THE WORTHY KING

Third POV

The King City.

The sun had dipped below the horizon, casting a deep red glow on the massive white stone tower in the Eastern Valley. The tranquil atmosphere was shattered when a group of warriors dressed in black burst into the valley.

"What do you want?" Aldricus stood before the stone tower with authority. His voice is deep and commanding as he questioned the warriors surrounding him. His silver-white hair flowed in the wind. None of these soldiers alarmed him.

Bell stepped forward and bowed respectfully. "Aldricus, Alpha Simon cordially invites you, in your capacity as the elder, to attend the coronation ceremony next week."

"Alpha?" Aldricus scoffed. "Can that ungrateful traitor really call himself Alpha? That's ridiculous."

"Mind your words, Aldricus!" Bell's expression grew serious. "Alpha Simon won't appreciate what you've just said."

Aldricus let out a mocking laugh. "For centuries, I have faithfully served this kingdom, crowning new kings and guiding them in their ways. But Simon has betrayed our kind, he is far from worthy of being a true leader. I will never acknowledge him as king.

" Shut up, old man," Bell gritted his teeth.

Aldricus continued firmly, "You may go. Whatever you do, I will not attend Simon's coronation."

"Think carefully if your decision is the right one, Aldricus," Bell narrowed his eyes, his tone threatening. "If you refuse to come to the palace on your own, we have other options."

Behind Bell, the warriors took up their attacking positions.

"Leave now," Aldricus turned away, unfazed by Bell's threats." You've tainted your wolves."

Simon sneered, "Fine. Since you're so unwilling to crown Alpha Simon, you're no longer worthy. "

He drew a pistol from his back and pulled the trigger as the barrel pointed at Aldricus. "To hell, old man!"

Aldricus closed his eyes. If this country was on the brink of destruction, he would rather die alongside her than witness her becoming unrecognizable while he remained powerless to stop it.

At that moment, a massive black wolf charged out of the valley and sank its teeth into Bell's shoulder. The bullet whizzed past Aldricus, grazing his side.

The sharp teeth of the black wolf pierced through Bell's shoulder, flinging him away. Following closely was a reddish-brown wolf, quickly picking up the handgun that Bell dropped. They positioned themselves in front of Aldricus, their furious roars thundering through the valley with imposing might.

Aldricus gazed at the familiar massive black wolf before him, almost teary-eyed with excitement. It was him, he had returned, the one who could lead the Wolfen Kingdom out of the darkness. The worthy King.

Bell clutched his wounded arm and struggled to rise from the ground. His eyes suddenly widen. He recognized the wolf that had attacked him.

It was Wyatt.

What the hell was he doing here?

These warriors he had brought with him might have been able to deal with an old man. But for a top-tier Alpha? They are done.

Wyatt wrinkled his nose and bared his sharp fangs, his voice as icy as a cold wind. "Attempting to kill the elder, uhh? Bell, seems like you got a lot of nerve."

Spitting out a mouthful of blood, Bell rallied his soldiers to close in on Wyatt, "You have no right to say such things anymore, Wyatt. Soon enough, when Alpha Simon takes the throne, you'll lose everything you possess!"

With a fierce roar, Wyatt's wolf roared. All the fur on his back stood. "Stop this nonsense." He took a few steps forward, then charged at Bell.

Bell evaded the first attack, but as he turned around, Wyatt lunged directly at his neck. Bell twitched a few times. Next second, he lost his life.

Wyatt dropped the lifeless body to the ground and addressed the trembling soldiers around him, "Your turn. " They didn't even have the courage to fight back and met their end under Wyatt's claws.

"Scum." Wyatt returned to his human form and wiped the blood from his face. He never showed mercy to those who betrayed their kind.

________

"Come in," Aldricus invited, gesturing for the two to enter the tower. In Wyatt's memory, He had lived in the tower for a long time. Aldricus possessed a unique talent that no Alpha dared to underestimate except for that foolish Simon. Wyatt had heard his mother describe Aldricus this way when he was younger —— that he could delve into the soul of every werewolf.

"I believe you already know the reason for our visit, Aldricus," Wyatt said.

Aldricus smiled slightly, not answering. His gaze lingered on Harper for several moments. Those silent moments made Harper feel like her breakfast had lodged itself in her throat.

"I assume you've come for this lady," Aldricus invited them to sit.

Harper nodded, "I am Harper. Harper Laurier."

Aldricus extended his hand for a firm handshake, "Miss Laurier, a pleasure to meet you. Or should I call you the future Luna？"

A subtle sensation ran across Harper's skin. Wyatt squeezed her hand. "Aldricus, you're a damn mind-reader." Wyatt said. They exchanged a knowing smile.

Harper stared, and Wyatt's low voice continued, "Aldricus, we've discovered that witches were involved in this rebellion. We're unsure of their motives." The unease returned, and Harper struggled to ignore the churning sensation in her stomach.

Aldricus nodded, without answering what Wyatt said. He turned to Harper, "Miss Laurier, I've seen you before. You were just a baby then."

A soft gasp escaped Harper's throat, "Mr... Mr. Aldricus," she fought back the more intense rolling in her stomach, "is it because Karina... is she my mother?"

Wyatt promptly embraced Harper, feeling her pulse racing.

"No, of course not. Karina arrived here only ten years ago, with malicious intent," Aldricus stood to pour tea for Wyatt and Harper.

"Witches come in different types," Aldricus handed the tea to Harper and said slowly "I know you doubt yourself, Miss Laurier. But your mother was a good witch."