Chapter 40 A second chance
Ruel’s POV
I walk into the meeting room and find the Alpha King already sitting at the head of the table.
He leans back slightly, fingers linked in front of him as he watches me. His golden eyes catch the light, sharp and observant. The weight of his stare settles on my shoulders until every breath feels tight.
“You have a second chance, commander Ruel,” he says. His voice is steady and calm, but there is a quiet force beneath every syllable.
His words hit like blunt strikes, heavy and unavoidable. I bow my head, pushing back the wave of relief rising in my chest. I will not show that to him.
“Understood, Alpha King,” I answer, keeping my voice even.
“The east strays must be wiped out before the end of the year.” He says, stating his expectation without hesitation.
The command sinks into me with the heaviness of a stone. I nod, trying to block out the spark of anger and disbelief that's clawing its way up my throat.
Out of the corner of my eye, I catch Elric’s expression. His frown is deep, hiding nothing about his true feelings. He has his arms crossed and rigid, not bothering to hide the judgment radiating off him. And I feel it like a line of heat racing under my skin. Still, I do not move.
The Alpha King studies me for a long, quiet moment, as if measuring my thoughts against my stillness. Then he leans forward, elbows resting on the polished table.
“This is a task I want you to co-lead with Scarface.” he says.
My body goes cold. My ears react before I can stop them, twitching sharply. For a second, the king's words don't register.
Scarface. Co-lead. With him? My jaw clamps tight, and my lungs hesitate, refusing to pull in a full breath.
A low ripple of shock moves through the room. I hear someone gasp. A warrior near the wall sucks in air sharply.
Elric shifts beside me, his hand gripping the arm of his chair with enough force to creak the wood.
He kicks my leg lightly under the table-- It is a warning, a reminder to control myself. Keeping my face blank, I force the tension in my chest to stay contained.
Scarface smiles like he was waiting for this all along.
He bows toward the Alpha King, acting perfectly composed. “Alpha King Andre, I will not fail,” he says with practiced smoothness. His chest lifts with a pride he barely tries to hide.
Heat flares under my skin as I feel anger pulse through me, steady and hot, but I keep it buried.
The Alpha King continues speaking, but for a few moments his voice fades beneath the roar of blood in my ears.
I steady my breathing, forcing myself to focus on the rhythms that keep me anchored.
Elric nudges my leg again. I give a small nod and keep still.
The Alpha King pushes to his feet and gestures for me to rise. “I am done here,” he says. His tone leaves no room for questions.
I stand right away and walk beside him. My steps are controlled, my expression calm. Elric follows close behind us, his frown darkening with every step.
The hall stretches long and quiet as we move, our footsteps echoing against the stone walls. Guards and warriors straighten and salute as we pass, giving us space with stiff respect.
The air shifts with murmurs behind us. I can feel the eyes on my back, full of curiosity and suspicion.
Co-leading with Scarface is not a promotion. It is an insult, a warning. I know exactly what the Alpha King is doing, and he knows I know.
When we reach the line of wagons outside, Omar steps forward to pull open the golden curtain door of the Alpha King’s carriage.
I lean closer.
“Alpha King Andre,” I say, my voice steady, but my pulse pushes against my throat. The king glances at me with a raised brow, waiting.
I consider saying nothing, but if I stay silent now, I may not get another chance.
“What is it again, Ruel?” he asks, sounding almost bored, though his tone carries an edge.
“You told me,” I begin carefully, “...that the next time we met, you would keep your promise and restore my memories.”
He studies me, and the change in his eyes is immediate. His gaze sharpens, and a slight frown appears. “After you've wiped out the east,” he says. “I will attend to nothing until you obey me completely.” His voice is flat, but there is an undeniable pressure behind it.
My face contorts into a scowl. “You have said that after every battle for the last five years,” I answer, keeping my voice controlled with little strain.
He narrows his eyes. “Why are you so impatient?” He says softly, as if he is amused, but the challenge in his gaze is unmistakable. “You do not deserve them yet. I do not owe you these memories. Gestrid will have to sacrifice a great deal to read your past and transfer it to you.”
I open my mouth to argue, but he cuts me off sharply.
“If you believe you cannot wait, then resign. I have someone who's more than ready to take your place.”
The words hit harder than I'd like. Still, I bow quickly, swallowing the anger clamping down on me. “Understood, Alpha King,” I say. “I am grateful for your willingness to help me.”
He rolls his eyes. “Make me proud, Ruel. Maybe then I will convince myself to keep you as Vahl’s commander.”
“I will do as you command,” I reply. Each word is steady, anchored in resolve. The moment he signals to move, the entourage falls into motion.
I stand where I am until the last carriage rolls out of sight. Dust rises around me, clinging to my coat, but I barely notice.
My mind is already racing. I know the Alpha King will not forgive failure. I know Scarface will try to outshine me at every chance he gets.
I know every step I take from this moment forward will be a test.
Every decision a blade hanging over my head.
But I have survived worse. I will survive this too.
I adjust my coat and begin walking toward the courtyard’s edge. The wind moves through my hair, the sun warming the back of my neck.
The patrols salute as I pass, ignoring their sideways glances and hushed whispers. I have no interest in fueling rumors. My purpose is clear. The east strays will fall. Whatever it takes.
I messed up once, I won't do it again.
I turn in the direction of my room, my mind already sifting through strategies, possible routes, the risks I cannot ignore…
Then I stop.
Elric stands directly in my path, his arms crossed with a deep scowl on his face. His glare is directed at me this time but unready for his talk right now, I storm past him.
Still, deep down inside, I know our conversation is going to hold but it's not going to be easy.