Lord Ravenswood's face reddened, his voice thundering through the council chamber.
"I refuse to accept this!" he bellowed, slamming his fist on the table. "My son, Kael, is the rightful alpha! Not some... flawed, wolfless child!"
Kael stepped forward, his eyes gleaming with calculation.
"Actually, Father, I've reconsidered," he said, his voice smooth as silk. "I'll allow Talia to be alpha... under one condition."
Talia's eyes narrowed, her mind racing with suspicion.
"What condition?" she asked warily, her voice firm.
Kael smiled, a cold, calculating smile.
"You'll be alpha for just a month," he said. "After that, we'll reassess and decide if you're truly worthy to lead our pack."
Talia hesitated, weighing her options.
"It's not fair," she protested, her voice rising. "I deserve a chance to prove myself, without conditions."
Kael shrugged, his expression unyielding.
"Life is not fair fear..Take it or leave it, Talia," he said. "It's the best offer you'll get. You'll have to prove yourself worthy of leading our pack."
Lord Ravenswood scowled, his face twisted in displeasure.
"Kael, are you certain?" he asked, his voice laced with skepticism. "She's weak, wolfless..."
Kael nodded, his confidence growing.
"Yes, Father," he said. "Let's see if Talia can handle the responsibility. I doubt she'll last a week."
Talia took a deep breath, steeling herself for the challenge.
"Fine," she said, her voice firm. "I accept your condition."
The room fell silent, the tension palpable.
Elder Aethon spoke, his voice wise and authoritative.
"Then it's settled," he said. "Talia shall be alpha for one month. We'll monitor her progress and reconvene to determine her fitness."
Kael's smile grew, his eyes glinting with triumph.
"I'm confident she'll fail," he whispered to Lyra, his voice dripping with malice.
Lyra's eyes flashed, her expression warning.
"Don't underestimate Talia," she whispered back. "She's stronger than you think."
As the council dispersed, Talia felt determination burn within.
She would prove herself.
She would show them all.
I exhaled deeply as the director yelled, "Cut!"
Relieved, I dropped my character's persona and smiled. "That was perfect," the director praised. "You nailed the scene."
"Thanks," I replied, grinning.
My makeup artist, Rachel, hurried over.
"Time to get you out of character," Rachel said, smiling.
I nodded, and Rachel began wiping away the fake scar and heavy makeup.
As the makeup came off, my face transformed.
I smiled, feeling a sense of relief.
Rachel handed me a mirror.
"You look beautiful," Rachel said.
I grinned, running my fingers through my now-visible hair.
I stood, stretching my slender frame.
Just then, my phone buzzed.
A text from Clyde:
"Hey, I'm waiting outside. Ready when you are."
My heart skipped a beat.
"Perfect timing," I whispered, smiling.
I quickly changed out of my costume and into my own clothes.
As I walked out of the trailer, Clyde leaned against his car.
He smiled, opening the door for me.
"Hey," he said, his eyes crinkling.
"Hey," I replied, smiling.
We drove off into the sunset, leaving the set behind.
The tension between us was palpable.
Our secret relationship weighed heavily.
My thoughts drifted to my sister, Anissa.
Married to Clyde, pregnant with his child.
Guilt gnawed at my conscience.
Clyde reached for my hand.
"I missed you," he said, his voice low.
I squeezed his hand.
"I missed you too," I replied.
We drove in silence.
Our destination: Clyde's private villa.
A place where we could be alone.
As we arrived, Clyde led me to the balcony.
The city skyline glimmered.
I leaned into Clyde.
Our lips met.
Passion ignited.
But amidst the desire, guilt lingered.
How could I betray my sister?