The Villain Alpha's Cursed Mate

The reverberating echoes of footsteps on the stone floor was palpable, as several Alphas’ made their way to the moonstone hall. They passed by massive stone pillars, dressed in their finest attires as though it were an invitation to an evening ceremony.

For many, this was a first-time invitation to the palace, a privilege reserved for those who had earned a certain standing among their packs. One noble Alpha couldn’t help but shoot a disdainful glance at the stunning stained glass window, where sunlight poured in, his expression soured by the prospect of facing Illyria’s entire Alpha community.

He saw this gathering as an opportunity to identify a vulnerable Alpha, one whose pack he could later claim as his own to expand his dominion. This potential gain, along with the alarming rumors of demon shifters resurfacing, had persuaded him to attend the meeting.

As they entered the majestic moonstone hall, hushed conversations filled the air. At the center of the room, a stately, circular council table made from ancient oak, adorned with inlays, dominated the space. High-backed chairs encircled the table, and the Alphas took their seats without any hesitation or dispute.

As the council members of Illyria entered the hall, the room’s attention shifted to them. They walked with purpose towards the judicial arena, a raised platform that exuded a sense of quiet authority. The banners of Illyria’s justice fluttered gently with the breeze that wafted through the opened archways, adding to the dignified atmosphere. The six council members radiated an aura of power, commanding the respect of the assembled Alphas from the moment they arrived.

One of the Alpha’s, who was seated with a picture of pure boredom etched on his face, spoke up. "Can we get this meeting started already? It’s not safe to be away from our pack at a time like this."

The Alpha beside him drummed his fingers on the table, interrupting with a sarcastic tone. "I’m sure we’re all capable of leaving instructions with our betas. And it’s not like our packs are going to be attacked in broad daylight. My sympathy goes out to those who traveled from the North and West." His gaze swept the room, his small smile a subtle jab at the Alpha’s from those specific regions.

As it is known to be normally chilly in the North and the west, it posed a challenge for them as they had to travel here to the East. The tension was palpable, as neither of them was thrilled to be here, especially in each other’s company. The gathering was a mix of allies and sworn enemies, and the air was heavy with animosity.

The room rose to its feet as the king entered, resplendent in his royal attire. He strode to the head table and gazed at the present Alphas, his gaze lingering on each one as if trying to gauge their readiness for the task ahead.

The Alphas and members of the council, greeted their monarch, King Lycan, with a respectful, "Your Majesty." It was already a well-known fact that only a Lycan could symbolize royalty in Illyria, due to their extraordinary strength and rarity, making them unique. With a nod, King Lennox bade them to take their seat, including the council members, his gaze encompassing the entire assembly.

"Alphas of Illyria," he began, his voice echoing within the chamber. "I extend my gratitude to each of you for putting aside our differences and gathering here today. As some of our ancestors did before us, we gather here in the moonstone hall to address a threat that imperils not only our individual packs but our kinship."

As he spoke, the tension in the room was palpable, a silent acknowledgement of the seriousness of the situation. Some of the Alphas leaned in, their eyes reflecting the shifting lights of the stained glass above. ƒгeewebnovёl.com

Lennox continued, "We’re all aware of the tragedy that befell the royal blackwood family many years ago, courtesy of the demon shifters’ interference. We thought we’d contained the threat by putting the demon to sleep, but he has awakened, and unfortunately, he’s not alone. Other demon shifters, thought to be extinct, have actually been hiding, and the Therondia pack has suffered at their hands."

As Lennox outlined the looming threats, the room seemed to darken, as if the shadows themselves were deepening. The Alphas listened attentively, and their faces grew increasingly somber with each passing moment.

"One crucial discovery arose from that attack," Lennox elaborated. "The curse of a demon shifter can be transmitted, and sadly, the late Alpha Damon Montague’s youngest son has fallen victim to it."

The room erupted into a chorus of outrage and disbelief, "What do you mean the demons weren’t extinct? And the son of the Therondia pack’s Alpha is—"

Leonardo intervened, his calm tone a stark contrast to the rising tumult. "Please, take your seats. Allow His Majesty to finish." The Alphas reluctantly sat down when the king’s beta spoke up, and Lennox resumed his address, his voice steady amidst the turmoil.

"The council is torn between sparing the boy’s life and ending it to prevent harm to others and the potential spread of the curse. The unknown transmission method of the curse poses a significant threat to us all. Today, we’ll hold a trial, where the boy’s sister will defend him before the assembly. If she can provide sufficient reason to spare his life, I will make the final decision on his fate."

"A trial?" Alpha Rhyne’s incredulous tone broke the silence that followed, and the sounds of chains could be heard.

As Finnian was led into the moonstone hall, the sound of his chained footsteps echoed through the room. His expression was one of detachment, refusing to meet the shocked gazes of the Alphas. The guards escorted him to the dais, where he stood quietly, his small hands bound in front of him.

The banners above rustled in anticipation of the impending verdict. At that moment, the Alphas exchanged weighted glances, realizing that this meeting was more than just a discussion — it was a crossroad. The decisions made here would echo through the annals of Illyrian history, just like the ancient carvings on the wall surrounding them.

Today, the Illyrians, who have dedicated centuries to eradicating demon shifters, would decide whether to spare one — the son of a respected Alpha who had fallen fighting the leader of the demon shifters. What would the Alpha have done if he were alive to witness this?

Leonardo glanced at Esme, who stood at a corner, struggling to contain her anxiety. She met his fixed gaze, and he nodded reassuringly, urging her to take a step forward. Esme, who had always feared crowds, was on the verge of a panic attack, but she knew she had to act. If she didn’t speak up, her brother’s life might be forfeit. All she had to do was explain, and hope that Finnian didn’t transform into a demon in the process.

"Can I make a request?" Finnian’s voice broke the silence, his expression grave, and he turned to the king. "Can everyone leave my sister out of it? She’s not comfortable in crowds, so don’t pressure her into speaking if she’s not ready. That’s all I ask." The moonstone hall fell silent, and Esme was stunned by her brother’s concern for her. Even in his own moment of crisis, he remembered her trauma.

Esme clenched her fist, and before the king could respond, she stepped forward and made her way to the dais.