The streets of New Columbia were packed with people, the crowd pressing in on all sides as Cassian's convoy rumbled through the city center. From his position in the lead vehicle, Cassian could see the throngs of citizens waving and cheering, their voices blending into a cacophony of excitement and awe. Banners fluttered from windows, and hastily painted signs proclaimed the Blackthorn pack's victory. The people of New Columbia were out in full force to greet their returning soldiers.
"Looks like they rolled out the red carpet," Milo quipped from the passenger seat, his tone dry as he scanned the sea of faces. The sun was setting, casting long shadows across the stone buildings that lined the square. "They love a good show, don't they?"
Cassian smirked, keeping his eyes on the road ahead. "They do. And we're giving them one."
Behind them, in the rear vehicle, Alitzel sat slumped against the iron bars of the makeshift cell. Her wrists were chained, the metal biting into her skin, and a heavy collar was fastened around her neck. The hulking behemoth that had torn through his pack just hours ago now looked almost human again—defeated, weary, and silent. But Cassian knew better. Beneath that calm exterior, Alitzel was still a storm waiting to be unleashed.
The thought made his smile widen. He glanced up at the rearview mirror, catching a glimpse of her in the reflection. Even now, battered and bloodied, she radiated a dangerous energy. It was only a matter of time before she'd lash out again. But for now, she was his captive. His trophy.
"Enjoying the view?" Milo asked, following his gaze.
Cassian's smile tightened. "She's a weapon, Milo. One we can use. As long as she's under control, that is."
Milo grunted. "If you say so. Just remember—she nearly tore us apart back there. Don't underestimate her."
"I don't plan to," Cassian murmured, eyes still on the mirror. No, he wasn't underestimating Alitzel. But he wasn't afraid of her, either. Not anymore.
The convoy slowed as it approached the grand square at the heart of the city. The crowd surged forward, the cheers growing louder. Sentries in Blackthorn uniforms stood at attention along the route, their faces impassive as the vehicles rolled past. Cassian leaned back in his seat, letting the adoration of the crowd wash over him. This was his moment—their victory.
And yet, as they pulled into the square, something caught his eye. A lone figure stood apart from the cheering masses, cloaked in shadows at the edge of the square. The man's gaze was fixed on the convoy, his expression unreadable. Cassian's smile faded slightly. There was something unsettling about the way the stranger watched them, something—
"Cassian!" Milo's shout snapped him back to the present. Cassian turned sharply, his eyes widening as he caught sight of a small boy darting into the path of the convoy, a wild grin on his face. The driver cursed, slamming on the brakes. The vehicle jerked to a halt, tires screeching against the cobblestones.
For a heartbeat, everything froze. The crowd gasped, the murmur of voices rising in alarm. Cassian leaned forward, peering through the windshield. The boy stood in the middle of the road, holding something up—a crude wooden carving, painted in bright, garish colors.
"It's... you," Milo breathed, his voice laced with disbelief. He pointed at the figure in the boy's hands. It was unmistakably a representation of Cassian himself, fangs bared, one hand raised in victory.
Cassian blinked, then let out a low, surprised laugh. The sound drew the crowd's attention, and slowly, cautiously, the murmuring died down. He opened the door and stepped out of the vehicle, raising a hand to silence his men as they moved to intervene.
"It's all right," he called, voice carrying over the crowd. He strode forward, stopping just in front of the boy. The child looked up at him, eyes wide and unblinking. For a moment, they simply stared at each other.
"What's your name?" Cassian asked softly.
"J-Jonah," the boy stammered, clutching the carving to his chest.
Cassian smiled, a genuine smile this time. He reached out, gently ruffling the boy's hair. "Thank you, Jonah. You're a brave one, aren't you?"
The boy nodded rapidly, his gaze flicking to the convoy behind Cassian. "Is it true? Did you catch the monster?" he whispered, his voice barely audible.
Cassian's smile didn't waver. He straightened, turning slightly so the boy—and the crowd—could see the rear vehicle, the shape of Alitzel's hulking form barely visible through the bars. The crowd gasped, the tension in the square thickening.
"Yes, Jonah," Cassian said quietly. "We did."
The boy's eyes widened, a mix of fear and awe. He clutched the carving tighter, his small fingers digging into the wood. Cassian glanced up, meeting Milo's gaze over the boy's head. Then he turned back to the crowd, his voice rising.
"We caught the beast," he announced, his words ringing through the square. "And we'll keep this city safe. No one—nothing—will ever threaten New Columbia again."
The crowd erupted into cheers, the sound deafening. Cassian watched them, his smile sharp and satisfied. But even as he basked in their adulation, a small, nagging thought tugged at the back of his mind.
He glanced over his shoulder, back at the rear vehicle. Alitzel hadn't moved. She sat silently, her gaze fixed on the boy in the square. There was no anger in her eyes, no defiance. Just a calm, chilling patience.
Cassian frowned, unease stirring in his chest. What was she planning?
"Cassian," Milo murmured, stepping up beside him. "We need to move. The people can celebrate later."
Cassian nodded slowly, tearing his gaze away from Alitzel. "Right. Let's get her to the compound. I want every available man on guard."
"Yes, sir." Milo turned away, shouting orders to the drivers.
Cassian took one last look at the crowd, at the cheering faces and waving banners. Then he climbed back into the vehicle, shutting the door behind him.
The convoy rumbled to life again, engines roaring as they began the final leg of their journey. But the uneasy feeling lingered, a dark shadow at the edge of his thoughts.
He pushed it aside. Alitzel was in chains. She was beaten. And New Columbia was his—He relished the glory and hoped the raptures would never end.
The castle loomed ahead, its high, jagged walls stark against the moonlit sky. The convoy passed through the massive iron gates, guards saluting as Cassian's vehicle rolled in. Alitzel's transport followed closely behind, the makeshift cell at the rear rattling slightly as the truck rumbled over the cobblestone path. Cassian glanced back, his gaze lingering on the dark silhouette of the castle's spires. This was where it would all begin—the start of something far bigger than anyone could imagine.
The convoy stopped in the castle's courtyard, and armed guards immediately surrounded the transport carrying Alitzel. They moved with brisk efficiency, rifles raised, keeping a wary eye on the massive figure inside. Even chained and bloodied, Alitzel commanded respect. Or perhaps it was fear. Cassian stepped out of his vehicle and nodded to the captain of the guard.
"Take her to the secure wing," he ordered. "Double the watch."
"Yes, sir," the captain replied crisply. He gestured to his men, and they moved in, unlocking the rear gate of the transport. Chains clinked as they dragged Alitzel out, her heavy collar glinting in the torchlight. She didn't resist, merely glaring at them with those piercing eyes that seemed to see straight through them.
Cassian watched as they escorted her into the castle, the iron doors slamming shut behind them. He took a deep breath, steadying himself, then turned and made his way toward the main hall. He had a meeting to attend—and a victory to report.
The corridors of the castle were silent, the air thick with the scent of old stone and dampness. Cassian strode through the winding halls, his boots echoing off the walls. Finally, he reached the grand double doors of Kaelen's chamber and pushed them open.
The Premier stood at the far end of the room, his back to Cassian, staring out the tall windows that overlooked the city. The Sunlight spilled across the polished marble floor, casting long shadows that seemed to flicker and shift. Kaelen didn't turn as Cassian entered, but Cassian knew he'd been expected.
"Premier," Cassian said, bowing his head slightly in respect. He kept his tone formal, but there was a hint of pride beneath it. "The skirmish near Zephyr is over. We encountered resistance, but we managed to break through their defenses."
Kaelen remained silent, his gaze fixed on the dark expanse of the city below. Cassian hesitated, then continued, his voice firmer.
"And we have a prisoner. The female alpha—Alitzel. She's secured in the holding facility within the east wing."
At that, Kaelen finally turned. His face was pale in the moonlight, eyes sharp and cold. He studied Cassian for a long moment, then raised an eyebrow, his expression inscrutable.
"You brought her here?" His voice was soft, almost disbelieving.
"Yes," Cassian replied, straightening. "I thought it best to keep her close. She's dangerous, but… I believe she could be an asset, given the right—"
"Asset?" Kaelen interrupted, his gaze narrowing. He took a step forward, his movements slow and deliberate. "You think you can control her?"
Cassian met his gaze evenly. "I know I can. She's powerful, but she's also beaten. She won't be a threat to us—at least, not in her current state."
Kaelen's eyes flickered with something—doubt, or perhaps concern. He turned sharply, striding past Cassian toward the door. "Show me," he ordered curtly.
Cassian blinked, caught off guard. "Premier, she's—"
"Now, Cassian," Kaelen snapped, not breaking stride. Cassian bit back a curse and hurried after him, falling into step beside his leader as they made their way through the castle.
They descended several levels, moving deeper into the heart of the fortress. The air grew cooler, the stone walls closing in around them. Finally, they reached a set of reinforced steel doors, guarded by a squad of heavily armed sentinels. Cassian nodded to the captain, and the doors swung open with a low groan.
The chamber beyond was stark and utilitarian, lit by harsh fluorescent lights. Alitzel sat chained to a massive iron chair in the center of the room, her arms and legs bound by thick shackles. The collar around her neck pulsed faintly with a low, ominous hum—an inhibitor, designed to suppress her abilities. She didn't move as they entered, didn't even look up.
Kaelen stopped just inside the doorway, his gaze fixed on her. For a long time, he simply stared, his expression unreadable. Cassian shifted uneasily, watching the Premier out of the corner of his eye. He had expected satisfaction, maybe even approval. But Kaelen's face was tight, his jaw clenched.
"Leave us," Kaelen said quietly, without turning.
Cassian stiffened. "Premier, I—"
"Leave us," Kaelen repeated, his tone brooking no argument. Cassian swallowed hard, then nodded stiffly. He turned on his heel and exited the chamber, the steel doors slamming shut behind him.
Kaelen stepped closer, his eyes never leaving Alitzel's face. She still didn't look at him, her gaze distant, unfocused. For the first time, a flicker of something crossed his face—pity, perhaps. Or maybe regret. He reached out slowly, his fingers brushing the edge of the iron collar.
"Why did you do it?" he murmured, more to himself than to her. "Why resist?"
Alitzel didn't respond. Her eyes remained blank, staring past him at some distant point. Kaelen let out a soft sigh, straightening. He turned away, his expression thoughtful.
"Rest," he said quietly. "You'll need your strength."
With that, he left the chamber, the door closing behind him with a heavy clang. He stood outside for a long moment, staring at the door, lost in thought. Then he shook his head slowly and turned, heading back up the long, winding stairs to his private chambers.
But the question lingered in his mind, gnawing at him.
Was Alitzel really the Alpha Female?