Chapter 154: Chapter 154

= Menu I turned to face the old man, noting the bright grin stretched across his face. The sunlight flooding the room illuminated every corner of the house, allowing me to study his features more closely.

Though his face was lined with wrinkles that spoke of his age, there was an undeniable vitality about him. He carried himself with an ease and strength that didn’t match his apparent years.

I knew exactly how he managed that–magic. With his wizardry, he was able to preserve the youth within himself, defying the natural progression of aging.

“What did you mean by that?” Finn’s voice cut through my thoughts.

I snapped my attention back to the old man’s words. What did he mean when he said he’d been waiting for me? How had he known I would ever come to him?

The old man stepped forward gracefully, gesturing toward the couches with a courteous wave of his hand. His demeanor was calm, almost unnervingly so.

“Usually, I speak to my guests while sitting on the floor,” he said, his voice polite. “But since it’s Alpha Kane, I can’t very well ask you to sit on the ground.”

I scoffed, unimpressed by his attempt at civility. “Why the special treatment? Are you trying to atone for the sin you committed years ago? Or are you just afraid I’ll kill you right here and now?”

To my surprise, the old man shook his head. There wasn’t a single trace of fear in his eyes, nor any regret for what he had done.

“Kane, there’s something strange about him. Let’s hear him out,” Finn whispered, leaning in to tug me toward the couches.

Reluctantly, I sat down, gritting my teeth. “I’ll solve his mystery soon enough,” I muttered, my anger barely contained.

The old man lowered himself onto a single chair across from me, his calm gaze fixed on me.

“What?” I snapped. “Why are you staring at me? Are you planning to offer your daughter’s hand in marriage?”

My words were laced with sarcasm, but he chuckled softly, unfazed. “Alpha, you surprise me. I’ve heard a great deal about you, but all anyone ever mentioned was the fear you inspire. No one told me you had a sense of humor.”

His calm demeanor grated on my nerves. My patience was wearing thin.

“Enough with the games,” I growled. “I didn’t come here to listen to your nonsense.”

“Of course not,” Raven replied smoothly. “Tell me, Alpha. What brings you to the home of an old man like me? How can I be of service to you?”

I leaned forward, my voice cold and sharp. “Why did you help Selene hide my children from me? If the spell hadn’t been broken during the war, I never would’ve discovered the truth.”

He shook his head slowly, as though my anger didn’t faze him in the slightest. “It wasn’t my spell that kept the truth hidden–it was your fate. I warned Selene that the truth couldn’t remain buried forever 11.21

Menu told her it would bring her more pain in the end. But she chose to ignore my warning.”

His calm words only fueled my rage. I shot to my feet, my blood boiling. How dare he speak so casu ally about what he had done? He was openly admitting to helping Selene, and instead of apologizing, he had the gall to call it fate!

My eyes burned red as I glared at him. “Your time is up,” I spat. “I thought I might give you a chance, but you’re nothing more than an arrogant old man who doesn’t regret a damn thing.”

I moved toward him, fully intending to end his life right then and there. Finn jumped to his feet, trying to stop me as I raised my hand.

“Kane, wait-” Finn began, but his plea was cut short as a sharp pain tore through my chest.

I let out a groan, stumbling as the old man’s eyes flashed a deep, unnatural green.

I looked down at my chest, and what I saw froze me in place. The claw marks Selene had left on me were ablaze, vivid flames licking at my skin.

Shock rippled through my body as the pain intensified, and my hands instinctively flew to the burning wounds. What the hell was happening?