Chapter 0421

The moment we finished dinner, Victor pulled me upstairs to our private quarters. His hands tightened around my waist as he pressed his forehead against mine. "Isolde, we need to prepare for your father's challenge."

I frowned, tilting my head. "Why? He stands no chance against me."

Victor's grip tightened. "Every Alpha witnessed your power at the gathering. Your father knows he can't win fairly." His breath warmed my skin. "What would a desperate man do in his position?"

The realization hit me like a punch. My father would never fight honorably. "What's your plan?"

"We'll bring reinforcements from our pack." Victor's fingers traced my spine. "But more importantly, I've contacted Alistair Grey. As an elder, his presence would ensure fair play."

"Do you think he'll agree?"

Victor's lips curved. "We'll find out tomorrow."

At dawn, I met with Seraphina and Evelyn to arrange our next training session with King Oberon. "Perfect timing!" Seraphina clapped her hands. "We can visit your new marketplace!"

"If you come for the mate gathering next week," I said, excitement bubbling in my chest, "you'll see Isabella's boutique. She's creating custom designs, including something special for Ivy."

I'd walked through our developing marketplace yesterday. The scent of fresh coffee from the new bakery still lingered in my memory. Three more shops were nearly ready for opening.

"Julian needs new clothes too!" Evelyn chimed in.

I laughed. "Of course he does."

"We'll arrive early to shop," Seraphina decided. "Stay for dinner, then return the following week for the baby clothes."

Later, I called King Oberon about relocating our training session. My voice dropped when I mentioned Elara's injury. "There might be a solution," he mused, "but I'll need to examine her in person."

Summer and I reviewed housing arrangements. With new pack members arriving and another pack visiting for the gathering, we repurposed empty rooms on the Beta and Gamma floors. We assigned Alistair and his daughter Vivian to our private wing.

Pack members volunteered to host newcomers until their homes were built. Their generosity warmed my heart - we were truly becoming a family.

Victor secured Alistair Grey's support for the challenge. The elder agreed my father would likely cheat without oversight.

The week vanished in a blur of construction and preparations. Victor and I collapsed into bed each night, exhausted but fulfilled.

On the eve of the challenge, Victor forced me to rest early. "You're not invincible, love." He ordered dinner to our room, creating a rare moment of peace.

"How are you feeling?" His piercing gaze searched mine.

I sighed. "Conflicted. He's my father... but he chose this path when he banished me, hurt my mother, and took Vivian as his mate." My fists clenched. "Whenever I soften, I remember Mother clutching her chest, that final moment of realization before-" My voice broke. "This pack is my birthright. A true Alpha would have passed leadership to me willingly."

"Can you live with killing him?" Victor asked softly.

"Yes." The word came easier than I expected. "Beneath the pain, he's just a man who abused his power, his mate bond, and his role as a father."

Victor pulled me onto his lap. "Whatever happens tomorrow, I'm with you."

I curled against his chest, drawing strength from his steady heartbeat as I contemplated the coming dawn.

Alistair Grey arrived at first light. "Thank you for coming," I greeted him.

"Luna Isolde." He inclined his head. "This intervention is necessary, regrettably."

"Please, call me Isolde."

"Only if you call me Alistair."

By seven, our convoy rolled toward my father's territory. The three-hour journey felt like traveling through a ghost town. The once-vibrant homes now stood peeling and cracked, weeds choking the neglected gardens.

When we reached the pack house, the contrast stunned me. Immaculate lawns, freshly painted walls, blooming flowers everywhere. Victor met my gaze and shook his head in disgust.