Chapter 6 The Alpha's Humiliation

Gamma Torvin's report to Alpha Kael was delivered with a sense of dread. The Gamma described the strange encounter at Silver Falls, focusing not on the woman but on the power radiating from "Elyra." He relayed her shocking demand: a formal summons, signed and sealed by the Alpha himself.

In the large main hall of the Lunar Pack, Kael faced his council, anger burning in his eyes while fear lingered in his scent. The spreading sickness had claimed two more mid-ranking warriors overnight. The Elder's prognosis was grim; the affliction was attacking their ability to shift.

"She demands a summons?" Kael shouted, slamming his fist on the great table. "She expects me, the Alpha, to humble myself before a hedge-witch from the human border? It's an insult!"

"Alpha," the Elder interjected, her voice weary. "Torvin reported that she understood the nature of the rot without any explanation. She spoke of a curse. Whether she is a witch or a wolf, she has knowledge we don't have. We've lost five warriors, Kael. Soon, it will be the Betas. Then, it will be you."

Kael's scar-a small, barely visible mark on his forearm-itched intensely. He knew the 'curse' was of his own making. It resulted from Wolfsbane residue activated by Elara's desperate healing, now tainting the Pack's mate-bond energy circulating through their territory. Only Elara could understand this, but she was gone. This woman, Elyra, must be an oracle or someone working with his rejected mate. The thought was infuriating.

"She will be dealt with when she arrives," Kael said finally, his jaw clenched. "But the Pack comes first. We will not fall because of my pride."

He called for parchment and the sacred Alpha Seal. For the signature, he did not use the quill. He used the sharpened claw of his forefinger, piercing his skin to sign the document in his own blood-a declaration of undeniable authority and a desperate plea. He scrawled his full title, Kael, Alpha of the Lunar Pack, and pressed the circular wax seal, infusing his life force into the demand.

The act was an act of deep public humiliation. It was the physical surrender of his authority to an unknown woman.

"Send Roric with this," Kael ordered. "Let him deliver it. Let him see the healer who is about to save the Pack he failed to protect."

Roric arrived at the Black Lantern Inn late that night, worn out and grim, holding the sealed document like it might explode. He found Elyra exactly where Gamma Torvin said she would be: sipping tea in quiet detachment.

He placed the blood-signed parchment on the table. "The Alpha accepts your terms. This is the summons, signed with his own hand. You must return with me immediately."

I didn't hurry. I unfolded the heavy parchment slowly, relishing the sight of Kael's blood mingling with the dried ink. It was an involuntary confession of weakness, a trophy won without a fight.

"A truly professional request," I murmured, refolding the document. "Now, Beta Roric, my terms for travel are non-negotiable. I will ride alone, with no guards ahead or behind me. I will travel at my own pace, arriving at the main gate at high noon tomorrow. The Alpha will meet me there. Alone."

Roric's face twisted in frustration. "You are delaying! Our warriors are falling sick!"

"And they will keep falling sick if I feel disrespected," I shot back, my eyes flashing with silver-violet light. The flash was deliberate-a subtle warning that guaranteed his compliance. "I will arrive when I am ready, Beta. Go and prepare your Alpha for the arrival of his salvation."

Beaten by the sheer weight of my arrogance, Roric bowed stiffly and left.

The next day, the midday sun beat down brutally on the main clearing of the Lunar Pack. Every wolf who could stand was gathered, their faces a mix of morbid curiosity and desperate hope.

At the center stood Alpha Kael. In his human form, he wore only a black tunic and trousers-a show of vulnerability that masked the fury inside him. His eyes were shadowed, focused on the distant tree line. Beside him, Roric stood stone-faced.

At exactly high noon, a figure emerged from the trees.

It wasn't the strong Alpha's mate they remembered.

Elyra rode a sturdy, calm mare, favoring the ordinary over a grand entrance. She wore practical travel leathers, but her appearance was striking. Her hair was pulled back tightly, revealing a face now devoid of softness and innocence. Her hands-my traitorous healing hands-were hidden in thick, embroidered leather gloves, the silk woven with intricate silvery runes hinting at ancient, forbidden magic.

She exuded control. She had no fear.

She dismounted ten yards from the Alpha, taking her time to secure her horse. Her silence was a weapon, forcing the most dominant male in the territory to wait for her.

Finally, she faced him.

Kael's stormy eyes met mine. He searched, desperate for a flicker of the girl he once cherished, the gentle Elara he had betrayed. He looked for the scent of his mate. But the powerful glamour held. He detected only the earthy perfume of a mysterious herbalist, a scent annoyingly neutral and professional.

He found nothing but a polished, beautiful stranger.

"You demanded a summons, Elyra," Kael growled, his voice deep and menacing. "I am Alpha Kael. You have it. Now, what is the price of your cure?"

I allowed a slow, chilling smile to creep onto my lips. It was the expression of a hunter who has finally cornered her prey. My voice was low, clear, and devoid of emotion.

"The price," I said, stepping closer to force him to meet my gaze, "is complete and absolute obedience. I am a Healer, not a servant. To cure your Pack, I must have access to all records, all afflicted wolves, and all resources. In the field of medicine, Alpha Kael, I am the ultimate authority."

I extended my gloved hand. Not for a handshake, but to present an ancient, dark metal talisman from my satchel-a symbol of my assumed authority.

"Sign this with your hand, Alpha. Swear an oath before your Pack that you will not question my methods, movements, or commands. I am either your equal, or I am nothing. Choose now."

The demand was shocking. It was a formal, written declaration that, during her stay, Kael's authority would be subordinate to hers. The crowd murmured. Roric looked stricken. Kael's fury was a palpable, dangerous force. But the Elder's anxious gaze urged him forward.

This was the ultimate humiliation necessary for my revenge to start.

Kael starred at the talisman, then at my unwavering gaze. His scar throbbed. He had sealed his fate the night he rejected me. Now, he had to sign his authority away to his enemy's ghost.

He took the talisman.