Chapter 12

• Alpha Xerves ‘s Pov
• The sun hung low in the sky, casting a dull orange glow over the forest. It should have been a peaceful sight, but peace was not a luxury I entertained. My days were long, the weight of leadership pressing against my chest with every decision I made. Slavery was not just a practice—it was the backbone of our power. The clans depended on it, and any weakness would be seen as a sign to topple me. That would not happen.
• I stood by the wide-open windows of the council chamber, the chill of the evening wind brushing against my face. My gaze fell on the woods beyond, their shadows stretching ominously as the sun retreated. Somewhere out there, our enemies lingered, watching for the smallest crack in our fortress. But they’d find none. Not while I ruled.