Lyne received the letter from Amber, tore off the pin that held them together, and read it. When she was done, she looked back at Zeidan who stood behind her. His men were busy clearing the palace but when he saw the look in her eyes, he ordered for the both of them to be left alone. 

When they had gone, Zeidan moved close to her.

"What does it say?" He asked and she raised her blue gaze at him.

"They want me to come to South Park."

He frowned. Yes, news reached them about Lyne's arrival but why would they need her to come to visit them? He had thought Styx would come to visit her. Perhaps, he didn't try to because he doesn't care any longer or he thought it was fake news.

"Why?"

"It says here that they want me to become the Alpha."

"For South Park?"

Lyne nodded but she still has worry written all over her face. She should be happy about it.

"This is unusual. Charles wasn't supposed to like this. He had been clamoring for that position for as long as I can remember. He should get it and not me."

"So, you think this is a setup?" He asked and she nodded, staring into space.

"Lyne," he placed his hands on each side of her arms. "You shouldn't worry. Let's find out before concluding. I can't leave Vampire City especially as it's now vulnerable to any attack. But I'll trust you with my men and Amber."

She smiled at him gratefully and wrapped her arms around him. He chuckled and kissed her head. 

"You're welcome." He muttered.

★★★★★★★★★★

The moon shone on them brightly and she was grateful for the light it provided. She stepped out in her silver and glittering gown that was slit on the side to reveal her nicely shaped thigh and leg. Her ankle was beautified with a double-stringed silver anklet and jewelry of many sorts laced her wrists and arms. Her top clothes were a small cut-out fabric that clung to her body and it was strapless. Her bare arms glistened under the moonlight and her hair was worn up, holding it with a long hairpin. 

The people had gathered before the podium where she would climb and she realized how nervous she felt. 

Amber came to her side.

"Congratulations, Queen. You don't have to be nervous. You have your Wolf now, so you're fit. Come on."

She gave a wry smile as she encouraged knowing fully well that was not her reason for being nervous. Everything was going awkwardly well. First, Charles welcomed her warmly and even went as far as following her to the dressmaker for her fitting. 

Lyne stepped to the podium, the breeze hitting her face. As Akeila moved to crown her, she asked the people if they agree to crown Lyne as the next in line to the throne or not. 

They all chorused a yes and her heart fluttered at how the people had willingly accepted her. But something else caught her eye. Charles climbed the podium and faced the people. 

"What do you all mean by yes?"

Her heart skidded and it left her wondering if Charles didn't want her to become the Alpha. 

"Charles?" She called but he ignored her, facing the crowd.

"She...she left Vampire City when they most needed her during the war only to go get acquainted with another man, and even have a kid with him. Tell me how she's worthy of becoming an Alpha!" He yelled at the top of his voice but Akeila stood in.

Lyne's heart shredded in pieces. He was speaking against her because he wanted to become the Alpha. 

"What standards gave you the lists of what she must possess to become our leader?" Akila asked him, voice and face firm.

"You will not speak, Akila." Charles snapped at her and Akeila laughed.

"Behold, he who wants to be the King, how he speaks to the Kingmaker." She said, hands firmly holding her staff.

"Leave the podium, now!" A voice boomed and all eyes were fixed on Styx whose eyes now blazed like fire.

"Father..."

"Now!" 

Charles sighed defeatedly and went down slowly. The people parted ways for him to pass and he reached Styx only for him to do the unexpected. He pulled his right hand to the back and placed a sharp knife around his throat. 

The people gasped, and Lyne cried. 

"Charles! What are you doing?" 

Korba ran towards him but he hit her forehead with the back of his sword, making her pass out. 

"No one must come near." He swerved his sword around as if threatening to slash anyone who comes near. 

The people stepped back, including the guards. Slowly, he backed out and ran away with Styx, disappearing into the darkness.

★★★★★★★★★★

The moon stood still brightly out and it aided in his journey of dragging Styx to Shelbrooke, one hand pulling at the corner and the other with a sword which he used to tear off part of his skin when he proved stubborn. 

"You want to make Lyne the leader? We'll see about that." 

But soon, Styx's body stretched and turned furry, turning to face him squarely. 

"Oh, I see you wanna play it the hard way, uh?" 

He also turned and the two fought brutally with him having so much advantage over Styx who was already weak. When he could no longer stand, Charles picked him by his furs, dragging him through the thorny and rough way. Off to Shelbrooke's den.

Charles dragged a badly beaten Styx in with his strong jaws. They had both shifted on their way to the Werecat's territory and fought brutally and now, Styx was no better than passing out. 

He turned into his human form, naked and requesting clothes. Gorge and Reyns stared in shock. Luana who had been drinking water from the glass cup she held, spat it back into the cup as she glared at Charles's naked body. Reyns looked up at her, frowned, and placed a palm across her face to block her sight. 

Shelbrooke pulled his overall coat and threw it at him.

"You captured the good ol' Alpha and brought him here?" 

The scar-faced man walked closer to him.

Charles nodded as he finished wearing the coat. 

"Sure. He's a pain in the ass."

"You wanna know who else may be a pain on the ass?"

Before Charles could answer, he spread his clawed fingers and ran them deep through his throat. Blood rushed through his fingers and he could see the shocked look on his face before he fell to the ground dead.

"You."

"And I hope you know you're next." They all raised their heads to see who it was. 

They could see a white Wolf with blue glistening eyes glaring at them from afar. She was standing on Shelbrooke's throne and they wondered how she got there. 

"Holy molly, how did she get so bold?" Gorge exclaimed but he was not as shocked as Luana and Shelbrooke.