Chapter 584: Witnesses
In a while, the arena for the fight was set up. It wasn’t much, just a rough, fifty-foot-wide ring marked out and bordered with sandbags.
"When you go in there, crush him completely," Roman said, playing the role of a hype man as he massaged Asher’s shoulders, kneading out the tension.
Asher was stripped down to only his shorts, his slitted gaze fixed on the ring ahead—the circle that would determine either his victory or his death.
"If it gets too hard, remember Violet and all the mind-blowing sex you won’t get if you die in there," Roman added like it was a perfectly reasonable motivational speech.
Asher tilted his head, staring at him in stunned disbelief.
Roman’s face was deadly serious as he went on, "What? It’s the truth. I’ll take her in positions you’ve never even imagined while you sit up in heaven watching us."
Then, as if reconsidering, he muttered, "Would that even matter in heaven? You’d probably be too busy chilling or playing harps or something."
He suddenly frowned, "Actually, that does sound like I’m losing out here."
Then, with a sudden spark, Roman said louder, "Fine! I’ll enjoy being with her on earth before heading to heaven. Ha! Whose loss would that be?"
Asher just stared at him blankly for a long moment before breaking into a genuine smile.
"Thank you. For everything." And he meant it.
Roman’s chest bloomed with pride at the words. Then, true to form, he immediately ruined the moment. "Oh, I meant every word. You better win this fight," he warned with a wicked grin, "or I’ll screw our girl right right in front of your grave!"
"God, Roman. You need help!" Asher was flabbergasted.
Roman only grinned, shamelessly owning his madness like a badge of honor.
Meanwhile, across the arena, Dominic was surrounded by his supporters, his expression stoic as he prepared himself for the coming fight.
"You know what’s at stake here," Alpha Marlow subtly reminded him in a whisper.
Dominic’s jaw ticked in irritation. "I know. You don’t need to educate me," he growled.
Marlow glared at him. The man wasn’t even Alpha yet, and already his arrogance was suffocating. Still, he schooled his tone and said, "Nonetheless, good luck to you."
Dominic didn’t respond, only watching as Marlow walked away. Luck? He scoffed inwardly. He didn’t need luck. Not when Asher’s fate was already sealed.
He rolled his shoulders, feeling the unnatural rush of strength coursing through his veins. It was beginning to wane, but that was to be expected. He couldn’t let anyone suspect that he had taken the red pill.
The red pill was a banned drug, outlawed by all packs. It temporarily augmented a wolf’s physical strength to terrifying levels, pushing both body and wolf to their limits.
Of course, it came with brutal side effects: fever that wouldn’t break, hallucinations, potential organ failure, and even permanent damage to the wolf itself. Most wolves who took it never fully recovered.
But Dominic didn’t care. This was the price he was willing to pay for absolute power. Once he was Alpha, he’d have the resources to heal, or at least to rule before the consequences caught up to him.
A loud bell rang through the arena, silencing the buzzing crowd. It was time.
The two opponents stepped into the ring: Asher Nightshade, the last living son of Henry’s bloodline, and Dominic Reigua, his father’s former beta turned challenger.
At the center of the arena stood Elder Kent, the oldest living member of the West pack. His lined face was etched with centuries of wisdom, and his presence commanded immediate respect. As officiator, he would ensure this duel was bound by their ancient law.
He announced, "By the rites of our ancestors and the law of the West, this battle shall determine the rightful Alpha. Witnesses, take heed. The blood spilled here is sacred, and none may interfere."
Chatters and murmurs rippled through the crowd of pack members. Mothers clutched their children tightly, shielding their eyes from the violence to come, though it did little to dampen their morbid curiosity. The younger wolves, restless and eager, pressed forward with hungry eyes, craving the spectacle that was about to unfold.
The warriors moved into position, forming a solid barrier around the ring to ensure no one interfered. At the front, Alpha King Elijah and his entourage were given prime seats, where they could clearly view and judge the proceedings.
"Heaven and earth bear witness," Elder Kent began, "Asher Nightshade, do you accept this challenge from Dominic Reigua, knowing you would forfeit not just your role and obligations to the west pack, but your life as well?"
"I do," Asher answered without hesitation, confident as hell.
Whispers rose amongst the audience again, awed by Asher’s resolve. But Elder Kent ignored the commotion, his gaze shifting to Dominic.
"Heaven and earth bear witness. Dominic Reigua, do you continue with your challenge to Asher Nightshade, knowing you would take responsibility for the lives of the West Pack should you win, and forfeit your own life should you lose?"
"I agree," Dominic said, his head lifted high with pride.
Elder Kent’s gaze swept over the crowd. "Heaven and earth bear witness. Who among you will stand as witness to this match?"
A heavy silence fell. No one dared step out, not with the Alpha King present.
Then Elijah lifted his hand, casual and commanding, and Elder Kent gave a solemn nod of acknowledgment. "The Alpha King bears witness."
"Sun at day. Moon at night. Heaven and earth bear witness to the rise of a new Alpha," Elder Kent proclaimed. "This is a wolf-only match, and no weapon is permitted. Both opponents will fight to the death and prove worthy of the position of Alpha. Goddess lead you. Let the fight begin."
The elder stepped away as soon as he was done.
The moment the bell sounded, signaling the start of the fight, Asher bent low, muscles coiling like springs. His transformation was so seamless it left the crowd breathless.
In the blink of an eye, his human form vanished, replaced by a massive wolf. His fur was as dark as midnight, his teeth gleaming with a deadly, feral light.
The entire pack broke into applause, impressed by his raw power and speed.
Dominic merely smirked, completely unbothered. Then his body snapped and contorted as his own transformation began. Bones cracked and reformed, the grotesque sound echoing through the arena.
That final, chilling grin on Dominic’s face before he fully shifted was disturbing, almost as if he enjoyed the pain.
Moments later, a massive brown wolf stood in his place, ready to strike.