Elias paced under the shadow of the ancient oak tree in the remote part of the Redwood estate. The moonlight filtered through the branches, casting eerie patterns on the ground. His jaw clenched as he waited for his sister. He hated involving Aisha, but he needed her now more than ever.
Moments later, Aisha arrived, her footsteps soft but purposeful. Her eyes narrowed as she approached, suspicion etched across her face.
"I hope you didn't call me out here for another lecture, Elias," Aisha said, folding her arms. "I'm not in the mood."
Elias smirked. "Relax, sister. I didn't call you out here to fight. I called you because we share a common enemy."
Aisha raised an eyebrow. "Xanthe?"
"Exactly," Elias said, stepping closer. "She's always been the golden child, hasn't she? Father's favorite, the 'chosen' one. But now, she's a threat to both of us. She's gaining too much power. And if she fully claims her role as Alpha Luna, we'll both be pushed aside."
Aisha's eyes flickered with interest, though she tried to hide it. "So? What's your point?"
"My point is that we can stop her," Elias said, his voice low and persuasive. "But I can't do it alone. Alex and Michelle are useful pawns, but they're outsiders. They don't know the family like we do. They don't know the pack."
Aisha hesitated. "You're working with Alex and Michelle?"
"I'm using them," Elias corrected. "They think they're pulling the strings, but it's me. And with your help, we can ensure Xanthe never fully ascends. We'll be the ones controlling this pack. Not her."
Aisha stared at him, her mind racing. She despised Xanthe's rise, but she also hated being manipulated. Still, the thought of finally stepping out of her sister's shadow was tempting.
"And what do I get out of this?" Aisha asked, her voice guarded.
"Power," Elias said simply. "Respect. You'll be my right hand. Together, we'll lead this family and the pack into a new era. No more living in Xanthe's shadow. No more being overlooked."
Aisha took a deep breath, weighing her options. "And if I agree, how do we bring her down?"
"We sow doubt," Elias said, his eyes gleaming. "We turn her closest allies against her. We use Alex and Michelle to fracture her marriage. And when the pack starts questioning her, we strike. Hard."
Aisha remained silent for a long moment before finally nodding. "I'm in. But don't think I trust you, Elias. If you betray me, I'll take you down too."
Elias chuckled darkly. "Fair enough. But trust me, sister, when this is over, we'll be the ones standing at the top."
Their pact sealed, the siblings turned and disappeared into the night, their shared ambition now the driving force behind their alliance.