The Next Morning Tension
The elder council chambers were stark in the early morning light, the air cool and crisp. Mr. Vincent Blackthorn sat at the head of the long, polished table, Elder Freya at his side. Across from them sat Elena, looking every bit the polished socialite, and flanking her were Amara and Lucien, present as representatives of the pack.
"So, Elena," Mr. Blackthorn began, his tone polite but firm. "You've returned. Unexpectedly."
Elena offered a charming smile. "Yes, Mr. Blackthorn. I felt it was time. Especially with Ariana settling in. I wanted to ensure her transition was smooth, offer my support."
Mr. Blackthorn raised an eyebrow slightly. "Support? You rejected the Alpha, my son, without meeting him. You made it quite clear your place was not here, I just didn't want to embarrass you at the presence of your sister yesterday that's why I kept quiet."
"As I explained, that was a misunderstanding," Elena said smoothly, though a flicker of irritation crossed her features at the reminder. "Youthful folly. I've matured since then. I understand the importance of this alliance now, the strength our families can forge together."
Amara shifted in her seat, a muscle twitching near her eye. She's so desperate, the thought flashed through her mind, followed by a wave of irritation. Yesterday, I actually thought she was the best but now... Everything is now getting so irritating.
Lucien remained silent, leaning back against his chair, his arms crossed. His gaze was fixed on Elena, his expression unreadable, but a subtle tightening around his mouth betrayed his own mounting irritation.
"The alliance was secured when Ariana married Darius Didn't your parents inform you?, they came to finalise the deal," Mr. Blackthorn stated flatly. "She is the Luna."
"They did, But for how long?" Elena pressed, her voice dropping slightly, focusing now on Elder Freya. "I don't think they've had any intimacy yet. And besides, she has less than a month left to live. She won't be able to bear a child for the Alpha. I am strong."
Elder Freya's ancient eyes, wise and weary, fixed on Elena. "She might be weak," the elder said, her voice calm but carrying the weight of authority. "But a bond, a future Luna, is not something that can be forced or simply replaced. Stop insulting your twin sister and make yourself useful here, Elena. Or you leave, you already made your decision when you rejected Alp Darius." Elder Freya rose and, without another word, left the chambers.
Mr. Blackthorn stood next. "Elder Freya is right. You already rejected the Alpha. Do what you came here for, which is taking care of your sister. For now My work calls." He nodded to the others and exited, leaving Elena alone with the two pack members who now regarded her with thinly veiled disdain.
Amara and Lucien rose, their silence louder than any accusation. They saw not the refined lady, but the calculating opportunist. Without a word, they too left, leaving Elena fuming in the empty chamber.
Furious and unseen, Elena stalked through the manor, her anger a burning coal in her chest. How dare they dismiss her? After everything she sacrificed!, if it wasn't for me, Ariana won't be here She found Darius in his study, the morning sun slanting across his desk.
"Darius, darling," she purred, leaning against the doorframe, attempting a seductive pose. "We need to talk about this... awkward situation."
Darius looked up, his golden eyes cold, utterly disgusted. "I told you before There is nothing to discuss, Elena. My wife is Ariana."
"But she's not your wife, not truly," Elena pressed, moving further into the room. "Not in the ways that matter. She's weak. She can't give you an heir. I can, and she is just my substitute." She took another step closer, reaching out a hand towards him.
Darius recoiled as if struck, standing abruptly. "Get Your filthy hands off me, and get out ," he growled, his voice a low, dangerous rumble filled with utter revulsion. "Your presence here is a contamination. I am disgusted by your audacity, by your lack of shame. Leave, before I forget you are Ariana's sister."
Elena flinched back, her face pale with shock and renewed fury. He wasn't just rejecting her; he was repulsed by her. She turned on her heel and fled, the icy reception fueling her rage.
*They didn't want her to stay because she was strong? Fine. She would prove that Ariana was too weak, too sick, too close to death to be of any use. Then, they would have no choice but to rely on her. If they saw that she was actually sick, they won't ask her to leave, instead they will want her to stay and watch Ariana.*
Later that morning, in her room, Ariana stepped out of the shower, feeling a familiar weakness settle over her. Tara,, came in.
"Let me help you with your hair, Luna," Tara said softly, picking up a comb.
As Tara gently worked, Ariana felt tears prick her eyes. The events of the previous night, the weight of Elena's return, the pack's assessment – it was all too much. A sob escaped her. "It's... it's so hard to be here, Tara."
Tara paused, her hand resting on Ariana's shoulder. "I know, Luna. But it will be alright. We see her now. The pack sees her for who she is, If it wasn't for your look people would have thought she was your step sister and not your twin, she is so evil, don't worry okay."
Ariana nodded, trying to believe her. After Tara finished and left, the weakness intensified. She felt shaky, cold. She needed her medication. Reaching for the small, familiar bottle on her bedside table, she popped the cap and swallowed the pills with a gulp of water. The taste was slightly off, bitterer than usual, but she dismissed it. She felt too unwell to notice anything else.
Determined not to show her frailty, Ariana dressed and, gathering her strength, went out. The manor was bustling, pack members preparing for the evening meal. She walked towards the dining hall, the sounds and smells swirling around her. As she entered the grand room, she felt a sudden, sharp dizziness. The edges of her vision greyed. The floor seemed to tilt.
She stumbled, a small gasp escaping her lips. Before anyone else could react, a lean figure surged forward.
"Arianaaaaaa"
Lucien reached her in two strides, his arms going around her just as her legs gave out completely. He caught her limp body, holding her upright for a brief second before she collapsed fully into his arms.
Then, a blur of golden eyes and dark fur. Darius was there, a roar tearing from his throat. He didn't ask, didn't hesitate. He simply grabbed Ariana, dragging her lifeless weight from Lucien's grasp, pulling her close to his chest. "What happened to her, Ariana, bring the car Samuel" He raised his voice panicking
Elena stood near the entrance, her eyes widening in feigned horror. "Oh my God ari," she gasped, her voice ringing through the stunned silence. "Is she dead?"