The forest was quiet, the moonlight filtering through the dense canopy of trees. William leaned against a massive oak, his sharp ears attuned to every rustle in the underbrush. The bloodline ceremony had passed without incident, but his instincts told him the betrayal was close—lurking like a predator in the shadows.
His mind churned with memories of what was to come. He recalled how, in his past life, Rose had approached him that night with honeyed words and a gentle smile, only to lead him into Michael's trap.
Not this time, he thought, his amber eyes narrowing.
As the night deepened, William returned to the celebration. The clan's grand hall was alive with music, laughter, and the warm glow of torches. Long tables were lined with food and drink, and wolves of all ages danced and reveled in the ceremony's success.
Rose found him near the edge of the gathering. She looked radiant, her golden hair catching the firelight, her green eyes sparkling with what seemed like genuine affection.
"There you are," she said, her voice soft and melodious. "Why are you standing on the sidelines? Tonight is your night, William. You should be celebrating."
William forced a smile, careful to mask the storm within. "Just needed some air. It's... a lot to take in."
Rose reached out, lightly placing a hand on his arm. Her touch was warm, familiar, and yet it made his skin crawl. He remembered how those same hands had held the blade that carved away his bloodline power.
"You've earned this," she said, her voice filled with what seemed like admiration. "Everyone here believes in you. I believe in you."
William met her gaze, searching for cracks in her facade, but she was as poised as ever. A master of deception, he thought bitterly.
"Thank you, Rose," he replied, his tone even. "It means a lot coming from you."
Her smile widened, and for a moment, William felt the old ache of betrayal. He forced himself to stay calm.
"Why don't we take a walk?" she suggested. "It's quieter outside, and I think we could both use a moment away from all this."
The words were almost identical to those she had spoken in his past life, the prelude to his downfall. But this time, William was ready.
They strolled through the moonlit woods, the sound of the celebration fading behind them. Rose chatted amiably, her voice light and carefree. William responded just enough to keep her talking, his mind racing as he prepared for what was to come.
After a while, she stopped near a clearing, turning to face him. "William, I've been meaning to tell you something."
Her tone was softer now, her eyes wide with what appeared to be vulnerability. In his past life, he had been drawn in by that look, by the illusion of sincerity.
"What is it?" he asked, keeping his voice steady.
"I..." She hesitated, glancing down before looking back at him. "I've always admired you. Ever since we were children, I've known you were destined for greatness. And now, seeing you stand on the brink of becoming our clan's leader... it's overwhelming."
William felt a pang of anger at how convincingly she played her part. How many times did she rehearse this speech? he wondered.
"You've always been kind to me, Rose," he said carefully. "I'm grateful for your support."
Her smile faltered for a fraction of a second—a small crack in her mask that William didn't miss.
"William," she said, stepping closer. "There's something else. I think..."
Before she could finish, a shadow moved in the trees behind her. William's senses sharpened, his body tensing as he recognized the figure emerging from the darkness.
Michael.
Michael stepped into the clearing, his expression calm but his eyes cold and calculating. He was tall and broad-shouldered, with an air of confidence that bordered on arrogance.
"Rose," he said smoothly, his voice carrying an edge of command. "You're keeping him all to yourself, I see."
William's heart pounded, but he forced himself to appear surprised. "Michael? What are you doing here?"
Michael smiled, a predator's grin. "I could ask you the same thing. But then, it's not surprising. You always did have a way of drawing attention."
The tension in the air was palpable. Rose glanced between the two men, her expression unreadable.
"I thought we could have a private moment," she said, her voice calm but slightly strained.
Michael's smile widened. "Of course. But why don't we all enjoy the moment together?"
William clenched his fists, his mind racing. He could see the glint of steel at Michael's side, the faint shimmer of the blade that would have ended him in another life.
As Michael stepped closer, William made his move. He lunged forward, grabbing Michael's wrist before he could draw the blade. The sudden attack caught Michael off guard, and they grappled fiercely, the sound of their struggle echoing through the forest.
"William, stop!" Rose cried, but her voice was drowned out by the adrenaline roaring in William's ears.
Michael snarled, his strength matching William's. "You think you can take me?" he growled.
"I don't think," William spat, throwing Michael to the ground. "I know."
The fight was brutal, raw, and quick. William's newfound resolve gave him an edge, and he soon had Michael pinned.
Rose rushed forward, her eyes wide with panic. "William, please! Stop this!"
William turned to her, his expression hard. "You're not fooling me, Rose. Not this time."
Her face paled, and for the first time, she looked genuinely afraid.
William released Michael, who scrambled to his feet, his expression twisted with rage and humiliation.
"This isn't over," Michael hissed, retreating into the shadows.
William turned to Rose, his voice cold. "Tell him to stay away. And tell him I'm watching."
Rose opened her mouth to speak but said nothing. She simply nodded, her facade finally cracking.
As she retreated into the darkness, William stood alone in the clearing, his chest heaving.
He knew this was only the beginning. The road ahead would be long and treacherous, but he was ready.
"This time," he said softly, his voice carrying through the silent forest, "I'll write my own story."
William finally let Michael go. He couldn't kill him and affect the subsequent plan. He looked at the place where Rose left and said to himself: "I will find you after I deal with the blood power."