Chapter Thirty Six

CHRIS

Lucy's sudden confession came as a surprise to me. It was no news that she was developing feelings but I never expected her to open up to me so soon. The moment I had been waiting for was finally here and the weight of uncertainty that plagued me lifted. I gazed into her eyes with love and affection.

"Lucy," I said, my voice filled with emotions. "You don't know how happy I am to hear you say these words. I've loved you for as long as I remember and I've always wished that you felt the same way towards me."

A smile spread across her face as she reached out to caress my cheek. "I was afraid to admit my feelings to you, Chris, especially with the circumstances that surround us. I felt like I was betraying my father by being with you. But now I've realized that my heart belongs to you."

My heart fluttered with excitement, I felt a sense of contentment. I finally had a mate of my own, the one destined to be by my side as my Luna. I wrapped my arms around her in a tight embrace as we made endless promises to each other.

Amid the joy, I felt torn between telling her the truth about who Cade was and keeping it a secret. She had the right to know about everything but it could also ruin the plans she had made.

"Is everything alright?" she asked, staring up at me.

"Lucy," I began, hesitating for a moment. "There is something I need to tell you."

"You sound troubled, what is it?" she asked, her eyes filled with concern.

"Cade is not who he claims to be, his name is Uther. My father's brother," I said.

Lucy burst into laughter. "Do you know what you're talking about? I've known Cade since I was little, he was friends with my father before his death. I'm sure you're mistaken somewhere."

"I know it sounds ridiculous but it's true. Cade was nowhere to be found after the death of my father. He and my father were never on good terms and it's not shocking anymore to see him show up after all these years with the plan to hunt me down. He wants the throne for himself," I explained.

Her jaws dropped in shock, I knew this would hurt her the more but I had to let it out. "How is he your uncle? I've known him all my life."

I sighed. The weight of the past is on my shoulders. "I was baffled as well when I saw him at your hut. We have been looking for him for years and presumed that he was dead since we couldn't find him."

" What if he is the one behind your father's death? What if he blackmailed my father?" she asked, her temper rising gradually.

"We don't know that yet, Lucy. I promise I'll find out everything I need to know about that day and clear your father's name," I assured.

After I met with Lucy, I returned to my pack with the renowned hope of finding my father's real killer. I approached Lothar with the hope of getting useful information from him.

"Lothar," I began, my voice unwavering. "I need to talk to you about something important."

"I'm all ears, young alpha," he said.

"How long have you known?" I asked.

"I have no idea of what you are talking about, can you be more precise?" he said, his countenance changing gradually.

"How long have you known that the rogue leader was my uncle?" I snarled. "How long have you known that Cade was my uncle?"

"I'm sorry for keeping this away from you for long, I thought I could handle it on my own without your knowledge," he said.

"How could you keep something as important as this away from me? That traitor killed my father!" I yelled.

Lothar took a deep breath, his gaze fixed on mine. "We aren't certain for sure that he killed your father, let's not jump to conclusion," he said.

"Then I want to know the truth about my father's death, I've heard rumors and I've had assumptions but I need to know the whole truth. Who is responsible for his death?" I asked.

Lothars expression softened with sympathy. "Your father's death was a tragedy and the pain of loss can never fade. As for who the murderer is, I am not certain."

"I need to find a way to clear Lucy's father's name from the charges levied against him," I said, my hopes dashing to the ground.

His eyes narrowed, and he sighed heavily. "The truth is gloomy and I cannot say for certain. Your father had many enemies including his brother Cade, but without concrete evidence, we can't point fingers."

"but it was easy to point fingers at an innocent man a few years ago," I blurted.

I clenched my fist in frustration. I couldn't accept this uncertain truth. "I won't rest until I find the ones responsible for my father's death."

"I'll do what I can to uncover the truth but I advise you to keep what you know a secret. If any of the councilmen find out that you know something, it could ruin your chances of finding out the truth you seek," Lothar advised.

He spoke the truth, since my father's demise, those elders had sought ways to steal the throne from me and are still seeking ways to do so. There was something amiss about them, especially Orvyn whom I hated so much.

I returned to my chambers with a renowned hope of finding my father's true killer and clearing the name of Lucy's father. I lay on my bed, my mind scheming at different ways to solve the puzzles around me.

I took a walk along the path that led to the rogue's pack. I found myself in a realm of darkness and mist. The air was so heavy and a creepy silence hung in the air. The moon shone so brightly, emitting its ethereal glow on the surrounding. As I looked around, I realized that I was standing in a desolate forest, where entwined trees reached out with gnarled branches like skeletal hands.

Suddenly, a presence stood before me. It was a figure which emerged from the shadows, it was tall and imposing, with glowing red eyes that pierced through the darkness. Its presence sent shivers down my spine.

For the first time in a long time, I felt fear grip me as the being approached me. I tried to back away from it but .y feet were rooted to the spot. The being busted into laughter, its voice deep and very husky and it resonated in my mind.

"Chris!" it hissed. "You cannot escape your destiny."

I felt a sense of dread as the being reached out its hand to me, its claw-like fingers brushing against my skin. I mustered courage and tried to fight back but my movement was too sluggish and feeble. It was as if an invisible force was draining me of my strength.

I became desperate as I tried to summon any hidden power inside me. The more I struggled, the more the being seemed to grow. It laughed mockingly at my futile attempts, savoring my vulnerability.

I continued to struggle for hours until exhaustion weighed heavily on me. I felt defeated, unable to resist the overpowering force before me. It made me doubt my own strength, I felt weak and powerless.

Just as I was about to succumb, a glimpse of determination sparked within me. Summoning all my willpower, I called upon the strength of my ancestors. Immediately, I felt a surge of energy flow through my veins. I began to transform and grow taller, my senses heightened and I could feel the power surge within me.

With newfound strength, I fought back against the being. I lunged at it, striking it with a force I had never known before. The Battle raged for hours, with claws and fangs clashing in the moonlight. I felt the raw power of it werewolf propelling forward.

In a decisive final blow, I unleashed my full power at the being, sending it back to the darkness where it came.

"We'll meet again, Chris," it hissed again and immediately faded away.

I jolted from the bed where I lay, sweating profusely. Then I realized that I had been dreaming all along.