finally, the banished wolf responded, “Destiny is woven by the Goddess of the Moon, but there are forces beyond her. If you want to challenge fate, be prepared to face the consequences.”

I explained my situation, and some agreed to help me, understanding the importance of influencing the bond between Hunter and Fierce. The following days were filled with preparations and secret meetings. My plans were laid out, and I was determined to move forward, regardless of warnings and uncertainties.

The night of the coronation ceremony approached, and destiny awaited, ready to unveil its mysteries. I was willing to defy the lines of fate and shape the course of my own story, no matter the cost.

***

The coronation ceremony was a spectacle of grandeur and tradition. I found myself among the crowd, observing every careful movement as Hunter, on his knees, paid homage to Alastair, his father and the leader of the Rocky Mountain pack. Fierce stood by my side, wearing the silver dress I lent her as a symbol of a supposed friendship.

I admit Fierce was stunning. Her long black hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her dignified posture marked her as a true Luna. It was easy to notice the curious and admiring glances directed at her during the ceremony. A respectable Luna, though I knew she was within the boundaries I allowed.

Hunter, transforming into a gray wolf, headed towards the forest, following the tradition of the ceremony. It was the cue I was waiting for to set my plan in motion. By now, Jeff, one of the banished wolves who agreed to participate in the scheme, was lurking in the shadows at a safe distance.

With the herbs I prepared, he would control the Grizzly Bear to create a challenge in Hunter's test. I handed him a vial containing a substance that would awaken the wild instincts of the bear. Upon reaching the designated spot, he would pour the mixture on the ground, releasing an essence that would make the huge bear act outside its nature. It was risky, but I was determined to secure my place as Luna.

The distant roar of the bear echoed through the forest, indicating that Jeff had fulfilled his part. Now, the challenge would be instigated, and Fierce would have the opportunity to prove her worth.

Fierce, with her keen sense of smell, sensed the imminent danger. Her eyes briefly met mine, and I knew she was aware of something but not enough to prevent her from approaching the danger. The rules were clear, and Fierce broke them, giving me the advantage I had been waiting for. I smiled inwardly, knowing that the plan was unfolding as planned.

Discreetly, I stepped away from the crowd, walking to the edge of the forest, holding two cups with hops and a bit of rue in my hands. There, among shadows and lush trees, I would find a way to contribute my part to the plan.

My eyes scanned the crowd for bait, someone who could lure Fierce away from Hunter, allowing me to implement my strategy. That's when I spotted Cierce and Sibyl, two omegas who seemed to be observing the proceedings in the background. An idea sparked in my mind, and I approached them with two cups, each containing a mixture of Hops and Rue.

“Girls, have you seen Fierce?” I asked, offering the cups as a friendly gesture. Sibyl eyed me with suspicion, while Cierce accepted the Hops cup. “The last time I saw her, she was with you.”

I smiled, acting as if I were perplexed. “Yes, but when I went to get a drink, she disappeared.” Sibyl raised an eyebrow, skeptical. “How would Fierce allow you to get a drink? She's at your service tonight.”

I shrugged again, maintaining my smile. “It might have been a misunderstanding. Maybe she felt unwell. I'll look for her and make sure everything is okay.” Cierce, on the other hand, suggested a possibility. “Maybe she felt unwell and returned to the omega den.” The idea seemed to please Sibyl, who agreed, “Cierce, why don't you look for Fierce?”

“Come on, Cierce. We can't leave Fierce alone, especially during Hunter's coronation,” I encouraged, handing a cup to each of them.

Together, we moved away from the crowd, leaving behind the glow of the unfolding ceremony. Our path led us to the outskirts of the pack, where the lighting dimmed, providing the privacy I sought.

Cierce was anxious, but I kept my composure, waiting for the right moment to initiate the next phase of my plan. Once we reached a more secluded spot, I suggested that Fierce might have gone towards the omega den. Cierce agreed, and we continued walking among the trees, away from the curious eyes of the ceremony.

I took the opportunity to question Cierce about the relationship between Fierce and Hunter. “Cierce, do you know how close they are? Fierce and Hunter?” Cierce sighed and revealed some details while taking a sip from the cup. “Yes, they are close, but don't worry, because Hunter will only choose his Luna tonight.”

Intrigued, I pressed for more information. “But is there any chance he might reject the Luna chosen by the Goddess and choose Fierce instead?” She hesitated for a moment before sharing, “Hunter is bound to Fierce, but his loyalty to Alastair prevents him from making a clear decision. He has feelings for Fierce, but the pack will always come first.”

We entered the omega den, following Cierce, who seemed uneasy about Fierce's absence. The atmosphere was quieter than outside, muffling the sounds of the celebration echoing through the clearing. Cierce, with a worried expression, looked at me and stated the obvious realization.

“It seems like Fierce didn't come here,” commented Cierce, as her eyes searched for any sign of the absent wolf.

Aware that Fierce was probably with Hunter, I feigned surprise and disappointment. “What a shame. She's missing the whole ceremony.”

Cierce nodded, agreeing with my observation. “Yes, let's go back to the ceremony. We can't miss this moment.”

However, I had other plans for Cierce. I decided to set the gears of my plan in motion, involving her without her knowledge. With a hand on her shoulder, I held her gently and said, “Cierce, I'm going back to the ceremony, but you'll stay here. When Alastair calls for you, you will tell him that Fierce is here and that she helped Hunter.”

Cierce, already under the influence of the rue I secretly put in her cup, agreed with a drowsy expression. “Okay, I'll wait for Fierce and inform Alastair.”

I seized the opportunity and held Cierce's face between my hands, expressing feigned sympathy. “Good girl. I trust you to take care of this.”

With that, I left the omega den, leaving Cierce behind. My steps were swift and determined, as time was of the essence. The path back to the ceremony was permeated by the sounds of the celebration, but my mind was focused on what was to come. Hunter was about to be crowned, and I had to ensure that my place by his side as Luna was secured.

***

The coronation ceremony was in full swing, enveloping the entire pack in anticipation of Hunter's future reign. My mind, however, was focused on Alastair, the imposing alpha presiding over the celebration, and I knew I needed to approach him with my urgent alert.

I slipped through the crowd to Alastair's throne and, without hesitation, knelt before him. His normally stern eyes landed on me with curiosity. Ulrich, the loyal beta, raised an eyebrow with suspicion, but I ignored his presence, focusing on the pack's alpha.

“Alastair, there's a matter of urgency I need to discuss with you,” I declared, keeping my gaze steady.

Ulrich immediately intervened. “Miss Zora, this is not the appropriate time for interruptions. The ceremony is underway.”

I lifted my head to face Ulrich, unyielding. “Inappropriate is what is happening right now in Hunter's test.”

Alastair frowned, revealing his surprise at my statement. “What are you talking about, Zora?”

I took a deep breath before revealing the truth. “Hunter is tampering with the test. He's not worthy of the alpha title.”

The news seemed to hang in the air, causing a wave of silence between the alpha and his beta. Looks of incredulity and disbelief were directed at me, but I didn't falter. Alastair, on the other hand, remained expressionless, demanding more information.

“The test has been tampered with. Hunter used illicit means to achieve favorable results. I saw it with my own eyes,” I explained, keeping my voice firm.

Ulrich crossed his arms, skeptical. “Do you have any proof of this, Zora?”

“I know what I saw,” I replied, fixing my gaze directly on Alastair. “I ask that you investigate. If you want a truly worthy alpha to lead this pack, the truth must come to light.”

Alastair remained silent for a moment, contemplating my words. The tension in the air was palpable, and I felt the curious gazes of everyone around us. Alastair finally nodded, indicating that I should stand.

“Let's discuss this in private,” he said, revealing that, despite his usual toughness, he was willing to listen.

I stood up, accompanying Alastair toward a more secluded area. Ulrich followed us, clearly suspicious of my claims.