Chapter 173

Side Story 39.

Abel POV

For years, I had been quietly collecting fragments of truth surrounding my father’s death. The circumstances never sat right with me—too many loose ends, too many convenient silences. The only person who ever stood firmly by my side during that time was Elder Marc.

When the council decided I was to be sent to the White Tower and my uncle would rule as Alpha in my absence, hatred burned through me. I knew then—without proof, without witnesses—that he had a hand in my father’s demise. I could feel it in my bones. Still, suspicion alone was not enough.

I resisted leaving. I didn’t want my position taken, even temporarily. I didn’t want to give him the opening he wanted so badly. But Marc advised me otherwise.

“Go, Abel,” he had said calmly. “Become stronger. Do n