Chapter 111: The Pact’s Price
"You summoned me."
Rhett didn’t bow. "You owe me answers."
The Elder arched a brow, amused. "Do I?"
Rhett’s voice was low, dangerous. "You come into my territory, threaten my mate, poison my sister’s mind, and drag the weight of some ancient prophecy onto our doorstep, and you expect me to stand aside?"
The Elder Alpha circled slowly, his boots tapping against the polished marble. "You misunderstand, son. I am not here for conquest."
"Then why are you here?" Rhett spat. "Why Camille? Why now?"
The Elder stopped directly before him, their eyes locking. "Because time is running out."
"For what?"
"For survival."
Rhett clenched his jaw, barely restraining the fury crawling under his skin. "Enough riddles. You say she’s a vessel. I say you’re using her. If you believe you’re going to sacrifice my sister for your delusions, you’ll find me far less accommodating."
The Elder’s smile was slow and cold. "Delusions? You know nothing of what festers beneath our world. You’ve spent your reign playing politics, marrying for alliances, keeping enemies close. But you have not looked beyond the skin of things."