The Alpha's Cinderella

Chapter 71

Damon

Saturday arrived.

The sun dipped low in the morning sky, casting hues of fiery orange and pink as I rallied the Wild Fang Camp. The morning had begun like any other, with the clinking of utensils and the camaraderie of shared breakfast. The aroma of hot food hung in the air, a temporary respite before the storm that awaited us.

Seated among my men, the weight of the upcoming mission hung heavily on my shoulders. The taste of breakfast seemed to linger, a bittersweet reminder of the normalcy we were about to disrupt. In that moment, as I raised my eyes from my plate, a sudden surge of determination coursed through me. I stood, my chair scraping against the ground, capturing the attention of my comrades.

"Listen up, my friends," I began, my voice cutting through the their morning chatter. The air felt charged, and I could sense the collective focus of the Wild Fang men turning towards me.

"Tonight, when the sun bows to the moon, we will march into Blood Rose to face Romin. This is unlike any fight you’e been with, my friends. For his army was more than ten times greater than ours.”

The crowd began to whisper amongst themselves yet remained focused on my next words. "Firstly, thank you all for standing by me. Your loyalty, even after my father's passing, means the world," I expressed, with gratitude oozing out of me. What I gained here was more than a small army, but a group of men whom I considered my family. Funny that despite meeting them only for a very short time, our connection was stronger than the bond I built with my fake father.

Out of love and respect for them, I gave them a choice in this battle.

“And so, I am giving you a freedom to choose. This is no longer your battle, so feel free to step back if you want.”

As I spoke, it felt like everyone was holding their breath, ready for what comes next. I prepared myself in losing some of them after this speech, yet they all surprised me with a similar response.

"We're with you, Damon. We will follow you ‘til death."

I nodded, glad for everyone's support. In my mind, Romulus, my spirit wolf, growled with excitement, matching my determination.

"I'm ready to kick Romin's butt this time," Romulus declared, eager and reassuring.

I chuckled, saying, "Just wait, my friend. Your moment is coming." We stood together, the breakfast taste lingering, a quick memory before the challenge ahead.

Just at that moment, Mark emerged from the woods, a group of strong warriors following closely behind him. Among them, a familiar face caught my attention — it was Alexei.

"I heard you're heading to Blood Rose. Couldn't resist joining the party," Alexei grinned, Mischief sparkled in his eyes.

Meanwhile, Mark smirked, confirming his role to his sudden arrival.

"Mark mentioned you might need some extra support. So, here we are," Alexei explained. His men stepped forward and acknowledged his words. This made me so happy, which echoed in the sentiments of my men at my back.

Gratitude flooded my expression, "Glad to have you, Alexei. As early as now, I thank you for your help in this mission.”

“Of course. You know what Romin did to me and it is time for him to pay for it.” Alexei put his hand on my shoulder. “Make sure to break his face. I believe in you.”

The Wild Fang and Alexei's men nodded at each other, forming an invisible bond. As our fighters bonded, Alexei and I stood proudly, watching our forces come together.

"Our men are getting along well," Alexei noted, his eyes showing the growing bond among them.

I nodded, feeling a strong connection between us. "Tonight, we face destiny together. Let's make it count." The air felt determined, our united front ready to face whatever awaited us in the approaching darkness.

As the night covered the land in darkness, I hid inside a carriage containing provisions. The sound of hooves on the road muffled my excitement, each step like a drumbeat announcing the upcoming challenge.

The carriage stopped, and whispers filled the air as we waited.

The driver talked to the gate guard quietly, and we all held our breaths in anticipation. Council Ed's emissary checked the cargo, concealing our presence with his fake clearance. With an announcement from the gate guard, the gates were opened, letting us enter Blood Rose without anyone noticing.

One by one, Alexei and the rest of our men arrived, and we all went into position, with the guidance of a few of the guards commisioned by our allies to help us.

We reached the pack house stockroom where we agreed to meet before the planned confrontation.

Ex-Delta Erik and Council Jacob nodded to us, "We'll leave everything to you, Damon. Good luck," Their words hanging in the air as tension surrounded us. In response, I nodded to show my appreciation and headed my way up.

And so, I led the way. Climbing the pack house balcony where Romin addressed the people for an ongoing announcement, we moved quietly and skillfully. Blood Rose guards fell one by one, paving the path to the impending confrontation. I could feel the adrenaline rush coursing my veins, as Romin felt nearer.

Finally, we reached the pack central balcony.

Romin was facing the people of Blood Rose, showering them with words with half-truth. I clenched my fist and stepped forwards from the corner of the dark, my voice cutting through the tension sharply.

"Drop the act, you imposter! Why don’t you tell Blood Rose the truth about who you are?"

My accusation surprised everyone, breaking the silence with gasps.

Romin, wide-eyed and in disbelief, stammered, "Damon?"

The moment hung in the air, frozen in time. Taking my chance, I said, "Yes, Alpha. I'm Damon Sanford, and I'm here to reclaim what you took from my father."

Murmurs spread through the crowd, the truth unfolding like a flag of justice in the moonlight. I felt satisfied, a quiet victory as the deception lifted, revealing the truth to Blood Rose Pack.