Page 59 of The Alpha's Pretend Mate

Aleksander backpedaled, realizing his mistake too late. "That's not what I meant—”

But the damage was done. The divide between pure and rogue Alphas yawned wider than ever, a chasm of misunderstanding and hurt pride.

Cassius watched in horror as everything spiraled out of control.

The shouting match continued, insults and accusations flying back and forth. Elder Greymane's attempts to restore order fell on deaf ears. The alliance that had been built generations ago teetered on the brink of collapse.

Just as all hope seemed lost, a gravelly voice cut through the chaos. "Enough of this childish bickering."

Elder Greymane leaned forward, his weathered face etched with lines of disapproval. The room fell silent, all eyes turning to the respected elder.

"This bickering solves nothing," Greymane said, his voice carrying the weight of years. "We need a way to determine the truth of Cassius White's claims."

"I am the one who was wronged, and I think there's one way to settle this," Marcus said, his eyes locked on Cassius.

All eyes turned to Marcus. The rogue Alpha's face was set in grim lines as he stepped forward. The room fell silent, the weight of anticipation pressing down on them all.

Marcus's tone was surprisingly calm. All eyes turned to him as he stepped forward, his auburn hair gleaming in the torchlight. "A way to prove beyond any doubt whether White's words are true or false."

What is he planning?

Marcus's eyes locked with Cassius's, a challenge burning in their depths. "A witch oath," he said simply.

A collective gasp rippled through the chamber. Witch oaths were ancient magic, binding and potentially lethal. To break such an oath meant certain death.

Elder Greymane leaned forward, his aged eyes sharp. "A witch oath is not something to be proposed lightly, Alpha Redwood. The consequences…"

"Are exactly what we need," Marcus finished, his voice low and intense. "If White is telling the truth about his feelings for Alysa, about his intentions, then he has nothing to fear. But if he's lying…" He left the sentence unfinished, the implication clear to all.

The gravity of the proposition settled over the room like a heavy blanket. Alphas exchanged uneasy glances, the weight of such a decision palpable in the air.

Cassius's mind reeled. A witch oath was no small thing. If he was lying, even unknowingly, it would mean his death. Aurora would be left an orphan. His Pack would be left without an Alpha.

But as he looked around the room, at the faces filled with doubt and suspicion, he knew he had no choice. The alliance hung by a thread, and only something this drastic could save it.

Before he could speak, several voices rose in protest. "This is madness!" Lyra exclaimed, her ice-blue eyes wide with shock. "We can't ask an Alpha to risk his life over a personal matter!"

Darius, despite his earlier anger, nodded in agreement. "It's too extreme. There must be another way to resolve this."

Even some of the rogue Alphas looked uncomfortable with the suggestion. Zara’s ethereal voice wavered as she spoke. "A witch oath is not something to be taken lightly. It's sacred, meant for the direst of circumstances."

"And what would you call this?" Marcus countered. "An Alpha lying to his peers, manipulating alliances, potentially destabilizing the fragile peace we've all worked so hard to maintain. I'd say that qualifies as dire."

Cassius closed his eyes, drowning out the voices around him. His mind raced, weighing the risks against the potential fallout if he refused.

If I don't do this, the alliance might never recover. But if I'm wrong

Cassius felt his heart pounding in his chest. If he agreed, there would be no going back. No room for half-truths or omissions. It would lay bare everything he felt, everything he believed.

Elder Greymane raised a hand, silencing the room. "Alpha White," he said, his voice grave. "What say you to this proposition? Will you submit to a witch oath to prove the truth of your words?"

Images flashed through his mind. Alysa's warm smile. The way her eyes lit up when she played with Aurora; the ache in his chest when he thought of her with another man.

His eyes snapped open, the decision made. "I'll do it," he said, his voice ringing clear through the chamber.

The room fell silent once more, all eyes on Cassius. He straightened his spine, meeting Marcus's gaze unflinchingly. "I'll take the witch oath. I have nothing to hide."

A ripple of shocked whispers spread through the gathered Alphas. Some Alphas nodded in approval, while others protested.

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