Chapter 126 126
Venessa’s POV
As Denzel undressed me, happiness bubbled through my veins, lifting my spirits higher than they’d been in days. For the first time since everything began unraveling, I felt light almost hopeful. I would meet the Alphas today, and I would speak to them with clarity and confidence. Joy, not dread, guided my steps.
Once we were ready, we joined my father for breakfast.
To my surprise, the dining hall was already full. Several high-ranking Alphas occupied the long table, their presence commanding the space. I assumed the lesser Alphas were dining elsewhere. What stood out immediately was the imbalance there were more werebear Alphas than werewolves.
Donovan and Fabian were among them.
When Denzel and I entered, every Alpha rose to their feet in respect everyone except my father. They greeted us formally, saluting and acknowledging our rank. We returned their greetings and took our seats.
“Thank you all for responding on such short notice,” I said calmly. “I’ll ensure the meeting is brief.”
They murmured their thanks in return.
Breakfast passed in silence. I used the opportunity to study each face carefully, watching for the telltale black veins at the corners of the eyes. I found none except for one. The same elder I had noticed on the day of my arrival. I later learned his name was Orville.
Once breakfast concluded, I informed the Alphas that we would reconvene at the Lycan parade grounds in two hours. After that, I requested a private moment with my father. I needed to speak to him about Orville.
I did not want Orville present during the address. If there was any way to keep him away from the meeting, it had to be done.
The moment I told my father about Orville’s corruption, anger flashed across his face but not surprise. It was as though my words only confirmed something he had already suspected.
“Why aren’t you surprised?” I asked him quietly.
He smiled faintly.
“Because he is Ashani’s close friend,” he replied. “Birds of the same feather are often driven by the same force. Don’t worry. I’ll send him on an errand he won’t be anywhere near the meeting.”
Relief washed over me, and I hugged him tightly in gratitude.
He held me longer than usual.
“I’m glad I found you,” he said softly.
I felt his joy and it broke my heart. I would be leaving him soon.
Two hours later, I arrived at the parade grounds. The turnout was larger than the group I’d shared breakfast with. Alphas lined the space, their presence heavy with expectation.
“Welcome, everyone,” I addressed them firmly.
They saluted and greeted me in unison, then did the same for Denzel.
Once the formalities were complete, I wasted no time.
“I’m sure you all know why you’ve been summoned,” I began. “None of you are strangers to the unrest spreading through our lands especially where the Silver Forest clan is concerned.”
Silence answered me.
“What I’m about to share may be new to some of you. This is information my husband and I have gathered regarding the growing threat. They worship a god other than our Moon Mother. They promise their followers freedom from my bloodline, from their Alphas and immunity to silver.”
I paused, letting the words settle.
“They are fast. Strong. Unified like a single mind. In simple terms,” I said evenly, “they are zombies.”
Unease rippled through the crowd. Good. They needed to be unsettled.
“For those from the werewolf territories, many of you have already encountered these creatures. You’ve seen neighboring packs fall. If you believe this is temporary that it will pass you are gravely mistaken. They are spreading. Strengthening their hold. And the only way they do that is by increasing their numbers. Their recruitment is relentless.”
I drew a steady breath.
“The supernatural may be difficult to believe in,” I continued, “but it believes in you and it is eager to claim you. Their leader, Alpha Tremaine, has been blessed by the deceptive god he serves Eshera. That is how they grant these abilities. In exchange, their followers exist in between life and death. Neither living nor dead. Zombies.”
The air felt heavier now.
“They do not possess free will. They are tools, summoned and discarded at will. Guard your hearts carefully. They seek out your deepest desires and offer them freely. Remember this deprivation with freedom is far better than fulfilled desires earned through enslavement.”
I exhaled slowly.
“They have been tasked with eradicating all who serve the Moon Goddess so their god may reign in our world. Werewolf packs have been their primary targets. The bears believe this is not their concern but when the wolves are gone, who do you think they’ll turn to next?”
I let my gaze sweep across them.
“We are stronger together. If we allow ourselves to be divided, weakened from within, we will fall one by one.”
“How certain are you of this?” King Fabian asked.
I nodded once.
“We fought them. Captured one. Questioned her until she turned to ashes before our eyes.”
Gasps broke the silence.
“She was once a member of our pack,” I continued. “They promised her power if she betrayed us. She led them through our forest. What she served consumed her life force to grant her desires and ensured she was caught, just to send us a message.”
No one spoke.
“These creatures are difficult to kill. Harder to capture. Their hearts are black as night, their eyes often red signs that they no longer possess independent thought. Consider this your warning.”
Murmurs spread through the gathering.
And in that moment, I knew this was going to be a very long day.