Elijah’s sudden arrival at the North pack was nothing short of startling. Everyone had expected him to make the trip the next day, so seeing him appear that late at night sent shockwaves through the wolves. Even the guards stationed at the gates straightened instantly, their weariness forgotten despite the disaster that had just befallen them.
Alpha Caspian and Ace were already waiting by the entrance when the black car stopped. The door opened and out stepped Elijah, dressed finely from head to toe, his presence enough to make even the wind hesitate.
Both men bowed their heads. "Your Majesty," Caspian greeted.
Elijah didn’t spare him a glance. "Summon Violet Purple," he said immediately.
The words hit like a whip. Caspian blinked, trying to mask his surprise. Of all things, he hadn’t expected this. After the blood and destruction on their pack, he thought the Alpha King had come to sympathize with them, not chase after his son’s mate. It was disappointing, but he kept his expression calm.
"Of course, Your Majesty," he said, forcing a polite smile. "If you would please follow me to my office while she’s brought to you."
Elijah gave a single nod. "Christian, go with them."
That was all it took to make the air turn heavier. Everyone knew what that meant — the Alpha King didn’t trust them to bring Violet on their own.
"This way, Your Majesty," Caspian said, his voice measured. He turned, leading the way inside.
Their footsteps reverberated through the corridor as they climbed the stairs, the scent of smoke and blood still lingering from the recent attack. Neither man spoke, though behind them, Ace’s throat bobbed nervously. His palms were clammy, and he tried his best not to fidget under the crushing silence.
He knew the truth. Violet was gone. But they didn’t know that yet, and he was terrified of what would happen once they did.
They arrived not long after and he waited outside as his father and Alpha king went in.
"My apologies," Caspian said quickly, stepping forward to tidy the desk. "There’s been little time to put things in order after the incident. If I’d known you were coming, I’d have made proper arrangements." He gave an awkward laugh that didn’t quite reach his eyes. "Perhaps if I’d been given a heads-up..." He trailed off, realizing how that sounded.
Elijah said nothing. Instead, he reached into his coat, pulled out a white handkerchief, and brushed the dust off the nearest sofa before sitting down. His movements were slow, almost a reminder that he didn’t owe anyone an explanation.
He crossed his legs. "Send word when she’s here," he said coolly.
Caspian nodded, forcing composure, though the back of his neck prickled with sweat.
The King had come for Violet, and Caspian knew that nothing good could come out of his sudden interest in Alaric’s mate. It had to be connected to the attack. Up until now, everyone had believed the girl was human, until she exposed herself to save them. That had to be why Elijah was here.
Caspian could only hope the King didn’t do anything reckless. He might have failed Alaric in other areas, but he would sooner lay down his life than let harm come to his son’s mate. No matter what Violet truly was, a mate was sacred. And she had to be spared.
Elijah continued. "Secondly, I’m here to extend my condolences to the families of the fallen. What happened to the North pack is unfortunate."
Caspian’s jaw tightened. The word unfortunate felt like an insult. "It’s my fault," he said. "If I had taken my duties more seriously, this wouldn’t have happened. I should have seen it coming."
"Yes," Elijah said bluntly, "it is your fault."
Caspian’s head snapped up, stunned. "What?"
Elijah went on. "Patrick tested your defenses over and over, and you did nothing. You let his influence grow right under your nose, feeding on your weakness. Now look at the cost."
Caspian slammed his palm against the desk. "And who brought Patrick into our midst in the first place?" he barked, his voice shaking with anger. "Tell me that, Your Majesty!"
Elijah growled low, a dangerous sound that made the air vibrate. The temperature in the room seemed to drop as both men stared each other down.
Then Caspian exhaled, realizing he’d crossed a line. He turned his gaze away, fists clenched. Elijah, too, drew in a steadying breath, his shoulders loosening.
When he spoke again, his voice was composed but carried steel. "It won’t happen again. Patrick will be brought to justice. My men are already scouring every district as we speak. He won’t get far. The son of a bastard will be caught and dealt with accordingly."
Caspian gave a small nod, though the bitterness in his eyes remained.
"Your pack will receive full support from me," Elijah continued. "Reconstruction materials, funding, everything needed to rebuild. The families of the fallen will be compensated. We’ll see that the North stands strong again."
The offer was generous, but that wouldn’t bring back the people he lost. He bowed his head slightly. "We appreciate your help, Your Majesty."
Elijah studied him for a moment, then said, "I heard you intend to divorce your wife."
The question came so suddenly that Caspian blinked. "Yes," he answered. "I certainly can’t live with a woman who tried to harm our son."
"Don’t divorce her."
Caspian’s head snapped up, disbelief cutting across his face. "Excuse me?"
Elijah leaned forward, eyes narrowing. "You heard me. Keep Zara close. The North pack is already divided as it is, and can’t afford another crack. Whether you love or hate your wife doesn’t matter. You’ll remain Alpha and Luna, presenting a united front to your people. That is an order."
Caspian said. "You can’t be serious—"
"I’m deadly serious," Elijah cut him off. "I don’t care if you live in separate wings or refuse to speak behind closed doors, but before the pack, you’ll act as one. The last thing we need is chaos breeding from your household."
Caspian’s lips parted, but no words came out. The idea of keeping that woman near him again made his stomach twist, yet the King’s gaze left no room for argument.