The Apocalyptic Queen's Werewolf Journey (Thora and Darius) novel Chapter 49

**Shadows Hearts by Joseph King**
**Chapter 49: Because of You**

**Thora’s POV:**

I brought Marlon’s wheelchair to a gentle halt in the serene garden outside the hall, the soft rustle of leaves surrounding us like a protective cocoon.

“Thora, come stand in front of me,” he instructed, his voice steady yet warm.

I complied without hesitation, positioning myself directly before him. As I stood there, I couldn’t help but notice the way his eyes sparkled with a growing sense of approval, a light that seemed to brighten with every passing moment.

“What are your thoughts about the engagement with Darius?” he asked suddenly, his tone shifting to one of curiosity.

I took a breath, considering my response. “No particular thoughts,” I replied honestly, the words flowing from me with ease. To me, this engagement felt like little more than a performance, a mere façade with Darius at its center.

Marlon paused, the silence stretching between us like an invisible thread. Finally, he nodded slowly, as if weighing my words carefully. “No particular thoughts are fine. The Nightclaw Pack is among the most prestigious Alpha families within the Astralis Empire, and Darius stands at the very pinnacle of that hierarchy. While I trust in his character, Alpha families are bound by a multitude of rules and expectations. I worry that you might find yourself burdened by these obligations, leading to unhappiness.”

I listened intently, absorbing his wisdom, occasionally offering a soft hum of acknowledgment to let him know I was engaged in the conversation.

“But since he has pledged to marry you, I can assure you he will not go back on his word. With him by your side, protecting you, I can finally breathe a little easier,” he sighed softly, a hint of relief washing over his features.

“Grandpa,” I spoke up suddenly, my voice breaking through the tranquil atmosphere.

“Yes?” he replied, his gaze shifting to meet mine, curiosity etched on his face.

“Thank you,” I said earnestly, my tone sincere.

This gratitude was twofold; for the original Thora, I expressed my appreciation for the years of unwavering affection he had shown. For the current me, I was grateful for his decision to use this engagement as a means of safeguarding my future. Although sentimentality was not a trait I often embraced, I could certainly recognize those who genuinely cared for me.

A smile spread across Marlon’s face, but soon his expression turned serious. “Do you know why I’m passing on the Silverleaf Pack inheritance to you?”

My eyes narrowed, the question striking a chord deep within me.

This inquiry had always lingered in the back of my mind, a haunting riddle. Why had he chosen to overlook my father, my brother, and the pureblood Hazel to select someone like me, a mixed-blood who had yet to awaken?

Marlon cleared his throat, his voice deliberate as he explained. “Our family is not merely the Alpha family of the Silverleaf Pack. We are also a military family with roots that run deep, spanning over a century. You must understand that the pack maintains order within the werewolf community through bloodlines and combat prowess. However, a military family wields the Astralis Empire’s military power and bears the responsibility for the security of the entire territory. Families like ours have been entrenched in military affairs for generations. Our connections, resources, and authority have formed a formidable faction that surpasses the influence of any single pack.”

“Whoever inherits the Greens’ legacy will not only take control of the Silverleaf Pack but will also gain the military foundation that has been established over the past century. This is why your father is so fixated on the inheritance.”

The pieces began to fall into place.

If my father were to claim the inheritance, he would possess both the tribal power of the pack and the military authority to elevate his influence to new heights. His power would become nearly insurmountable.

Yet, despite sharing all this, Marlon still hadn’t clarified why he had chosen me as the heir.

“Thora, I share this with you because I want you to grasp the significance of the Silverleaf Pack heir position. It is intertwined with the power struggles at the heart of the Astralis Empire’s military. You may not fully comprehend it now, but it is crucial that you remember this: you must become a soldier. Can you do that?”

“My mother?” I asked, a frown creasing my brow as I processed his words.

“Indeed. When she married your father, your maternal grandfather was not in favor of it. It’s already a challenge for a human to marry into a werewolf military family. I was the one who mediated between them, which allowed the marriage to take place,” he explained, a hint of sadness in his voice. “Your mother was kind and gentle, but perhaps that very gentleness is what allowed…”

“What allowed my father to stray with other women?” I interjected, my tone icy as I picked up where he left off. “And you even suspect there’s something sinister surrounding her death?”

Marlon froze, his expression shifting as he lowered his voice to reprimand me. “Without concrete evidence, don’t speak so recklessly. However, it is undeniable that your father failed your mother. Passing on the inheritance to you is my way of compensating both you and her.”

“To the deceased, compensation is meaningless,” I replied flatly, my heart heavy with the weight of his words.

Complex emotions flickered across his face, a storm of thoughts brewing behind his eyes. After what felt like an eternity, he finally conceded, “You’re right. Compensation is for the living.”

“What’s the other reason?” I pressed, my curiosity piqued.

“The other and most significant reason is…”

Marlon paused, his gaze sharpening as he focused intently on me. The intensity of his stare felt as if he were appraising a precious gem, something of immense value.

“Because of you.”

I was left even more bewildered. “Because of me?”