The Alpha's long lost heir
Chapter 132: Threat incoming

Chapter 132: Threat incoming

Neriah stood in Oberon’s living room, a faint smile playing on his lips as he spoke with conviction. "Oberon, I assure you, nothing will go wrong. The plan is foolproof, and we have the element of surprise on our side. The palace is vulnerable now, more than ever. If we act quickly, we can take back what is rightfully yours."

Oberon crossed his arms, his expression stern. "Neriah, I understand your confidence, but I cannot simply disregard the potential danger. Nyx and Archi are my family. I would never forgive myself if something happened to them because of a hasty decision."

Neriah’s smile did not waver, though a flicker of frustration passed through his eyes. He quickly buried it, maintaining his calm demeanor. "I have thought this through, Oberon. Every detail has been considered. The risks are minimal."

Oberon shook his head slowly. "I appreciate your efforts, Neriah, but this is not something I can decide on so quickly. I need time to think about it."

Neriah inclined his head, masking his growing irritation. "Of course, Oberon. Take all the time you need. But remember, time is of the essence."

With that, Neriah left, his mind swirling with the need to maintain his composure. He could not afford to show his frustration. He needed Oberon to trust him, to believe in the plan.

Later that night, as the moon cast a silver glow over their home, Oberon sat down with Nyx, his brow furrowed with concern. He recounted Neriah’s proposal, his voice laced with the worry he had tried to suppress earlier.

Nyx listened intently, her expression growing more anxious with each word. "The palace... that place is filled with memories, Oberon. Some of them dark. But if Neriah believes this is the only way..."

Oberon looked at her, surprised by the hint of resolve in her voice. "Nyx, are you sure? We do not know what we might be walking into. The risks..."

Nyx reached out, placing her hand on his. "I am nervous, yes. But I also know that you have always done what is right for our family. If this is the path that will lead us back to stability, then I trust you to see it through. And I trust Neriah."

Oberon’s surprise deepened. He had expected more resistance from Nyx, more doubt. Instead, she was encouraging him to go ahead. He searched her eyes, looking for any sign of hesitation, but all he saw was quiet determination.

"Very well," he said, finally. "If you believe in this, then I will proceed. But we must be cautious."

The next morning, Oberon met Neriah again, this time with a clearer mind. "I have decided to follow you to the palace," Oberon began, watching Neriah’s expression carefully. "But I have one condition."

Neriah’s eyes flickered with interest. "Name it."

"Oberon took a deep breath. "I will go with you, but only if Aegis is besieged. If we have Aegis occupied, it will weaken their defenses and give us the upper hand. Without that, the risks are too great."

For a moment, Neriah’s confident facade wavered, a brief flicker of uncertainty crossing his face. He had not anticipated this stipulation. "That... complicates things," he admitted, trying to keep his tone even.

"But it is necessary," Oberon pressed. "You said yourself that the plan must be flawless. This is how we ensure it."

Neriah paused, calculating the new variables in his mind. The idea of besieging Aegis was not part of the original plan, and it added a layer of complexity that he had not prepared for. Yet, he could not afford to lose Oberon’s trust now, not when they were so close.

"Very well," Neriah agreed after a tense silence. "We will move on Aegis first, draw their forces away from the palace. But you must understand, this will require additional resources and time. We cannot afford any mistakes."

Oberon nodded, satisfied. "Then we move forward. But remember, Neriah, this is not just about the throne. It is about protecting those we care about. I will not sacrifice my family for power."

Neriah smiled, though it did not reach his eyes. "Of course, Oberon. I would expect nothing less from you."

As they parted ways, Neriah’s mind churned with new thoughts. Oberon’s condition had thrown a wrench into his plans, but he could adapt. He always did. And besides, he had his own reasons for wanting Aegis weakened. This could work in his favor after all.

Unbeknownst to Oberon, Neriah had been harboring his own ambitions, ones that extended beyond simply helping his friend reclaim his throne. The alliance with Aegis was fragile at best, and Neriah had long suspected that they would turn against him the moment it served their interests. By besieging Aegis, he could eliminate a potential threat while appearing to support Oberon’s cause.

As the day wore on, Oberon prepared himself for the coming battle. He knew the road ahead would be treacherous, but Nyx’s unexpected support had bolstered his resolve. He would do whatever it took to protect his family and restore their honor.

However, as he lay in bed that night, his thoughts kept drifting back to Neriah. There was something in his friend’s eyes that he could not quite place, a glint that unsettled him. Oberon pushed the feeling aside, telling himself that Neriah was under pressure too. But the seed of doubt had been planted, and it would take more than reassurances to make it disappear entirely.

The following days were a flurry of activity as preparations for the siege began.

Neriah, on the other hand, worked behind the scenes, pulling strings and making arrangements that Oberon was not fully aware of. He ensured that certain key players in Aegis would be compromised, weakening their defenses from within. His actions were subtle, almost imperceptible, but they laid the groundwork for what was to come.

As the day of the siege approached, tensions ran high. Nyx, though supportive, could not shake the feeling of dread that hung over her. She kept a brave face for Oberon and Archi, but inside, she worried about what the future held. She prayed that Oberon’s decision was the right one, that it would lead them to a better future rather than plunging them into deeper turmoil.

In the morning of the siege, Oberon stood in front of the palace, his eyes glowering with an emotion hard to understand. Nyx stood beside him, holding Archi.

Dora asked, "What do we do? We are few, and of course, Aegis has a whole pack of Lycans with him."

"Neriah had an idea. He can help us with the besieging,"Oberon said.

Neriah sighed when he heard this. He knew he was about to betray them; they had trusted him so much.

Dora turned to look at him, asking, ’Neriah, how come you did not tell me?"

He shrugged, "I thought to keep it...I wanted it to be for Oberon’s ears only."

"Forget that, Dora. That is not the important thing at hand now," he waved at her, and she sighed.

"So what is the plan? What are we supposed to do?"

Neriah darted his eyes, "Well...you should follow me. There is a plan in which we have to distract the guards around, and probably make them fall asleep," he walked ahead of them.

Oberon arched his brow, "What makes you think they would just fall asleep"

"A sort of sedative would work."

"Do you have one?" Nyx asked, getting suspicious.

He nodded, "It is right here with me," he smiled, to clear any doubt.

She curled her lips, holding Archi tighter, "Something feels odd," she muttered. Neriah heaved a sigh; he had to be a little faster if he wanted them not to start getting suspicious. He led them to a hole in the wall. Oberon was disheartened when he saw the hole. He bent his head, and shook his head, feeling so ashamed of himself, "See what I have done to myself," he said quietly.

Neriah led them through the hole to the other side of the wall. There were no guards in sight.

"The coast is actually clear," Dora said in surprise.

"Neriah, how do you intend on besieging him? You brought this up in the first place, you know?" Oberon asked.

Neriah closed his eyes, his heart skipping beats. "Yes... we... I mean, I do have a plan. Just keep following me."

Oberon felt something was wrong. He stopped, "tell me what you brought us here for."

Neriah stopped, and faced him, "I told you, it is to get your throne back. How will you claim your throne back if you are somewhere else?"

He shook his head, "I do understand, but.. it is as if you have an ulterior motive."

"I do not. It is for your own good Oberon. Trust me."

He held Nyx’s hand, drawing her backwards, he faced her, speaking in her ear, "you should get out of here. I feel something off about him."

"Why?"

"Just trust me, and get out of here. I know you do not want to trust me, but just trust me, just this once."

She nodded, and turned around preparing to go out the way she came.

"Hey, and where do you think you are going?"

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