The Alpha King's Nemesis-Chapter 257: The Challenge ()

The sun was high in the sky and the air in the Royal Lycan Arena buzzed with tension. The challenge for the Ethereal throne had gathered all the powers of the Ethereal Domain, Alphas and elders alike, numbering to over a hundred spectators.

It was a pivotal event for the Ethereal domain, the very first event where the Ethereal throne had been up for challenge since the beginning of the existence of the supernatural realm and this challenge would determine the course of the domain moving forward and even the supernatural realm at large.

Yet this spectacle of law and ancient culture, had taken an unexpected turn.

Morden, the only challenger still of the royal lineage, stood amidst the fallen Alphas, the challenge ground dyed red with their blood.

What was more worrisome to the spectators was the wisps of magic curling around his hand... witch magic, a potent ability that the werewolves were not meant to possess,

Without taking his wolf form or exerting himself, all five challengers facing Morden had met a gruesome end and now he stood victorious, his lips curled into a smug grin, unconcerned with the murmurs and yells of outrage.

"He wields magic! How is this a fair challenge?!" An Ethereal Alpha roared from the crowd.

Lord Kodin had a worried expression on his face, though he had known of the possibility of hybrids, he had not expected Morden would also be one of those rare existences.

The existence of hybrids defied all natural laws, which meant Morden’s power was something even Lord Kodin could not be certain to fully comprehend.

"The challenge...has no rules or restrictions." Lord Kodin said, unable to deny the glaring truth.

Morden had done no wrong by law... the Alpha challenge was a battle to the death, there were no rules.

"Is this all the Ethereal Domain has to offer?" Morden’s voice boomed, cutting through the murmurs of the crowd.

"Your chosen champions fall like leaves in the autumn wind. Pathetic." Morden spat.

A ripple of unease passed through the gathered spectators. They looked to Queen Sancia, perched on her throne as the highest authority of the Royal Lycan Pack, but her silence spoke volumes.

"I thought there were meant to be seven challengers! Who is the final?!" Another Ethereal Alpha demanded. 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

"Perhaps the final challenger does not dare step forward? Certain death awaits." A third Ethereal Alpha suggested.

"Does it mean we hand over the win just like that?! It is a dishonour to the Ethereal domain! The challenge must be completed! If no one will step forward, I will!" The second Ethereal Alpha that had spoken snarled.

"If you are that eager to meet your demise." Morden commented casually.

The Ethereal Alphas growled in agitation at Morden’s words, but they knew it was nothing but the truth. The finest amongst them had already been defeated.

"Alpha Zariah! Who is your challenger?!" The council werewolf demanded, equally agitated.

All eyes moved to Zariah who had been quietly seated all along.

Zariah did not respond immediately but after a short moment, she got up to her feet and descended the platform, making her way down to the battleground.

"The final challenger...is me." Zariah declared, watching Morden’s reaction.

Morden’s brows furrowed slightly and he glanced over at Queen Sancia who immediately flared up in outrage.

Queen Sancia rose abruptly, her voice a mix of fury and desperation.

"This trial is for the Ethereal Domain! You are no Ethereal Alpha! This is not your place!" Queen Sancia roared.

"I do not recall Morden being an Ethereal Alpha either." Zariah pointed out.

"But you are Crimson Alpha! These two titles can never be granted to one person! It is against our laws!" Queen Sancia pressed on.

Zariah sighed, she had already anticipated this.

"You are right... and that is why as of last night, I ceased to be Crimson Alpha." Zariah replied calmly.

"Wh... what?!!" Queen Sancia sputtered.

"The New Alpha of Crimson Moon Pack...is Darren Holt Moonstone!" Zariah declared loud and clear.

Darren stood from where he sat and moved to occupy the position Zariah had been seated, sealing her words.

All eyes moved to Lord Kodin who rose to his feet.

"It is as Zariah has announced. Darren Holt Moonstone has long been registered as heir to the title and last night, Alpha Zariah abdicated her title as Alpha to Darren Holt Moonstone. The abdication was approved by the supernatural council which is the only standard protocol and as such...stands." Lord Kodin announced.

All the spectators had fallen quiet and even Queen Sancia had no words.

"Zariah. I hoped you’d await your turn, but since you are so eager... I guess I shall allow you to join the rest of the fallen, before your time." Morden finally spoke, a hateful smile on his lips.

"My time? That is not for you to decide." Zariah clarified.

"You wish to show off your abilities? Pick on someone your own size." Zariah snarled, twirling her hands, her flame element roared to life.

Zariah’s name echoed amongst the spectators, a show of support as she faced off a furious Morden, her aura imposing and her presence electrifying.

Morden’s grin returned, but it was now dampened by unease, despite his best efforts to conceal it.

"A hybrid against a hybrid. I’ll admit, Zariah, you are fearless. But that won’t save you."

"I am not fearless...far from it. What drives me is that very fear...a terror so great, it chills my bones and freezes my blood," Zariah said, her voice was like steel.

"But what I fear is not you. What I fear is failing my beloved and his people. What I fear is letting your power hungry self anywhere near his throne or anything else that he holds dear."

"There is only one Ethereal King... and it..is..not..you!" Zariah roared, enunciating each word carefully so everyone understood it.

Morden’s eyes flared with rage, his hands crackled with his magic.

The battle began.