Chapter 47: Romantic or Poetic Cruelty
Chapter 47: Romantic or Poetic Cruelty
Ruby’s POV
It has been five days since the Alpha of the Ravenhold Pack abandoned his duty–five days in which I have watched the pack flounder under the incompetence of the people he chose to “lead.” I have had enough. The Beta is just as useless as his Alpha, and I have finally reached my breaking point.
The decision came swiftly and openly. I stood in the center of the pack’s meeting hall, surrounded by a crowd of wolves. My voice rang through the air–firm and resolute–as I listed every failure of the former Beta: his negligence, his inability to make decisions, and his utter disregard for the pack’s needs.
I relished the look on his face as he was publicly humiliated. The murmurs of agreement only added to his disgrace. If that wasn’t enough, even some of the elders voiced scathing remarks about him, their words cutting through the silence.
I was grateful that a few of the elders were still on my side, though it had taken effort and subtle manipulation. The old ones thrived on praise and having their egos stroked. And me? I merely took advantage of that. Especially now, when one of the elders‘ sons had become an important part of this pack.
When I announced his dismissal, Nathaniel’s face turned red. He stepped forward, seething with anger.
“You dare make this decision without consulting me!?”
I turned to him, my gaze sharp enough to cut.
“As Luna, I hold just as much authority as the Alpha–especially when the Alpha has abandoned his position or is absent.”
I shifted my gaze toward the crowd before settling on the elders seated in their seats of honor. Smiling, I bowed respectfully to them before continuing.
“The elders have also approved of this decision, Father. Or do you intend to defend someone who has failed to uphold his responsibilities to our pack?”
Without sparing him another glance, I called forth the new Beta. Andreas, Elder Josse’s son, stepped forward. I had thoroughly investigated his background, down to the smallest detail. He was everything a Beta should be–loyal, diligent, and fiercely protective of his pack. In short, he was highly competent.
As I introduced him to the gathering, I saw a glimmer of hope in the eyes of the pack members. This was the kind of leadership they deserved.
Nathaniel and Dominic? They could both go to hell. I couldn’t care less.
After the coronation, Nathaniel caught up to me, his voice already raised.
“Ruby, you have no right to make that decision!”
I stopped, slowly turning to face him. My expression remained composed, even though every fiber of my being wanted to tear this pathetic
As I said, Fath Creature apart.
I do have the right,” I replied calmly. “If anything, you should be grateful that I didn’t remove the former Beta entirely for his negligence. He does not deserve that title, nor does he deserve to be called a true Beta.”
“But you were supposed to consult me–or your Alpha!?” he shouted.
“The Alpha is not here, and you know this pack was abandoned by him without informing me first.” I met his gaze, my hands clenched into fists at my sides. “As Luna, it is my duty to lead when incompetence takes hold. Do you dare name one good thing that Beta has done–aside from me?”
“Still, I am here, and I-”
“According to our laws, a former Alpha is not allowed to interfere in pack affairs and may only act as a regular pack member. The father I know is a man who respects the law. Isn’t that right?” I asked, my smile deliberately designed to make his
blood boil.
Nathaniel’s nostrils flared, but before he could respond, I was already walking away. I had no interest in entertaining his misplaced anger.
The day ended just like that. I ignored the minor commotions Nathaniel caused, still fixated on the dismissal of that useless Beta. I couldn’t understand why he was so adamant about keeping that man.
It felt like there was something more to it–something bevond simple lovalty or support. Perhaps he was complicit in their wrongdoings. I needed to investigate.
Successfully unlocked!
Night fell, and the moon cast its pale glow over the man all. The house was silent, save for the rustling leaves outside. I had locked all the doors, ensuring no one would disturb me. My eyes landed on the envelope Killian had given me earlier- yet another piece of evidence exposing Camilla’s foolishness.
Who would have thought that the baby wasn’t Dominic’s?
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Chapter 47: Romantic of Poetic Cruelty
Even as someone who had suffered from their affair, I hadn’t seen this coming. So, she also had several men wrapped around her finger. What was wrong with that woman?
She was like a desperate cat in heat, starving for attention–so vastly different from the image she painted of herself as a demure and gentle woman.
I held the envelope in my hands, weighing my next move. There was no need to rush. I wanted to savor this, to bide my time until the perfect moment. Perhaps I would reveal the truth when Camilla reached the peak of her pregnancy–or even after she gave birth.
The child itself was innocent, and I wouldn’t punish a baby for the sins of its parents. No, the burden of that revelation would fall solely on Camilla and Dominic–and it would destroy them.
A faint smile played on my lips as my thoughts drifted to Killian. He had mentioned a gift, and I couldn’t help but wonder what he meant by that. His definition of a gift was often unconventional, to say the least–if not outright excessive.
I wasn’t sure whether to call it romantic or a form of poetic cruelty.
Suddenly, a piercing scream shattered the silence.
I shot to my feet, quickly hiding the envelope in a safe place before rushing out of the room. The guards had already gathered, their anxious expressions guiding me toward the source of the sound. It was coming from Nathaniel’s chamber- and my fake mother’s.
As I stepped inside, a foul stench hit me first. A putrid, sickening odor that made my stomach churn. Even the guards hesitated to enter. And then I saw it.
My fake mother lay sprawled on the bed, her body covered in grotesque wounds oozing with pus and emitting a rancid smell. Her once flawless skin was now marred with horrifying blemishes, and her shrieks pierced the air like knives. Nathaniel stood beside her, pale and trembling–until his own scream joined hers. His body convulsed, the same festering wounds spreading across his skin as he collapsed onto the floor.
“W–what is happening here!?”
Panicked, I turned to the guards. “Call the healer. Now!”
For a moment, all I could do was stare, watching in feigned shock and helplessness as my poor parents writhed in agony. I pretended not to understand, not to have a clue as to what was happening. But deep down, I already knew the truth. This was the work of someone I knew all too well.
The Lycan King’s gift.
A hidden smile curled at my lips. That man always kept his promises.
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Chapter 45: Never Mess with a Patient Person
Chapter 48: Never Mess with a Patient Person