Regret
Shane
As we made our way past the gates, I took in the large open courtyard where many warriors stood guard, double if not triple the amount of what stood outside. We passed under an archway that had more warriors stationed on top. Just past the archway was a bridge that led to the castle walls.
I remember watching as the carriages crossed over the stone bridge. I looked ahead and my gaze locked on the castle walls that led up, up, up. The burning sun shone behind it and cast long shadows along the floor.
When we made it over the bridge, there was a small walk toward the castle doors. Tall black doors made of an dark metal stretched up for at least twenty feet. My father’s crest was carved into the stone above the doors; a wolf and a sword.
I’d stood here many a time with my father to greet guests. The doors creaked as warriors on the inside pushed it open. I stood beside Trent when they came to a stop. Everything inside the castle looked so much smaller than I remembered.
It wasn’t as scary as my childhood memories remembered and the silence didn’t put me on edge as much as it had. Despite the exterior, everything on the inside remained the same. A stone path led to another archway, there were no furniture here, only hedges and large open windows. Another smaller door opened and we were faced with a large staircase that led to the second and third floor.
The white marble gave off a clean, pure look, but I clearly remembered many a life being taken here. Their blood had flowed and spread across the white floors and walls. This place was not clean, nor was it safe. We followed Trent up the stairway, past the second and third floor. We stopped on the fourth and followed him past many a door before we stopped in front of the throne room. This was the room father saw to visiting guests and conducted business.
I was no guest and nothing would sway me today.
The doors of gold were pulled open and Trent walked in fist. I followed him as he made his way through the crowd and stopped at the red throw on the floor. My eyes dropped to it before darting to the far end of the room. The Beta, a man I didn’t recognize, and the Gamma stood on both sides of the throne.
My gaze landed on the throne and the Alpha seated upon it. His gray eyes, the same ones he’d gifted to my sister, darted to me. I ignored the way my body tensed up. He shifted his focus to her as we made our way down the throw. I was surprised that he looked the same. Other than the white streaks in his long black curly hair, his features hadn’t aged a day. I looked beside him to find the Luna’s seat empty.
My gaze wandered around the room as we went. I was surprised to notice guests were standing on both sides of the red throw. Trent came to a stop in front of the warriors that guarded the Alpha at the front of the room.
The Alpha paid him no mind and watched as we walked toward him. Some of the warriors beside Trent gripped their swords, while others extended their claws. It wasn’t until we came to a stop beside Trent that the alpha leaned forward. The room filled with warriors and guests went silent.
“Alpha Joshua, I have brought you guests here,” Trent said. His head was still bowed, his eyes cast to the floor.
“I didn’t believe it to be true, but how can I deny it now as you stand in front of me?” Alpha said.
“It matters not what anyone here believes to be true. I am here to claim what is rightfully mine,” I said.
“Oh? Is this not a family reunion?” Alpha Joshua said.
“I, Shane Hayes, am here to challenge Alpha Joshua Wright of the Dark Moon pack,” I said.
“Hayes? You are a Wright,” Alpha Joshua growled.
“Your name will die here, today. Hayes is the name I’ve taken and will be the name that carries into the next line,” I said.
“Why must we fight? I’ve only just gotten you back. Do you think that I will fight you for my place here? You are the rightful heir, you are my rightful heir. I built this castle, this life for you,” Alpha Joshua said.
None of this was done for me.
“It is the laws of our kind. You’ve taken what is mine. You must fight,” I said.
“I refuse your request for a challenge, son. I will not fight you. I welcome you into this pack, I welcome you home. I never thought I would see you again. Today, I would gladly announce your rise to the throne,” Alpha Joshua said.
What made him say these thing?
Was it fear?
Was it regret?
Was it guilt?
This was nothing like the man I knew. He lifted his hand to his head and pulled down the crown that sat atop his head. Rubies decorated the white crown. He lowered it in front of him and leaned forward before he stood to his feet. I took a step forward and his Beta signaled the warriors. They obeyed and growled in warning.
“Stand down,” Alpha Joshua demanded.
With two words, the warriors obeyed, and so did his Beta. They hold his loyalty, even though he’s told them they have a new alpha. This won’t do. I took another step forward, followed by another until I was in front of the throne. They watch my every move as if they could stop it. Alpha Joshua smiled at me as he lifted the crown and offered it to me. For a moment, I stare at it. Everything I need to go back for her is right in front of me. There’s no room for him anymore. Whatever the reason is behind him doing this, it matters not.
It’s too late.
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