THIRD PERSON'S POV

"This is why I want to join your pack alliances..."

The gathering was a grand affair, the Ironclaw Pack’s great hall abuzz with the murmurs and movements of its members and guests from different neighboring packs. The air was thick with tension as Alpha Soren, now a young and troubled leader, engaged in a critical negotiation with Alpha Gideon Ironhart of the Shadowbane Pack. The atmosphere crackled with anticipation, as Soren, once the young boy of the pack, now stood as the Alpha of a faltering pack desperate for an alliance.

Under Soren’s leadership, the Ironclaw Pack had grown increasingly weak. Rogue attacks were frequent, the pack’s borders were collapsing, and they had already lost significant parts of their territory. It was clear to everyone that something had to be done, and quickly. That was why Soren was here today—hoping to secure the protection and strength of Alpha Gideon’s formidable pack.

Alpha Gideon, a tall and imposing figure with a reputation that preceded him, regarded Soren with a steely gaze. His presence alone seemed to fill the room, his aura one of undeniable authority and power. Soren, although determined, appeared slightly anxious under Gideon’s scrutinizing stare. His wolf didn't like the intensity of the other Alpha's wolf.

“I only want the strongest packs in my alliance,” Gideon stated firmly, his voice resonating with a commanding tone. “Your pack is very weak. I heard a lot of news about Ironclaw. Why should I accept you?”

Upon hearing that, Soren swallowed hard, feeling the weight of the moment. “You can name any conditions you want,” he replied, trying to maintain composure. “I’ll agree to them as an exchange.”

Gideon’s eyes narrowed slightly, considering the offer. “Any conditions?”

“Yes, any conditions,” Soren affirmed. He was willing to do whatever it took to secure his pack’s safety and restore its former strength. Of course, once that happened he would be a lot more powerful.

At that moment, Celestine walked towards them, her presence barely noticed amidst the tension. She moved with practiced grace, a faint smile on her lips as she carried a tray of wine. She approached the table where Gideon and her brother sat, his dark eyes locked onto her. Her heart raced as she approached, aware of the weight of the authority of the man before her.

As she poured the wine for Gideon, she felt his intense gaze upon her. Startled by his intimidating presence, her hand shook slightly, causing the wine to spill over the rim of the glass. The deep red liquid splashed onto the table and Gideon’s fine clothing.

Gideon’s brow furrowed, a slight frown appearing on his face as he registered the mistake. Before he could address the issue, Soren’s mate, now the Luna of the Ironclaw Pack, reacted swiftly. Talia's eyes flashed with irritation as she grabbed a whip from her side.

"Goodness!"

With a harsh crack, the whip lashed out, connecting with Celestine’s back and knocking her to the ground. The sharp sting of the whip was accompanied by a loud gasp from the assembled guests. Celestine’s eyes widened in shock and pain, her body crumpling as she hit the floor.

The Luna’s voice was cold but laced with a false sweetness as she addressed Gideon. “I’m so sorry, Alpha. This slave is too careless and has dirtied your clothes. I’ll punish her right away.”

The Luna raised the whip again, her intent clear in the way she tightened her grip. Celestine, now on the ground, instinctively covered her head with her arms, her body trembling in fear.

Just as Talia was about to whip her again, a powerful hand shot out and gripped the whip.

GIDEON'S POV

Same old boring ones.

This gathering was proving to be as dull as the previous ones. I leaned back in my chair, fighting off the boredom as Alpha Soren of the Ironclaw Pack droned on about his desperate need to join the pack alliance I led.

His pack had been deteriorating under his leadership, their territory shrinking, their strength waning. It was clear he was grasping at straws, hoping to secure an alliance with my pack. But honestly, how could I accept such a weak pack, led by a weak Alpha?

Just as I was about to lose myself in thought, a woman entered the room. Her timid demeanor was evident in the way she moved slowly, almost as if she feared every step she took. She carried a tray of wine, which she carefully set down before me. I noticed her arms, marred with bruises—obviously, the Ironclaw Pack didn’t spare their servants from violence.

Now, that was more of a reason why the pack-alliance bullshit he wanted would not be happening anytime now.

"Hurry and serve Alpha Gideon," Soren’s gaze was sharp as he instructed her to pour wine for me. As she approached, I could sense her nervousness.

"Okay, brother," she absentmindedly uttered. However, that was not what mattered. Did she just call Alpha Soren her brother? What was going on here?

Before I could ask something, Soren, who was enraged by what he heard stood up and slapped the woman across the face. His eyes were red in anger, and the veins on his neck were protruding. "Do you think you deserve to call me brother? Call me Alpha, you dirty slave!"

The woman was on the verge of crying as she tried to calm the frantic Alpha. "I-I'm sorry, Alpha! I didn't mean to! I'm so sorry!"

She immediately went near to serve me, and as she did that, her hand trembled, causing the wine to slosh over the rim of the glass and spill onto the table. The dark red liquid also dripped onto my clothes, an irritating but minor inconvenience.

My frown deepened. Before I could say anything, Soren’s Luna, Talia, whom she introduced earlier, took action. Her face twisted in anger as she whipped the girl across the back, sending her crashing to the floor. The sharp crack of the whip cut through the room like a knife. The girl cried out in pain, her body curling in on itself as she tried to protect her head.

Luna Talia's voice was cold, dripping with a false sweetness as she addressed me. “I’m so sorry, Alpha Gideon. This slave is too careless and has ruined your clothes. I’ll punish her right away.”

She raised the whip again, her intent clear. I caught the movement out of the corner of my eye. Without thinking, I stood and grabbed the whip, pulling it from Luna Talia’s hand. The suddenness of my action seemed to freeze the hall in place.

Now, this is getting more interesting, I thought in the back of my head. “Don’t be so hasty to punish her," I started, then eyed the maid and Alpha Soren. "What’s going on here? She's your sister?”

Soren’s eyes were wide with a mix of embarrassment and anger upon hearing my question. But he knew under my scrutinizing gaze, he had no choice but to answer. “She is indeed my sister,” he said, his voice strained. “But she killed our parents! I no longer recognize her as my sister. She’s just a criminal now, a slave.”

I nodded slowly, taking in his words. “I see,” I replied, my gaze shifting back to the girl on the floor. Her face was hidden, but I could see her shoulders shaking with silent sobs.

Soren seemed desperate to move on. He quickly redirected the conversation to the alliance. “What conditions will you set to allow my pack to join your alliance, Alpha Gideon?”

I took my time considering his request. Normally, I would have rejected such a weak offer without a second thought. But tonight, the situation had changed. The girl’s plight, the desperation in Soren’s voice—it all added a new layer to this negotiation.

As I weighed my options, I glanced at the girl again. She was still curled on the floor, her body trembling. My thoughts were interrupted by Soren’s hopeful gaze. He was waiting, clearly expecting a positive response.

I took a deep breath and, to Soren’s surprise, I pointed at the girl.

"I want her."

THIRD PERSON'S POV

Everyone was shocked. So as Soren who heard the condition of the formidable Alpha of Shadowbane Pack. His surprise was palpable as he stared at Gideon, who treated everything like entertainment. The smirk on his face could not be wiped off. “W-What? Why do you want her?” He asked, his voice betraying his confusion.

However, Gideon only shrugged, a nonchalant smirk still playing on his lips. “I also killed my parents, didn’t I? I think she and I are the same.” His tone was almost casual, as though discussing the weather rather than a matter of life and death.

Upon hearing that, Soren’s face went pale. He wasn’t sure if Gideon’s comment was a joke or a serious declaration. Gideon’s smirk and the calmness in his eyes suggested the latter. The realization that the Alpha might be as ruthless as his reputation suggested unsettled Soren. He let out a forced, awkward laugh, trying to mask his discomfort. “You’re quite something, Alpha Gideon.”

Reluctantly, Soren agreed to Gideon’s terms. “But, fine. You can have her. It’s a fair exchange for joining the alliance.”

It was ridiculous. Celestine, who was there all along, felt like she had been discarded like trash. It was not enough that she suffered all these years; now, she was treated like a bargaining item for an alliance.

She didn't know what Alpha Gideon was thinking, but she didn't care. All she felt was pain as she eyed her brother, trying to see if he would feel guilty for doing this to his sister. Soon she realized, he truly no longer cared.

With that settled, Gideon took Celestine back to the Shadowbane Pack. The journey was silent, the weight of the situation hanging heavily in the air. None of them talked except for a few seconds of exchange of names. And once they arrived, Alpha Gideon led Celestine into the pack’s infirmary.

“Let’s get you checked out,” the Alpha said, his voice softer now. He motioned for the pack healer, an elderly woman named Lara, to approach. Her eyes widened in concern as she examined Celestine’s battered body. Fresh injuries mingled with old scars, painting a grim picture of her recent life.

Lara sighed, her voice filled with sympathy. “This poor girl has been through so much. Look at all these bruises and scars. It’s heartbreaking.”

If she were honest, she felt embarrassed. Seeing those scars meant seeing a part of her that was weak. But for some reason, upon entering Shadowbane, she felt an unfamiliar sense of warmth, as if it was not the pack everyone said was ruled by a ruthless and crazy Alpha.

Meanwhile, Gideon nodded, his expression serious. “Then, let me heal her myself.”

After the Alpha said that, Lara’s eyes widened even further as if she didn't expect it at all. “Alpha, are you sure? You rarely treat people personally..." She muttered, trying to find the right words for it. Everyone in the Shadowbane Pack had their Alpha, who was powerful enough and was also bestowed with advanced healing abilities and never treated anyone without thinking about it first.

Alpha Gideon Ironhart, known for his past, his reputation was rather a contrast to the rare ability he had—he was a Healer.

Gideon gave a small, reassuring smile. “I’m sure. I’ve made up my mind, Lara. Let me handle it.”

As Lara left, Gideon began his work. He placed his hands gently on Celestine’s injured body, focusing his energy. Celestine gasped as a soothing warmth spread through her. The pain that had been a constant companion began to dissipate. Her scars started to fade, and she felt the healing process mending her broken bones.

Celestine looked at the Alpha with a mixture of awe and apprehension. “T-Thank you,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “I don't know why are you treating me so well, but thank you."

At the same time, Gideon continued his healing, his focus unwavering. “Tell me what happened,” he said quietly. “You killed your parents?"

Celestine hesitated, but the warmth from Alpha Gideon’s healing abilities encouraged her to speak. “I... I was accused of poisoning my parents. They were the Alpha and Luna of the Ironclaw Pack. I made pasta for them one night, and they suddenly fell ill and died. They convulsed, bled from their eyes and ears, and then... they were gone. Everyone said, even my brother, Soren, I did it out of greed, that I wanted to be the Alpha. But no... I don't want any of that. I just want..."

Her eyes filled with tears as she recounted the nightmare. "I didn’t do it. I would never harm them. I loved them so much.”

Gideon’s eyes remained unreadable as he listened. Once she finished, he looked at her as if he remembered something from the distant past. He didn't know if he could recall the tragedy that Celestine heard from the rumors—he killed his parents and the elders of his pack—or if he was just simply curious about what happened to her.

After some time, he opened his mouth to speak, “I think I had a grasp of what happened to your parents that night. You're right, you didn't do it."