Pinned beneath Roth on the tearoom floor, Reyna's thoughts scrambled, muddled by his presence. He had both of her hands trapped above her head, his other hand firmly holding her chin, leaving her completely at his mercy.

She had expected to spar with one of his Omegas, maybe even enjoy the challenge, but not this. Not him. Without her abilities, she was no match for an Alpha. He was stronger, bigger—Alphas were built for dominance, and Roth was no exception.

His body pressed intimately against hers, his weight searing through every layer of her defence. Time slowed down, each second dragging on as she fought to keep her sanity under his cocky gaze. Her breaths came in shallow gasps, her senses overwhelmed by the intoxicating scent of Eismum and adrenaline pumping through her veins.

The bitter sting of defeat hit her for the first time since becoming a Prime. Taking control has always been her thing. No matter what, she faced everything head-on. Yet, here she was, twice in one day, having her strength tested, and her winning streak shattered by Krelon wolves.

Roth's prowess was unlike anything she'd encountered before. His strength didn't just overpower her—it ignited a rush of excitement deep within and a longing she hadn't felt before. He held her firmly, but there was a strange gentleness in his grip, a mix of dominance and restraint that excited her.

She hated to admit it, but his strength was intoxicating, and the desire to give in, even for a moment, was almost unbearable.

"You, Reyna," Roth murmured, "are a worthy adversary."

As she wrestled with conflicting desires pulsating through her, Reyna exhaled a shaky breath. She wanted to break free from his grip, to reclaim the upper hand, but she could barely move. She hated the fact that she was powerless against him without her abilities. The thrill of being so intimately entangled with him was intoxicating.

Part of her wanted to push him away, to reassert her dominance. But another part—a softer, more vulnerable part—longed to surrender, to give in to the fragility he brought out in her.

She clamped her jaw tight. "Let me go now."

It was getting tiring to repeat herself. Especially since she was all too aware of his erection pressing against her thigh, and it was becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. Despite herself, a small smile tugged at her lips, knowing that she was having the same effect on him as he was on her.

To an outsider, this would hardly look like a simple sparring match she lost. Anyone walking in might mistake their position for something far more intimate, something decidedly not fit for the tearoom floor.

A grin spread across Roth's face, his eyes shining with smug satisfaction. "Not until you say it."

Her jaw tightened further as she fought to control the tremor that ran through her body when his hair brushed against her face. His breathing slowed as he leaned closer, clearly enjoying the power play.

"What?" she spat.

"I am your Alpha." His fingers brushed her chin, then traced a slow, deliberate line along the curve of her lips. "Say it."

Every fibre of her being resisted the command. She hadn't expected him to push her like this, to use his authority to try and bend her to his will. Even though she knew he had bested her, she refused to give him the satisfaction of hearing those words from her lips.

"I will never say that," she replied.

But deep down, behind her defiance, she knew Roth had won, and he was her Alpha, whether she wanted to admit it or not. Her pride rebelled against the idea of submission, but the reality of his power over her was indisputable.

"I bested you. You're mine now, Reyna," he declared, even though they both knew she had always been his. "Accept it."

"That's not how this works," she shot back, straining against his grip.

His lips hovered closer to hers, and for a moment, she froze. Her thoughts scattered, her breath caught in her throat as she wondered what kissing him would feel like.

Roth gritted his teeth, tightening his grip slightly. "I won't let go until you admit defeat."

"We understand defeat differently," she muttered.

Just as the animosity between them reached its peak, the door swung open, and Bandos stepped into the tearoom. He froze at the door, thick eyebrows shooting up in astonishment. Reyna's stomach sank as embarrassment washed over her. Of all people to walk in on this scene!

"It's not what it looks like," she started to explain, but Bandos silenced her with a raised finger.

Roth finally released her, getting to his feet and pulling her up with him. He kept his eyes on her, running a hand through his tousled hair. Reyna took a step back, trying to steady her breath. But before she could regain her composure, Roth moved toward her again, his hand reaching out.

"Reyna, I—"

The door slammed shut behind Bandos, drawing their attention to the intrusion. His face was a storm of barely contained anger as he advanced toward Roth, a low growl rumbled in his throat.

"Alpha." Bandos's bow was stiff and his tone cold. "I know your reputation for taking any female you desire, but within these walls, there are protocols. The House of Maynord may hold influence as the Alpha house, but my daughter is not some low-ranking Gamma you can claim as you please in the middle of a common room."

Reyna's eyes widened, shock rippling through her. It was the first time he'd openly called her his daughter, and it stirred unexpected joy and relief in her. She realized now how carefully he'd avoided the topic of her mating prospects, a conversation she'd dreaded having, knowing it would be very uncomfortable.

She exchanged a quick glance with her father, a rare glimpse of his protective side showing through. Though she appreciated his concern, the embarrassment of being caught in such a compromising situation was hard to shake.

Roth didn't even flinch, as if this wasn't anything special.

"Bandos, I didn't mean to disrespect your customs. No harm was done. Reyna and I sparred, and she graciously accepted her defeat," Roth replied with a smile.

Her father's expression remained stony as he studied Roth, then turned to her.

"You challenged the Alpha?" he asked. "Reyna, that wasn't your assignment!"

Reyna cleared her throat. "Father, I appreciate your concern, but I can handle this on my own."

Bandos huffed. "I have no doubt you can, Reyna, but that's not the issue here."

She shot Roth a fierce glare. "By the way, I didn't concede defeat to him, father."

Roth's eyes flickered between her and Bandos. "Bandos, I put forth the challenge," he clarified. "It was just a friendly spar, nothing more."

"Alpha," Bandos acknowledged. "I must remind you that my daughter is the Prime Commander of Frostcall and stands to be the first female Warmaster of a territory."

Roth's grin stayed polite. "I understand. I must point out here that I didn't realize Reyna was your daughter. You've praised your female Prime often, but I never heard you mention she was a Moltenroar."

"Allow me to clarify, Alpha. Reyna's identity and abilities stand on their own, separate from her being my daughter. I kept that distinction to prevent the Northern Council from using it as an excuse to undermine her rightful accomplishments."

As she listened to Bandos, Reyna felt grateful, confused, and hurt. How had she missed this? It hit her like a punch to the gut to learn that he shielded her accomplishments at the cost of their relationship. A lump formed in her throat, and she swallowed hard. For so long, she'd believed Bandos despised her, but she had been wrong.

"But she is a Moltenroar, Alpha," Bandos said. He tilted his head slightly, a nod meant to soften his words. "If you intend to claim my daughter as your mate, there are procedures to follow. I won't let her become just another nameless addition to your harem."

Reyna shot her father a sharp glare. Of all the times to bring up mating, this was certainly the worst. Why was he even talking about her like she was some prize to be claimed? The room fell into an uncomfortable silence, and she could feel her cheeks heating up with embarrassment.

"Bandos, I don't think—" she started, trying to cut in.

"I'd prefer to discuss this later, Bandos," Roth interjected, turning to her. "Could you give us a moment, Prime?"

Reyna squinted at Roth, grateful for the interruption but puzzled by the formality. Why was he suddenly treating her like some distant subordinate? Maybe he was trying to create some distance, to defuse the tension.

"Reyna, give us the room. I'll speak with you later," Bandos said, not even sparing her a glance.

With a tight nod, Reyna turned and left the tearoom, already dreading the inevitable, awkward conversation with her father. She didn't bother with the usual bow to the Alpha or the Warmaster; she was too busy trying to escape the suffocating awkwardness. As she distanced herself from the room, the stress of the encounter lifted, but only slightly.

Leaving the tearoom, she headed for the winding stairway carved into the ancient Obelisk structure at the northern end. She paused at the base, inhaling deeply to steady her thoughts, then proceeded toward the Inner Ward. The cobblestone pathways were familiar, the towering Citadel walls surrounding her like old friends—or perhaps, prison walls. Her thoughts danced like sparks in the wind, fragments of emotions and questions that wouldn't settle.

Her encounter with Roth left her both drawn to and wary of him, and she hated that mix of feelings. What were the Krelon wolves really doing here? Who were these Berserkers sneaking them into Egranox, and why all the secrecy? And then there was the second Fleet—if they'd spotted the Krelon wolves, why hadn't they reported it to her or her father? The questions chafed at her, making her suspect that something bigger was going on.

As she rounded the Inner Ward toward the Citadel's War Chamber, she stopped, letting the cool night air settle her thoughts.

Footsteps echoed down the Southern corridor, a familiar gait that made her turn. Lance walked into view, hands tucked in his pockets, a wide smile on his face.

"I'm glad you made it back in one piece," Lance said, stopping near the Ward's entrance.

Reyna stepped into the hall to meet him. "We can't all go out in a blaze of glory."

Lance sighed. "That's just you. I'm more interested in finding a mate who's as warm as the sun and as sweet as the devil's brew."

Reyna laughed. "A bootlicking gargoyle has a better chance of fucking Odin's beloved."

Lance shook his head, laughing as he moved closer. "I came to fetch you. The Alpha has summoned the first fleet," he said, pausing before adding with a smirk, "And I've got to ask—did you really attack the Alpha? Not that I'm surprised."

"I did my duty," she replied with a shrug. "Trespassing in Egranox has its consequences, whether you're an Alpha, a god, or one of those obnoxious Omegas."

Lance laughed, shaking his head. "By Odin, you'll bring war to the North any day now."

Reyna gestured for him to join her, and they walked toward the Citadel's South Wing. Curiosity tugged at her as they approached the War Room. She had just left Roth and Bandos, and now the Alpha was summoning them.

The walk was brief; the War Chamber was just ahead, its entrance marked by a carved archway. Reyna's presence was met with silent salutes from her assembled fleet. All twelve fangs in her fleet were standing in formation. She acknowledged them with a nod before flinging open the door and leading them inside.

The War Room was a strategy room. Its walls were lined with maps of Aupheadia's complex landscape. At the centre, a grand round table displayed an enormously detailed map of the kingdom, with each territory colour coded for easy reference.

Seated at the table, an assembly awaited her. Bandos occupied the high seat, flanked by the four Krelon Omegas. With cautious steps, Reyna took her place at the table, her fleet lining up behind her.

"Alpha," her fleet bowed to Roth, though Reyna's gaze flickered toward him only briefly, noting his position behind her father.

The memory of Roth's body pressing into hers sent a shiver down Reyna's spine. She quickly averted her gaze, forcing her mind back to the present. She had to focus. The reason for this gathering was clear, and it wasn't just another strategy session. The Warmaster of Suncrest was making moves, and Roth would finally state his reason for coming to Egranox.

"As you may already know," Roth began, "Warmaster Decker of Reslax is rallying forces across Suncrest with the intent of overthrowing the House of Maynord. Intelligence suggests they've secured the loyalty of six packs, with nine more teetering on the edge. The House of Tern has declared neutrality, but we all know how long that'll last. Sooner or later, they'll throw in with Decker."

Reyna watched him as he paced around the table, arms locked behind his back, his presence commanding every eye in the room. This was a call to arms. The fate of Aupheadia hung in the balance, and they were being rallied to defend a throne built on blood and betrayal.

She felt a stab of irony at the situation. The Maynords had clawed their way to power through treachery, and now, those same tactics were being used against them. The temptation to voice that bitter truth was strong, but she held back. Whatever her personal feelings, she was a fang, and her loyalty was to the Alpha.

Roth's slow pacing brought her back to the present. Her eyes flicked to the map spread across the table. On the map, you can see every line, every boundary, every alliance and betrayal.

There was no question about her loyalty to Frostcall, but she understood the importance of today's decision. This was a turning point for Aupheadia, and as Prime, she was at the centre of it. Her fingers itched to trace the paths on the map, to follow the lines that could lead them to victory—or to their downfall.

Roth's voice pulled her back. "Our response to this challenge requires unity," he said, his gaze sweeping over each fang in the room. "The House of Maynord will not fall without a fight, and it is your duty as fangs of the Wild Lands to ensure your Alpha's reign continues."

He paused for a minute and s heavy silence followed. "We must stand together, no matter the cost. It's the only way."

Reyna exhaled quietly. Now she understood why he had braved the storm to come to Frostcall. It was to personally gather her first fleet. These twelve Fangs were her responsibility, and she would protect them with everything she had.

Out of duty to her Fleet, Reyna asked the question no Fang had dared to ask the Alpha before.

"Why should we fight for you, Alpha Roth?" she asked.

It was a bold move, but one that needed to be made. Her fangs weren't mindless soldiers, content with being told that fighting was their duty, their right, or that it was for the greater good. They needed more—a reason that justified the sacrifices they'd be asked to make. It wasn't enough to throw around words like honour or loyalty. The cause had to be worth bleeding for.

Reyna kept her gaze steady on Roth, watching him closely, ready to measure the sincerity behind his call to arms. She felt the pressure in the room rise, every Fang waiting for Roth's response with bated breath.