Chapter 133 Press briefing

Chapter 133 Press briefing
~ Dagan’s POV ~

Getting back to my office after ensuring everyone capable of disrupting my plans and movements had been securely locked inside the dungeon, a contented smile settled on my lips.

The moment I stepped through the door and found myself alone, I finally allowed myself to appreciate how perfectly the day had unfolded.

For weeks, I had been carefully arranging every piece on the board, making preparations in silence while everyone remained completely unaware of the real game being played around them.

Now, after months of patience and planning, everything was finally beginning to fall into place exactly as intended.

But despite all the success achieved that morning, nothing brought me greater satisfaction than remembering the defeated expression that had appeared on Brenda's face.

The memory alone was enough to make my smile widen. She had genuinely believed I was on her side. She had followed me around with complete confidence, convinced we were allies working toward the same objective. The irony was almost amusing.

Brenda never realized she was merely a small part of a much larger plan, a plan that had long outgrown her usefulness. She had served her purpose and failed spectacularly at the only task she had been given.

All her scheming, all her efforts, all her attempts to win Kael over had amounted to absolutely nothing, and now she found herself sitting in a dungeon while the true players continued moving forward without her.

Earlier that morning, Valira had contacted me personally. The call came much sooner than I expected, and the information she delivered immediately changed the pace of everything.

According to the newest reading, the eclipse would no longer occur seven days from now. Instead, it would happen in three.

The timeline had shortened dramatically, forcing us to accelerate our plans, but fortunately everything aligned perfectly in our favor. Kyle had left the house that morning, creating exactly the opening I needed to move freely without interference. Had he remained behind, the situation would have required far more effort to manage. Instead, fate itself appeared determined to assist us.

All the guards of Iron fang had already been turned into one of my loyal followers. Every obstacle had been removed before it could become a problem. The realization earned another satisfied nod from me because there was something deeply gratifying about watching years of preparation finally bear fruit.

There was still work to be done, however, and victory had not yet been fully secured. Because of that, I refused to allow myself the luxury of becoming complacent.

Reaching for my phone, I immediately dialed the number of one of the guards. Not just any guard, but the most efficient one under my control. The call connected almost immediately, and I wasted no time getting straight to the point.

“Gather the others and get ready to move the moment I give the signal,” I instructed calmly while lowering myself into my chair. “There are only a few of them and many of you. I need you to bring back the girl alive and completely unharmed. As for Kael, I want him dead. You have all been equipped for the task already, so don't disappoint me.”

Saying those words brought me a level of satisfaction I had not anticipated. Just yesterday, an order like that would have been met with instant outrage. Now there was none of that. Every one of them belonged to me. Every one of them obeyed me. Every one of them would carry out my commands without questioning my motives.

“We will not let you down, master. We will only return with a perfect job done,” he responded immediately, his voice carrying absolute certainty.

“Good,” I replied with a smile. “Wait for my signal.”

Ending the call, I immediately dialed another number. Unlike the previous conversation, this one filled me with genuine anticipation.

The moment the line connected and she answered, my expression softened automatically. There were very few people capable of affecting me that way, and she stood above them all.

“My love,” I cooed warmly the moment I heard her voice.

“Is it done?” she asked.

Even through the phone, her voice affected me in ways I could never properly explain. Every word she spoke sounded beautiful to my ears. Every syllable carried elegance, power, and purpose. Listening to her was enough to remind me exactly why I had devoted myself so completely to her cause.

“Yes,” I answered immediately, already knowing what she was referring to. “All warriors have been withdrawn from the borders. You are free to enter in style like the queen you are.”

“Perfect,” she responded, and the satisfaction in her voice made my chest swell with pride. “Make sure to prepare a welcome party. Today we celebrate our victory after years of hard work.”

I nodded several times despite knowing she could not physically see me. It did not matter. My loyalty to her extended far beyond gestures. It was woven into every decision I made and every action I took.

“It is done already,” I assured her confidently. “You have absolutely nothing to worry about. Let me go and prepare the people's minds for your arrival and our rise.”

The words felt powerful the moment they left my mouth because they were no longer wishful thinking. Soon everyone would understand that a new era had begun, and when that moment arrived, there would be nobody left with the power to stop it.

Ever since I discovered that Valira was my mate, I had devoted myself completely to her cause. From that very moment, everything else became secondary. Every decision I made, every alliance I formed, and every risk I took had been done with one purpose in mind. I wanted to see her succeed. I wanted to see her happy. Nothing brought me greater satisfaction than watching her move one step closer to achieving her goals.

While others saw ambition, I saw vision. While others saw danger, I saw destiny. That was why, from the shadows, I had worked alongside her tirelessly to ensure her dream of resurrecting the void wolf became reality.

Many would call me foolish if they knew the extent of my loyalty to her. They would say I had abandoned reason and surrendered myself completely. Perhaps they would not be entirely wrong.

But what did reason matter when compared to the bond I shared with her? What did caution matter when weighed against the opportunity to stand beside the woman fate had chosen for me? Every sacrifice I made felt insignificant when compared to what waited at the end of this journey.

Even when she asked whether I would offer myself as a vessel for the void wolf, I had not hesitated for a single moment. The answer came naturally. If the void wolf required a body, he could have mine.

If becoming that vessel meant gaining the power I sought and spending eternity beside Valira, then it was a price I was more than willing to pay.

“Before you go, what about the girl?” Her voice echoed through the phone, immediately capturing my full attention once again.

I smiled faintly at the concern in her tone.

“I already have a group set to go retrieve her,” I assured her confidently.

There was a brief pause before she responded.

“No. We can't take such a chance, Dagan. Don't leave such an important duty to a mere group of warriors. You need to go with them personally to ensure the job is done correctly and to avoid stories.”

Her words immediately made sense.

“You're right,” I agreed without argument. “I will do exactly that.”

The conversation ended shortly afterward, but her words remained with me.

Once enough time had passed, I rose from my chair and headed toward the press room where everyone had already gathered.

Word had spread quickly throughout the pack house. People were nervous and confused. Most importantly, people were looking for answers.

By the time I arrived at the press room, every seat was occupied. The moment I entered, conversations immediately died down.

Dozens of eyes turned toward me.

Journalists sat straighter in their chairs. Cameras adjusted. Notepads were lifted. The atmosphere became noticeably attentive as everyone waited for me to speak.

I walked calmly toward the podium, maintaining an expression that perfectly reflected concern and solemn responsibility.

When I finally reached the microphone, I allowed a moment of silence to settle over the room before speaking.

“Dear people of Ironfang,” I began, my voice carrying clearly across the room while my gaze swept slowly over every face present.

“I know many of you are confused about the events unfolding today. I know questions are circulating throughout the pack house, and uncertainty has begun to spread among our people. That is precisely why I have chosen to address you personally this evening.”

I paused briefly, allowing my words to settle before continuing.

“It is no secret to many of you that our alpha has been behaving strangely ever since the arrival of the witch we captured recently.” I lowered my head slightly, allowing disappointment to color my expression. “Well, it is with great sadness that I inform you that our suspicions appear to have been correct.”

Murmurs immediately began spreading through the room.

I waited patiently before continuing.

“Alpha Kael has indeed fallen under the influence of the witch.” My voice became more solemn. “Unfortunately, that is not the worst news we have received.”

The room became completely silent once more.

“At this moment, his location remains unknown. We have reason to believe the witch has taken him and may intend to end his life.” I allowed concern to enter my expression before speaking again. “But we will not allow that to happen.”

Several people exchanged alarmed looks.

Others began writing furiously.

“Troops will be deployed tonight to rescue our alpha from the witch's grasp,” I continued confidently. “At the same time, I have invited trusted friends who will assist us during this difficult period and help restore Ironfang to the greatness it once enjoyed.”

A few faces immediately became skeptical.

I expected that.

“These allies are powerful,” I continued smoothly. “And although they come from a place many of us may not particularly favor, I want to assure everyone that their intentions toward Ironfang are entirely positive. They come as friends. They come as supporters. Most importantly, they come offering strength during a time when strength is needed most.”

Before I could continue further, one of the journalists raised his hand.

“Why were our phones seized?” he asked. “Some of us have family members outside the house that we need to communicate with.”

“Your phones were collected for reasons best known to the security team,” I answered smoothly without missing a beat. “At the moment, certain precautions have become necessary due to the sensitive nature of the situation we are dealing with. However, I want to assure everyone present that your devices will be returned once everything has been settled and the security concerns have been properly addressed.”