Kill him

Brielle's POV

I stared at Alpha Cassian in disbelief. Did he just…?

"Alpha?" My voice cracked. "Did you just say—?"

He nodded slowly, eyes steady, like he wasn't aware of how insane he sounded. "Of course I did. Should I repeat myself?" His lips twisted into something that wasn't quite a smile. "Killing the Lycan Alpha will prove you worthy of your life. And I'm sure you want to live."

What?

No, this couldn't be real.

I just stood there, frozen. Was this man completely mad? Or did he truly not realize what the hell just came out of his mouth?

Kill the Lycan Alpha?

Draven Valrath?

That wasn't even suicide. That was something worse.

The Lycan Alpha wasn't just powerful—he was rumored to be a demon, an unstoppable beast who had risen from hell itself. There were stories—blood-drenched stories—of him tearing through armies, slaying alphas like cattle, burning entire territories down without lifting a claw. Packs had begged for mercy. Warriors had vanished trying to challenge him. His name alone made the bravest men tremble.

And this man—this lunatic—wanted me to kill him?

Just a cursed servant girl?

"That's not possible," I said, shaking my head. "I want to live—yes, of course I do. But what you're asking me to do is death. Worse than death. Being in the same room as the Lycan Alpha is already considered suicide—talkless of killing him? That man is death."

I was starting to think he didn't want my death on his hands… so he was handing it over to someone else.

Cassian just gave me a cold look, unblinking. "You know what you are. I gave you a chance. You spat on it."

"I didn't," I cried, desperate now. "I swear to you I didn't. I didn't refuse anything—I just… I can't. I can't do it! If I could, I would. I'd drive a blade straight through that monster's heart, but there's no way—no possible way—"

Suddenly, he stepped closer.

Too close.

I flinched as he reached for my chin, tilting it up roughly. His eyes gleamed with something cruel.

"And who said there isn't a way to kill him?" he whispered darkly.

My lips parted. "W-What?"

"There is a way," he said again. "But I'm not wasting my breath unless you agree to do it."

"Then… then why don't you do it yourself?" I demanded. "If it's possible, why not you? Why me?"

"Because you're the only one suitable," he replied without missing a beat. "If I could, I would've done it already."

That made no damn sense.

Why was he so eager to see Draven dead?

And why me?

I didn't voice any of those thoughts. I knew better. Instead, I sucked in a shaky breath and gave the smallest nod.

"Fine. I'll do it," I whispered. "Tell me what I have to do."

He smirked. "Not me. I don't waste time on lowly things like you. I'll send someone else."

My stomach dropped the second I saw the name on his lips.

"Daniel."

No. No. Not him.

Not now.

The one person I never wanted to see again.

The person who once swore he loved me, only to toss me away like I was nothing. I didn't know how I'd face him. Not because of the hatred. But because I hated that part of me—the broken part—that still wondered how I'd react. What my heart would do.

He entered quietly. Our eyes met for a second too long.

Cassian turned to him. "Tell her the plan."

Daniel gave a curt nod.

Then Alpha Cassian left the room, locking us into silence.

I could feel Daniel's stare on me. Thick and suffocating.

He cleared his throat. "Let's go somewhere else. We're not permitted to stay here."

I didn't answer. I just followed.

We stepped outside. The air was cool. Still. Too still. He led me to the side of the building—just a quiet, hidden corner behind the house, where no one would see or hear us.

He sat. I stayed standing, arms crossed.

"Tell me the plan," I said stiffly. "I have work to do."

He smirked, leaning back. "Work? You can't even spare a second to be alone with me?"

He reached for my hand.

I slapped it away, tears pricking my eyes instantly. "You still have the audacity to touch me?" I whispered. "After everything you did?"

He looked pained. "Brielle… I didn't love Lyra. I swear to you, I didn't. I was forced. She threw herself at me. Seduced me. I wouldn't have even been tempted if—if you'd just let me fuck you."

I blinked.

"What?" I breathed.

He reached for my waist.

"You said no. Over and over. I waited. I was patient. But Lyra—she—"

"You're a monster," I gasped, shoving him back. "So because I didn't sleep with you, you cheated? Humiliated me? Rejected me in front of everyone?"

"I love you!" he snapped. "I had a plan, Brielle. After this, it's just us. Together."

"No!" I cried, trying to back away.

But he grabbed me again—this time harder—and forced his lips on mine.

I struggled, slapping him, pushing at his chest, my body screaming. My tears poured as his hands roamed.

This wasn't Daniel. Or maybe… this was always Daniel.

I wrenched free, spitting. "Don't you ever touch me again!"

But he lunged. "You're not going anywhere!"

I ran.

I ran so fast I didn't even know where my legs were carrying me. I heard his footsteps chasing me—his voice yelling my name.

"You're mine, Brielle! I'll have you!"

"HELP!" I screamed. "Somebody—PLEASE!"

I didn't stop running. Through the trees. Past the border.

And then—crash.

I slammed into something hard. Unmoving. Immovable.

My breath fled my lungs.

I stumbled back, gasping.

And when I looked up…

I saw a face.

A face carved in stone and shadow.

A face I'd never forget.

To be continued…