The room holds its breath. For a terrifying moment, I think Lucian might actually kill him, right here in front of everyone. My heart pounds, torn between fear and a strange, feral satisfaction at seeing Cade humbled.
Finally, Cade’s defiance falters, and fear flashes in his eyes. His hand lifts weakly, a gesture of surrender. "Alpha… please…" His voice is hoarse, barely audible. "I was wrong… I was out of line… Mercy…"
Lucian glares down at him, the weight of his fury still heavy in the air. He leans in closer, his voice a deadly whisper. "You don’t deserve mercy."
Cade flinches, his breath hitching, but he forces the words out. "I’ll… step down," he gasps. "As Primary Beta… I’ll step down."
The room erupts into hushed whispers, the tension shifting like a storm breaking. Lucian finally loosens his grip, shoving Cade back onto the ground with a force that sends him sprawling. Cade coughs and scrambles to his knees, his posture a shadow of submission, his head lowered as he avoids Lucian’s burning gaze.
"You’ll step down," Lucian says, his voice icy and commanding. "And you’ll serve the Darkguard as a foot soldier.” Cade’s eyes darken, and I see him barely suppress a growl of rage as he bows his head in submission.
“Consider this mercy, Cade, because if you ever utter a word against Talia again, I won’t hesitate to strangle you."
Cade nods quickly, his body trembling, the bravado completely stripped away. "Yes, Alpha," he croaks. "I understand. Thank you for your mercy."