The Alpha’s Fated Outcast: Rise Of The Moonsinger

Ramsey

The air suddenly got heavier flapping through my clothes with such intensity that might even sweep me away if care is not taken.

A chill wind swept through me, but I didn't shiver either. I was used to the cold. The kind that cut through bone. The kind that made you or sharpened you. I fought the urge to open my eyes until the snap of a twig pulled me from my thoughts.

I turned my muscles already tensing, ready for an attack – It was an enemy per se – the infamous Dark One, the scourge of packs and the one who was also laying claims on Lyla. Yet here he was, dressed like a wanderer, a wry, twisted smile on his lips.

"What an unexpected surprise," I said mimicking the way his lips were curled in distaste. "Come to offer your surrender?" I sneered, folding my arms across my chest as I gave him my back, still alert. "If that is not the case, then do what do I owe the pleasure of your dark company?"

I threw it over my shoulders again.

His lips quirked into that infuriating half-smile of his. He walked with a casual grace that did nothing to describe the danger he represented. "I thought it was time we had a chat physically you know. Outside the dream world, Alpha Ramsey."

"You want to join my pack?"

He chuckled softly again. "Not quite. I've come to offer a proposition."

"A proposition?" I echoed, narrowing my gaze. "From you?"

"Yes, from me," he replied, unbothered. He straightened and slipped his hands behind his back. "We need to have a chat first about mutual interests and mutual enemies."

"I wasn't aware we had any mutual interests," I replied coldly. "And as for enemies – I make my own decisions about who stands against me and people whom I want as enemies."

He chuckled and moved to stand beside me. Both of us now were facing the running stream. "Nathan is our mutual enemy," he said simply. "And I thought you'd like to know that I'm willing to help you defeat him. Consider it as offering my help."

I laughed. If I wasn't so bothered about a thousand things at once, I would have laughed harder than I did. "Help me? Why would I need help from my enemy? And what would that entail? More of your mind games and manipulations?"

"Information," he replied smoothly. "And strategy. You see, Nathan currently has an advantage that you don't – he has Lyla at his side. Her powers are fully manifested as a Moonsinger. That means Lyla can meet me on a battlefield and defeat me."

The mention of Lyla's name sent a jolt through my chest. I tried to mask my expression and remain impassive. "Lyla? What does she have to do with this? Shouldn't you be worried that now that she has regained her abilities, she would come after you?"

His smile widened, revealing perfect white teeth. "Everything. She's performed the blood oath with Nathan. Finally succumbed to his… charms, shall we say? The oath gives him complete control over her. Whatever he wants, she'll do. Whatever he commands, she'll obey."

"And?" I challenged, fighting so hard to keep my expression neutral, but inside, Lax was howling in rage and pain. That would explain her odd behaviour to me earlier.

Lyla, under Nathan's control? The thought was almost too much to bear. But I wouldn't give Xander the satisfaction of seeing my distress.

"You're bluffing," I said finally. "Lyla wouldn't…"

"Wouldn't what?" his voice was as smooth as silk. "Wouldn't do it willingly? You're right. She wouldn't. But fate rarely cares about willingness."

I hated him for that. For the truth woven into his smirking words.

"And why would you tell me this?" I asked. "Are you jealous that Nathan is going to take your place and all the focus would now be on him?"

As soon as I said that, he shifted slightly and that was when it dawned on me that I was right. He wanted to keep the focus on him and it seemed Nathan was trying to take his crown away from being the Dark One he so wanted to be.

"Listen, if you have problems with Nathan… go, settle it with him. I still have problems with you trying to rule my world but you don't see me going around trying to sell you off to another person as enemy."

He stared at the flowing stream for a few seconds and then turned to face me. "Ramsey, I have my grievances with Nathan. And I also know how to help you defeat him, even with Lyla by his side."

It was a tempting offer and I hated myself for taking the bait. I couldn't help but ask. "Even if this is true, what do you want from me? That I trust you?"

Xander smiled again, flashing his white, pearly teeth. "Trust is a strong word. But I do offer you a solution – a means to level that field. Nathan has Lyla. You need a power that can rival her Moonsinging."

"What power?"

"The White Moon Throne."

He paused as if he wanted the words to register in my heart before he continued. "The White Moon Throne holds power beyond imagination almost equivalent to the Moon Goddess herself, that is why it is the seat of power in your world. The power from it could nullify Nathan's control over Lyla and give you the strength to crush him once and for all."

The throne – ancient, untamed, forged in the blood of the first Lycan. Its power was immense and my grandfather would always swear by it.

"The throne is just a symbol. A piece of carved stone. I am not a fool… maybe it has powers but not as much as… it's a myth."

"Is it?" Xander asked, raising an eyebrow. "The throne is real, Ramsey and as someone who has been here longer than you, that power is one of the reasons why I haven't taken over your world. It is always the last resort used by Lycan Leaders and of course, Moonsingers and it can be yours."

"How?"

I had a feeling where this was going but I needed to hear from him myself.

"The throne can only be activated by someone with royal blood sitting upon it but that only gives you a small part of its power just like the one you have on now. The one that wards Ferals away from you."

"I thought that was Lyla…"

"Yes," he seemed rattled "But Lyla's power cannot last that long. The power from the White Moon Throne, of which you're its leader gives you an added layer of immunity. But to activate its full power, it needs the union of two powerful bloodlines."

My eyes narrowed. "I don't follow."

"You need a bride."

"A bride?"

"Yes" he nodded, his voice was almost musical. "Cassidy. Marry Cassidy. You may not know this but she comes from a long line of Lycan Leaders. The White Lake Pack was once home to generations of Lycan Leaders until recently. So, the blood of the Moonveil runs through her veins. The union would activate the throne's power and help you wield it. With it, you could defeat Nathan and his forces in a single stroke."

I stared at him for a long moment before letting out a harsh laugh. "if this is some kind of ploy, it's a stupid one. Do you think I can be fooled so easily? I'm sure Cassidy despises me and I have no interest in forcing anyone into a marriage for power."

"Cassidy still adores you, Ramsey and you know this. Ploy or not, the offer stands. Do with it what you will. I'm simply providing options but you will resort to it eventually. I promise you."

He turned as if to leave, then paused, looking back over his shoulder. "Oh, and you might want to check on your pack. My babies get hungry when they're restless. So, they may have gone on a little hunt."

A chill ran down my spine causing my heart to sink. "What are you talking about?"

His smile turned dreamy. "The Ferals, of course. Such magnificent creatures, don't you think? So primal. So… hungry."

I lunged forward in annoyance, but Xander was already gone – swallowed by the creeping dusk. The only proof he had ever been here was the chill that still lingered in the air.noveldrama

Without another word, I changed into Lax and took off running. My heart hammered in my chest as I raced back to the camp. We had set up just outside the White Mountain Region territory. A mere five minutes away from it. But five minutes felt like an eternity.

As I burst into the clearing where our tents were pitched, I saw Lenny barking orders at a group of warriors. The men's faces were grim, some even had blood splattered on them.

"Lenny!" I called out, rushing towards him. "What's happening?"

Lenny turned his face was pale. "I've been trying to reach you," his voice was strained. "Our Pack has been hit with multiple Feral attacks. Multiple casualties reported, including women and children and your grandfather…"

I paused. "What about him?"

Lenny stared at me for a few seconds. "I think it's best you hear it from the doctors themselves."

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