Chapter 604: No Longer The Same

Henry was not the martyr the whole pack made him out to be, and one of Asher’s first visions as Alpha was to tear down that illusion.

He would expose Henry for who he truly was, and it was an abuser, a manipulator, a liar, a psychopath. The list could go on forever.

Hence one could imagine the devastation twisting inside him as he stood on the balcony overlooking the courtyard, watching that performance unfold below.

"Who in the world arranged that?" His jaw was clenched, voice tight with disbelief as he turned to Jeremiah, standing beside him.

Before Jeremiah could respond, another voice came from behind.

"I did."

Asher froze. He turned, his breath catching when he saw it was Ezra.

"H-how could you?" Asher’s tone cracked, pain raw in his voice. "You know... you knew the monster he was. What he—" He stopped mid-sentence, his throat locking up.

The memories came rushing back at him, dragging him back to the memories of the bruises, and the constant fear. He shut his eyes and swallowed hard, forcing the past back.

Ezra said nothing for a moment. He simply walked forward, joining Asher at the balcony railing. The noise of the crowd rose below as the play reached its climax, featuring the scene of Asher and Dominic fighting for the position of Alpha.

When the character-Asher ripped Dominic’s fake heart out moments later, the crowd roared in triumph, their loud voices reverberating through the night.

"Look down," Ezra said suddenly. "Tell me, what do you see, Alpha Asher?"

"A bunch of ignorant fools," Asher replied with a sarcastic curl of his lip which was very much like him.

Ezra didn’t take offense, chuckling instead. The boy’s dry humor was out of this world.

"Try again," he said patiently.

Asher scowled at the crowd, trying to guess what Ezra wanted him to notice. After a moment his eyes narrowed and something clicked.

"They’re in love with Henry," he muttered, disturbed.

"They’re in love with their Alpha," Ezra corrected. He turned back to him. "And now their Alpha’s son, who by right, is their Alpha."

Asher looked at Ezra for a beat, then turned away. "I don’t need them to love me," he said.

"The West pack is fractured," Ezra continued. "Your alphas might try to take your position, or, did you think Dominic’s death ended it all?"

Asher did not say a word, his scowl deepening as his active mind raced.

"The rebel bands lost their leader, and now, they’re like desperate rats. Desperate rats do anything." Ezra’s voice hardened. "Right now all you have is the people’s adoration."

"I’m their leader, so they’ll bow whether they want to or not."

"And that’s exactly why Henry’s legacy serves you better than your rebellion would. Henry may have been a villain, but he wrapped himself in the face of a hero. You, Asher, are the real deal, fiercer, less forgiving, maybe wiser, but you lack his storytelling. If you tear down that image now, you won’t only lose the pack, you’ll be painted a traitor by your enemies."

"You’re newly ascended. The West needs a symbol of unity, not a leader who shatters everything on day one. That performance you think glorifies Henry rekindles pack identity. It makes them see you as a continuation of greatness, not a threat to stability." He gestured to the crowd. "Let them see Henry in you, for now."

Asher’s mouth tightened. "So you want me to walk in my father’s shadow."

"Who said you should pretend?" Ezra replied evenly. "There’s a difference between pretending and being smart. You’re not your father, I know that. You’re better. But leadership isn’t charging forward with new rules, it’s timing."

He let the words hang there, then added, "Henry’s memory buys you time. It silences doubters, those who say you’re too young or inexperienced. You can’t rebuild the pack by dividing it further. Let them love you first, then change them."

Asher’s lips twitched in reluctant irritation. "So what you’re really saying is I should play along."

Ezra gave a half-smile. "Play along? No. Ride the wave. Once they’re yours, you can steer it anywhere."

For a moment, Asher said nothing, and Ezra didn’t pressure him. Even Jeremiah stood so still beside them that one might have mistaken him for air itself.

Asher exhaled deeply, the tension leaving his shoulders. Then he lifted his gaze to Ezra.

"Have you ever considered quitting your job and becoming a motivational speaker? That seems to be your calling."

Ezra burst into genuine laughter, the sound rich and unguarded. Both men held each other’s gaze for a long moment — an unspoken acknowledgment, and a silent exchange of respect.

Then Ezra straightened and announced, "It’s time to meet your people, Alpha."

—-----

As soon as Asher appeared, every single pack member dropped to their knees, heads bowed to their Alpha.

It was like a domino effect as the kneeling began from the inside and rippled outward into the streets. The moment, a sight of raw power, was both breathtaking and humbling.

Escorted by his beta, Jeremiah, Ezra, Roman, and a few guards, Asher took in the crowd. His slitted gaze raked over every face in attendance, his features unreadable.

The only ones still standing were the priestess and Elder Kent, who would officiate the coronation. Alpha King Elijah would have been on his feet as well, except he was nowhere to be seen. A fact, Asher noticed.

Irene and her husband, Aeron; Leon and his mate, Alexa — all Alphas of equal status — stood. They were not required to kneel, though even they bowed their heads in acknowledgment as Asher passed.

Then Asher’s eyes locked with Alpha Marlow’s, and the smirk that curled across his lips was pure menace. Marlow’s heart lurched; cold sweat rolled down his temple. He was guilty of more than he could count —and Asher knew it.

Finally, Asher came to stand before the priestess and Elder, his back to his people.

Behind him, his escorts stepped back and dropped to their knees — Roman included. Cardinal Alpha or not, Asher had risen beyond them. They were no longer on the same level.