Chereads / Under The Alpha's Shadows / Chapter 9 - In Between

Chapter 9 - In Between

Lucas paced the library, his sharp eyes darting between the ancient tomes stacked high on the dusty table. He yanked one open, scanning the faded script. The words were cryptic, but they hinted at something powerful—something the Harbinger Council wouldn't want anyone to find. 

"This isn't like you," Selene said, lounging in the corner, her voice smooth and condescending. "All this research. Since when do you care about history?" 

Lucas slammed the book shut, the sound echoing through the quiet room. "It's not history. It's leverage." 

Selene's smirk widened. "Leverage against who? Your brothers, or the council itself?" 

Ignoring her, Lucas grabbed another book, flipping through the pages with urgency. His gut told him there was something in these records—a weakness, a secret buried so deep that even Damon didn't know about it. 

"You think you can play the council at their own game?" Selene stood, her movements fluid as she crossed the room. "They'll chew you up, Lucas. You're not as untouchable as you think." 

Lucas met her gaze, his expression icy. "Then it's a good thing I'm not playing alone." 

Selene's laughter was soft, but it carried an edge. "You're reckless. That's what I like about you. Just don't drag me down with you when it all falls apart." 

---

Meanwhile, Ava moved quickly through the winding corridors of the academy, her heart pounding. Cassandra's warning echoed in her mind: *Your existence is a threat.* 

She wasn't sure where she was going, only that she had to find answers. The cryptic fragments she'd overheard earlier—something about "the mark" and "the heir"—made her feel like a puzzle piece in a game she didn't understand. 

Stopping in front of the archives room, Ava hesitated. This place was off-limits to students, but she couldn't let that stop her. The door creaked open as she slipped inside, her footsteps careful on the cold stone floor. 

Rows of towering shelves loomed over her, filled with scrolls and dusty records. Ava scanned the labels, her fingers brushing against one that seemed out of place: *Unmarked Origins.* 

She pulled the scroll free and unrolled it. The ink was faded, but she could make out fragments of text: *...born under the eclipse...the bloodline remains unbroken...danger to the throne.* 

"What are you doing here?" 

Ava whirled around, clutching the scroll to her chest. Damon stood in the doorway, his expression unreadable. 

"You scared me," she hissed, shoving the scroll behind her back. 

Damon's gaze flicked to the shelves, then back to her. "This room is restricted for a reason. You shouldn't be here." 

"Neither should you," she shot back, her voice defiant. 

Damon sighed, stepping closer. "What are you looking for, Ava?" 

She hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "Answers. About... my family." 

Damon studied her for a moment before his expression softened. "You're not the only one with questions." 

---

In another wing of the academy, Nathaniel stood on a balcony overlooking the courtyard. The moon cast a silver glow on his sharp features as he sipped from a glass of crimson liquid. 

"You're being watched," Selene said, appearing behind him. 

Nathaniel didn't flinch. "Let them watch. Fear is a powerful tool." 

Selene leaned against the railing, her tone playful. "Fear only works if they think you're invincible. And right now, Damon and Lucas are looking for cracks in your armor." 

Nathaniel's smirk was slow and dangerous. "Let them look. By the time they realize what's happening, it'll be too late." 

"Careful, Nathaniel," Selene warned. "Even the sharpest blades can cut the hand that wields them." 

Nathaniel's gaze darkened. "And what about you, Selene? Whose side are you on?" 

Selene's smile didn't falter. "My own." 

---

Back in the archives, Damon leaned over Ava's shoulder as they studied the scroll together. 

"This isn't just about your family," Damon said, his voice low. "It's about power—ancient power tied to bloodlines." 

Ava's brow furrowed. "But why does it matter now? Why is everyone suddenly interested in my past?" 

"Because you might be the key to ending this war," Damon replied, his tone grim. 

Before Ava could process his words, the door slammed open. Lucas strode in, his face a mask of determination. 

"What the hell are you two doing here?" Lucas demanded, his eyes narrowing on Damon. 

"Research," Damon replied coolly. 

Lucas scoffed. "Research, or scheming? Don't forget, Damon, I know exactly how you operate." 

"I'm not the enemy here," Damon shot back. "You should be more concerned about Nathaniel." 

Lucas's jaw tightened. "Nathaniel's not the problem. You are." 

The tension between the brothers crackled like a live wire, and Ava stepped between them. 

"Stop it!" she snapped. "We don't have time for this." 

Both men glared at each other before reluctantly backing down. 

The sound of approaching footsteps echoed down the hallway. Damon and Lucas exchanged a look, their rivalry momentarily set aside. 

"Someone's coming," Ava whispered, her pulse quickening. 

Before they could hide, the door burst open, and Nathaniel stepped inside, his smile cold and calculating. 

"Well, isn't this a

cozy gathering?" he drawled. "I hope you're all ready to face the consequences of your curiosity."