Chapter 7 - Guilt

Michael Alpharia

Seventeen years have passed, and I have been ruling the two kingdoms. I didn't want to erase the name of the pack Ashwood because of my beloved mate.

I gave Skywood to my brother to take charge. I was now the mighty alpha I have always wanted to be, ruling two great kingdoms.

"What news is going on?" I asked the council of elders. My gaze drifted to one side of the council, who were sitting in a row on the left and right. I clenched the armrest of my throne.

When Catherine, my daughter, walked in with her flawless skin, captivating green eyes, and white hair.

"All hail Princess Catherine, the daughter of the great Alpha of the two kingdoms," she walked in with her beautiful ball gown.

Lots of whispers were going on. "The resemblance isn't there."

"She doesn't look like the alpha at all." I clenched my fist on the armrest of my throne.

"Enough of that," I yelled. "No one speaks of my daughter like that. Don't play with death," I whispered as she sat down close to me.

"Where is your brother?" I asked her without looking at my face, and she lifted her lips.

"I will be representing him," she said.

"Can we proceed with the meeting?" she added.

"So we all know about those rogues who are forming their own palace. We need to act fast. The rate at which they are multiplying is getting more alarming," Mika, one of the elders, said.

"What is the way forward?" I asked, looking at them all.

"We just have to kill them, that's all," Louis uttered.

"Killing is not a good suggestion," Catherine interrupted.

"It will be bad luck to do that when the full moon is almost near, where we will all be able to see our mates. Doing that will only give the Alpha a bad name from the citizens." Lots of whispers grew out.

"A female shouldn't be here."

"Enough, don't you dare say that again. No more discrimination," I wished I could stop all the mentality that females shouldn't rule in this Ashwood pack.

"It's high time these rules have to stop. Whenever you see me present, I don't want to hear any discrimination talk," I yelled, raising my eyebrow. There was silence for a while.

I cleared my throat. "I do agree with Catherine. Having them killed will do nothing but give us a bad name, and the full moon is approaching," I said, touching the armrest of my throne.

"Your suggestions, please?"

"Alright, father. The king's forty-fifth birthday is coming up, which requires a celebration. On that day, the full moon will be out. We should send Louis out to send the rogues and omega invitations. From there, we can find out who their main leader is," Catherine uttered.

"Hmmm," I nodded my head in approval.

"I guess that's all we are going to do. Louis will go to the rogue forming a new pack and send them invitations, and you, Catherine, will go to Richard in the Skywood pack and send an invitation. The party will be held at the Ashwood pack."

"Your honor is mine," Louis bowed his head.

"Your honor is mine, father," I bowed my head.

"I guess that's all for now," I said, standing up.

"I will take my leave," I walked down the hall as everyone bowed down.

I changed into my casual royal wear and went outside towards the garden.

"It's been a long time since I paid her a visit," I whispered to myself, going out to the garden.

"Prepare the carriage for me," I said to the guards. While waiting, Sophia stepped in.

"My alpha," she came close to me, placing her hands on my back.

"Remove it!" I calmly commanded.

"What have you done to deserve all this treatment from you?" She asked, her voice stammering.

"Withdraw your hands," she immediately pulled them back, looking sober.

"After the birth of Catherine, you haven't touched me," I chuckled when she uttered those words.

I turned and fixed my gaze on her. "You are lucky I touched you when you drugged me," I said to her.

"Are you still thinking of Alex Lunaria?" I could see the bitterness written all over her face.

"You are not my mate, and you will never be my mate! She doesn't have the right to bring Alex into our discussion.

"Watch your tongue, Sophia," I shifted my gaze to the guard.

"Your highness, the…" Before he could complete his words.

"Let go," I walked away, leaving Sophia shattered, entering the carriage.

Walking towards the flowing river, my gaze dropped, unable to meet the eyes of my past love's memory. I couldn't shake the weight of my conscience, like a shadow following me. I remembered the night her ashes were poured into the river.

"I thought you would come back to me," I sniffed in my tears.

"Ever since you left, I just want you to know how I have been feeling guilty, killing you and my unborn child."

My mind replayed the memories of that fateful night, each decision haunting me. Till today, I wish I could just see you for one last time and express how sorry I feel. A deep breath escaped from my lips as I lifted my gaze up to the sky.

"It's been seventeen years since your dismissal, you and my unborn child. I hope you find peace," I exhaled a deep breath.

"I will now be forty-five years old. I wonder why the moon's goodness decided to punish me like this," I said to myself. I couldn't help but keep lamenting about the past.

I only wanted one last time for her to know I didn't do anything wrong.

The sky began to crack, the striking sound was heard, the heavy wind began to blow, and tears started dropping from the sky.

It seems like the moon goddess felt my pain and decided to share sympathy with me.

"Today," I lifted my eyes towards the sky with the heavy drops beating me. "I no longer want to feel guilt again. I'm sorry, Alex! I shouted to the sky.

My body began to change, and my eyes began to glow.