*NEW* Chapter XXIX

Lydia's POV

Derek was silent the entire way to my hotel room. When I opened the door and stepped inside, he turned without a word, already heading back down the hall.

I grabbed his sleeve, stopping him. He turned, his expression unreadable, almost... defeated.

"Do you want to talk?" I asked softly.

He exhaled. "I just want to be alone with my thoughts."

I hesitated before opening the door wider. "Stay. Just for a little while."

After a moment, he stepped inside. One conversation led to another, and somehow, we ended up on my bed. Before I knew it, he was holding me close, his body warm against mine.

For the first time, Derek let himself rest. And for the first time, I didn't push him away.

The morning of the trial arrived with a heavy tension that settled over the entire gathering. The grand hall, now transformed into an arena of sorts, buzzed with anticipation. Elders sat in their designated seats, their expressions unreadable as they prepared to witness a battle not just of strength, but of leadership, endurance, and strategy.

Derek stood at the center of it all, his expression carefully neutral. He could feel the weight of every stare—some curious, others skeptical, and a few openly hostile. The Snow Wolf Alpha stood opposite him, his posture relaxed, but Derek could see the glint of calculated confidence in his eyes. He was older, richer, and led a larger pack. He had been certain that Derek's injuries had permanently removed him as a contender for the throne.

But Derek wasn't broken anymore.

"The Trial of the Alpha King shall commence!" an elder announced, his voice carrying through the hall. "Three trials will determine who is fit to lead. The first: a test of strength. The second: a test of wisdom. And the final test: a test of endurance and leadership. Let the first trial begin."

The moment the words left the elder's mouth, Derek and the Snow Wolf Alpha were led to an open courtyard, where a massive stone pillar stood in the center. The challenge was simple: break it. It wasn't just a measure of brute strength but also of power control. Too much force, and it would shatter unevenly. Too little, and it wouldn't crack at all.

The Snow Wolf Alpha stepped forward first. With a confident smirk, he shifted into his half-wolf form, his hands elongating into claws. He let out a guttural growl and struck the pillar with a powerful blow. A loud crack echoed through the courtyard as a deep fracture spread down the stone. The crowd murmured in approval.

Derek stepped forward. He didn't shift. He simply raised his fist and, with precise control, punched the stone.

The impact was deafening. The entire pillar splintered in two and crumbled to the ground in a cloud of dust. Silence fell over the spectators.

The elder raised his hand. "Derek wins the first trial."

The Snow Wolf Alpha's smirk faded slightly, but he nodded, stepping back. "Strength alone won't make you a king."

"No," Derek agreed. "But knowing how to use it does."

The second trial took place in the conference hall. A scenario was laid out—a rogue attack on neutral land, where innocent civilians were trapped. The competitors had to strategize how they would handle it.

The Snow Wolf Alpha chose a show of force, proposing to attack with overwhelming numbers and eliminate every rogue, regardless of whether they had committed a crime yet.

Derek took a different approach. "Not all rogues are threats. I would set up patrols, secure the perimeter, and offer reintegration for those who want it. For the true threats, I would use targeted strikes, not senseless slaughter."

The elders deliberated. The decision was unanimous. "Derek wins the second trial."

Now, only one trial remained.

The endurance test was the most grueling. Both contenders were taken to the frozen wilderness surrounding the estate, stripped of their resources, and forced to make their way back within twenty-four hours—while being hunted by trained warriors from various packs.

Derek knew the Snow Wolf Alpha would rely on his brute force and numbers. He, however, relied on strategy and patience. While his opponent clashed with pursuers, Derek moved in silence, outmaneuvering them through sheer intelligence rather than brute strength.

By dawn, Derek was the first to step back into the hall.

Minutes later, the Snow Wolf Alpha arrived—bloodied, exhausted, and furious. He had fought his way through, but he had been too slow.

The elders stood.

"Derek has proven himself in strength, wisdom, and endurance. By the laws of our kind, he is the rightful Alpha King."

The hall erupted into noise—some cheers, some protests. The Snow Wolf Alpha glared at Derek but bowed his head in reluctant acceptance. "I will not challenge the verdict," he said, though the bitterness in his voice was evident. "For now."

Derek didn't respond. He didn't need to. The title was his.

But in his heart, he still feared the blood in his veins. Would he rule differently than his father? Or had he just stepped onto the same path?

He glanced across the hall and found Lydia watching him, something unreadable in her eyes.

Maybe, just maybe, he wouldn't have to face this alone.

Lydia watched as Derek stood there, breathing with his entire body, exhausted but unbroken. He had endured everything. He had always been the one standing against evil, forced to be both ruthless and compassionate. For the first time, Lydia was beginning to understand—maybe he wasn't cruel. Maybe it was the tough love he had to give to protect everyone. He wanted the best for his Beta, for his pack, for her.

Nobody else seemed to see or understand the weight of his choices, the reason for his firm pulse. He had no choice. He had been sacrificing himself for the greater good for ages. He could have claimed the throne long ago, but he hadn't—until now, when it became necessary. He couldn't allow another bad king to rise.

His lips were pale from the cold, his hair dripping with ice. Lydia stepped forward, draping a coat over his shoulders before gently caressing his bruised face, worry flickering in her eyes.

The ceremony was about to begin. The wolf skin and the guirlanda of bones were ready to mark his coronation. But before it could start, the doors to the hall burst open.

Arabella stood in the entrance, a sarcastic smile stretched across her face.