As the Blood Rite ended, the pack members began dispersing, murmuring among themselves about the power they had witnessed. Lynam placed a hand on Xanthe's lower back as they exited the ceremonial chamber together. It was meant to be a reassuring gesture, but Xanthe stiffened, her exhaustion and emotional strain evident.
"Do you feel it?" Lynam asked softly, his voice tinged with hope.
Xanthe turned her head slightly, meeting his eyes. "Feel what?"
"This... connection. For a moment during the Rite, it felt like we were truly united," he said, his tone almost pleading.
Xanthe hesitated, then looked away. "It was the magic of the ritual, Lynam. That's all."
Her words stung more than she realized, and Lynam let his hand drop. "Maybe," he muttered, his expression guarded. "Or maybe you're just refusing to see what's right in front of you."
Before Xanthe could respond, Elias appeared, his arrival cutting through the tension.
"Impressive display," Elias said with a crooked smile. "You've certainly got everyone talking."
"What do you want, Elias?" Xanthe asked, her tone weary.
"Just checking in on my dear sister. You've been through a lot tonight," he said, his voice dripping with insincerity. "Don't worry; I'm here for you. Always."
Lynam bristled at Elias's tone, but Xanthe waved him off. "Save it. If you're here to stir up trouble, I don't have the energy."
Elias chuckled. "Trouble? Me? Never. I'm just a concerned brother."
As Elias walked away, Lynam turned to Xanthe. "Why do you let him get under your skin like that?"
"Because he's always plotting something," she replied, her voice grim. "And I can't afford to underestimate him."
Elsewhere in the estate, Alex and Michelle were having a heated discussion.
"There's something happening here—something they're not telling us." Alex said
Michelle crossed her arms. "Agreed. But whatever it is, we'll use it against them."
"And how exactly do you propose we do that?" Alex snapped.
Michelle smirked. "By continuing to sow distrust. Xanthe and Lynam's marriage is hanging by a thread. We just need to nudge it in the right direction."
Alex nodded thoughtfully. "And if Elias is as cooperative as he claims, we'll have an inside advantage."
Later that night, Xanthe sat alone in her study, poring over the ancient texts of the pack. She needed answers—ways to strengthen her claim as Alpha Luna while protecting her fragile marriage.
A knock on the door startled her.
"Come in," she said.
Elias entered, his demeanor casual but his eyes sharp. "Burning the midnight oil, are we?"
"What do you want, Elias?" she asked, not bothering to hide her irritation.
He leaned against the doorframe, his smile unsettling. "Just curious about what's next for our dear Alpha Luna. The Blood Rite was impressive, but it's only one step, isn't it?"
Xanthe narrowed her eyes. "You're up to something."
Elias shrugged. "Am I? Or am I just a concerned brother trying to understand why my sister is so determined to cling to a role that's clearly tearing her apart?"
"Get out," Xanthe snapped, standing. "I don't have time for your games."
Elias smirked. "Of course. But remember, Xanthe—every leader has their breaking point. Let's hope you don't find yours too soon."
As he left, Xanthe clenched her fists. Elias was more dangerous than she'd realized, and she couldn't afford to let her guard down.