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.

far greater at stake now, Derrick. Your sister’s disappearance

frowned. "What are you talking

fading light on the wall. "I

her piercing gaze locking

is destined to be the Moon

Alpha Theo will awaken

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

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

more powerful?* His hands curled into fists. "No. That will not

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

you suggest we do

her strength, and her heart. All we need to

smirked bitterly. "You make it sound easy. Kimberly

point, Derrick. We just

between them

is the

Kimberly win, my power, my legacy, it all crumbles.* Derrick thought

turned toward the exit, his steps

Katherina called,

"What?"

comes, do not hesitate. Hesitation is weakness.

scoffed. "Don’t worry. When the time

stepped out of Katherina’s chamber, his mind sharper than ever, his

Theo. Your time is running out." With a ferocious look in his eyes, Derrick uttered

★★★

in a strange place, a place where darkness moved like

energy, and every breath she took felt heavy, as

the mysterious chant became. It was deep, rhythmic, and filled with something

sound, though a part of her screamed to turn

waiting for her beyond

the figures of ten women became visible, all draped in long black robes, their faces pale

revenge, their expressions carved

she noticed the lifeless body in

ribs. She felt her legs tremble, but she forced herself forward, desperate to see who it

The dark magic thickened, pressing against her like an unseen force trying to

got a clear

Theo.

down around

was stained

rushed toward him, but the women’s chant suddenly shifted, their voices

violent gust of wind slammed into her, sending

No!" she screamed, her hands reaching out, desperation clawing

if he were taking

nose, and ears, painting a horrifying picture of his suffering. His

wake up! Please, wake up!" Kimberly sobbed,

power within her surge, but no matter what

energy, tried reaching into the very core of magic itself, but

was as if something, someone had completely severed his connection to

of the robed women rang in her ears,

twisted through her like a knife,

Then darkness.