Chapter 60

CALANTHA

I shookmy head, feeling disappointed as I walked away from Arlo's room. He had skipped two dinners, and not seen anywhere, and was still not at home this morning. I walked back to my room, head buried in the floor. The burden grew heavier with each passing day.

I paused at the threshold, catching my father's scent before seeing him. He stood by the window in my room, shoulders rigid, fingers tapping impatiently against his thigh.

A young maid folded clothes in the corner, keeping her eyes down.

"That's enough for now," I told her. "Leave us and bring some water."

She nodded quickly and slipped out. When she returned with a silver pitcher, I dismissed her with a wave. The door clicked shut after she walked away.

"Father, I wasn't expecting you."

"Clearly." His eyes narrowed as he studied me. "What's happened to you, Calantha?"

I poured myself water, buying time. "What do you mean?"

"This." He gestured at me like I was some disappointing sight. "Where's your authority? Your fire? You walk into a room like you're asking permission to be there."

The water turned bitter in my mouth. I set down the glass harder than intended.

"I'm adjusting to my position."

"Adjusting?" He barked a laugh. "You're the alpha king's wife! You should be running this place by now, making decisions, securing our pack's interests. Adjusting for over five years now, Cala, come on. You're no longer a baby, for heaven's sake!"

I squared my shoulders. "Arlo has his way of doing things."

"And you're letting him." Father crossed the room, lowering his voice. "If Ama had married the alpha king, she'd have half the council wrapped around her finger by now."

The comparison to my sister stung like a fresh wound. Perfect, confident Ama, who'd never hesitated a day in her life.

"I'm working on becoming more involved," I lied. "These things take time."

The truth stared me in the face. I was not trying. I had never raised a finger or put in any deliberate effort to become someone more powerful. I just stayed in the shadow like Alpha Arlo's paper luna. Exactly what I was, right?

"Time?" Father grabbed my shoulders. "We don't have time! Every day you spend meekly following him around is a day wasted."

I pulled away from his grip. "I've been active in the kitchen, learning—"

"Learning?" He scoffed. "What has that accomplished? If you were doing your job properly, our family would have special privileges by now. New territory. Positions of power. You are not a chef, Calantha. You're a tool in this mansion."

"That's not how Arlo operates."

"Then make him change how he operates!" My Father's voice rose before he caught himself. He pinched the bridge of his nose. "I'm not getting any younger, Calantha. I need to see results."

"I'll try harder—"

"Don't try." He cut me off sharply. "Do it. There's no room for trying in our world."

I nodded calmly, wishing that he would just leave me alone.

"I do not know what is wrong with you. I have never raised a weak child. When did you become weak? What has Arlo done to my daughter?"

He moved closer, his voice dropping dangerously low.

"Whatever he did to you ends today. I'm waiting to see the results immediately. Start taking actions like the woman I raised!"

When he finally left, the room felt both emptier and less suffocating. I stared at my reflection in the mirror, trying to see what he saw. A disappointment, a weak link.

I straightened my spine, lifted my chin, and walked out into the hallway.

Two pack members stood chatting by a column. They barely acknowledged me as I approached.

"You there," I called out, making my voice cold and sharp. "Why aren't you at your posts?"

They jumped, exchanging nervous glances.

"We were just—"

"I don't want excuses," I interrupted. "Get back to where you're supposed to be. Now."

They scrambled away. The burst of power felt good and at the same time, scary, but good.

I scolded every pack member I saw for no reason. I added chores for the maids. Unnecessary chores, just to make sure they got tired. Maybe this was enough proof to Father that I was awakened now.

I continued down the hall until I found Victor arranging papers in the study. I walked into the study, and he continued. He probably didn't even notice my presence yet.

"Victor," I said, not waiting for him to notice me.

He didn't raise his head, but I knew he heard me call out to him. I didn't wait for him to look at me either. I just continued to speak.

"From now on, I want to be informed about every council meeting, every territorial dispute, and every visitor to this territory."

He looked up, surprise flashing across his face. "Of course, but the alpha typically—"

"I'm not asking what the alpha typically does," I said, cutting him off. "I'm telling you what I need. Is that understood?"

Victor studied me for a moment before nodding. "Yes, Queen. I'll see to it immediately."

Queen. The title that remained just a title. Maybe it would change after my transformation.

Inform me days before meetings and remind me minutes before it begins. I will make sure to attend every single one of them. I would be fully and actively involved."

Victor nodded halfway, shock still written all over his face. I was not sure if he was considering my orders or not. But one thing was sure. My tone left no room for disobedience.

"Fine. "

I turned to leave, then paused at the doorway. "And Victor? Since I'll be attending all the pack meetings from now on. Make sure there's a place for me at Arlo's right hand."

As I walked away, my heart hammered in my chest, but my steps didn't falter. Father wanted fire? I'd give him an inferno. With time, he would no longer look at me with disappointment, but with pride.