Chapter 30(The Title is Mine)

Chapter 30(The Title is Mine)
Elder Marcus’ pov

The night was quiet, and cold. I sat alone in my room while the fire burned low in the small hearth. The light reflected on the stone walls, and my hands rested on the arms of the old chair, but my mind would not rest. It kept running, circling, like a wolf that smells something far away.

Long ago, power was ours. My family ruled this pack. The Alpha title carried our name. People spoke of us with respect. With fear. But that was a long time ago. Before Roman’s great-grandfather cheated us. Before he stole what was meant for my blood. He played games, lied, betrayed. And my family lost the crown.

I still remember the day the throne slipped away. I was a boy then. Too young to fight, but not too young to watch. Our name was pushed aside. Their name rose high. And since that day, I have vowed to myself to get our title back to our lineage where it rightfully belongs. For this reason, I have tolerated the previous and present Alpha. I have smiled when I must, bowed when I had to, and obeyed their every word, trying to buy their trust.

But a man like doesn't wait forever. Heaven has presented me with the perfect way to get it back. I was so glad when Roman became Alpha, because I know, I had his weakest spot and that is my daughter Elena. He has always loved her, and was even ready to leave his family back then for her, but his father fought against it.

Her coming back, was all I needed. Now she is here, the path is clear. I see it like a trail lit by moonlight. The way back to power is not through blood and war. No. It is through patience. Through clever hands. And through my own daughter.

Elena is the perfect Luna, not that counterfeit in the Luna's chamber. I would make sure I get rid of her, she doesn't even fit the title, she's like a stain on a beautiful white dress. But Elena my daughter, already has the attributes of a Luna, she is a shining star, and everybody sees her light.

If we had known Roman will be Alpha, she wouldn't have left. She would have been his Luna by now. But it's all good, nothing has spoilt. I know Roman still has a soft spot for her, I saw it during Alpha Noah's party. No matter how hardened he is now, his feelings for his first love didn't change.

A small knock on the door broke the silence.I cleared my throat, steadied myself and said.

“Come in,” I said.

The door opened and Elena stepped inside. Her scent filled the room first…fresh pine after rain, a hint of wild sweetness. She closed the door with a quiet click and turned toward me.

“Father,” she said, her voice low and even. “You sent for me?”

I looked at her and felt pride swell in my chest. She looked so much like her mother…strong eyes, fine face, a queen in waiting.

“Yes,” I said. “I wanted to hear about your visit. You went to see the Luna today?”

She came closer and folded her hands in front of her. “Yes. I went. She was polite. A little quiet. Maybe surprised to see me. She took the gifts Mother sent, and we talked for a short while.”

I leaned forward, my eyes sharp. “And what did you think of her?”

Elena tilted her head, thinking. “She seems… lonely,” she said at last. “Like she lives inside her own thoughts. She tries to hide it, but I can feel it. She feels unwanted. Maybe unloved. She does not speak of Roman much. She acts like she is fine, but she is not.”

A slow smile crept across my mouth. The fire popped as if it agreed. “Just as I thought,” I said. “And that is where you will strike.”

Her eyes lit with a spark. “Strike?” she asked.

I rose from my chair. The old wood floor creaked under my boots as I walked toward her. “You must become her friend,” I said. “Get close. Win her trust. Let her speak to you. Let her share her fears. Let her tell you her secrets.”

Elena’s brows lifted but her lips curved. “And after that?”

“Then,” I said, lowering my voice, “you will guide her. Slow and gentle. You will plant small seeds in her mind. Doubt. Fear. Make her question certain things, fuel her with strength she didn't know she had, and push her to think of freedom. To dream of leaving. When the time is right, she will break her own chains, and Roman will have no choice but to cast her away.”

I paused and let the words hang heavy in the warm air. “And when she is gone,” I said softly, “you will take her place.”

Elena drew in a sharp breath. Her eyes gleamed. “As Luna,” she whispered.

“Yes, as Luna,” I confirmed. “And when Roman claims you again, you will give him an heir. A child with our blood. Then the Alpha throne will belong to our line once more. The name Marcus Lightwood will rule this pack again.”

The fire moved, throwing sparks against the dark.

Elena stood very still. Then she stepped closer. Her chin lifted high, proud and calm. “I will do it,” she said. Her voice was soft but hard beneath. “Roman was mine first. Before that outsider came. Before she even knew his name. I loved him first. I will not let her sit on a throne that was meant for me.”

Heat rose in my chest, fierce and proud. I placed my hand on her shoulder. Her skin was warm beneath my palm. “That is my daughter,” I said. “But remember this. Patience is our greatest weapon. This is not a fight of claws and teeth. This is a game of shadows. You must be the shadow that brings her down.”

A small smile curved her lips, sly and sure. “I understand, Father. I will not fail.”

“You cannot fail,” I said, my voice sharp but full of pride. “Our name depends on it. Our ancestors demand it. This pack was built on our strength. It will return to our hands, and you will be the key.”

Elena straightened her back like a soldier. Determination wrapped around her like a cloak. “Then I will be the key,” she said.

For a long moment I watched her. In her face I saw not only my child but the future of our name. The Alpha’s seat no longer felt like a far dream. It was close now. Close enough to taste.

I let a rare smile spread across my face slow and satisfied. “Good,” I said. “Very good.”

Elena’s smile matched mine, sharp as a wolf’s tooth. The room felt smaller, heavier, as if the air itself carried our secret. The fire burned low but bright.

Two hearts…One dark purpose.

The throne will return, and the pack will kneel before me. Very soon, the name and house of Marcus will rule once more.

The night outside stayed silent, but inside my blood sang with promise. I could almost hear my ancestors whispering from the shadows. Take it back. Take what is yours.

I closed my eyes for a breath. In that breath I saw it all…Elena crowned as Luna, Roman by her side, a child with our blood sleeping in her arms. The pack bowing, voices calling our name.

The future waited,and I, Elder Marcus, would make sure the waiting finally ended.