Alpha Hole

Ch. 56

As I approached the throne, my heart was a drum in my chest, beating out a rhythm of uncertainty and dread. The queen's eyes, sharp and assessing, bore into me, their depth hinting at both judgment and understanding.

At the base of the throne, I hesitated, unsure of the appropriate action. I knelt down until her voice broke the silence, smooth yet uncompromising. "So, you are my daughter's child." she said, expectation hanging on her words.

I took a deep breath, fighting to steady my voice. "I am. Or at least, that's what I'm told."

A flicker of something softer crossed Lysandra's face before her gaze hardened once more. "I am Queen Lysandra. Your mother was my only child, and her absence has been a great loss to our people."

"I'm sorry," I said, my voice cracking under the weight of revelation. "I didn't know about any of this until recently."  My mind flashed to my Aunt Clara, but I didn't ask. 

Her gaze stayed on me, and her tone was unwavering. "Your mother left us to live among the lessers and chose to raise you with them— something I agreed to at the time but have since regretted, especially after she and her mate disappeared with you."

Confusion swirled in my mind, but I chose to stay silent. 

"The Lycanthari face a growing threat," Lysandra said, her voice taking on a steely edge. "The nocturnals are becoming more dangerous. Your presence is crucial. You are the key to our survival, whether you feel ready or not. You being here will give strength to our people."

Aria, standing just behind the queen, stepped forward. "We have prepared for this moment for years. And you being here now will bring us back to the kingdom we once were."

I struggled to absorb the gravity of it all. "What exactly do you need from me?"

Lysandra's expression hardened into a mask of determination. "You must ensure the continuation of the Lycanthari bloodline. To do this, you will need to produce an heir."

My mind reeled. "With who?" I knew this was what Matilda had said but being here now made it feel so real and too imminent.

"The winner of the tournament," Lysandra said flatly. "Only the pure-blooded Lycanthari males will compete. The winner will become your consort, and you will bear his child. This is the only way to ensure the strongest male of your generation contributes to the bloodline."

I blinked, my world spinning. "Wait—what? You mean I have to... be with one of these males and have a child with him? Just like that?"

Aria's face remained solemn. "Yes, it is our tradition. The tournament will select the strongest candidate, and it is necessary for the future of our people."

"This is madness," I said, my voice rising in disbelief. "I don't even know these people! How can I be expected to just... be with someone I don't know for this?"

Lysandra's gaze was unyielding, though a hint of sympathy flickered in her eyes. "It is the way of our society. The purity of the bloodline must be maintained. You have the option to remain with the male if you wish, or seek another after the child is born. That decision is yours."

The enormity of her words sank in, leaving me breathless. "I have just lost my mate." I wasn't ready for this—

Lysandra's face grew stern, her voice firm. "I see. And you had your first heat with him?"

I glanced between Lysandra and Aria, feeling a wave of frustration and helplessness. "No," I said quietly remembering the excruciating days spent alone in the cage. 

Aria's nod was resolute. "And there is no way that you are carrying his child."

"No," I said, "we were never intimate in that way."

"Then that's of no consequence to the tournament then. It will proceed as planned." The Queen said. 

A surge of panic rose within me, mingling with a sudden defiance. "When exactly is this tournament supposed to start? Do I have any time to... adjust before I'm expected to be with someone? I am still grieving."

Aria's gaze was sharp, meeting my frustration head-on. "The preparations are complete. The males have been waiting for your arrival. There is no time to waste."

I clenched my fists, anger bubbling up. "So, no time to settle in then?"

Lysandra's tone remained firm, though a trace of impatience colored her words. "It is a significant event, Layla. Your people have awaited this moment for nearly two decades. You will need to present yourself with the appropriate demeanor."

"And how long does this tournament last?" I asked, my voice laced with frustration. I needed to know how much time I had before I was expected to hop into bed with a stranger. 

Aria stepped forward, her expression softening slightly. "The tournament lasts a month. During this time, you will get to know the males. There will be some level of intimacy involved so you can at least form a bond with the chosen consort. But remember, it's important not to develop any romantic attachments—the winner will be the one to bear the responsibility of fathering your child."

My heart raced at the thought of a month under such pressure. The queen's face remained impassive. "It's a grave responsibility, but it's crucial for the future of the Lycanthari. We understand this is difficult, but it's the only path forward."