The Alpha King's Nemesis-Chapter 156: Morden’s Move ()

"Askel! My darling!" Queen Sancia’s loud cry was the first thing that greeted Askel the moment he stepped through the portal.

Askel’s eyes fluttered open, squinting slightly to see Nile’s portal had taken them right to the courtyard of the Ethereal Palace.

The ease with which the Crimson wolves wielded magic was truly humbling, Askel did not think the fairies or witches could do better and these two races were known to wield the strongest magic.

Askel brushed aside his thoughts and focused on the present moment.

There in the courtyard, Queen Sancia, Dechlan and the highest ranked Royal Lycan wolves and warriors waited to receive Askel, numbering to over a hundred wolves.

The Ethereal Alpha King had been away from his palace for over a month right after his enthronement, this grand welcome was expected.

It was only that Askel was not in the mood for a grand welcome or any welcome at all...he just wanted to be left alone, but as always, that was too much to ask.

Queen Sancia hurried to meet Askel, intending to launch herself into her son’s arms but she came right to a stop when she finally took notice of the woman held closely in Askel’s arms.

"She...is..." Queen Sancia whispered quietly.

"The Crimson Alpha." The High Oracle completed.

It came as no surprise to Askel that word of Zariah’s true identity had already reached all corners of the supernatural realm.

The supposed head warrior of the Crimson moon sent out in honor of the Ethereal Alpha King’s enthronement was infact the Crimson Alpha herself.

The realm had finally put a gender, a face and a name to the title of Lord Protector of the realms... Zariah Torin Moonstone.

Though word had already reached the Ethereal Palace, the Royal Lycan wolves were not certain on how to react to it and so they stood, staring in silent awe.

"You stand before Alpha Zariah Torin Moonstone of Crimson Moon, Lord Protector of the realms and wielder of the Creator’s flame!" Allen declared in a domineering tone.

Allen’s declaration drew the Royal Lycan wolves out of their daze and they lowered themselves to their knees with no form of hesitation, from the lowest to the greatest bent the knee before the Crimson Alpha.

Not for the title alone but for Zariah herself who had proven the title true in the battle at the sea dome.

Queen Sancia also dropped to her knees, lowering her head.

Askel stared over them for a moment, he could sense the deep respect and reverence from his Royal Lycan wolves.

Askel glanced down at Zariah, his heart aching yet overflowing with pride. Zariah had saved the realm from a devastating war...yet at what cost?

The realm could rejoice that the war had been averted but Askel could not...if Askel had been given a say, then the realm be damned.

Askel would never exchange Zariah for the peace of the realms.

With no words said, Askel headed into the Ethereal Palace, the Royal Lycan wolves clearing the path as he moved.

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"Is there anything you can do?" Darren asked anxiously as the High Oracle studied Zariah’s condition.

The High Oracle did not respond immediately, but after his examination was completed, he sighed heavily, shaking his head.

"The fae may be deceptive, but their healers are among the best in the realm." The High Oracle said.

"Then, it is as the fae healer has said?" Askel asked.

"Her Grace’s recovery is dependent on her wolf. Other than that, we can only wait." The High Oracle confirmed.

"You may leave." Askel dismissed the high oracle, his eyes fluttering closed.

"If you need to rest... then rest Mhijani. I will be here... waiting for you, no matter how long it takes..."

"So put your heart at ease, I will protect all you hold dear till you return to me." Askel vowed solemnly.

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Morden, the Alpha in the shadows stood in his study, leaning against the windowsill.

He gazed out ahead of him but he did not seem to be staring at anything in particular, instead his aura exuded a dark fury.

"My King, King Askel has returned to the Ethereal Palace." Lennon reported.

"Has he now?" Morden murmured in a dark tone.

"And the girl?" Morden asked after, his hands clenched into tight fists.

"She returns with him, yet she shows no sign of recovery." Lennon replied.

"The Crimson Alpha..." Morden murmured, the words tasted bitter on his tongue and he frowned deeply.

"Her appearance has ruined it all...a thousand forsaken! Vanquished in the blink of an eye!" Morden hissed.

"We did not anticipate the girl was actually the Crimson Alpha." Lennon agreed.

"The Crimson Alpha walks the supernatural realm... and I was none the wiser." Morden hissed, his fists so tightly clenched that his knuckles turned white.

Morden recalled it clearly even now, it had just been a glimpse but that much was enough to leave him in awe even up till this moment.

That glorious sight of the red haired female unleashing the Creator’s Flame on Morden’s portal and how it had so easily crumbled before his eyes.

Morden could not get it out of his head no matter how hard he tried.

Morden has never seen anyone so powerful and able to resist his magic so easily...he had always believed he was the first and only.

But there was another...there was another hybrid in the supernatural realm even greater than Morden and the mere thought of it had Morden burning in rage.

Morden knew better than anyone the great power wielded by hybrids, how could he not know when he himself was one and up until this moment, Morden had always believed he was the only one.

"The girl is a hybrid...a powerful one too. From the looks of it, she is yet to achieve her true potential... I cannot allow Askel have such a mate!" Morden said firmly.

"What must be done? You need only give the order." Lennon said with no hesitation.

"The plans have already been made for Crimson Moon, since the Crimson moon has moved first... well then, I shall have to take a step too." Morden murmured.

"This is not a task you can handle, summon Caedmon." Morden ordered finally, his eyes narrowed maliciously.