Peter’s Downfall
The folded letter trembled in her hands, but not from fear. Samantha’s lips curled as her eyes darted across her mother’s desperate words. Her father’s threats, his so-called demands for her return, were nothing more than shackles waiting to bind her again. Return home? To kneel under Cedric’s iron hand and endure his punishment without even tasting the life she longed for? Never.
Her mother’s pleas might have been soaked with tears, but Samantha sneered in her heart. Father thinks he can summon me back like a stray dog? He underestimates me. He always has. I will not return empty-handed. I will not bow before him again. No… I will win here. I will take what I deserve.
Crushing the parchment in her fist until it crinkled, Samantha flung it into the corner of her room. She sat on the edge of her bed, breathing slowly until her rage settled into a familiar, simmering determination.
Theo had not reported her yet. That silence was her only shield for now, but it would not last. She needed to act before the walls of Dam-Nighade closed in.
And so, Samantha shifted her gaze. If she could not enter through Rina, then she would inch her way in through the one closest to her.
With rehearsed meekness and downcast eyes, Samantha began approaching Priscilla. She offered help with her simple personal tasks, complimented her whenever the opportunity arose, and even stepped back to let Priscilla take the credit when the Head Maid praised the work of the younger maids.
At first, Priscilla had been cautious—she knew how Luna Rina had spoken in parables about Samantha that day. The sudden sweetness felt like honey hiding a sting. But Samantha never pressed, never asked for favors directly. Instead, she listened, offered small kindnesses, and bore the other’s suspicion with patient humility.
Day after day, her consistency began to wear down Priscilla’s guard. By the end of the week, the young maid started to smile at Samantha’s company. She even began confiding in her, thinking perhaps the older maid only sought companionship, not schemes.
One evening as they walked together from the kitchen to the servant’s quarters, Priscilla laughed softly at something Samantha had said. She shook her head, finally admitting aloud,
“You know… I thought you didn’t like me anymore because I was chosen by Luna Rina. But maybe I was wrong. Maybe you are just different … maybe you just wanted a friend.”
Samantha lowered her lashes, hiding the triumphant gleam in her eyes. Her smile was gentle, humble, perfectly crafted.
“Yes of course… a friend. That’s all I ever wanted.”
But in her heart, the thought hissed differently: No, sweet Priscilla. You are not a friend. You are my key. And through you, I will get what I want
\---
Meanwhile…
The evening air was cool, the faint glow of lanterns scattering shadows across the stone path near the warriors’ quarters. Beta Matt had only gone out to check on a delivery report from one of the supply wagons when voices, low and sharp, drew his attention. He paused at the corner of the corridor, half-hidden by the stacked crates.
Peter, the high-ranking official known for his ambition, stood in the middle of three warriors. His tone was hushed but laced with venom.
“Listen carefully,” Peter ordered, his eyes narrowing. “The new Beta Matt is too cautious to let his guard down, but alpha Theo… Theo is his weak link. If we can’t strike him directly, then we make him stumble first. Once he’s shaken, the Alpha’s focus will falter.”
One of the warriors grunted. “And how do you propose we get close to Theo without suspicion?”
Peter smirked. “Simple. Our informant has already secured a place among the guards stationed in the Alpha’s estate. With time, Theo won’t even notice the noose tightening around his neck.”
Matt’s stomach knotted. He didn’t dare move, not with Peter’s sharp senses. He waited until their footsteps faded before slipping back into the shadows and making his way toward the Alpha’s wing.
When he finally found Theo in his study, the Beta’s face was grim. Theo looked up from the scroll he was examining, instantly catching the seriousness in his second-in-command’s eyes.
“What is it, Matt?”
Matt relayed every word he had overheard. Silence settled in the room, heavy and tense.
Theo leaned back in his chair, his jaw tightening. His eyes glinted with cold calculation.
“So… they think to turn my own guards against me.”
Matt frowned. “Do you want me to bring them in for questioning?”
“No.” Theo’s voice was calm but edged with steel. “We won’t confront them yet. If we strike now, we’ll only cut off the tail while the head slithers away.” He stood, the weight of his authority filling the room. “Let them think their plan is working. We’ll set a trap… one that forces their hand and exposes the true traitors among them.”
Matt’s lips curled into a grim smile. “As expected of you, Theo. What do you have in mind?”
Theo’s gaze drifted to the window, where the moonlight spilled like silver over the estate grounds. His expression was sharp, unyielding.
“They want an opening? Then I’ll give them one. A false weakness. They’ll think I’m vulnerable, distracted… until the moment their fangs are bared. Then we’ll snap the jaws shut.”
\---
Theo moved carefully. If Peter suspected even a hint of a trap, he would slither away and tighten his network. So, days after overhearing the plots, Theo summoned Peter to his study.
When Peter entered, he expected cold indifference at best. Instead, Theo rose from his seat and inclined his head slightly.
“Peter,” Theo began, his tone unusually soft. “I’ve been reflecting on our past quarrels. Perhaps I was too harsh with you.”
Peter froze mid-step, suspicion flickering in his eyes. “Too harsh?” he repeated slowly.
Theo offered a small, apologetic smile. “Yes. You have served this pack for months now, and though we’ve had our differences, it would be foolish to overlook your… talents. From this day, I want you closer to me. I need men who aren’t afraid to speak their minds.”
Peter’s heart raced, suspicion battling greed in his chest. Was this genuine? Could Theo truly be offering reconciliation? He narrowed his eyes, searching Theo’s face for deceit—but Theo’s calm expression revealed nothing.
Still cautious, Peter muttered, “If you say so, my alpha.”
Days later, during a council meeting, an opportunity presented itself. One official accused Peter of diverting resources unfairly. The evidence was clear, and Peter knew he was guilty. His pulse quickened—would Theo abandon him now?
But to his shock, Theo cut in sharply.
“Enough. Do not hurl baseless accusations at a loyal servant of this pack.”
The room fell silent. Theo’s voice carried weight, and no one dared push further.
Peter sat in stunned silence before bowing deeply. Inside, relief melted into delight. Theo defended me… even though I was guilty. He truly sees me as an ally now.
That day marked a shift. Peter relaxed his guard. He began flattering Theo openly, basking in his “favor.” With time, arrogance seeped back into his veins. He insulted rivals, whispered lies about other officials, and strutted about the estate with newfound confidence, always boasting, “The alpha himself trusts me now.”
But in private, Theo’s eyes only grew colder. He had written to Damian in secret, reporting Peter’s treachery and carelessness. Damian’s reply was swift and merciless: Send him to me for judgment.
A week later, another council meeting was called. The hall was heavy with expectation as Theo addressed them.
“Peter,” Theo announced smoothly, “you have proven yourself worthy these past weeks. I want you to deliver our pack’s latest report. A letter, sealed with my own hand.”
Pride swelled in Peter’s chest. He stepped forward, bowing low. “It would be my highest honor to serve you and our very great Alpha Damian in this way.”
Theo handed him the letter—a thick envelope sealed with wax. Peter accepted it with reverence, never realizing that within lay every detail of his corruption, his arrogance, and his betrayal.
As Peter clutched the letter, thinking it was his golden ticket to Damian’s favor, Theo’s lips curved into the faintest, coldest smile.
“Travel swiftly,” Theo said, his tone rich with hidden meaning. “Our Alpha awaits your arrival.”