chapter 15 The warning

A guard attempted to block his path, but Alpha Caleb's curt mind-link sent him retreating. "King Alexander," Caleb growled, his voice laced with malice and restrained fury. His fists were clenched tightly, his knuckles pale from the strain.

Alexander smiled lazily, his demeanor almost mocking as he strolled closer to the Alpha's throne. "Oh, are you starting to worry?" he asked, feigning concern. "Don't fret—I could give you a few tips on how to lose gracefully. Who knows? You might even feel…nothing."

"Mind your tongue, King Alexander," Beta Mateo snapped, stepping forward defensively, his own beast clawing at the edges of his control.

Alexander's sharp gaze shot toward Mateo, and in an instant, every hair on the Beta's body stood on end. The sheer weight of the demon king's aura was enough to make even the strongest werewolf falter. Mateo swallowed hard but refused to step back.

"Prince Ezekiel, excuse us," Alpha Caleb ordered, his voice cold. Without a word, the prince bowed and left the throne room, though not without casting a wary glance at Alexander and his looming shadow.

Alexander sauntered forward, each step deliberate, the tension in the room growing thicker with every movement. Alpha Caleb's beast paced violently within, clawing to be unleashed. His claws elongated, itching to strike, but he held back—for now.

"Do not overstep your bounds, King Alexander," Caleb warned, his deep voice rumbling like a distant thunderstorm. "You are in my land."

Alexander stopped mere feet from the Alpha's throne, his dark eyes glinting with amusement. "Oh? Is that so? Ethan," he called casually, never breaking eye contact with Caleb, "bring in the surprise."

The doors creaked open, and Ethan entered with a smirk, dragging a bloodied figure behind him. It was Lucas, the leader of the royal guard, his body limp and covered in wounds. The moment Caleb saw him, his composure snapped.

A thunderous crash echoed through the throne room as Caleb overturned a massive table in a fit of rage. His eyes burned a bloody red, his claws fully extended, and his fangs gleamed as he growled like a beast ready to strike.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk," Alexander chided, wagging his finger. "I wouldn't do that if I were you."

Caleb's monstrous voice boomed through the room. "Do you think you can leave here unscathed, demon? It's just the two of you!"

Alexander smirked, unfazed by the Alpha's fury. "Oh, Caleb, must I remind you? I brought my elite soldiers. And, of course," his voice lowered, dripping with menace, "I can create portals between dimensions."

The air in the room grew heavier, darker, as if reality itself bent under Alexander's power. His eyes began to darken to an abyssal black. "Don't provoke me," he warned, his tone icy.

Caleb's beast thrashed within him, demanding blood. But the Alpha forced himself to calm down. He knew better than to face the demon king here, now. The memory of the scar on his face, a lasting mark of Alexander's blade, was a bitter reminder of their last encounter. Not yet, Caleb thought. The time will come.

He closed his eyes, swallowing his humiliation. "What do you want with him?" he asked, his voice strained.

Alexander's lips curled into a sinister smile. He walked over to Lucas, who lay barely conscious on the ground. "Save me," Lucas pleaded weakly, his bloodied face turning toward Caleb. But the Alpha turned his back, his fists trembling at his sides. Mateo averted his gaze as well, his jaw tight with guilt.

Alexander crouched before Lucas, examining him like one might a broken toy. "You've served your purpose," he murmured, his finger hovering just above Lucas's forehead. A faint blue light formed, glowing eerily.

"AHHHHH!" Lucas screamed as intricate symbols carved themselves into his skin, lines tearing across his body as if drawn by an invisible blade.

"Please… spare me," Lucas begged, his voice hoarse, tears mixing with the blood dripping from his wounds.

Alexander cocked his head, feigning thought. "Spare you?" he repeated, his tone mocking. "Oh no, I'm having far too much fun."

Ethan leaned against the wall, watching with mild amusement. "It's working perfectly," Alexander mused, nodding to himself. Then, without warning, he grabbed Lucas by the neck, hoisting him into the air with ease.

Lucas gasped and choked, his body convulsing as blood spilled from his mouth. His legs dangled helplessly, his body beginning to smoke. "AHHHH!" Lucas's final scream was cut short as his body disintegrated into ash, the faint echo of his torment lingering in the room.

Alexander brushed the ash off his hands, a satisfied grin on his face. "A flawless experiment," he declared, laughing softly. He turned back toward Caleb. "Thank you for your patience, Alpha. I'll take my leave now."

As he strolled toward the door, he added under his breath, "Tomorrow, it'll be the child's turn."

Ethan followed, but not before pausing near Lucas's ashes. He bent down, placing a single chrysanthemum flower at the spot. "Consider this a warning, Alpha Caleb," he said with a polite smile. "We know what you've been up to. Don't test us again."

With that, the two demons exited the throne room, their presence lingering like a shadow.

The moment they were gone, Caleb erupted. He roared in rage, destroying anything within reach—tables, chairs, even the golden candlesticks. His growls reverberated through the room, his claws raking against the stone walls.

Finally, he stopped, panting heavily. He walked slowly to the pile of ashes that had once been Lucas. Kneeling down, he scooped a handful of the ash into his palm, his fingers trembling. "I will avenge you," he vowed, his voice thick with emotion. "Rest in peace, my loyal friend."

He stood, his eyes blazing with determination. "Mateo," he growled, turning to his Beta. "Tell them to hasten the plan. We strike soon."

"Yes, Alpha," Mateo said, bowing deeply before leaving to carry out the command.

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As the first light of dawn painted the sky in hues of pink and gold, Calista was jolted awake by a splash of freezing water.

"Ahh! Let go!" she screamed, her voice hoarse with confusion. Before she could process what was happening, a maid yanked her hair, dragging her roughly to the floor.

Her heart raced as she looked up to see Emily approaching, her eyes blazing with rage. "Sister, I didn't—"

A sharp slap cut her off, the impact leaving her cheek stinging and red. "How dare you try to compete with me?" Emily hissed, her voice dripping with venom. Another slap landed, harder this time, splitting Calista's lip.

Blood trickled down her chin as she trembled on the floor. "Sister… please," she whimpered, her voice breaking. "I didn't do anything to offend you."

But Emily's fury was relentless. "You lowly thing," she spat, raising her hand again.