Chapter 570

“Your Majesty, there’s someone here to see you.”
Elijah wasn’t surprised to hear he had a late-night visitor. All day, guests had been arriving to pay their respects to the Alpha King. And, of course, when night fell, it was time for the secret alliances to come crawling out of the dark.
With Henry’s burial set for tomorrow and the position of the next West Pack Alpha still dangling precariously over everyone’s heads, he had been expecting this.
“Let him in,” Elijah said, crossing one leg over the other. His mind went over a mental list of possible late-night visitors, his eyes lit up with satisfaction when the guest turned out to be exactly who he’d suspected.
“Beta Dominic,” Elijah addressed smoothly, “This is quite a pleasant visit.”
“Your Majesty,” Dominic bowed his head low in respect. “I decided to come at a convenient hour and take the opportunity to discuss an important matter with you.”
“You are a wise man, Beta Dominic. Sit.” Elijah gestured to the chair beside him.
Dominic obeyed immediately, settling into the seat.
Almost at once, Christian appeared with a servant girl carrying a tray. She poured Elijah’s wine first, her hands trembling slightly, then filled Dominic’s glass. Elijah gave a slight nod, dismissing her, and she scurried out quickly.
Christian, however, remained standing behind the Alpha King, and keeping watch.
“To the progress of the West Pack,” Elijah toasted.
“To the progress of the West Pack,” Dominic repeated with enthusiasm, lifting his glass before drinking on cue.
They both set their half-emptied glasses on the table between them.
Elijah relaxed back, his piercing gaze fixed on Dominic. “Now, tell me what brings you here so late at night, Beta Dominic?”
Dominic cleared his throat. “Before I proceed, Your Majesty, I wished to present you with this.”
He then reached into the bag he had come with and with both hands, carefully withdrew a masterfully crafted box. It’s surface was a deep burgundy red, and had runic etchings around it’s edges. It obviously was a relic of some sorts.
Elijah’s eyes narrowed with intrigue at the craftsmanship alone. He then flicked his fingers, and Christian moved, taking the box from Dominic.
He rotated it slightly, inspecting every angle before carefully unlatching it to ensure there was no danger hidden within. Only when he was fully satisfied did he present it to the Alpha King.
Elijah’s eyes shone, a small smile touching his lips as he gazed inside. Nestled within the box was a golden ring, its centerpiece forged into the fierce head of a roaring lion. The detail was so exquisite that each strand of its mane was individually etched, and the tooth gleamed like it was ready to bite.
Elijah was a collector himself, and the sight of such a masterpiece left him undeniably enticed.
Pleased with the Alpha King’s reaction, Dominic’s chest swelled with great pride.
His voice carried a reverent tone as he explained. “When I learned of Your Majesty’s visit,” Dominic began, “I knew at once that an ordinary offering would not suffice. A king must be honored with a gift worthy of his stature.”
He gestured to the box in Elijah’s hands, his eyes gleaming. “That ring you hold was forged from three tons of purest gold, mined from the deepest veins of the Eastern mountains. It took master artisans to shape the lion’s head to such perfection. The lion, as Your Majesty surely knows, represents power, strength, and absolute dominance, qualities that are the very essence of your reign.”
Elijah’s gaze remained fixed on the ring, the excitement in his eyes showing he was well pleased with it.
“And the box,” Dominic continued, lowering his voice as if he was sharing a sacred secret here, “is no mere container. It is called ’The Moon’s Vessel.’ It was blessed by the previous High Mother herself beneath the light of the full moon. Legend says it brings good fortune to whomever possesses it, protecting them from betrayal and evil. There is only one such vessel at the moment, and acquiring it Dominic paused, deliberately cracking his neck to hint he had suffered in the process, took more effort and sacrifice than I care to admit.”
His message was clear: I have given you something priceless.
Elijah nodded his head in understanding. He said, “You flatter me, Dominic. Few men understand the meaning of true tribute.” He slipped the ring on, pleased that it fit, his fingers stroking the edge. “That is why I accept your gift and the loyalty it represents.”
Dominic bowed his head humbly, though his heart pounded beneath his calm facade.
“Now,” Elijah said, his voice like the distant rumble of thunder, “tell me, what matter is so great that it brings you to my door with such a gift?”
He was tired of the flattery. A man like Dominic didn’t just crawl into his chambers at this hour with gold and relics unless he wanted something in return. Follow current novels on
Dominic’s throat bobbed as he swallowed nervously. His palms were suddenly damp knowing this was the moment he had been waiting for — the point of no return.
Suddenly, Dominic dropped to his knees, bowing low before Elijah. His voice rang out with urgency.
“Give the West Pack to me, Your Majesty!”
“Dear lord,” Elijah gasped dramatically, clutching his chest like an actor on stage. “That was startling.” His tone shifted to a casual mutter, as though Dominic’s plea was nothing more than mild entertainment.
Then, with a tilt of his head and an almost innocent lilt, Elijah asked, “What do you mean, give you the West Pack, Dominic? I am not the one who crowns alphas.”
Dominic’s head snapped up, a small frown forming. Was Elijah really going to make him work for it, even after the lavish gift he’d just presented?
Swallowing his pride, Dominic met Elijah’s gaze. His voice dropped, heavy with dark intent.
“I want Asher Nightshade dead, Your Majesty. Grant me permission to strike, and I will see to it myself.”