Chapter 3

3.

Caden was sitting in my usual meditation spot when I walked in. He flashed me a smile full of pure malice.

"Thanks for the Spark, Elias. It helped me reach a level I never thought possible."

His tone shifted into an arrogant gloat.

"Of course, I really have to thank Xaviera. Her favoritism is truly a blessing."

I let out a dry, mocking chuckle.

"Stealing something doesn't make it yours. If the pack finds out you're the reason our brothers died at Crimson Creek, how do you think they'll treat you?"

Caden's face contorted into a snarl.

"You wouldn't dare! Xaviera would destroy you!"

"Try me."

A flicker of panic crossed his eyes. He scrambled out of the room.

I knew exactly where he was going. He was going to cry to Xaviera so she could play the protector.

Finally alone, I sat down to try and meditate. Without my core, my body felt like a leaking vessel. Every breath felt like inhaling broken glass.

Xaviera walked in carrying a bowl of steaming liquid. "Drink this, Elias. I went to the Apothecary for these rare herbs. They'll help you regrow your Spark."

Her voice was soft, and for a second, my heart skipped a beat.

But I knew better now.

"I don't want it," I said coldly, keeping my eyes shut.

She sat on the edge of the cot and blew on a spoonful of the medicine.

"Be good. Let me feed you. Just drink it."

I opened my eyes and looked into hers. They seemed full of tenderness.

"I spent all morning hunting for these. Please."

I let her feed me the medicine. Then, she pulled a small piece of candy from her sleeve and pressed it to my lips.

"There's my brave boy. Now, Caden told me something worrying. He said you're planning to tell the pack about what happened at the Creek?"

"If you keep quiet, I'll come and feed you your medicine every day. Deal?"

The smile was the same, but I finally saw the calculation in her eyes.

It was always about Caden. She would swallow her pride and play the doting lover just to protect him.

The candy in my mouth suddenly tasted like ash. I pulled away.

"Xaviera, I won't do it."

The warmth vanished instantly. Her eyes flared with a terrifying rage.

"If you won't take the carrot, then you'll get the stick."

The Grand Assembly was held under the midday sun. Today would be my final day at Silver Moon.

The disciples gathered in the great hall, waiting for Elder Magnus. Xaviera sat in the high chair, overseeing the proceedings.

"The Crimson Creek battle was a heavy blow. However, we have a hero. Caden saved countless lives during the retreat."

The younger wolves cheered Caden's name, beckoning him forward.

Xaviera stood up and pulled Caden to the spot right next to her―the spot that used to be mine. They looked like the perfect power couple.

She took his hand and made an announcement.

"Since our return, Caden's power has reached new heights. I propose that Elias steps down as the Lead Warrior. From today on, Caden will lead our combat training."

That title had been hard-won. Years ago, the Elder thought I was too young to lead.

Xaviera had knelt in the rain for two weeks to change his mind.

Back then, she said she wouldn't let my talent be wasted.

Now, she was personally stripping it away.

Caden looked back at me with a triumphant grin. He leaned in and whispered so only I could hear.

"Sorry, Elias. Xaviera is worried you'll talk. She decided it's better if everyone just hates you instead."

Xaviera walked toward me, her voice booming with cold authority.

"To prove he is worthy, Caden will duel Elias right here."

The crowd began to chant for a fight.

Xaviera had trapped me. If I refused, I was a coward. If I fought, I would be crushed because I had no Spark.

I looked at her and felt a twisted sense of pity. "I give him the position. There's no need to fight."

Xaviera raised a hand. "That's not enough."

With a wave of her hand, she used her pressure to force me onto the dueling platform. Caden landed gracefully opposite me, offering a fake, respectful bow.

"Forgive me, senior."

He came at me with my own power. He didn't just want to win; he wanted to kill.

I had no defense. I was thrown across the stone floor, my body broken and bleeding.

The disciples looked at me with pure disdain. "He got so many of our brothers killed! This is karma!"

Caden held his sword high. "I win!"

As the crowd roared, Xaviera smiled. "Then, the title of Lead Warrior goes to―"

"Stop," I croaked, pushing myself up with trembling arms. "Don't bother with the ceremony. I'm leaving the Silver Moon Pack. I will never set foot on this mountain again."

The hall went silent. Then, the heavy doors groaned open. Elder Magnus walked in, his face dark with fury.

"Enough of this nonsense!"

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