Chapter 3:
The road north stretched long and winding, cutting through forests that thickened with every mile. Lucas sat upright in the carriage, one arm resting against the wooden frame, eyes fixed on the horizon. The land here felt different—colder, sharper. The air smelled of pine and earth, familiar yet distant, like a memory he had not touched in years.
Felix lounged across from him, boots crossed, chewing on a blade of grass he had plucked somewhere along the road.
"You know," Felix said casually, "most future Alphas look a little more excited when they reach their territory."
Lucas didn't look at him. "I'm not excited."
Felix smirked. "Ah. Right. Brooding. Vengeance. Stoic silence. Very intimidating."
Lucas finally turned, green eyes flashing. "This isn't a game."
Felix raised his hands. "Never said it was. Just saying—you'll scare the Pack half to death if you keep looking like you're about to tear someone's throat out."
"I might," Lucas replied flatly.
Felix laughed. "See? That's the spirit."
The carriage slowed as stone gates rose ahead, etched with the sigil of the Northern Lunaris Pack. Guards straightened at once, bows lowered in respect as the gates swung open.
Lucas stepped out, boots hitting stone. Elder Thorne Blackwood stood waiting, tall and immovable, while Elder Selene Frostwind leaned lightly against her staff, eyes already assessing everything—especially Lucas.
"So," Selene said, lips curving faintly, "this is the wolf who will rule the North."
Lucas inclined his head. "I will protect it."
Thorne nodded once. "Then it will stand."
No ceremony. No celebration. Just acceptance.
By nightfall, letters had already been sent south.
Edgar read Lucas's report in silence, noting the efficiency, the lack of emotion. Typical Lucas.
In the East, Leo's arrival was quieter.
The land there was wild—rolling hills, hidden valleys, paths that twisted unexpectedly. Leo walked it slowly, John at his side, Elder Rowan Vale and Elder Morcant Ashen observing carefully.
"This place breathes," Leo murmured. "It feels… alive."
Rowan smiled faintly. "A good sign. It will test you."
Leo nodded, though his shoulders were tense. "I'll prove worthy."
Letters were dispatched again.
The Pack was settling.
In the North, training resumed swiftly.
Lucas stood in the open training yard, sleeves rolled up, muscles taut as he sparred against three warriors at once. His movements were precise, ruthless. No wasted effort. No mercy.
That was when they arrived.
Two women watched from the edge of the yard—both striking, both confident. One with dark hair braided over her shoulder, the other golden-haired, eyes bright with interest. Daughters of respected elders, raised in power and expectation.
"Is that him?" the blonde asked softly.
"The Alpha of the North," the dark-haired one replied. "He's… intense."
They stepped forward together.
Lucas disarmed his final opponent and turned just as the women approached, smiles practiced, eyes lingering.
"My lord," the blonde said, voice sweet. "We thought perhaps you might like company. Training can be… lonely."
The dark-haired one laughed lightly. "Or we could help you relax."
Felix nearly choked from where he sat on the railing.
"Oh, this is good," he muttered.
Lucas barely glanced at them.
"Leave," he said.
The women blinked.
"Pardon?"
"I'm not interested."
Silence fell.
Felix slid off the railing, grinning. "Ladies, trust me—now is not the time. He's in his 'dead parents, murder, revenge' phase."
Lucas shot him a warning look.
The women flushed, offended, and quickly withdrew.
Felix watched them go, then sighed dramatically. "Do you know how many Alphas would kill for that kind of attention?"
Lucas wiped sweat from his brow. "I don't care."
Felix studied him more seriously now. "You can't live on rage alone."
"I don't plan to live," Lucas replied. "I plan to finish this."
Felix opened his mouth to argue—
"Felix."
Rebecca's voice cut through the yard like a blade.
She stood with arms crossed, one brow raised, expression unimpressed.
"You promised you wouldn't encourage nonsense," she said.
Felix winced. "Define nonsense."
Rebecca turned to Lucas. "And you. You'll burn yourself out before the Rogues ever face you."
Lucas met her gaze. "Good."
Rebecca sighed. "You're impossible."
Felix grinned. "See? She agrees with me. You need a welcoming party."
"No," Lucas said flatly.
Rebecca grabbed Felix's ear. "You're not hosting anything."
Felix yelped. "Mercy!"
For a brief moment—just a moment—Lucas almost smiled.
But as night fell and the training yard emptied, Lucas stood alone, staring into the forest beyond the walls.
Revenge still burned.
And somewhere in the shadows, the Rogues were watching too.