Chapter 187

Chapter 187
Third Person POV

The Great Hall fell into silence as Mason walked forward, his powerful steps echoing across the floor. Every eye in the room turned to him, and the air thickened with tension. He carried the weight of true authority with him, and it showed in every movement.

Across the room, Jayden straightened his posture, puffing out his chest as if trying to appear even more powerful than he already did.

"Mason," Jayden said, his tone smooth and full of arrogance, "you've arrived just in time for the ceremony. I trust you understand the line of succession as laid out by our late father."

Mason narrowed his eyes, the light in them sharp and wolf-like as he looked Jayden over.

"Jayden, you may enjoy pretending to be king, but let’s not fool ourselves. That crown isn't on your head yet."

The court officials shuffled nervously, some glancing at each other, unsure of where to place their loyalty.

Jayden raised an eyebrow, clearly annoyed.

"As the rightful heir, it's my duty to protect the kingdom's peace," he said. "You, on the other hand, have been absent and reckless, causing unrest among our people."

Mason didn’t flinch. He crossed his arms and met Jayden’s gaze.

"Peace? No. You just want the crown. You don’t care about the people."

Whispers rose from the court. Mason's words had clearly struck a chord.

Jayden’s expression tightened. He pushed forward, pretending to stay calm.

"You will address me as your king," he said. "And I demand an apology and your submission for your disrespect."

Mason didn’t move. He only gave a small smile, unimpressed.

The two brothers stood face to face as their followers watched in tense silence.

Jayden leaned closer, lowering his voice with a threatening edge.

"You will be punished, Mason. Public flogging for your disobedience. You need to be taught a lesson."

Mason laughed, low and wild.

"You’re not king yet, Jayden. Save your threats for your coronation—if you ever reach it."

Jayden held up a scroll, the king’s seal shining in the torchlight.

"This proves it. Our father made his choice. His signature is right here."

Mason looked at the document, then shrugged.

"Anyone can forge a signature. I don't accept that as proof."

Jayden's jaw clenched as his grip tightened on the scroll.

Before he could speak again, Mason continued.

"I learned something on my way back. Our father was murdered. A powerful Lycan like him doesn’t just die so easily. And the only people in the palace that day were the guards, the maids... and you and Alaska."

The crowd gasped.

Mason turned his eyes on the ministers. Some looked away, unable to meet his gaze.

"Jayden," Mason said slowly, his voice like a blade. "You were the only Lycan strong enough to kill him. Why weren’t you investigated properly? Why was everyone so quick to hand you the throne?"

Jayden looked around. The weight of everyone’s gaze was now on him. He took a step back. His forehead beaded with sweat.

Suddenly, the sound of sharp heels filled the hall.

Alaska entered the room, her smile sweet and polished.

Jayden’s nerves settled. Her presence gave him confidence again.

"Mason, always the rebel," Alaska said, her voice smooth as silk. "You never did respect your father. Everyone knew that."

Mason narrowed his eyes.

"What does that have to do with his murder? And why were only you and Jayden at the palace when it happened?"

Alaska stepped forward, keeping her calm.

"You missed the truth because you never stayed close to your father," she said. "He was sick. Weak. Anyone could have hurt him."

Mason glanced between her and Jayden, his suspicion rising.

"So you’re saying his weakness invited the attack? That still doesn’t clear your names."

Alaska smirked.

"We were ruled out by the investigation. The scent left in the room didn’t match me or Jayden. It wasn’t a Lycan’s scent."

She pulled a bundle of letters from her robe and held them up.

"These were for you," she said, her voice rising. "We asked you to return. To see your father. But you ignored us."

The court whispered again, some shaking their heads.

Mason stared at the letters in disbelief.

"I never received these. You're trying to paint me as a careless son. It won’t work."

Alaska dabbed at her eyes.

"We sent them to your known homes. You chose not to return. And now, you cause more trouble instead of mourning your father. Shameful."

Mason clenched his jaw. He saw the trap she was laying, but he wasn’t going to fall for it.

"If you truly cared, you wouldn't be so eager to make Jayden king without even finding the truth. The real killer is still out there."

He turned to the court.

"Three days," Mason announced. His voice echoed across the room.

"Give me three days to prove what really happened. If I fail, I will give up my title and walk away. But if I find the truth, and Jayden or Alaska are involved, they lose everything."

The hall was frozen.

Mason slowly turned his eyes back to Jayden and smiled coldly.

"Let the countdown begin, brother."