Chapter 23 Chapter 23//

Chapter 23 Chapter 23//
—I'm not just an heir —she said, trying to keep her voice steady. —I'm your daughter. And what I feel... for Rael... is not something that can be ignored. You may rule the clan, but you cannot control my heart.

Victor stared at her with a hardened expression, but there was something in his eyes that Selene couldn't decipher. He took a step forward, his voice lowering in pitch but not in intensity.

—Love is a weakness, Selene. And weaknesses are exploited. If you continue with this wolf, you'll expose the pride. You'll condemn us to a conflict we can't win. Cedric is lurking, waiting for any slip-up. And Rael... he's not to be trusted.

—Rael isn't like the other wolves —she replied quickly. —He's not part of Cedric's pack. He's alone, and he doesn't want war.

—All wolves want war —Victor interrupted, his tone sharp. —They are creatures of instinct, not reason. You're being blind, daughter.

Selene felt a lump in her throat, but she stood her ground. —If you can't accept Rael, then let me decide my own path. Don't force me to choose between my clan and the man I love.

Victor watched her for long seconds, the silence between them filled only with the crackling of the flames. Finally, he sighed, as if carrying the weight of centuries on his shoulders.

—I will never accept this union —he said, his voice lower. —But I'm not foolish. I know that forcing her will only drive her further away. I will do whatever it takes to protect this clan, even if it means losing you.

Selene felt her heart sink. She knew that was the greatest concession Victor was willing to make.

—Thank you for... trying to understand —she said, her voice trembling. —I just hope that in the end, we won’t have to face each other as enemies.

Victor walked away, turning his back to her, his gaze lost in the flames.

—I hope so too, Selene. I hope so too.

Selene felt her heart race as she followed Victor through the mansion's corridors. The silence surrounded her, heavy and ominous. When they reached the meeting room, the members of the Darkblood Clan were there, discussing in whispers, and everyone's gaze turned to her as she entered.

—Everyone, please be quiet —Victor said, his voice cutting through the murmur. —Selene needs to know what’s going on.

Selene exchanged nervous glances with Gabriel and Lysandra. She knew the atmosphere was tense, and Victor's words could change everything. He began to talk about the risks Rael posed, the threat his closeness to Cedric's pack could create.

—Rael isn't just a wolf —Victor continued. —He's become a real threat, and we need to act quickly. If he continues to involve himself with our family, we won't hesitate to take drastic measures.

Selene felt a lump in her throat. She wanted to protest, but the words wouldn't come. Instead, she scanned the faces around her. The determination in Victor's eyes made her uneasy. He had always been firm in his convictions, and she knew she wouldn't easily change his mind.

—We've decided you'll be under our protection —Victor declared. —That means you'll be stuck here until we can resolve this situation. We can't risk you getting close to him again.

The room fell silent. Selene felt a mixture of anger and despair. The last thing she wanted was to be isolated, but she knew that fighting the clan's decision could be even more dangerous.

—Now, we need to prepare for war —Victor continued. —We can't allow this wolf to keep getting closer. We'll finish him off as quickly as possible.

The murmurs in the room grew louder as the clan members began to disperse, each following Victor's orders. Selene stood there, unsure of what to do. Her life was about to change again, and all she wanted was to be with Rael.

Across town, Rael was alert. He had sensed the growing tension and was no longer at the hotel. Instead, he hid in a clearing in the forest, away from prying eyes. The nature around him gave him a certain comfort, but he knew he couldn't relax.

Then he heard footsteps approaching. Lucien appeared, his eyes alert and his expression neutral.

—Rael —Lucien began, keeping his tone casual. —I'm just here to warn you.

Rael frowned suspiciously. —Warn you about what? —he asked.

—Victor has declared war on you —Lucien said, as if speaking of the weather. —I'm not here to fight, yet. Just to inform you.

Rael's expression hardened. —And you think that's a good idea? —he replied.

—I don't get involved in clan politics —Lucien shrugged with a sardonic smile. —I'm just saying you should be careful. Things are heating up, and you don't want to be caught off guard.

—I appreciate the information, but I don’t know what else I can do —Rael answered, his voice firm.

—Just stay alert —Lucien said, glancing around as if checking if anyone was listening. —I'm leaving. I just thought you should know.

Without another word, Lucien turned and disappeared into the forest, leaving Rael alone with his thoughts. The declaration of war was a clear sign that things were about to change. And, more importantly, Selene was in the middle of it all, though Lucien didn't mention her.

Rael clenched his fists, feeling determination grow within him. He would not give up on Selene, no matter what the Darkblood clan decided to do. He would prepare for the battle to come.