Chapter 72

Gideon’s POV

I was in my office doing paperwork but I felt like everything was quiet, too quiet. It felt like something bad was about to happen.

Even though the silence had become a constant companion making me feel very peaceful these past weeks, it clung to me like a shadow, whispering memories that I tried my best to forget.

The papers were scattered across my desk. Those papers were reports from border patrols, letters from allied packs, a few signed decrees even though I had a lot of work to do my mind was not able to focus on it. My mind kept wondering towards the person who never left my heart.

To her. Claire.

Every time I close my eyes to rest, I see her face in my mind—her stubborn courage,the way her laughter used to echo faintly through the hallway, her calm gaze. She was the light and hope in a place that had long grown dark.

And then, she was gone. Dead.

At least, that’s what I had forced myself to believe but somehow my mind doesn't want to believe that.

Because I was not able to find her body and I would still want to believe she is out there somewhere.

I leaned back in my chair, running a hand through my hair. The faint scent of rain drifted through the open window, mingling with the smell of paper and ink. The storms had been frequent lately, and every time thunder rolled, it reminded me of the night I lost her—when she tried to talk to me but I pushed her away not knowing I will never see her again.

My jaw clenched at the memory.

I had punished Daphne and her father. I had stripped them of power, taken their pride, and cast them down to the lowest ranks. But vengeance had brought no peace not till I see Claire be by my side again.

“Alpha,” came a knock at the door.

I sighed, straightened my posture and rubbed my temple. “you may enter.”

My beta stepped inside. His hair was slightly damp from the rain, his expression serious as always—but there was a flicker of excitement in his eyes this time.

“Sorry to disturb you Alpha but someone wants to see you,” he began, “and we’ve received a formal request for alliance.”

“From which pack?” I asked as I raised my eyebrows, flipping through one of the documents absentmindedly.

“The Moonstone Pack.”

My eyebrows furrowed “The Moonstone Pack?”

That name made me pause as I quickly recognised that pack. The Moonstone Pack was one of the more secluded and secretive territories—that pack is powerful, but rarely involved in others’ politics. Their borders had always been closed, their Alpha quiet and calculating.

“Moonstone?” I echoed again. “That’s very unusual for them to be in our alliance. They’ve stayed neutral for years; they are not really the ones to suddenly want to be friends, I want to know why all of the sudden.”

My beta nodded. “Their Alpha personally came to deliver the message. He’s downstairs in the main hall, waiting to meet you.”

I frowned thoughtfully. “Personally? I thought most of the Alphas send their Betas for work like this.”

Beta nodded thoughtfully too “Yes, you are right but he said it was important he speak to you face-to-face.”

Now that caught my complete attention. Alphas never visit each other unless it is a very important reason and if they did, it was either for war—or for something far more serious.

“Send him in, I wanna see what he wants to talk about,” I said, straightening my desk and sighed.

Beta nodded and then bowed his head respectfully and left to fetch the guest.

I took a deep breath, clearing my mind. My pack had been stable but not completely healed since Daphne’s exile. We really needed allies who are trustworthy ones, but I knew every alliance came with a cost. I wasn’t sure I was ready to gamble my wolves’ safety again.

Moments later,I heard the sound of footsteps echoing down the corridor. They were strong, even, confident.

When the door opened a tall man entered, his presence immediately commanding the room just like every Alpha has.

His aura was powerful and sharp, It was calm, yet charged, like lightning and energy contained in human form. His eyes were a striking shade of grey-blue, his posture relaxed yet regal. He moved with the assurance of someone who knew his strength but didn’t need to flaunt it.

“Hello, Alpha Gideon,” he greeted with a polite, steady tone but I can tell there was more to it. “It’s an honor to finally meet the leader of the Silvercrest Pack.”

I studied him carefully. “That is me and you are?”

He gave a slight bow since he is in my territory, his movements fluid and respectful. “Alpha Justin Royce. Leader of the Moonstone Pack.”

So this was the man behind the rumors. I’d heard of him, he is young, intelligent, and rising quickly among the ranks of Alphas. His pack was well off, prosperous, known for its advanced training systems for his pack and strict code of honor and rules.

Still, I never expected him to appear here.

“Welcome, Alpha Justin,” I acknowledged calmly and motioned for him to sit. “To what do I owe this visit?”

He took the seat across from me, resting his hands casually on his knees. “Straight to the point. I very much respect that.”

He smiled faintly to ease up the tension, but I didn’t return it. I was too used to manipulation hidden behind charming words.

Justin leaned forward slightly and began to speak calmly. “Let me be honest with you, Alpha Gideon. My pack has been watching and has been curious about your pack. You’ve gone through... quite the storm lately.”

My eyes narrowed slightly as I looked at him curiously. “We’ve had our fair share of challenges and struggles. But the storm has passed.”

“Maybe,” he said calmly. “But storms do leave a lot of mess and wreckage behind, don’t they?” The way he spoke made me sit straight.

I knew what he said wasn't wrong. My pack was rebuilding and going through the changes, but cracks remained—fear, doubt, shifting loyalties. I could feel it even if no one spoke it aloud.

“What exactly do you have in mind, Alpha Justin?” I asked.

“A partnership,” he said simply. “An alliance built on mutual strength. The Silvercrest Pack has unmatched warriors, strong borders, and trade routes that stretch across the region. My pack, on the other hand, has something yours currently lacks.”

I tilted my head calmly. “And what do you think is lacking?”

“Diplomatic leverage,” he said, meeting my gaze steadily. “Influence with the eastern packs. Resources. Intelligence. And… stability.”

I stayed silent for a moment. He was confident and too bold for a man I have just met. I turned to the window, watching the rain begin to fall again.

For the first time in weeks, I felt something shift inside me—a strange mix of curiosity and unease.

Who exactly was Justin Royce?

And what did he truly want from me?