Chapter 33: Forced into the Alliance Struggle
Elliott’s POV
Chapter 33: Forced into the Alliance Struggle
Since I surrendered to fate, everything became exceptionally difficult.
Courteney had suddenly changed a lot, especially after seeing Melissa in the hospital; her temper had taken a turn for the worse.
But I didn’t have time to cater to her feelings–I had to figure out how to avoid being used by Atrias, or risk dragging the remaining territory of the Meadow into war.
“I need to talk to Jim. When does your dad have some time?”
Courteney sighed at my words.
“My father is very supportive of Atrias. He hopes you can lead the Meadow’s clans o join them; as long as our alliance is strong enough, the Dark Alpha won’t have any room to resist.”
I found her words unbelievable.
In the past, they had found it very difficult to resist the Dark Alpha, and they were entirely unaware of the situation in the North.
To respond to the alliance just because someone called for it felt terribly naive.
Whenever these matters came up, I thought of Melissa.
Though her fighting skills were weak, she understood when to act and how to respond.
I didn’t know the specifics of Sebastian’s strength, but I knew the people from the North, so even the alliance’s chances of winning weren’t guaranteed.
This raid hadn’t inflicted any significant damage on the North.
Some joined to defeat the Dark Alpha and reclaim their lands; others sought revenge for their loved ones, wanting to rescue their women and children.
I understood their pain; the Dark Alpha’s actions couldn’t be deemed entirely correct.
But Atrias leading this ragtag group into a chaotic counterattack was a serious mistake.
Now our most crucial task was to prevent further mistakes from festering. The North had a complex terrain and harsh conditions.
Their soldiers were well–trained and formidable, and maintaining the current peace was already a commendable choice; that rabid dog definitely had his own intentions.
Why couldn’t Jim see these things?
“My dad hopes you can meet at the official conference.”
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Chapter 33: Forced into the Alliance Struggle
Courteney seemed troubled; I glanced at her belly and nodded.
Finally, when I attended another one of these fools‘ official banquets, I found that they had become angry and fearful.
Everyone blamed their misfortunes on the North’s rule, completely oblivious to how Atrias was exploiting this situation to draw everyone’s attention.
I was even infuriated by his relentless attempts to force us into joining.
Throughout the meeting, I remained silent, quietly observing them argue and shift blame.
These matters were not my reason for attending the meeting; I was there to clarify Jim’s stance and express my firm refusal to join them.
“Shouldn’t our top priority right now be to call for a ceasefire, take a break, and clarify the issues we are currently facing?”
My voice was soft, yet it silenced the chaotic meeting in an instant.
“But the people from the North won’t give us a moment’s respite! Elliott!”
An Alpha stepped forward, his face a mix of urgency and anger.
“Even if you do this, it won’t change anything; it might even lead to your pack being swiftly devoured.”
I recalled the man before me; I seemed to remember his name was Geoffrey, a brutal and dark Alpha who had once harmed his Luna.
“But if we kill that guy and declare ourselves kings, everything will be different.”
Geoffrey spoke earnestly, and I found myself taken aback by his ambition.
“Wasn’t your ex–wife also captured in that battle? I heard she contributed significantly to the North during this surprise attack.”
“Melissa Helberg! How come we never noticed her cunning when she was in the Meadow? Were you trying to conceal that from us?”
Geoffrey’s tone was laced with dissatisfaction, and I took a deep breath, reluctant to discuss this topic.
“What do you have to say? Is your Luna weak? That night, how many of us did she tear apart? The reason she’s receiving shelter in the North now is tied to her own strength! If you had paid more attention to your Luna, perhaps they wouldn’t have this opportunity! The North suddenly has three powerful Lunas supporting them, and their slight counterattack caught us off guard. We must also seek stronger power; as my wife said, Lunas need to step up in times like these.”
Melissa’s voice and face flashed through my mind, leaving me speechless at the thought of
her.
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Chapter 33: Forced into the Alliance Struggle
They continued to babble on in heated debate while I grew increasingly weary.
Noticing my growing gloom, Jim waved me over.
“Elliott, long time no see.
He patted my shoulder, seemingly pleased with my presence today.
“If you have something to say, just speak directly to me.”
I knew he represented not only my father but also the entire West.
It was precisely because of this role that he was determined to pull the Meadow into the alliance.
“You know, Atrias isn’t just forming an alliance with us. He has consciously begun to occupy some areas in the East and is coercing many to join him in the fight against the North. If we ally with him now, our people won’t suffer harm. Even if any of our regions: become targets for the North, the dark Alpha won’t have the opportunity to hurt us. Our people will ultimately be freed.”
Seeing my silence, Jim remained patient.
“I know you’re still grieving for losing that woman. But I hope you understand my feelings as a father; isn’t she doing well in the North? Don’t let her situation make things difficult for Courteney.”
I nodded, acknowledging his words. Courteney was indeed working extremely hard, even during her pregnancy, putting in long hours and serious training. She was eager to earn the pack’s recognition and take over Melissa’s position.
“Son, I just hope you’ll consider our situation more. Remember how that bad guy in the North forced us to pay taxes? I was your age then. My father resisted, and as a result, he lost my mother and wife, and Courteney’s mother perished as well. Our territory shrank, and we were forced to pay taxes. This is a hatred we must avenge! The opportunity is right before us, and we must seize it firmly. Atrias is a good partner; there’s much I can’t say at this moment. But believe me, Courteney will become your best assistant. Once you join. us, I can let you pursue what you want to achieve.”
I knew these words came from a father’s heart, but to do so at the expense of the entire pack, I felt I needed to think carefully.
“You no longer have any work over that woman at all. As long as we join forces, what does
what are you still concerned about? Courteney is your
destiny. You don’t need to fret
the North matter? If it’s really hard for you to let go, even after we reclaim the North, you can bring her back to stay by your side, and I would reluctantly accept that.”
His words shook my resolve. If I could have her back, perhaps my actions would hold meaning. Melissa and I might still have a chance, and Aaron wouldn’t be as rebellious as
he was now.
