Chapter 6: The New Alpha

RONAN'S POV

Thorn's head clutched tightly in my hand, I soared over the blood moon arena and into the palace in mere seconds. The transformation back to my human form was swift, though its mark lingered—my hair, now a vibrant crimson, mirroring the flames.

I liked it.

I strode past the guards, their fear palpable as they knelt before me. My hand, slick with Thorn's blood, carried his scent, and the ungodly sight of his severed head in my left hand silenced any potential challenge. Ignoring the growing commotion—the pack members who had witnessed the brutal showdown would soon be upon me—I entered the throne room.

Opulence assaulted my senses. Emeralds, exquisitely cut and embedded in the stone walls, shimmered in the dim light. Golden, flowing curtains draped from the high ceilings. The floor, polished marble, gleamed like ice.

The very air was different, rich and intoxicating. The aroma was a luxurious blend of polished wood and aged leather, laced with delicate hints of orchids and lilies. Subtle undertones of vanilla, sandalwood, and amber added a timeless elegance. The clean scent of expensive linen and rare oils completed the atmosphere, a testament to grandeur and sophistication. 

The palace was a beauty to behold. The first time I was here, I hadn't truly opened my senses to the environment, consumed as I was by my mission and my hatred for Thorn.

"Fit for a new, powerful Alpha," I remarked, a glint in my eye.

I climbed the steps to the throne. It felt right, so right, against my body. The soft, silky texture of the cushions was… good.

"You did great, Thorn," I murmured, a hint of dark humor in my voice. "You helped build this empire for me. The only problem was, it was built by oppressing other packs. I'll fix that."

"Hey! Get your cursed body away from the throne, you imposter!"

The expected pack members burst into the throne room, their presence a wave of infuriation. One of the elders voiced his annoyance.

"Imposter?" I sneered. "You need to watch your mouth! I'm the… I'm your new Alpha!" I snarled, sinking my bloody nails into the armrest of the throne. "And this throne is mine. You… you people answer to me now!" My deep, raucous voice echoed through the hall.

Hesitation hung heavy in the air. I scanned the room, noting those who knelt and prostrated in fear and acceptance, and the few who still glared, their eyes glinting with hatred.

"No!" another pack member shouted, his voice trembling slightly, betraying his bravado. "We won't accept you! You're not even full-blood. You're a hybrid!"

"Listen to me, you little piece of trash," I growled, my sharp teeth bared. "If you, or any of you, have a problem with me, I dare you to challenge this hybrid now!" I sank my claws deeper into the wood of the throne.

I reached into my cloak and pulled out Thorn's head, hurling it onto the floor with a sickening thud. Gasps and murmurs filled the room.

The acceptance was… forceful. More and more pack members knelt, their heads bowed, but their eyes… their eyes gleamed with a hint of future betrayal.

I scanned the room again, my eyes settling on two figures I particularly wanted to see suffer.

Ralph, Thorn's Beta, knelt with the others, but his eyes glittered with undisguised hatred and scorn. Beside him, his son, Walter—the one who had kidnapped me—stood rigid. I watched as Walter's face twisted in a grimace, his eyes rolling back, fists clenching, and jaw tightening in barely suppressed contempt. But he held himself in check.

I savored the look on his face and smirked.

"Walter! Come over here," I commanded, leaning back on the throne. He hesitated for a moment, but a sharp glance from his father spurred him into action. He moved slowly, deliberately, across the floor toward where Thorn's head lay, his face ashen.

"Ye-s, Your Majesty," he almost spat the words out, forcing them through gritted teeth.

I chuckled, enjoying every moment of this. "I like that look on your face," I purred, then beckoned to Ralph.

The two of them knelt side by side, their heads bowed.

"I don't need the likes of you in my kingdom," I began, my eyes blazing with fury.

"Are you exiling us?" Ralph asked, surprise evident in his voice.

"Why are you surprised?" I laughed, the sound echoing through the hall. "Yes!" I confirmed, the word as sharp and decisive as my victory.

"You can't do this! "Walter exploded in anger! 

"I can! And I want you out of my kingdom now!" I roared. "Guards! Escort these fools out of here!"

The guards swiftly moved to obey, flanking the two men. Walter struggled, shouting and yelling in a fit of rage. "I'll get you for this! I'll kill you! I'll end you! You'll regret this!"

Ralph, however, maintained a chilling composure. As they reached the palace doors, he turned, his gaze fixed on me. "The people of Shadowclaw do not forget, half-breed," he said softly, his voice laced with menace. "Enjoy your throne while it lasts." It was a final, pointed reminder to the assembled pack members.

My lips curved into a predatory smirk. "Then watch as I rule majestically from afar," I replied, my voice ringing with confidence.

Finally, with Ralph and Walter exiled, I rose from the throne and addressed the remaining pack members.

"We'll be having a meeting the day after tomorrow," I announced, my voice carrying authority. "Pack elders and council members, we shall discuss some important matters."

"For now," I instructed the guards, my gaze fixed on Thorn's severed head, "I want this hung in the throne room." I turned and walked out of the palace, ignoring the murmurs that were beginning to ripple through the crowd.

I headed to my new chambers, Thorn's former rooms. I tossed out his belongings and summoned the maids, instructing them to clean and rearrange the space to my liking.

Night had fallen. The Shadowclaw pack was mine. Thorn was gone. Walter and Ralph were exiled.

A slow smile spread across my face, a hint of amusement dancing in my eyes. The corners of my mouth lifted, revealing a glimpse of my teeth. It was a subtle yet unmistakable expression, a quiet acknowledgment of the lightness of the moment.

I lay on the large bed, my thoughts drifting back to the hellish years I had endured. The destruction of my pack, my mother's death, the years of training, fighting, stealing, and struggling as a rogue. The time I was kidnapped… the young demon folk I couldn't save. The memories were too much. I broke down, tears streaming down my face, consumed by emotional agony.

"I'm sorry, Mom," I sobbed. "I'm sorry, Anna! I couldn't save you… but I avenged you!"

Suddenly, my moment of grief was interrupted. A shiver, a sensation I had felt only once before in my life, ran down my spine. It was followed by a cacophony of noises, cheers, and shouts of celebration.

"She's back! She's back!!!"