Rejected by the Beta, Claimed by the Alpha

Chapter 173: Chapter 173

Derrick paced around his chamber, his mind racing with thoughts about Elena.

He had barely rested from all that was happening around him, and the uncertainty of her whereabouts gnawed at him.

His instincts told him that something was off about the entire situation, but he needed to hear Mona’s report first.

Mona entered the room, her face twisted in an expression of false sadness. She had rehearsed her words carefully, knowing that one slip could make Derrick suspicious.

"Mona," Derrick said, his voice heavy with impatience. "What did Katherina say?"

Mona let out a deep sigh, lowering her gaze as if struggling to find the right words.

"I... I spoke to Katherina, Derrick. She was as shocked as we are. She swore she has nothing to do with Elena’s disappearance."

Derrick narrowed his eyes, watching her closely. "Are you sure? Katherina isn’t exactly known for being... uninformed."

Mona nodded quickly, forcing a sad smile.

"She promised to look into it. She said she would use her powers to search for any signs of Elena. But she truly seemed unaware of what happened."

Derrick clenched his fists. *Lies. This doesn’t add up.*

* Katherina always knows what’s happening. If she really didn’t know, it could only mean one thing... She was hiding something.* Derrick thought.

But he didn’t call Mona out on her deception. Not yet. Instead, he nodded, his face betraying no emotion. "Alright. I’ll wait for her feedback."

Mona internally sighed in relief. *That was close.* She bowed slightly before leaving the room, unaware that Derrick had already made a decisio contrary to his reply.

The next morning, as the sun barely peeked over the horizon, Derrick set off alone towards Katherina’s lair.

He left his men behind, not wanting any unnecessary eyes or ears on what was about to happen.

Meanwhile, in her dark chamber, Katherina sat cross-legged in deep meditation.

Candles flickered around her, their flames dancing unnaturally. Her mind was reaching into the unseen, searching for hidden truths.

Suddenly, a blinding light illuminated her wall. She opened her eyes abruptly, watching in shock as an image formed within the light... it was alpha Theo.

His figure radiated power, an aura of greatness surrounding him. And then, as if the universe itself whispered to her, the prophecy unraveled before her.

"Theo... waiting for activation... Kimberly... moon goddess reborn... three tests... The words came to her like an unrelenting storm."

Her hands trembled.

"No. This cannot happen. If Kimberly succeeds in her trials, Theo will become unstoppable. They will be the ultimate force against me." Katherina said angrily.

Katherina gritted her teeth. "I will not allow this," she whispered fiercely. "I have come too far... I have sacrificed too much."

A sudden presence disrupted her thoughts. She turned sharply as Derrick entered her chamber, his expression unreadable.

"You came alone," Katherina observed, her voice eerily calm despite the storm raging within her.

"I need answers," Derrick said bluntly. "About my sister. About everything."

Katherina studied him for a long moment before exhaling.

greater at stake now, Derrick. Your sister’s disappearance is only a small piece

frowned. "What are you talking

fading light on the wall. "I have seen a prophecy. One that changes

her piercing gaze locking

is destined to be

will awaken into his true power, one that will rival

they will be unstoppable. And once that happens... we will

Theo that I despise? The same Theo who already stands in

curled into

dark smile. "Good. Then we are in agreement. We must

"And how do you suggest we do that? She’s not

her strength, and her heart. All we need to do is ensure that

make it

a breaking point, Derrick. We just

dangerous silence settled between them

it. This is the moment where everything

lost too much already. If Theo and Kimberly win, my power, my legacy,

his steps slow but heavy

called, making him

"What?"

"When the time comes, do not hesitate. Hesitation

worry. When the time comes... I’ll

his mind sharper than ever, his heart hardened

out." With a

★★★

a place where darkness moved like living shadows, whispering secrets she could not

breath she took felt heavy, as though it carried

mysterious chant became. It was deep, rhythmic, and

her toward the sound, though a part of her

waiting for her beyond the

ten women became visible, all draped in long black robes, their faces

glowed with revenge, their expressions carved with the grudges

lifeless body in the

pounded violently against her ribs. She felt her legs tremble, but she forced herself forward,

every step she took, the chanting grew louder. The dark magic thickened, pressing against her

hands shook as she finally got a clear view of the body

Theo.

around her. He

was stained with

suddenly shifted, their

wind slammed into

No!" she screamed, her hands reaching out,

rose slightly as if he were

nose, and ears, painting a horrifying picture of his

up!" Kimberly sobbed, shaking him, but

no matter what she

tried reaching into the very core of

someone had completely

rang in her ears, mocking her pain, feeding off

through her like a knife, and she

Then darkness.