Chapter 8 A Great Secret Revealed!

• Atticus, now older and with scars marking his body and soul, stood paralyzed amid his uncle’s insults, his mind now recalling the fateful night when his family was ambushed by treacherous werewolves. The memory of the past echoed in his mind with dark flashbacks, transporting him back to that dreadful evening.
• On a dark night, Atticus’s carriage traveled through the forest, illuminated only by the faint light of the stars. Suddenly, shadows moved at the edges of the road, causing Atticus to shrink instinctively. His father, King Alvanir, raised his hand to calm the family, but his tense gaze betrayed his worry.
• A shiver ran down Atticus’s spine as figures emerged from the shadows, moving with supernatural speed and agility. His mother, the Queen, gripped his hand tightly, her eyes conveying a mix of fear and protection.
• The mysterious creatures drew closer, their heavy footsteps echoing in the silence of the night. Atticus could feel the tension in the air, while his father, with a determined expression, sought a way to protect the family.
• But within minutes, his parents’ bodies lay lifeless on the ground, and Atticus had been the only one to escape, though his body had sustained severe injuries.
• The grotesque voice of his uncle, Percival, echoed through the hall, pulling Atticus back to the harsh reality of the present. Even in the face of the venomous words flowing from the man, the prince maintained a dignified posture, refusing to bow to his uncle's oppressive control.
• Percival was a cunning and ambitious man who made no effort to hide his thirst for power. His eyes, full of intrigue, scrutinized every movement of Atticus as if searching for cracks in his emotional armor. The hall had become the stage for a silent battle between the legitimate heir and the manipulative uncle.
• “Atticus, my nephew, I see you want to appear strong. But know that strength does not only lie in bravery but in the ability to make wise decisions,” Percival said with a subtle smile, as if trying to dissolve the prince’s defenses.
• Atticus, in turn, stood firm. His determined eyes met Percival’s. “Uncle, wise decisions should not be confused with blind submission. I know we have differences, but that will not prevent me from ruling with justice and courage.”
• “Ruling!” Percival snarled. “Do you think someone as useless as you, in a wheelchair, is capable of ruling a kingdom like ours?”
• The tension was palpable. Atticus understood that, beyond the threats beneath the surface, his uncle represented a constant shadow in his path. Percival sought to influence the young prince, shaping him to serve his own interests.
• “I see no problem with that,” Atticus said, trying to hide his discontent.
• Atticus would not allow his kingdom to fall prey to the corrupt clutches of his uncle. The memory of the tragic night, the betrayal, and the loss drove him to resist Percival’s schemes. The truth was still obscured, but the prince was determined to uncover it, no matter the cost.
• “You are weak, Atticus; that is why you are not on the throne ruling.”
• Atticus took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. “I understand the concerns about succession, but there are other ways to ensure the kingdom's future. I can find a trusted advisor to assist me or even establish a leadership council; marriage is not the only solution,” Atticus asserted with conviction.
• King Percival seemed to ponder for a moment, but his expression grew even darker. “Don't be deluded, Atticus. Since I couldn't have an heir, you are the heir, and you have the duty to fulfill the royal obligations. I've already made the necessary arrangements for the youngest daughter of the Emberfall family to take the place of your bride, and she will be here soon.”
• A wave of fury swept through Atticus, barely able to contain his anger. “You can't do this; you can't control my life like this,” his voice came out a bit louder than he intended.
• “You are a fool, Atticus, a weak and powerless leader. If only you could see how pathetic you are,” his uncle taunted with a malicious smile.
• The throne room, which had once witnessed great decisions and oaths, was filled with the tension of the conflict between uncle and nephew. Atticus, even in the face of the imminent threat, remained firm in his stance.
• “Uncle, I will not allow you to use my marriage as a bargaining chip for your power games. There is more to leadership than forging alliances through arranged marriages. True power comes from the respect and loyalty of the people.”
• Percival laughed mockingly. “Oh, Atticus, your naivety is charming. The real world is not governed by idealism. Strength lies in firmness, cunning, and manipulation. It's time you learned this lesson the hard way.”
• Atticus remained silent, aware that his words could jeopardize his plans. However, he was not willing to be manipulated, especially by an ally of his uncle. If Percival was so insistent on marrying him to this she-wolf, there was a strong suspicion that she was also a traitor.
• Percival's smile widened even further, revealing his true intent to humiliate Atticus. “Your wheelchair has been a stigma that tainted our family. Now, my decision is made. Serenity will be the substitute bride, and there's nothing you can do to stop it.”
• Atticus signaled with his fingers to his servant Lazarus, who quickly approached. “Where do you wish to go, my lord?” Lazarus whispered close to Atticus's ear.
• “Back to my room,” he said.
• The door closed behind them, isolating them from the rest of the world. The prince sighed, releasing the accumulated tension as Lazarus took him back to his room. Upon arriving, Lazarus helped him to the window, from where he could see the vast garden.
• “Your Majesty! Is this good?” His loyal servant asked.
• Atticus nodded, feeling the breeze touch his face. He closed his eyes as he thought, finally deciding to reveal his deepest secret to his trusted confidant.
• “Lazarus!” Atticus called.
• “Yes, I'm here.”
• “I've thought about it, and it's time to share the truth with you, Lazarus.” He turned his wheelchair to face his servant. “I have plans for our kingdom that go beyond my uncle's schemes and manipulations.”
• Lazarus, always loyal, bowed his head in understanding. “Your Highness, you know I'm by your side, no matter the circumstances. What are the plans that trouble you so much?”