Reclaimed By The Alpha King
Chapter 189

Chapter 189: Chapter 189

Later that night, Derrick paced in his chambers, his mind racing. Mona watched him, her expression unreadable.

"You’re doing the right thing," she said softly, but her words felt like daggers. "Trust me. When you return, you’ll be unstoppable."

He stopped and looked at her. "And what about you? Will you wait for me? Or will you grow comfortable on the throne while I rot in exile?"

Mona’s lips curled into a sly smile. "You doubt me, my love? I’m doing this for us.

You’ll return stronger than ever. No one will stand in your way."

Derrick wanted to believe her. But the seeds of doubt had already taken root.

The next morning, Katherina gathered them all in a darkened chamber.

The old witches stood in a circle, chanting softly. Katherina turned to Derrick.

"When the moon is high tonight, you will leave. The spell will bind you to exile. Break it, and death will follow."

Derrick nodded. "I understand."

As night fell, Derrick stood at the edge of the forest, looking back at his pack one last time.

Mona stood beside Katherina, her face a mask of calm. "I’ll be back," he promised.

Mona only smiled. "I know."

And then he was gone.

In the days that followed, chaos brewed. News of Derrick’s exile spread through the packs like wildfire.

Some saw it as a sign of weakness; others whispered of a dark plot.

Meanwhile, Kimberly and Theo prepared for their coronation, but the shadows of Derrick’s betrayal and Katherina’s schemes loomed over them.

On the eve of the coronation, Kimberly sat alone in her chambers, staring into the flames of the hearth. Theo found her there, silent and still.

"You’re thinking about him," Theo said softly.

Kimberly looked up. "I can’t shake the feeling that this isn’t over. Derrick may be gone, but his shadow lingers."

Theo sat beside her, taking her hand in his. "Whatever comes, we’ll face it together."

The next day, as the sun dipped low on the horizon, the packs gathered for the coronation.

The great hall was filled with whispers and anticipation. The Supreme Chief Priest stood at the altar, waiting.

Suddenly, the doors burst open. Katherina strode in, flanked by the old witches. Mona was at her side, her eyes glinting with triumph.

"This coronation will not happen," Katherina declared, her voice echoing through the hall.

"The true alpha king is not here."

Theo stepped forward. "You’re wrong. I am here."

Katherina laughed. "Fool. Do you think this is over? You may have survived the trials, but the darkness is far from done with you."

Before anyone could react, the witches began to chant, and the air grew thick with dark magic.

Kimberly felt a cold hand wrap around her heart.

"Not today," she whispered. Her eyes burned with blue light, and she raised her hands, summoning the power of the Moon Goddess.

Light clashed with darkness, and the hall erupted into chaos.

Theo fought beside her, his own power surging. Katherina’s laughter echoed through the din.

And then, as suddenly as it began, it was over.

Katherina and her witches vanished into the shadows, leaving only silence behind.

The Supreme Chief Priest stepped forward.

"The darkness has been banished for now. Let the coronation proceed."

As Theo and Kimberly knelt before him, the priest raised his hands.

"By the power of the Moon Goddess, I crown you Alpha King and Moon Goddess Reborn."

The hall erupted into cheers, but Kimberly and Theo exchanged a look. This was only the beginning.

Far away, in the heart of the forest, Derrick watched the moon rise, his heart burning with rage and betrayal.

"I’ll be back," he whispered. "And when I am, they will all pay."

And somewhere in the shadows, Katherina laughed.

★★★

The night was silent, save for the soft hum of the crickets outside.

Theo and Kimberly lay in bed, the weight of the coronation and the chaos of the day pressing heavily on their minds.

Kimberly shifted slightly, turning to face Theo in the dim moonlight. She studied his face for a moment before speaking softly.

"Theo, truthfully... Do you think Derrick ran away because he was scared and defeated?" Her voice was barely a whisper, but it carried the weight of her concern.

Theo stayed quiet for a moment, staring up at the ceiling, his mind racing. Finally, he turned to face her, his expression serious.

"No," he admitted.

"Derrick isn’t the type to run because he’s scared. I know him. He’s planning something.

When he’ll return and how he’ll return... that’s the real question." He paused, reaching out to gently stroke Kimberly’s hair.

"But whatever comes, we’ll face it together. We’re stronger side by side."

Kimberly sighed, resting her head on his chest. "I just wish we could have peace... that nothing would trouble us anymore."

Theo kissed the top of her head. "I promise you, no matter what, we’ll never be defeated as long as we stay together.

Heavy is the head that wears the crown, but our bond makes us stronger."

She nodded softly, letting his words soothe her fears, and soon they both drifted off into sleep.

Morning came too soon. Theo stirred awake to the sound of his phone vibrating on the nightstand.

Groggily, he reached for it, careful not to wake Kimberly. When he saw Alpha Darwin’s name on the screen, he sat up immediately.

"Alpha Darwin?" Theo answered, but the voice on the other end wasn’t Darwin’s.

"Alpha Theo, please... you and the Moon Goddess need to come quickly," a woman’s voice said urgently.

"Alpha Darwin... we don’t know what’s happening to him. He asked to see you. Please, hurry."

The line went dead before Theo could reply. Heart pounding, he turned to find Kimberly already awake, her eyes wide with understanding.

"We need to get to Alpha Darwin’s place," Theo said, standing up.

Kimberly nodded. "I know. Let’s go."

They dressed quickly, barely speaking as they rushed to Darwin’s home.

The ride felt endless, tension hanging thick in the air.

When they arrived, they were led to Darwin’s room, where he lay pale and still on the bed, his breathing faint.

"Father!" Kimberly cried, rushing to his side and grabbing his frail hand.

"Why aren’t you in a hospital? What’s happening?"

Darwin’s eyes fluttered open slightly, and a weak smile crossed his face. "Kimberly... you made it." His voice was barely audible.

"Don’t talk like that," she pleaded, tears filling her eyes. "We’re taking you to the hospital right now. You’ll be okay."

Darwin gently squeezed her hand, shaking his head.

"No, child. My time has come." His gaze shifted to Theo, who knelt beside Kimberly.

"Theo..." Darwin continued, "Take care of her. Never leave each other’s side.

Together, you are unstoppable. I wish I could stay to see the future you two will build, but my journey ends here."

"No," Theo said firmly, shaking his head. "You’re not leaving. We’ll find a healer, a cure something. Just hold on."

Darwin coughed, the sound rattling deep in his chest.

"More trials will come. Darker days are ahead. You must stay strong, both of you. Kimberly..." He turned back to her, his eyes soft.

"I promised your parents I’d protect you. I’ve kept that promise as long as I could.

You carry their strength. You carry their love. Don’t ever forget that."

Kimberly’s tears spilled down her cheeks. "I can’t do this without you... please don’t go."

Darwin’s hand cupped her cheek gently. "You already have. And you will continue to. Remember everything I’ve taught you. Trust yourself. Trust Theo."

His breathing grew more labored, his grip on Kimberly’s hand weakening.

"My only regret is that I won’t be here to watch you shine. But I know you’ll make me proud. I love you, Kimberly."

"No! Please!" Kimberly sobbed, holding his hand tighter as his eyes fluttered closed.

"Father... please!" her voice cracked, but his hand slipped from her grasp.

A stillness settled over the room, heavy and suffocating.

"No!" Kimberly cried out, collapsing onto Darwin’s chest, her body wracked with sobs.

Theo wrapped his arms around her, holding her close as she grieved.

Theo bowed his head, grief tightening his throat. "Rest well, Alpha," he whispered softly.

The weight of the moment pressed down on them, the room silent except for Kimberly’s quiet cries.

As the sun climbed higher in the sky, its warmth seemed distant, unable to touch the coldness left behind by Darwin’s passing.