Betrayal

Chapter 19 : :

The Unexpected Betrayal


KEIDEEN


I stormed out of the grand hall, leaving Emelia behind. My destination was an unassuming door hidden behind a tapestry. I pushed it open and stepped into the dimly lit room. Two figures awaited me, their faces shrouded in shadow: the alpha-like stranger and the Eight Zonal Elder.


Their presence ignited a fire within me.


"What is the meaning of this?" I demanded. "Why did you change the reason for the meeting without informing me?"


My voice echoed off the cold stone walls.


The Elder's eyes gleamed with amusement. "We didn't deem it necessary to inform you, Keiden."


My anger simmered. "On what grounds was it not necessary?"


The Elder's smile grew. "Your...status, Keiden. You're an outcast."


I scoffed, my eyes flashing with fury. "What are you talking about?"


The alpha-like stranger intervened. "Keiden, please, let us explain."


"I won't let you explain because there's absolutely nothing to explain," I snapped. "You stripped me of my Alpha title without warning. Now this? Who knows what else you have in store for me? You always look for ways to downgrade and make me look stupid in front of everyone."


"I've respected your decisions, but you keep getting worse every second."


"I'm tired of why, in the fuck world, you change the announcement without letting me know." I thundered at them.


The Elder's smile grew. "You shouldn't be privy to sensitive information, Keiden. Your...status makes you a liability."


"You're a rejected wolf, Keiden," the Elder continued. "Cursed from birth. Your presence brings death and destruction."


"Don't you remember?" The Elder's voice dripped with malice. "Your parents, your friends...all gone. Because of you. Because of your curse."


My vision blurred with rage. "How dare you!" I spat. "You have no right to bring up my past."


The Elder's expression turned cold. "We have every right. We're the ones who've protected you, kept your curse at bay. But it's growing stronger, more unpredictable. You're a danger to yourself and others."


The alpha-like stranger spoke, his tone measured. "Keiden, we're trying to help. But you must understand. You're not like others. You're...tainted."


My anger boiled over. "Tainted?" I repeated. "You think I'm tainted?"


The Elder nodded. "Yes. Your curse spreads darkness. We can't let that continue."


I slammed my fists on the table, making the Elder flinch. "You'll pay for this insolence!" I snarled.


The alpha-like stranger placed a calming hand on my shoulder. "Keiden, please—"


But I shook him off. "No! You'll tell me the truth about what you want to say to everyone out there, or I won't let anyone leave until I make sure my so-called curse is inflicted on both of you. I'll watch you both die a miserable death, like the rest of the people close to me who died."


I threatened.


"Very well," the Elder said. "We'll reveal the truth about what we want to say and the true reason we invited you. But you must cooperate. Refuse, and you'll regret it forever."


"What cooperation?" I demanded.


"Thank you for wanting to listen to our deal," the Zonal Elder appreciated. "We, as the higher powers, have come up with an idea. We don't want you in our pack anymore."


The Eight Zonal Elder dropped the bombshell.


I stood frozen, my mind reeling from the Elder's words.


"Leave the pack environment, Keiden," the Elder said.


My eyes narrowed. "Why?"


The Elder's expression remained calm. "It's for the good of both the pack and you."


I scoffed. "You can't be serious. I'm not even living close to the pack. I had to leave everything behind to go stay in that cabin-like cottage. And yet, you're telling me to leave?"




The alpha-like stranger spoke up. "Keiden, understand—"


But I cut him off. "No, I don't understand. This is my home, my family's pack. I was born and raised here."


The Elder's voice remained firm. "Exactly why it's best you leave. We have somewhere better for you."


My anger flared. "Better for me? What could be better than my own pack?"


The Elder's smile was cold. "A place where you won't bring harm to others, where you can't destroy everything we've built."


I took a step closer, my fists clenched. "You think I'm that dangerous?"


The alpha-like stranger intervened. "Keiden, calm down. We're trying to help."


But I wouldn't back down. "You're the ones who should be afraid. I'm not some random wolf to be discarded. I'm Keiden, and I fear no one!"


The Elder's expression didn't waver. "Exactly why you must leave. For your own good. And the pack's safety."


I glared at them. "You're making a mistake."


The Elder's eyes locked onto mine, pleading. "Keiden, listen. This place we're sending you to...it's for people like you. Those with...unique circumstances. You'll be the Alpha they need. The leader they've been searching for."


I raised an eyebrow. "And what makes you think I'll succeed?"


The alpha-like stranger spoke up. "Your strength, Keiden. Your determination. And your...condition. Will be an asset there."


I scoffed. "An asset? A curse, you mean."


But the Elder continued. "You can marry any lady from there. Make her yours. Even take Emelia with you."


He paused. "The one without a mom."


My eyes flashed with anger. "Don't ever address her that way," I growled.


The Elder nodded hastily. "Apologies, Keiden. But consider this: a new life, a chance to start anew."


I hesitated. The temptation grew. A place where I belonged? Where Emelia could be safe?


After a long moment, I nodded. "Fine. I'll go."


But I warned them, "No one must know the real reason."


The alpha-like stranger smiled. "Agreed. I'll announce to the crowd that you're leaving to start a new life, by your own choice. No one will suspect a thing."


The Elder nodded. "You have three days to prepare, to leave the pack surroundings, and begin your new life."


I took a deep breath. "Three days. I'll be gone."


I nodded my head, the word "Deal" escaping my lips.


The Elder and the alpha-like stranger exchanged a satisfied glance.


I turned to leave, opening the door and stepping out into the cool evening air.


I took a deep breath, calming my racing thoughts. I couldn't let anyone suspect what had just transpired.


I smoothed my expression, erasing any signs of tension.


As I walked, my mind wandered to Emelia.


"I hope she's still sitting where I told her to sit," I thought. "If she takes another step, I won't be able to find her."


A voice inside me whispered caution. "Turn around, Keiden."


I hesitated but obeyed.


I turned, and my eyes landed on a scene that made my blood boil. Keiran was dragging Emelia roughly, her struggles futile against his strength.


My vision turned red.


I charged towards them, anger propelling me forward.


"Where are you taking her?" I roared.


My hands clenched into fists. "Let her go."


Keiran's smirk faltered as I approached.


Emelia's eyes locked onto mine, fear and relief mingling in their depths.


"Keiden!" she cried.


I reached them in seconds, my anger radiating like a palpable force.


"Release her," I growled.


Keiran's eyes flashed with defiance.


But I was beyond reason.


"Release her now!" I ordered.


"Calm down, bro," Keiran mocked. "You don't have to fight with me over the same lady you rejected earlier."


I bowed my head in shame, remembering I had rejected Emelia.


"I don't care," I said. "As long as she stays with me now, she's my priority."


Keiran smirked. "She isn't your priority, dear brother. If you hear what she's planning to do to you, you wouldn't want anything to do with her."


I stole a glance at Emelia and saw she was uneasy and scared.


“Why don’t you tell him your self about what you are planning to do to him?”