The Challenge
A ripple of murmurs passed through the semicircle of Alphas. Some leaned in, their faces alight with curiosity, while others exchanged wary glances. The tension in the air thickened.
Draven’s amber eyes locked on Tobias, his expression unreadable. “A challenge? Now?”
Tobias stepped forward, his movements slow and predatory. His aura was unnerving, like the coiling shadow of a predator waiting to strike. “Unless,” he said, his voice sharp and taunting, “you’re afraid.”
Draven didn’t flinch, his gaze steady and unwavering. His hands rested at his sides, his body still, but every inch of him radiated control. “Fear has no place in my pack,” he replied evenly. His words rang out clear and unshaken, silencing even the murmurs of the council.
Tobias’s smirk deepened. He thrived on the attention, feeding off the unease he’d sown. “Then prove it,” he drawled, his tone a mixture of challenge and amusement.
Draven’s lips curled into a faint, humorless smile. He stepped forward, matching Tobias’s dominance with his own. “Leadership isn’t won by brute force alone,” he said, his voice carrying an edge that silenced the room further. “I accept your challenge—but on my terms.”
Surprise rippled through the council. Tobias’s confident expression faltered, only for an instant, before he covered it with another smirk. “And what terms are those?”
Draven crossed his arms, his amber eyes sweeping over the gathered Alphas. “You’ve stirred chaos with your lies and manipulation, Tobias. But this isn’t about me. It’s about the unity of Crimson Fang. We’ll settle this only after the council uncovers your alliances and brings your treachery to light.”
Tobias’s smile froze, his fingers twitching at his side. “Delaying the inevitable, are we?”
“No,” Draven said calmly. “Ensuring you don’t slither away before we’re done.”
The room stirred with murmurs of agreement. Several Alphas nodded, their curiosity piqued by Draven’s unflinching resolve. Tobias tilted his head, his eyes narrowing, but the flicker of annoyance in his expression didn’t escape Isla’s sharp gaze.
“Very well, Draven,” Tobias said finally, his voice forced into false respect. He turned, retreating to his seat. “For now.”
As the council began to adjourn for the day, Tobias muttered under his breath, his words meant for Draven alone. “Delay all you want, it won’t save you.”
