135 The Challenge

The hall erupted into cheers and applause as the attendees celebrated the announcement of the prince of Crimson Night selecting his mate.

"So, who is it, son? Bring the lucky lady to stand by your side for I wish to know which princess has caught the eye of a true blood." A smile painted Fachan's face as he inquired about the sweet scent intertwined with the prince's strong musk.

Jae took a breath before answering, "I have not chosen a princess, Father." The prince's shoulders tensed slightly as he prepared for what was to come.

Confusion entered Fachan's expression, but it was only for a split second before the Alpha proclaimed, "Oh! Well then, bring the lucky prince here!"

The true blood shook his head slightly as he responded. "Nor did I choose a prince." Jae's statement caused silence to fill the hall until Fachan replied with, "A prince or princess would have been optimal, but I suppose I could settle for a future Beta...or...future Gamma." Fachan's smile completely faded when he was answered with silence. The Alpha's voice was grave when he addressed his son. "You mean to tell me the wolf you have chosen is not royalty?"

Jae did not waver, nor did he bow to the Alpha's looming presence as he answered, "Ae. He is not of royal blood."

Fachan's face twisted with anger when he heard his son's reply. "How dare you!" The Alpha lifted his hand out of fury and swung it down to strike his son, but a body blocked the prince from the Alpha's hit and took the force of Fachan's strike. Gasps sounded throughout the hall as Yejin stood in front of his prince with his head bowed. The alpha's blue eyes were turned to the floor; he dared not lift his head in front of the Alpha.

Jae was quick to step in front of the alpha as his father continued his scolding without blinking an eye. "You know what happens if we mate with wolves who do not have royal blood! After all I have done for you, this is how you repay me?! I should not have left you to choose your mate. I did not tell you to fall in love; I told you to find a mate who is applicable to become Luna. I will not let you mate some cheap omega and taint our blood!" Fachan's chest heaved as he swelled with rage. "Guards! Hunt down the wolf whose scent is on the prince and bring him to me!"

The guards stationed against the walls spurred into action upon their Alpha's order; however, a low growl from Jae halted them in their tracks. "Stay where you are." Jae laced his order with a slight dose of his alpha's voice before turning to address his father. "The moment you lay even one finger on my mate will be your last."

Gasps radiated from the bystanders at the prince's threat. "How dare you! I am your Alpha!" Fachan roared. "Obey me!"

The prince remained silent while the Alpha spewed his anger onto his son. The true blood took a small breath before addressing his father. "I challenge you to a dual." Jae was composed as he set forth his challenge while Fachan was frozen in shock. Never in his life did Fachan think his son would challenge him for position of Alpha. Following the procedures of setting forth a challenge, Jae properly restated, "I, Jae, Prince of Crimson Night, challenge Fachan, Alpha of Crimson Night, to a dual for the position of Crimson Night's leader and Alpha."

The hall was still, and Fachan's jaw hung in utter and complete disbelief. The father and son entered a silent exchange until Alpha Jiro spoke. "A challenge has been placed. Do you accept, Alpha Fachan?"

Fachan's gaze turned to daggers as he glared at the true blood standing before him. Blinded by pride and the need to portray dominance, Fachan responded with a growl, "I accept. It is high time I remind you who you are, Princeling."

"Very well. The challenge has been accepted. It will take place on the next new moon, so each party will be equal in strength." Whispers circulated through the bystanders when Jiro concluded the mediation of the challenge between father and son.

"This does not change the fact that I am still Alpha," Fachan growled when Jae turned to leave. "Guards, bring me the wolf who owns that cheap scent."

Fachan's order brought Jae whirling back to face his father. "I thought I made it clear you are not to touch him."

"Who are you to tell me what I can and cannot do?" Fachan snarled. "You may have challenged me, but I am still Alpha. I will do what I see fit. You have no right to stop me."

Jae grit his jaw, and flames entered his eyes. The prince had a mind to do whatever what was needed to keep Syri safe, but his father was right. Although Jae had challenged Fachan to become Alpha, he had not yet won. The prince's blood boiled when Fachan addressed his guards once more. "Bring me the wolf."

Den came to stand by Jae's side as the guards bowed to their Alpha and started toward the door. The prince of Crimson Night clenched his fists as he watched the guards near the door. A hand on his shoulder stopped Jae from taking action, but the prince was about to go against all reason nonetheless and order the guards to halt when a whiz of pink rushed through the doors.

"Jae!"