Chapter 135: _The Sins Of The Father Kyren’s POV
When he felt the energy surges coming from the Alpha king, he had a vague idea why. The revelation he overheard while spying on the Alpha king and Luna Queen was still ringing like a time bomb in the back of his mind, even during his alone time with Elian. Garrick Ironclaw, his father, was alive. And not only was the bastard alive after all these centuries, but he was also the very leader of the Dark Hand. A plague of an organisation that had begun from Lunaria but was now apparently spreading into Arcadia. And possibly the Dark Lands next if they hadn’t already. As Kyren stood at the entrance of the throne room, Elian standing close by his side, his fingers twitched with barely contained restraint. "You put the entire Empire in jeopardy when you chose to sponsor the Dark Hand!" As soon as those words left Lucian’s lips, the pieces of the puzzle began falling in place. He had found it odd that the Luna Queen would accuse her husband of being "behind the Dark Hand’s existence" when the Alpha king’s father was the one who apparently betrayed Garrick in the first place. The sins of the father don’t always reflect on the son... Unless the son went ahead to commit his own fair share.
When he felt the energy surges coming from the Alpha king, he had a vague idea why. The revelation he overheard while spying on the Alpha king and Luna Queen was still ringing like a time bomb in the back of his mind, even during his alone time with Elian. Garrick Ironclaw, his father, was alive. And not only was the bastard alive after all these centuries, but he was also the very leader of the Dark Hand. A plague of an organisation that had begun from Lunaria but was now apparently spreading into Arcadia. And possibly the Dark Lands next if they hadn’t already. As Kyren stood at the entrance of the throne room, Elian standing close by his side, his fingers twitched with barely contained restraint. "You put the entire Empire in jeopardy when you chose to sponsor the Dark Hand!" As soon as those words left Lucian’s lips, the pieces of the puzzle began falling in place. He had found it odd that the Luna Queen would accuse her husband of being "behind the Dark Hand’s existence" when the Alpha king’s father was the one who apparently betrayed Garrick in the first place. The sins of the father don’t always reflect on the son... Unless the son went ahead to commit his own fair share.
"Well, well, well." Kyren’s voice broke through the thick tension that descended on the throne room after Lucian’s bomb drop, raising his hands.
He stepped forward, ignoring Elian’s confused glance beside him and clapping slowly, shaking his head.
"I almost thought I would have to do some more digging myself. But thanks to your little..." He paused, looking between Lucian and the Alpha king who both now had their eyes on him.
Cute.
"... Your little family bonding time, the truth has finally come to light. And it’s even more delicious than I would’ve anticipated."
Lucian furrowed his brows, his nostrils flaring as if he couldn’t decide between being pissed at his dad or wanting to fight him.
Hmph... As if he could if he tried.
"Kyren," Elian whispered behind him just then. "What’s going on? Is... Is the Alpha King really—’
"You stay out of this, Omega!" The Alpha king boomed just then, his eyes blazing with a cold light as he locked them on Elian. "This doesn’t concern you in any way."
"You wouldn’t dare raise your voice at my mate in my presence, Alpha King." Kyren used his body to shield Elian from Arian’s wrath, his tone daring. "How fitting. Now I see where your son gets his attitude from."
The Alpha king’s fists curled beside him, his jaw tightening. "Lord Kyren. I hope this little hiccup won’t put a dent in our negotiation talks. After all, it’s profitable to your territory if Lunaria can convince—"
"Lunaria can’t do shit." Kyren sneered, sniggering with contempt as he placed his arms behind his back. "If you’re sponsoring the Dark Hand, I doubt it’s because you want a cut of whatever madness is brewing. Which leaves one more option."
He paused, letting his words sink in for a few more seconds before speaking again.
"Blackmail. Garrick Ironclaw is probably using some kind of blackmail from the past against your father... Against the Lunarian crown. And you’re sponsoring his little organisation to keep him from spilling."
The Alpha king’s face darkened while Lucian huffed a breath, his eyes going from Arian to Kyren repeatedly.
"How do you know that name?" The Alpha king queried icily, his eyes shifting into slits fixed on Kyren. "Have you been spying on me, rogue king? I bring you into my palace and you’re spying?"
Kyren snorted.
He’d had just about enough of this tomfoolery.
"The walls have ears, Alpha King. Even now, gods know how many people are listening in to this conversation." Kyren gestured at the wide-open throne room doors to make his point clear. "Anyway, it’s clear I’ve overstayed my welcome."
The Alpha king’s eyes kept on twitching but Kyren was far from done.
He slowly glanced over his shoulder at Elian, watching him intently.
His little flame was still stunned, but there was a hint of hurt in his eyes from the way Arian snapped at him.
The young man tried hiding his vulnerability behind snark and sarcastic remarks but Kyren could see right through him.
’Do you really want to continue living with all... THIS?’ Kyren slipped into his mind, asking the question firmly. ’The Dark Lands may be on the verge of a war, but you’ve been a target here in Lunaria.’
Elian blinked at him, his lips pressing into a thin line.
There was a flash of hesitation but it was also clear that he was actually pondering Kyren’s words.
’I... I’ve been in Lunaria all my life.’ Elian’s voice in the mind link was defeated, like he had no choice. ’And I... I still care about my other mates.’
Kyren was about to say something when the Alpha king thundered.
"Very well. Since you’ve decided Lunaria is no use to your cause, I guess there’s no need for you to be here."
Kyren turned his head back to the babbling mutt, his eyes glinting with contempt.
Lucian seemed done, glaring at his father one last time before stepping down the cracked dais with heavy stomps.
"Lucian!" His father yelled, his voice still holding the power of a celestial sovereign. "You’re just going to walk away? After all this mess you—"
"I have nothing left to say to you, father." Lucian interrupted without looking back, his eyes focused on the exit. "I’m just glad your true colours are coming out for the whole fucking world to see."
Lucian didn’t even spare Kyren or Elian a glance as he barged out of the throne room, leaving them standing there.
’Dramas like this are only going to get more toxic on you.’ Kyren pushed on in Elian’s mind, turning away from Arian. ’In the Dark Lands, there is no discrimination against Omegas like yourself. How could there be in a land of rejected rogues?’
Kyren ignored the Alpha King’s existence completely, stepping toward Elian and placing a hand on his shoulder. The latter stiffened but eventually looked into his crimson eyes as he continued.
’You could be my consort. By my side, you wouldn’t have to worry about any threats or anyone looking down on you. Because I’ll rain upon any who dare a fate so grave they’ll plead for the sweet release of death.’
He tightened his grip on his shoulder, leaning downward until their faces were only a breath away.
’I wouldn’t force you now. Just think about it. And ponder if your two pets are worth the hassle.’ his mental voice was soft before he finally parted his lips to speak physically. "But be warned, little flame. I’m not known for my patience."
He patted Elian one last time before glancing back at the Alpha king. "See you at the full moon masquerade ball next month. Or not... Depending on what scandals come to light in the coming month."
His smirk widened when he saw the frown lines on the Alpha king’s face. Like a man losing grasp of the concept of control.
Pathetic.
Kyren moved, strutting past Elian who just stood there frozen.
He raised his right arm slightly, causing a rune to activate his battleship outside, firing it up for his departure.
’Farrell?’ he established a telepathic link with his commander as he arrived in front of an Ascension platform door. ’Get ready for my arrival. We have some digging to do.’
There was a short pause before Farrell responded. ’I... I thought you wouldn’t be coming till at least tomorrow, sir. Did something change?’
Kyren’s expression was plain as he walked into the metal shaft of the Ascension platform, watching the doors close in front of him.
’I’ll fill you in once I get there. But it looks like we’re going to be rekindling family bonds.’
He cut off the telepathic link after that, drawing in a breath. But just when he was about to click on the button that would lead him to the last floor, a bang sounded on the door from outside.
The metal doors slid open, revealing a panting Elian, his violet eyes sparkling. "Wait! I... I’ll come with you."
Kyren blinked at him for a beat before his mouth curled into a broad grin.
Good, little flame.