As the pack dispersed, whispers filled the air like restless wind. The Blood Rite had been a spectacle, one that left many in awe and others wary. Xanthe remained behind, her fingers brushing over the intricate carvings on the ceremonial altar. Her heart was heavy, weighed down by more than just the magic she had summoned.
Lynam stood a few feet away, watching her in silence. The distance between them felt insurmountable despite the intimacy of the ritual.
"Xanthe," he finally said, his voice softer than usual.
She didn't turn. "What is it, Lynam?"
"Tonight proved your strength. You don't have to do this alone."
Xanthe turned to him, her eyes reflecting the flickering flames of the torches. "But I am alone, Lynam. Even with you here, it feels like we're miles apart."
His jaw tightened. "You keep pushing me away. How am I supposed to help when you won't let me in?"
Before she could respond, Elias entered the chamber, clapping his hands slowly. "A touching moment, truly. But shouldn't the great Alpha Luna be celebrating her victory?"
Lynam glared at him. "Do you ever knock?"
Elias smirked. "Why knock when I'm family? Besides, I just wanted to congratulate Xanthe on her... remarkable performance tonight."
Xanthe's eyes narrowed. "What do you want, Elias?"
"Only to remind you that strength isn't enough. Leadership requires loyalty, and loyalty isn't won with blood rituals alone".
Meanwhile, Alex and Michelle were deep in conversation in the library of the Morena estate.
"Did you see how they looked at her?" Alex said, pacing the room. "Like she's some savior."
Michelle leaned back in her chair, swirling her wine. "Let them admire her. The higher they place her on that pedestal, the harder she'll fall."
Alex turned to her, his expression dark. "We can't wait for her to stumble. We need to push her."
Michelle arched a brow. "And how do you propose we do that?"
Alex pulled a leather-bound journal from the desk. "This is a record of the Redwoods' ancestral ties. There's something here—something we can use to discredit her."
Michelle's lips curled into a sly smile. "Perfect. And while you're digging through family secrets, I'll keep Lynam... preoccupied."
Alex frowned. "You mean seduce him?"
Michelle chuckled. "Not exactly. But I can make Xanthe think there's more going on than there is. Doubt is a powerful weapon."
Two days after the ritual, Xanthe found herself alone in the grand hall of the Morena estate. She had been avoiding Lynam, but he cornered her, his frustration bubbling over.
"Enough, Xanthe!" he said, his voice echoing in the empty space. "We can't keep living like this."
She crossed her arms, her expression guarded. "Living like what, Lynam? You've been distant ever since we returned to the human realm."
"And you've been cold," he shot back. "You don't trust me. How are we supposed to fix this if you keep shutting me out?"
Xanthe's jaw clenched. "Trust? How can I trust you when your ex is constantly lurking around? When your father is clearly scheming against me?"
Lynam stepped closer, his eyes blazing. "Do you think I care about Michelle? About my father's games? The only person I care about is you, but you're too busy building walls to see it."
Before she could respond, Elias appeared in the doorway, his timing impeccable as always.
"Am I interrupting?" he asked, feigning innocence.
"Yes," Lynam growled.
Xanthe sighed, rubbing her temples. "What do you want, Elias?"
"I thought you'd like to know that Alex has called a family meeting. Something about discussing the future of the estate," Elias said, his tone casual but his eyes sharp.
Lynam stiffened. "And what does that have to do with us?"
Elias shrugged. "I guess you'll find out soon enough."
The tension in the meeting room was palpable as Alex stood at the head of the table, his presence commanding as ever. Xanthe and Lynam sat side by side, their expressions wary. Michelle lingered near the back, her gaze flitting between them like a hawk watching its prey.
"This family is at a crossroads," Alex began, his voice measured. "We need to discuss the future—not just of our business, but of our legacy."
Xanthe frowned. "And what does that have to do with me?"
Alex's smile was thin. "Everything, my dear. As Lynam's wife, you're a part of this family. But the question is, are you truly one of us?"
Lynam shot to his feet. "Enough, Father. If this is another one of your schemes to undermine Xanthe, you can forget it."
Alex raised a hand. "Calm down, son. I'm simply questioning whether Xanthe is prepared for the responsibilities that come with her position."
Xanthe met his gaze, her voice steady. "I've faced challenges you can't even imagine, Alex. If you think I'm going to back down, you're mistaken."
The room fell silent, the unspoken tension thick enough to cut with a knife.