Chapter 39: Silver’s Unknown Identity

Jiggs' POV

"What do you mean you want to take me! Huh?!" I snapped, completely confused.

"To capture you and chain you beside me like a dog," Silver replied, grinning like a lunatic while casually steering a freaking tank down the road.

"You're insane! And why the hell would I agree to that?!" I protested, already feeling my soul trying to leap out of my body.

"Because if you don't..." he said, finally glancing at me with narrowed eyes that could slice through steel, "I'll kill these Omega females without a second thought."

"Silver, please!" I nearly burst into tears, practically hugging my own head like I was seconds from a full mental breakdown. "Why me?! I'm just a Beta, damn it! What am I supposed to do?!" I wailed, bouncing in my seat like I was being electrocuted.

"You heard me. You're coming with me. End of discussion." His voice was like stone—cold, final, and entirely not up for debate.

"I'm not some stray cat or street dog you can just snatch up and decide to keep!" I fumed, flailing my arms like I was fending off invisible bees.

He didn't even flinch. Instead, he calmly fixed his jacket like a dramatic movie villain, totally ignoring the fact that I was having a meltdown three inches from his face.

I turned toward the Omega females sitting in the back—huddled together like schoolgirls at a sleepover.

"You guys seriously aren't going to do anything? You're just gonna sit there and watch like this is some drama?" I asked, baffled. "He's definitely going to kill you without a doubt!"

"This is literally the most exciting thing we've seen in our whole lives," one Omega chirped, smiling like this was better than front-row seats at a concert. The others nodded in agreement.

"Yeah, please—carry on, we've been sleeping for ages so this is something to make us feel alive." another said, waving her hand like she was sipping tea.

Unbelievable.

"I have no allies in this cursed vehicle!" I cried, outraged.

Then suddenly, Silver reached inside his jacket, rummaging so deep I thought he was pulling out a secret weapon.

Instead... he handed me something.

"A... biscuit?" I blinked, stunned.

"Bribe," he said plainly.

"A bribe for what exactly?"

"To get you to come with me voluntarily. And to shut you up," he deadpanned. "It's cinnamon-flavored. You'll get a taste of my scent—just a little preview of what I taste like," he added with a sly smirk.

"Silver!" I gasped, my cheeks catching fire like someone had set off fireworks inside my skull. "I am not a kid that you can give biscuits and everything will be okay!"

I glanced at the Omega girls, and—of course—they were now holding hands and still huddled together like fangirls watching their one true pairing finally get together. Beaming. Giddy. Emotional.

"Take it! Take the biscuit!" one of them squealed.

"Stop encouraging this madness! What is wrong with you people?!" I shouted, totally losing my mind.

"Take it, or I kill them," Silver said again, so casually like he was deciding between tea or coffee.

"You're unbelievably brutal!" I said, but he knew I was too kind to let them die. He knew I didn't have a choice.

So, with trembling fingers and the soul of a defeated man, I slowly took the biscuit from his hand.

And boom—instant applause from the Omega females in the back.

Shameless.

"Now, eat it, or I kill them," he added again.

"I am going go eat it! Damn it!" I shouted, tearing open the packaging and taking a bite.

(Crack.)

(Crunch.)

...Honestly? Not bad. Now I know what Silver smells and tastes like.

"Since you accepted my bribe, you're officially mine. No take-backs," he said smugly.

"Noooo! You forced me to take and eat it!" I wailed, dropping to my knees in defeat as the Omega girls applauded again like Silver just proposed marriage and I accepted it! The only thing is that it is not a ring that he was trying to give me but a damn biscuit!

What kind of twisted life is this?!

...

...

...

Champ's POV

"We're here. This is Veydith," Deux announced as he brought the car to a stop in what looked like an abandoned town—crumbling buildings, old small houses, cracked roads, and the heavy silence of a place long forgotten.

We all climbed out of the vehicle, boots crunching softly against the gravel as our eyes wandered across the eerily still streets.

"This is my first time in Veydith," Kali said, her voice hushed. "Why here of all places?"

"Because this is my territory," I answered, standing tall despite the weight of the past few days. "And here, I want to build a home—for Betas and Omegas who seek peace."

Then, I felt a gentle hand rest on my shoulder—warm, reassuring.

"I'm proud of what you've accomplished, Champ," Alaric said with a soft smile, eyes brimming with pride. "It's touching to see my son—so strong and brave, just like his father."

His words pulled a smile from me, one I didn't even realize was buried so deep. I wrapped my arms around him tightly.

Then my mother's voice cut through the air, uncertain and apologetic.

"I'm sorry... to all of you. If my actions caused you harm—it was never my intention. I only ever wanted to stop the war."

I stepped back from the hug, eyes drifting to the others.

The four Beta males—Marsh, Gem, Daryl, and Martin—nodded calmly, like they'd already accepted everything.

But then there was Deux.

He stood at a distance, silent. Awkward. Avoiding my mom's gaze like he was trying to disappear into the shadows.

I saw the flicker of concern in my mother's eyes.

He turned and slowly walked toward him.

Deux glanced up at him—but only for a moment. Then his gaze darted away again.

"Are you... still angry with me? After what happened?" my mother asked gently, his tone like a breeze over water.

According to Deux's story, my mother had once nearly killed him. So yeah... the tension? Palpable.

"I'm not angry," Deux said quietly, seriously. "I just don't know if you'll ever truly accept me. Because the blood in my veins belongs to your greatest enemy."

For a heartbeat, he said nothing. And then—out of nowhere—he did something that shocked every last one of us.

"I'm sorry, Deux," he said, and wrapped him in an embrace.

I swear, Deux froze on the spot like someone hit pause on his soul. His hands hovered in the air, unsure. Then he took a deep breath, closed his eyes... and slowly returned the hug.

"Even if you share blood with Theron, but your heart prioritizes my son's safety," my mother whispered, pulling back slightly, "then who am I to hold hatred toward you?"

Mom placed his hands on either side of Deux's face and smiled—soft, motherly, calming.

Deux turned beet red. Absolutely crimson. I didn't even know he could blush like that.

Honestly? If there's anyone who could make a deadly and serious assassin blush and completely shut down emotionally, it's definitely my mom. Ha!

"Look into my eyes, Deux," he said, calm as ever.

Deux obeyed.

"Just promise me one thing..." he smiled sweetly. "Never hurt my son. Because if you do, I will personally command your bones to snap themselves in half, then have you roll across all of Veydith until your skin melts off."

Still smiling calmly.

"MOTHER!" I yelped, horrified. "That's insanely brutal!"

Kali—standing beside me—burst into laughter.

"You haven't changed one bit, Alaric. Still a savage. You once told me that any Alpha who dared pursue Champ would have to pass through the eye of a needle."

"He said that?!" I gasped.

"He did," Kali chuckled.

But Deux wasn't shaken. Not one bit.

He took my mother's hands in his and locked eyes with him, unwavering.

"I will serve Champ, no matter what happens," he said, voice firm with resolve.

I couldn't help but smile.

My mother nodded slowly. "Thank you, Deux." He finally let go.

And finally, I exhaled in relief—because for a second there, I genuinely thought he was going to twist his neck like a bottle cap.

People always mistake him for being gentle because of how he speaks, how he moves. But I know better. There's a monster inside him—buried deep. And it's the same monster that lives in me. I get it from him. We're the same kind of beast.

"Wait a minute," I asked, turning to him. "Mom, who even rescued you? How did you escape the restraints?"

He opened his mouth to answer, but right on cue—

ROOOAAARRRR!

The ground trembled. A massive tank was suddenly charging toward us from the end of the street!

At first, I thought it would stop. Surely, someone sane was driving.

Spoiler alert—no.

It didn't stop. In fact, it sped up! Like it was actively trying to flatten us.

We scattered like terrified chickens, diving in every direction to save our skins.

And guess who the tank was aiming for?

ME.

Of course it was. Because the universe clearly has a personal vendetta against me.

The tank barreled straight at me, its engine roaring like a beast hungry for carnage.

I dove to the side, rolling onto the cracked pavement, heart hammering in my chest. Dirt flew into my mouth. My pride? Gone. My dignity? Left somewhere back in the dust trail.

And then—then—I caught a glimpse through the front window of the tank.

Jiggs.

That familiar mop of messy hair. That panicked, slightly unhinged expression. That tiny figure clinging to the wheel like he's soul is about to leave his body.

I KNEW IT.

That absolute lunatic was driving the damn tank.

He's so dead.

I swear, the moment he steps out of that metal beast, I am going to throw him across Veydith myself.

He's finished. Done. Vaporized.

"JIGGS!!!" I howled, springing to my feet like a man possessed. "YOU BETTER PRAY I DON'T SEE YOUR SHADOW!"

No reply. Just the sound of the tank's brakes squealing as it finally skidded to a dramatic, dirt-flinging halt.

I was going to destroy him. Emotionally. Physically. Spiritually.

And the worst part?

He probably thought this was funny.

We barely had time to scramble out of the way before we all hit the ground—some of us on our knees, others flat on our faces—as the monstrous tank finally came to a rumbling stop. The silence that followed was deafening.

Then the tank door creaked open.

And out stumbled Jiggs—pale, breathless, and looking like he had just survived an exorcism.

"Are you guys okay?!" he asked, voice high and shaking with guilt. "I thought all of you are gonna get killed!"

"Okay? OKAY?!" I snapped, my voice climbing several octaves. "You almost ran us over, Jiggs!"

"I–It wasn't me! I swear!" he squeaked.

But that's when it hit me—a scent, warm and sharp. Cinnamon. Too familiar.

There was only one living nightmare who smelled like a cinnamon explosion during a thunderstorm.

And sure enough...

Silver emerged right after him, all smug swagger and psychotic calm, his usual smirk stretched across his face like he hadn't just tried to reduce us all to roadkill.

"Shame," he said with a sigh. "Would've been funnier if I had hit you."

"Silver!" I barked, stepping forward. "Get down here and face me!"

He tilted his head. "Is that how you treat the person who saved you all? If it weren't for me, you wouldn't have escaped. That whole facility would still be standing."

I exhaled sharply and shook my head. There was no reasoning with this guy.

"Everyone, out," he barked toward the tank's belly, motioning to the Omega females. "Get out now before I change my mind and kick you out with the tank moving."

"You have zero respect to these Omega females, you know that?" I growled.

Silver just smiled like it was a compliment. It probably was to him.

One by one, the Omega females hopped down from the tank—just in time too, because the rest of our group had finally arrived, including my mother.

"Champ, are you alright?" He asked, eyes scanning me with maternal panic. Then his expression darkened as he turned toward the tank—and saw them.

His gaze landed on Silver and Jiggs.

And something happened I didn't expect.

Silver froze.

Wait. Was he... startled? Staring?

Mother, please tell me you're about to command him to snap his own neck!

But no.

"Oh... So you're the one?" my mother said warmly. "My rescuer."

"Who? Jiggs?" I asked.

"No," he smiled. "His companion."

"Silver?" I blinked. "Silver saved you?!"

Even Jiggs, who was standing right beside Silver, looked like his soul just left his body from pure shock.

"Tch. I was bored," Silver said casually, folding his arms. "I wanted some action. And annoying the Alpha King by freeing one of his precious prisoners, your mother, seemed like the right amount of chaos."

My mother lit up with gratitude. Which—frankly—I didn't understand.

"Mother, don't be fooled! That creature is evil! He saves you today, he kills you tomorrow!"

"Come here, Silver," he said, motioning for him to approach.

"Don't expect him to follow you, mom. He doesn't care about anyone." I spat.

Wait, what?!

We all fell silent. Eyes locked on him. No one breathed.

And to our disbelief... he walked forward. Slowly. Cautiously. But he listened.

Was this really happening? Silver, the ultimate rule-breaker, the unchained chaos himself—following someone else's command?

Maybe only my mother can do this to Silver!

But here he was, standing in front of us. In front of my mother.

"Thank you, Silver. Now, I know your name. I didn't get the chance to do this earlier," he said, then pulled him into a warm hug.

I swear, I held my breath. We all did.

We expected Silver to resist. Snarl. Dodge. Snap back.

But he didn't.

He hugged him back.

Tightly.

His eyes closed. His jaw clenched. His breath hitched.

Wait... Was he—sniffling?

Oh gods.

Silver was crying.

Just a little. Subtle. But I could see it—the flicker of emotion he tried to bury.

"I don't like all this drama," he muttered. "Let go of me."

Still, he didn't open his eyes.

"Will I see you again, Silver?" my mother asked softly.

"That depends," he muttered. Then, still not facing us, he pulled away and wiped his eyes. "Don't talk to me again."

"I can't promise that," my mother said gently. "Because after what you've done for me... I already see you as a son."

That did it.

His breath caught. His steps quickened. He walked away.

And just like that, he returned to the tank—never once turning back.

But before we could even process that emotional rollercoaster, Jiggs tried to follow us.

And Silver?

Grabbed him by the shirt collar.

"Where do you think you're going?" Silver asked coldly.

"Let him go, Silver!" I snapped.

But Silver didn't budge.

"This creature is coming with me," he said, voice like thunder wrapped in silk.

"What?!" I asked, stunned. I turned to Jiggs.

And the little traitor?

He just pouted, gave a helpless shrug... and nodded. Like he had accepted his fate.

This was his life now.

"I have to go with Silver... at least for now, Champ," Jiggs said quietly, his voice strained but steady.

"For now?" Silver scoffed, spinning around to face us with his signature smirk. "Make that forever."

"Silver! Jiggs!" I snapped, frustration welling up in my chest. "What the hell is going on?!"

"I have to do this," Jiggs explained, raising both hands like he was surrendering to fate. "If I don't, there's a real chance Silver might give in to his dark side again. Don't worry, Champ. I've got this! We'll meet again soon."

Suddenly, my vision blurred. My chest tightened.

"What is this?!" I choked, tears threatening to spill. "You told me we'd always stick together!"

Jiggs gave me a sad smile. "I'm just repaying my debt to Silver, Champ. But don't worry! This doesn't mean the Champ Clan is over. I know where you guys are—if anything stirs up trouble, Silver and I will pop out of nowhere, like surprise explosions. Though... I have no idea where he's dragging me."

My gaze shifted to Silver.

"Silver..." I said seriously, voice trembling slightly.

I inhaled deeply, doing everything I could not to sob like a child being separated from their favorite teddy bear. That's what Jiggs was to me—chaotic, loyal, annoying, funny, wonderful Jiggs. And now, he was leaving. With him.

Still... if he was with Silver, I knew Silver wouldn't do anything reckless even if he is menace and hostile.

Because if anyone could break through that cinnamon-scented hurricane of violence, it was Jiggs.

"Prepare yourself for the madness Jiggs is about to unleash," I warned, managing a grin.

Silver smirked. "He should be the one preparing for me."

"I'm warning you," I said seriously. "If you hurt Jiggs, I'll be the one to deal with you."

"I look forward to it," Silver said with a grin, lifting his right fist toward me in a silent challenge.

I looked down at my own hand, heart pounding, and slowly raised my fist to meet his—our knuckles feel like gently tapping in what felt like an unspoken pact even if we were apart.

Silver flashed one final smirk before turning and climbing back into the tank. He raised a single hand as farewell.

"Champ!" Jiggs called out with a grin. "We'll be nearby, sticking to Silver's scent. I'll be watching you! Leave the tracking to me!"

I nodded silently.

The tank door closed with a clang.

And just like that... they were gone.

I swallowed hard, like a lump was stuck in my throat. The tears never fell, but they sat heavy behind my eyes.

"I hope Jiggs will be okay with Silver," I murmured.

My mother stepped beside me, his voice calm and thoughtful. "There's something about Silver... I can't explain it. But when I see him, I feel light, at ease. Just like when I look at you, Champ. He makes me feel... happy."

I glanced sideways—only to catch Deux staring at the two of us, expression unreadable. Then, he looked at the tank where Silver and Jiggs are in.

"Problem, Deux?" I asked.

He blinked, then shook his head. "Nothing. Don't mind me."

Weirdo. Just standing there, zoning out like some dramatic statue.

"Anyway," he said, turning back to business, "the Omega females and your mother are all here. What's the plan, Champ?"

I looked around—at each face, each survivor.

"Starting today," I declared, "we build a rebellion. One that will rise against the tyranny of the Alpha King, Theron. And this place—Veydith—will be our haven. A sanctuary for every Beta and Omega who wishes to be protected."

"I support this plan with all my heart," Kali chimed in, fists clenched with passion.

The Omega females nodded in agreement. Even the Beta males—Marsh, Daryl, Gem, and Martin—grinned with determination.

My mother stepped forward, placing her hand on my shoulder. His eyes were filled with unwavering pride.

And Deux... he smiled. Just a small one. But for someone like him, that was practically a standing ovation.

"We've rescued my mother and destroyed the Omega facility," I continued. "Now, our next mission is to save Uncle Henry."

"Henry?" my mother blinked, stunned. "Is he in danger?"

"Unfortunately, yes. He's been taken prisoner by the Alpha King. He's at the royal estate," I said grimly.

My mother shook his head, his brows furrowing in concern. "But why?"

"Jiggs discovered something. The king is sick—seriously ill. He captured Uncle Henry to force him to find a cure."

"I swear," Kali burst out, furious, "if Henry gives that monster what he wants, I won't forgive him! Let him die, that twisted tyrant!"

Her words made us all turn to Deux, who stood there—stone-faced.

Kali immediately stepped back. "S–Sorry, Deux. I didn't mean to offend you..."

Deux looked up, his tone colder than ice.

"I don't care what you wish upon my father. That's your opinion. If you want him dead, so be it."

"Deux..." Kali whispered, guilt washing over her.

"Maybe this is karma," Deux added quietly, his gaze drifting toward me. "For everything he's done—to all of you. To your family, Champ. That's why... whatever you decide, I will follow with all my heart."

I met his eyes, something powerful passing between us.

"Then hear me," I said. "I don't want to become King Theron. I want to remain Champ."

"What do you mean, Champ?" my mother asked.

"I won't use his sickness to take him down. I won't exploit his weakness. I want to face him again—when he's whole. When he's strong. And when I defeat him at his peak... that's when I'll know we truly won."

"Champ..." my mother whispered, his eyes softening. "I'm proud of you. Your father and Henry raised you well. Whatever you choose... I'll stand with you."

"So," Kali asked, "what about Henry? Are we going to sneak him out and hide him from the Alpha King?"

"Yes," I said firmly. "We're going to rescue him. And then he'll finish the cure for Deux's father."

I turned to Deux.

"Remember what I told you, Deux—if I had the choice to kill your father or not, I would choose to let him live. Because everyone deserves justice. Even him."

Deux nodded slowly, eyes closing. He didn't need to speak—I felt it through our bond.

Through our mark.

And I knew...

Deux was all in. And whatever came next, he'd be at my back.

Always.

"And so, here's what I want," I began, my voice steady with leadership, "Marsh, Gem, Daryl, and Martin—this mission is vital. While Deux and I sneak into the Alpha King's estate, I need the four of you to travel and recruit. Seek out Betas and Omegas in hiding. Offer them protection and a home here in Veydith."

"Yes, Master Champ!" the four Beta males answered in unison, fists clenched, eyes gleaming with purpose. For a second, they looked like an overenthusiastic boy band ready to go on a world tour.

I turned to the others. "Mother, Kali... I need you both to remain here. Protect the Omega females while we're away."

"Don't worry, Champ," Kali said with a cheeky grin, stretching her arms like she was warming up for a fight. "Your mother alone is enough to flatten any creature that dares challenge us!"

"And while we wait," my mother added, his gaze sweeping across the deserted buildings of Veydith, "we Omegas, along with Kali, will clean and restore these old homes. We'll turn this forgotten place into something livable... something ours."

I smiled. "Then it's settled. This is the plan—until Deux and I bring Uncle Henry back safely."

"Be careful, Champ," my mother said softly, concern flickering in his eyes. "Promise me I'll see you again."

"You'll see him again," Deux cut in seriously, stepping beside me. "I'll make sure of it."

My mother nodded slowly, then pulled us both into a warm hug.

And in that moment, I felt something powerful from him—an aura that radiated peace, like sunlight on cold skin. It melted my fear, calmed every storm in my chest. I didn't understand what it was—some Omega ability, maybe—but it felt like I'd just been healed from the inside out.

"We'll be careful," I whispered, and with that, Deux and I headed to his car.

The road ahead was uncertain. Dangerous. But for some reason... I felt ready.

...

...

...

Theron's POV

"Champ... and especially you, Silver," I hissed, my voice echoing through the crumbling remains of the Omega Secret Facility. I stood in the wreckage, the dust of betrayal thick in the air.

"You think this is over?" I roared. "It's not over! Every single creature who dares to rebel against me—I will bring them to their knees!"

The ground groaned beneath me as the ruins shifted. My fury twisted in my gut, hot and burning—and then...

Agony.

A familiar, cruel pain wrapped around my chest like a vice. My body dropped to one knee. I clutched my ribs, gasping. My heart thundered like a war drum, and my vision blurred.

Not now.

Not this.

My illness.

"Alpha King!" one of my guards shouted, rushing to my side.

He tried to steady me, but I shoved him aside with a grunt. "Get me to the car! Now! And once we are back home, bring Henry to me right away!"

I needed to return to the estate. I needed the only person who could keep this cursed sickness at bay—Henry.

The one I imprisoned.

The Beta who loved me.

He would heal me.

He had no choice.

And when I'm whole again...

When my body is restored...

Champ.

Silver.

Everyone.

They will all burn.

...

...

...

Henry's POV

I awoke with a groggy mind and heavy eyes, my consciousness drifting into a waking nightmare. As I blinked away the haze, I realized something was terribly wrong.

I wasn't in my quarters. Not in any safehouse. Not even in the Alpha King estate.

This place... this place felt wrong. Damp. Cold. The air reeked of mildew, metal, and something far more sinister.

I tried to stretch—move my arms—but that's when I noticed it.

I couldn't move.

I was bound.

Suspended.

Tied tightly in thick cords, twisted like a spider's web around me, hanging like I was prey—trapped and dangling, only my head left free to look around.

"Where am I?! Help!" I screamed, thrashing wildly, the ropes biting into my skin.

That's when I saw him.

A shadow emerged from the far corner—at first slow, deliberate... until his figure fully stepped into the dim light.

Crest.

"Crest!" I snapped. "Where have you taken me?!"

"That doesn't matter now, Henry," he purred with a sickeningly sweet smile. "What matters... is that by the time my dear brother returns home, you won't be there to heal him. And then..." His grin widened, his eyes glinting with unhinged delight, "What do you think happens next?"

A chill ran down my spine.

"You're Theron's brother... and you want him dead? What kind of monster turns on his own blood?!" I shouted, eyes narrowing with disgust.

"Ask him! And my father, may he rot in the dirt!" Crest snapped, his voice rising with venom. His eyes bulged with rage as he stormed closer. "They treated me like trash. Like garbage. My entire life! So no, you don't get to judge me for finally taking back what's mine!"

I shook my head slowly, disappointment swelling in my chest.

He didn't care. In fact, he smiled.

"Now, the pieces are falling perfectly into place," he whispered, almost in awe. "Deux turning his back on the kingdom. Champ's growing rebellion and the Council doubting their golden boy. And now... the poison I created is eating my precious brother from the inside out. The one you truly love."

My breath caught.

"You... you poisoned Theron?" I asked, my voice shaking.

Crest grinned darkly. "A fitting punishment for a man who humiliated me for decades."

"You did all this just to become Alpha King?" I hissed. "You're pathetic. Vile. Power-hungry scum like you will never have a place on the throne."

His smile stretched wider, disturbingly calm. "Who said anything about me sitting on the throne?"

I froze.

"I have a son, Henry. A son with Alpha blood. He will take Theron's place. And I will be the one pulling every string. Every move he makes... every decision... will come from me. In the end, I'll be the one ruling this world."

My eyes widened.

"No... not him. Not Silver. He'll never be worthy! He's just like you—ordinary and selfish! Champ is the true heir to Aurivelle. He is the only one fit to lead!"

"Oh?" Crest's eyes glimmered dangerously as he leaned in close. "Are you sure about that?"

Something in his tone made my blood run cold.

"What are you talking about?" I demanded.

He moved closer. Close enough that I could feel his breath, his madness.

Then he whispered:

"Silver is more than just my son. He's more than a mere Alpha blood. Because within him flows another's strength. Alaric's blood."

My eyes shot wide open. My entire body tensed.

"You... What?!"

A wicked smile crept over Crest's face.

"Yes, Henry. Alaric—your precious, noble Alaric—was mine. He was mine to play with. And he was glorious. Every tear, every broken whisper in the dark—it's etched into my memory as the sweetest pleasure I've ever known. And from that... Silver was born."

"You sick, twisted—!" I screamed, trembling in fury. "You violated him! You absolute monster!"

"Call me whatever you like," Crest said with a shrug, completely unbothered. "But none of it changes what I've created. A perfect child. Strong. Sharp. Obedient... eventually."

He turned away, his voice growing gleeful once more. "And my next step? To make Silver kill his own brother, Champ. Imagine that, Henry. Silver—unknowingly destroying the one person who stands in the way of my design."

He paused at the door, a wicked gleam in his eye.

"But first, I'll take a little detour. The Alpha King estate is waiting. I'd like to watch as my brother rots from the inside. I know he's back."

And then he walked out.

I screamed after him—rage bursting out of me—but the ropes around me held firm. I was helpless.

The walls trembled with my fury, but they didn't care. Neither did Crest.

He was gone.

And Alaric... poor, innocent Alaric... he didn't know. He had no idea that Silver was his son.

But more terrifying than that?

If Silver was born of Alaric... then he wasn't a regular Alpha male.

No.

He was something else.

A Sigma.

A powerful, rare classification long thought extinct—like the Omega males. A Sigma male was like an Alpha, but more dangerous. Independent. Reluctant to lead, but impossible to control. They didn't build packs. They didn't follow orders. They acted alone.

That's why Silver was so powerful when Champ faced him the first time.

And now it made sense.

Alaric brought two rare forces into this world:

An Omega male... and a Sigma male.

If they ever fought side by side...

They would be unstoppable.

If only Silver could resist the pull of his father's blood... If only he didn't fall down that same dark path...

Please...

Don't become him, Silver.

Don't become the monster that Crest made you.

...

...

...

Jiggs' POV

So here we are—inside the tank, surrounded by darkness, the world completely quiet except for the low hum of the Silver's breathing. It was deep into the night... and the lunatic was finally asleep.

Flat on the cold metal floor, arms folded like he was guarding the last slice of cake in a war zone, Silver snored ever so lightly.

I stared at him, tapping my fingers against my thigh.

Maybe... maybe I could escape?

But escape to where, Jiggs?! We were in the middle of freaking nowhere! I had no other vehicle, and no magical bird to carry me off into the moonlight.

Besides, if I did run, there was a chance Silver would snap and go full evil-mode again. And I've been watching him—his morality arrow is finally wobbling toward "Good Silver." I can't risk pushing it back to "Evil Silver" just because I got itchy feet!

So instead of escaping, I did the next best thing.

I watched him.

While he slept.

Creepy? Maybe. But hey—this is survival.

That's when I noticed something poking out of his jacket pocket. A small leather-bound journal, just barely peeking from the fabric.

I crept forward like a mischievous raccoon.

Crest's Journal?

Wait. Isn't Crest his dad? The same creep who tried to mark and impregnate Champ?

Yeah, this couldn't be good.

Naturally, being the ever-curious and responsibly nosy guy that I am, I opened it.

And every page I turned made my eyes go wider.

"Holy sh—" I whispered, clutching the journal like it was burning.

Secrets. Terrifying, life-altering truths spilled across those pages like venom.

And then... the part that knocked the breath out of me:

"Silver is Champ's brother?"

I turned my gaze to Silver's sleeping face.

It made sense now—why he saved Champ's mom... Because Alaric is his mom too.

My fingers trembled. I quietly slipped the journal back into his pocket.

But before I could pull my hand away—

SNAP.

A hand gripped my wrist like a vice.

"YOU'RE AWAKE?!" I shrieked, nearly leaping out of my skin.

Silver opened one eye. "What did you read?"

"W-wha—nothing! I read nothing!" I blurted, eyes darting everywhere but his face.

He sat up.

Then, without warning, he climbed on top of me and pinned me to the floor like some sort of feral, vengeful cat.

"Tell me," he said darkly, face inches from mine. "What did you see?"

I squirmed under his weight, squealing internally. His glare could burn holes in armor.

"Alright! Everything!" I confessed. "And seriously, why haven't you told them the truth? You could all be, like, one big weirdly attractive and happy family!"

He rolled off me and sat against the wall, his eyes fixed on the floor.

"Because I don't deserve it," he muttered. "Alaric... he deserves better. Not a child born from a monster like Crest."

I sat up too, brushing dust from my shirt. "But you're not like your father, Silver. I mean... you're kind of a psycho, yeah, but you're not evil-psycho anymore like before. You're like... emotionally constipated with a heart of gold!"

"I'll never change," he said coldly.

"Oh really?" I smirked. "Then why haven't you killed me yet? Why did you help us escape?"

"Because I plan to make you my servant," he replied, dead serious.

"Pfft. Please. I know you cried when Alaric hugged you. Your scary tough-guy act is cute and all, but I saw it," I teased.

"Shut up or I'll hang you upside down by your ankles," he snapped.

"And yet... behind all that anger, just like Alaric and Champ, you've got a soft heart too," I said.

"SHUT UP!" he shouted, turning red with rage.

"But it's okay," I said gently. "Crying doesn't make you weak, Silver. It makes you human. And honestly? I'm glad you're not a monster like your dad. You've saved Omegas. You helped me. And yeah, maybe you're running from the truth... but I still think you're better than you believe."

He looked away, visibly flustered.

Did I just make Silver blush? Is that even physically possible?!

"You helped us. And now you're running again. Why couldn't you join Champ and the others?"

Silver clenched his jaw. "Because I don't belong with them."

"And you brought me with you because...?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. "You were lonely? Needed a friend?"

"I had no one else to enslave. You looked fun to torment," he said flatly. "I felt like it'd be boring not to bring a toy with me."

"Aww, you do care," I grinned. "I know you needed a friend."

"No, I just have my own mission. And I need you as my sacrificial bait for everything."

"So what's your grand plan now, Silver?" I asked, crossing my arms.

"To kill my father. And the Alpha King."

"WHOA. No warm-up? That escalated fast," I gawked.

"They deserve it," he said. "And the throne should go to Champ. He's the real heir—the son of the true Alpha King, Voder, and the legendary Omega male, Alaric."

I smiled, touched by the loyalty in his voice. I reached out and placed a hand on his shoulder—

CRACK.

"OW—OW—OKAY! YOU'RE BREAKING MY BONES!" I wailed as he grabbed my hand and twisted it with alarming precision.

"Don't ever touch me again, are we clear?!" he growled and flung my arm away.

"You're so mean!" I whimpered. "But wait—speaking of Omega males... I've been doing some reading."

"Why do I care?" he asked, clearly annoyed.

"Well, apparently," I said, clearing my throat, "if a high-quality Alpha male impregnates an Omega male, the result is usually another Omega. But if a normal Alpha male does it... the child isn't an Alpha. It's a Sigma male."

"Sigma male?" he repeated. "Never heard of it."

"That's 'cause they've been extinct since the Omega males disappeared," I explained. "Only Omega males could give birth to them. And they're like Alphas, but independent, lone wolves. No packs. No allegiance. Just raw, unpredictable power."

Silver sat there, stunned.

I could practically hear the gears turning in his head as the truth settled in.

And for the first time since I met him...

He looked unsure.

"No wonder I remember now—the Alpha Territory Treasure Hunt Competition! You were the only participant who had no team. You said teams were a nuisance, a 'waste of precious space.' And I never once saw you walking around campus with the Beta males. You were always alone, like a mysterious brooding cloud with muscles. Totally different from Deux. Now I get it—you're not like other Alpha males. And your ability? Way off the charts."

"I did not know about that. Now, it makes sense to me."

I leaned in, pointing a dramatic finger at him. "You can lock onto a single target and take them out. Unlike typical Alphas like Deux, who kill anything within their aura range. But you? You're a scalpel, not a bomb."

"I've been doing that for ages," Silver said with a grin that spelled 'trouble.' "But just locking onto one guy? Yawn. That's boring. I prefer dragging everyone around me into the chaos. If I'm going down a dark path, might as well make it a parade."

"You know, it's kinda useful that you can lock in like that," I mused. "Means you won't accidentally take out the entire friend group. Not like your mom—he was an Omega male right? He dragged Champ and the rest of us into his little emotional apocalypse." I gave him a smirk. "I gotta say, I'm pretty damn lucky."

"Oh yeah?" Silver raised an eyebrow. "And why's that?"

"Because in this lifetime, I didn't just meet one or two Omega males—which, by the way, are rarer than unicorns—but right now, I'm standing next to the first Sigma male I've seen on the face of the planet."

I smiled at him with flair.

"Ugh. So cheesy," Silver grunted, standing up and flipping some switch in his tank.

"Yes, and it's two in the freakin' morning!" I flailed my arms. "And now you want to go for a joyride?!"

"I can't sleep," he replied with a shrug. "I need a midnight rampage."

And just like that, he started driving the tank—into the trees. Because, you know, we're in a forest and he's clearly lost his mind.

"HEY! Are you insane?! You don't care about the sleeping animals!"

But Silver didn't stop. Nope. He kept going—tank blazing forward, full psycho mode—until suddenly—

"SILVER! We're gonna crash into that WALL!"

"It's just a wall! I'll break it!"

He sounded way too excited.

And BOOM!—he slammed the tank into it.

Half the vehicle embedded itself into the wall!

"Why the hell is there a giant wall here? In the middle of nowhere?" Silver muttered, squinting out the windshield.

We both froze. The wall stretched endlessly in both directions—like it divided the world in half.

"Wait... where even are we?" I whipped out my phone and zoomed out of the map app. "Silver... we're at the literal edge of Aurivelle."

Meanwhile, Silver backed the tank up to shake off the boulders from the front.

"My servant," he called. "Come look at this."

"I have a name you know?"

I stepped up beside him, and what I saw made my jaw drop.

"A closed passage?" I blinked. "No, that's... that's a massive tunnel."

"Why though?" Silver asked, frowning.

"We're off the grid." I showed him the map—our location sat at the border of the known world, and this tunnel wasn't marked at all.

We hopped out and stood before the wall. The tank had cracked it just enough to reveal a pitch-black void beyond.

(Sniff sniff)

Silver sniffed the air like a bloodhound. Then coughed.

"Smells like industrial smoke."

"What? Like bad stench or bad vibes?" I asked.

"There's something... strange. Can't place it."

"You wanna go in?" I asked, already backing away a little.

"I'm not leaving until I know what's on the other side," Silver said, dead serious. "So, yes."

"Fine! I'll wait in the tank, and when some beast eats you alive, I can finally be free!"

"Come with me or stay here and let the forest tigers rip your limbs off," Silver said with a smirk that was 90% threat, 10% challenge.

"You manipulative little—ugh! Fine!"

And with that, we both entered the gaping tunnel of mystery.

As we walked, I kept checking my phone's map, but something weird happened—we went beyond the Aurivelle border. This place wasn't recorded anywhere. No signal. No name. Just the void.

"You think it's just a cave?" I whispered.

"Can't say," Silver muttered, eyes scanning every inch ahead.

We reached the tunnel's end, and I flicked on my flashlight.

"Dead end. Just a wall, Silver. A big dumb wall."

"Wait..." he said, stepping closer.

He placed his ear to the stone and closed his eyes.

"Silver, I swear—"

"Shh!" He slapped his hand over my mouth. "I hear something..."

"Huh?" I pressed my ear to the wall.

I heard it too. Birds. Wind. Life.

"There's something on the other side," I whispered. "But maybe it's a cliff, right? Maybe the wall was built to stop people from falling in."

"There's only one way to find out," Silver replied.

"And what's th—"

(SMACK!)

Before I could finish, Silver punched the wall like it owed him money.

The whole thing cracked, rocks tumbled, and then— moonlight.

"It's a cliff, Silver! I told you!" I said while looking in front as I can only see the sky ahead of us.

"Look again."

I did.

And my eyes widened when I looked down.

"What... the... hell?"

Beneath us was an entire kingdom.

Mountains. Forests. Rivers. Towers. Cities glowing in the night.

I checked my map again. "This... this place isn't on the map. How is this even possible?"

"Don't ask me. I'm just as confused as you are," Silver said, jaw clenched.

"A hidden civilization? A whole unknown world beyond Aurivelle? How did no one ever discover this? Or no one told us about this and kept it a secret"

I stared down into the darkness, heart pounding.

What was this place?

And more importantly...

Who lived here?

How long has this undiscovered civilization been running?

End of Chapter 39