The Alpha King's Nemesis-Chapter 252: The Fate of A Pack ()

"But of course, that would also depend on how welcoming you are of your stepson, Your Grace." Morden added an afterthought.

The statement was a veiled threat and Zariah knew Queen Sancia could tell too.

"You!" Queen Sancia hissed hatefully.

"My mother was an earth witch. Bearing the child of a wolf shifter was a death sentence and she knew it, yet she did...exchanging her life to give me life!" Morden snarled.

"You are also a mother, what do you value above your son’s life? Your pride? Your status? The Ethereal throne?" Morden taunted, his tone condescending.

Queen Sancia was quiet for a long while following that.

"What exactly do you want?" Queen Sancia asked darkly.

"That is simple. An item... two shards, to be precise. One is in the hands of Caedmon Grey, captured by the council. As for the other, my sources tell me it was entrusted to the Royal Lycans by the Crimson Alpha many generations back... I just happen to have a need for it now and I believe I have fair rights, being of the royal lineage myself." Morden said.

Zariah’s brows furrowed at that, she knew exactly what shard they spoke of. One of them she had retrieved from Caedmon. And the fact that Morden also knew of it and attested to needing it confirmed everything Zariah already knew... this was truly the mastermind.

"I have never heard of it." Queen Sancia replied blankly.

"Have you not? I will find it with or without you, the problem is...you will lose the chance to be a good mother, at least once in your life." Morden said casually.

"The shard with Caedmon, that Zariah girl already took it. And the other...Alpha Zewin of Crimson Moon retrieved it decades ago." Queen Sancia said after a short moment of silence.

Zariah was still reeling with rage at Queen Sancia giving her up so easily but she froze up completely at the mention of her father.

"We both know Ridge detested the Crimson Moon far too much to just hand over such a precious item just because Alpha Zewin wanted it back. Ridge must have hidden the shard somewhere he believed would ensure it would forever belong to his bloodline." Morden countered directly.

"And I have reasons to believe it is in Askel’s possession as we speak and is precisely the cause of Askel’s peculiar... condition..." Morden added.

’He knows so much...too much...’ Zariah thought in dismay.

"If you are honest with me, I can help Askel out of this situation. But I will need the truth... the truth you have kept hidden from the supernatural council and the entire world." Morden continued.

"The shard...it is in Askel’s body..." Queen Sancia revealed finally, much to Zariah’s horror.

Morden was in silent shock for a long moment before he spoke.

"So that was it... that was how it was activated despite being only a piece..." Morden muttered.

"What is that to mean?" Queen Sancia asked.

"Nothing that concerns you, Your Grace. You have provided me with what I need and in return, I will also do you a favour."

"I believe you must want Askel rid of the shard that plagues him... and I also happen to be in need of it, hence one could say we share the same goal. I will help you free Askel of the shard’s hold but I can only do that...as Ethereal King." Morden said to Queen Sancia.

"I have no idea of your plans, you could want us all dead for all I know. Why should I trust you?!" Queen Sancia hissed.

Zariah wondered if Queen Sancia’s sense of reasoning was only just now returning.

"I can tell you my plans." Morden replied unfazed.

"The shard...there are multiple pieces that make up a unique treasure. Now, each piece attracts the other and with all the pieces together, the cohesive force will be strong enough to retract the final piece within Askel, without causing him any harm, save for a minor injury." Morden began.

"But there is one slight complication..." Morden trailed off.

"What is it?" Queen Sancia asked warily.

"The shards can only be put together at a place that accumulates a unification of all natural elements. Even if I were to find all the shards, it would be impossible to put them together without the energy of that blessed location." Morden revealed.

"Elemental energy has long dispersed for centuries! Where could there be such a place left?!" Queen Sancia hissed.

"There is one... hidden away in the territory of the Crimson Moon. But the Crimson Moon would never open their doors to outsiders, not even for Askel’s life and as such... I need the power of the Ethereal King to stand a chance to overwhelm Clemson Moon." Morden stated.

"Do you mean... you plan to attack Crimson Moon?!" Queen Sancia exclaimed in horror.

"You need only worry about saving your son, the fate of Crimson Moon is no concern of yours. Never forget Ridge Niolen also wanted them gone for good and you equally do not favour the Crimson Alpha... now, I can provide the opportunity for that using Askel’s condition."

"The entire supernatural realm will stand with us. Only the Crimson Moon would need to take the fall, in the chaos, we can access the blessed land and Askel will be cured for good." Morden carried on with his plan. 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

Zariah’s fists were clenched so tightly, her bones felt like they would crush underneath her own force.

"What... do you want me to do?" Queen Sancia asked quietly.

"I do not require much from you, Your Grace. I will win the throne fairly before all eyes. To qualify for the challenge, I hear one must be nominated." Morden said.

"That is not my decision to make." Queen Sancia said.

"You are highly respected and your word counts for much. I am certain you can find a way."

"Do that... and all you need to do is spin a tale when it is all said and done." Morden said.

"What tale?" Queen Sancia asked uncertainly.

"The Crimson Moon colluded with the forsaken and the proof of it lies in Askel who has been harmed by the shard they gifted all those centuries ago. Their honour has long been a deception. For the sake of justice, they are to be judged and punished for their grievous crimes and the Royal Lycans will reign supreme." Morden relayed, his tone low and malicious.

’And so... the fate of Crimson Moon had been decided. Amongst two self-serving individuals on a moonlit night...a decision that would lead to the annihilation of hundreds of elemental wolves, ending the noble legacy of the greatest werewolf pack in shame and disgrace.’ Zariah realized, rage and hatred surging within her veins.