*NEW* Chapter XXXI

Fabian's POV

Fabian escorted her home, walking a step behind her. His mind was restless. Which witch was she talking about? Arabella had been exiled and was never part of any pack. The thought nagged at him until he finally broke the silence.

"Who were you talking about?" he asked.

Lea didn't hesitate. "The new girl. The one I found in the woods and took home."

Fabian's steps faltered slightly. Lydia.

Lea continued, her voice thoughtful. "Esther was happy yet terrified when she saw her. Lydia is quite strong."

"That's not possible," Fabian said, shaking his head.

Lea glanced at him, unconcerned. "Believe what you want, but according to Esther, Lydia healed Alpha Derek."

Fabian scoffed. "You must be insane."

Lea smiled knowingly. "I was skeptical too. But witches believe that fate has prepared a righteous king to heal the world. He will rise against his will because circumstances demand it. And another sign? He will be fed from an endless fountain of power—a power only he can tap into."

Fabian felt an unsettling chill creep up his spine. "And?"

Lea exhaled slowly. "Esther said Lydia wasn't born with the ability to wield witchcraft. She's like a chest, a treasure that can only be opened with the right key."

Fabian frowned. "If any of that is true, Derek needs to know."

Lea smirked. "You're incredibly diligent. Almost like an Alpha."

Fabian snorted. "I could never be an Alpha."

Lea stopped walking and turned to him, her expression enigmatic. "You could. If you're able to climb the mountain."

Fabian

The day Derek passed the first two trials, Lydia called Vanessa to tell her that Derek would be king. She was ecstatic yet nervous—because the third trial could kill him. Word spread quickly.

I went straight to Lea. How did she know? Was she sure Lydia was a witch?

Lea didn't hesitate. "Esther has never lied to me."

I didn't know what to say. Instead, I simply handed her the file in my hand. "These are the logs from the Mountain Pack."

She took it reluctantly, her fingers trembling as she opened it. Her family name was there. Two children—one deceased, and one named Lea. Most of her pack had been confirmed dead. But half a dozen were missing.

Tears welled in her eyes, slipping down her cheeks. She wasn't alone, but she wasn't whole either.

Awkwardly, I shifted before trying to comfort her. "When Derek returns as king, he can take you into Crescendo Pack."

Lea lifted her head, her red-rimmed eyes locking onto mine. "And you?"

I frowned. "What about me?"

"Would you become our Alpha?"

I stiffened, caught off guard. Me? An Alpha?

Lea's gaze was unwavering. "Be our Alpha," she repeated.

And for the first time in a long time, I had no answer.

Lydia's POV

I was terrified, hiding behind Derek as all those wolf eyes locked onto me, waiting to devour me. Derek was strong, but even he couldn't stand against entire packs of wolves and their alphas forever. If I had magic, I couldn't even use it. Was I really about to ruin Derek's credibility over something I didn't even understand?

I forced myself to breathe, to calm down. Then, I reached for Derek's arm, speaking softly. "I'll be fine. I'm not a witch. They're mistaken."

But even he had his doubts. I could see it in his eyes. The energy he had felt from me when we first met—it wasn't natural. And that thought alone made him hesitate.

"Lydia—"

"Derek," I cut him off. "You are not a fraud. And once they see that, they'll have to swallow their words. You have your own merits."

He studied me for a long moment before exhaling heavily. Then, turning to the crowd, he made his announcement.

"She will take the test," he declared. "But Arabella will have no part in it. The Witch Council will be contacted, and they will oversee the trials."

Arabella's smirk twitched, but she said nothing.

Derek's voice was unwavering. "I am in no hurry to take the throne. But I will see this through. And when Lydia proves them all wrong, there will be consequences for their accusations."