“Where are you?” I spoke telepathically.
“I am outdoors,” he responded.
I rushed outdoors and discovered him standing beside one of the numerous palm trees adorning my front yard. It has been an extended period since I last encountered him, and I would have contemplated how he was aware of my presence here.
This island was my secret, known only to me and now, Jessica. However, he discovered it with ease.
However, I am not astonished by his actions; he has always effortlessly located those he sought.
His name is Luca, an unorthodox assassin. He has been employed by me since I rescued him from a near-fatal condition in battle. Since that time, he has been the primary individual responsible for eliminating the majority of my adversaries. He eliminates without a trace, subsequently disappearing without a remnant, only to reappear when another assignment arises. Luca was a spectral presence and my most reliable subordinate.
The most recent mission I assigned him occurred a decade ago, and we have not encountered one another since then. I am curious about the urgency that prompted his unexpected arrival.
“You continually severed your connection to the mental link,” he stated, approaching me.
“I was occupied, and you were being bothersome,” I responded flatly, with my hands in my pockets.
“Indeed? You are aware that I would never initiate a mind-link unless it were of utmost urgency,”
I observed his anxiety and guided him indoors. We traversed the wooden floorboards to my small study, where he took a seat.
“What is it? Why do you appear so anxious?” I enquired.
“Do you recall the last mission I completed for you a decade ago?” He reminded me, exhibiting noticeable anxiety.
I turned pale as I was compelled to recall my obligations from a decade ago. The violence occurred a decade ago.
A decade prior…
The decision was made a decade ago. Ten years ago, I acquired the ‘ruthless’ label and adhered to it.
I was born into the Alpha bloodline of our pack. My father was the deceased Alpha of our pack, and he soon became aged and ill, nearing his demise. Reclining on his sickbed, it was merely a matter of days before the Alpha ceremony would occur. The new Alpha would be inaugurated there, and Father would bestow his blessings upon his successor. The entire pack would pledge loyalty to the new Alpha, marking the commencement of a new age.
One aspect I despised about being my Father’s kid was having eight brothers. I was not the firstborn; I was the fourth, hence I was not in line to become the Alpha of our pack.
My eldest brother was the rightful heir to the Alpha position, followed by his sons, and subsequently, his grandsons. My progeny and I would never have the opportunity to attain Alpha status; we would be as ineffective as tattered garments.
We would be perceived as persons from the Alpha lineage, although our names would not command respect. Our significance would be contingent upon the governing Alphas. The life I envisioned for myself was different.
My brothers appeared agreeable to permitting our eldest brother to assume the role of the future Alpha, but I was not in favour of it. I desired more than only becoming the brother of the Alpha or the uncle of the Alpha. I desired the post. I desired fame, recognition, and reverence; I sought it all.
Traditionally, a fourth son should not desire the role of an Alpha. It contravened the celestial regulations, the decree of the Moon Goddess, and the customs of the populace. However, it would not deter me; I desired the position so intensely that I was prepared to undertake all necessary actions to secure it.
If the heavens oppose me, then I reject them! If the moon goddess were to feel antagonistic, then disregard her. She performed inadequately in facilitating my emergence as the fourth son. I possessed all the qualities necessary to be an Alpha-heir, rather than a mere fourth son. If the populace expresses opposition, I shall subdue them decisively.
I contacted Luca and instructed him to eliminate all eight of my brothers. Our blood relation was of little significance to me. I required their removal to obtain my desired objective.
Luca exterminated them all; it was the most profound tragedy to afflict this pack, yet it served the greater good.
Father was profoundly affected by the news, mourning his deceased boys until the end of his life. The Alpha ritual occurred, and I was declared the Alpha heir. I implored Father for his favours, yet he never granted them. Even on his deathbed, he never deemed me worthy of being an Alpha.
“You will never attain Alpha status,” were the feeble words he uttered to me.
