Third Person's P.O.V 

"Who do you want to talk to us about, Father?" Leonardo inquired, nonchalant as he reclined in his chair, raising his legs to rest on his father’s desk—fully aware of how disrespectful it was, but that's precisely what he intended—to show not an ounce of respect, for he believed a man who had dared to betray their mother simply didn't deserve it.

"You'd better make it quick, because we don't have time for this shit," Maximus remarked, idly perusing the books on the shelf, not because he had any real interest in them but because he found more value in that than in whatever their father had to say.

What could he possibly say, after all? Alaric was well aware that his opinions held the least importance to his sons.

Alaric released a low sigh, no matter how hard he tried, his exhaustion from the daily ordeal couldn't be concealed. "What do you two think you're doing? By marking Maya and putting on this whole act, what do you expect to gain from it?"

"I can't believe you've called us here just to ask the obvious," Maximus chuckled, shaking his head.

"Looks like the Alpha truly has too much time on his hands," Leonardo added, amused, much like his brother.

In truth, both brothers didn't care about the question their father had asked or was about to ask, because they were fully aware of his suspicions, and they had seen it coming. Yet, another factor contributing to their behaviour was the knowledge that their father could do nothing against them. After all, the victim, or rather, Maya herself, had declared in front of the entire pack that everything had happened with her ‘consent.'

Not that it would have made any difference in their lives, even if she hadn't chosen to lie in their favour. They would have found a way to manipulate things, as they always did. The twins were masters at it, too skilled to be caught.

"Just answer the damn question you've been asked!" Alaric's voice was strained, his frustration evident. "When are you two ever going to change? Do you believe it's the right thing to do, to destroy someone's life for something they're not even at fault for?"

The brothers exchanged a knowing glance before Leonardo spoke up, his voice chillingly calm. "Yes, we believe it’s the right thing to do," he replied. "But we don't care about the right or wrong. I don't believe that…I need to give a fuck about being on the right side of so-called morals, rules, and regulations to seek revenge for our mother's death. All I care about is making sure she gets the justice she deserves for what she went through because of you and that woman. It needs to be paid, for every tear, every scar, and every sleepless night! And that mistress's daughter will pay the price, regardless of the circumstances or the truth."

Alaric's eyes widened slightly. 

How had he failed to realise that his sons had become such monsters? How had he missed it?

"Tell me something,” Maximus continued, "How did you feel when you saw our mother's lifeless body hanging from the fan? What was it like to see her neck broken and her eyes devoid of the warmth they always held for you? Did you feel relief, thinking you had finally gotten rid of the nuisance who had cried and begged for your love, or did you feel fear? Perhaps even pain? Can you answer, or do you have nothing to say?" 

Alaric's throat tightened, and his fists clenched under the desk, his heart quickening as memories flooded back into his mind.

"Didn't Mom also pay the price for someone else's sins? Or I could say your sins!" Leonardo asked coldly as he tilted his head, noticing beads of cold sweat forming on his father's forehead, “She had nothing to do with the affair between you and that damn mistress, did she? What was her fault when she caught you in the middle of fucking that woman? What did she do to deserve the constant humiliation your current wife heaped upon her at every fucking turn? What did she do to deserve all of that?! Tell me, what did she have to do with any of this mess, for which she paid the price?!" He finally shouted, jumping to his feet, sending the chair hurtling towards the wall where it shattered on impact.

Alaric remained silent. In truth, there was nothing he could say. 

He was, after all, the culprit—an unfaithful mate who had driven his own wife to the point where she had taken her own life.

He was Ayla’s tormentor, a murderer in the eyes of his sons. They believed him to be a murderer, and there was nothing that could convince them otherwise. Because it was his actions that had led to their mother's tragic death.

"You must be curious about our plan, Father," Leonardo continued, his eyes reddening with rage. Tears welled up, but he fought to hold them back, “We won't lie to you, that's not our way. So tell me, how much suffering must someone endure before they are driven to take their own life? How much pain does it take?”

"Leonardo...this is not right," Alaric finally spoke, his words trembling. "You won't achieve anything with this, and believe me, you'll regret it."

"That's not answering the question, Father," Maximus asserted, now leaning against the shelf with his arms crossed over his chest. His own eyes had the same tears as his brother’s, “Answer what Leo has asked, and it might clear your doubts about our intentions."

"Maximus..." he struggled to speak, his breath uneven, and his hands trembling.

"Why is it so hard for you to answer? You should know it very well, shouldn't you? After all, you are a master in it," Leonardo chuckled, placing his hands on the desk as he leaned forward to look at his father. Just like Maximus, he too sought signs of regret and guilt in his eyes, but that wouldn't quench their thirst.

They had witnessed Morgana inserting herself into every aspect of their lives. How she would show up at their mother's room at night and order Ayla to leave so she could spend the night with Alaric. Alaric, true to form, wouldn't say a word and would laugh with her just like his mistress did. They had seen Ayla cry while holding them close to her, trying to endure it all in silence, but in the end, she couldn't.

It wasn't Ayla's fault. She had been pushed to that extreme step.

And history was destined to repeat itself. That was Maximus and Leonardo's plan. They would make history repeat itself, regardless of the cost. After all, the only person Morgana Sterling held dear was Maya, wasn't she?

Even if Maya wasn't the one, it wouldn't matter—their hatred for Maya had already reached a point of no return, and they had no intention of turning back.

"If you're struggling to answer, let me do it for you," Maximus declared, walking over to stand beside Leonardo. "But first, let's be honest because we're not as experienced sinners as you—we're relatively new to this field," he mocked, "But I promise, yes, I absolutely promise that we'll excel at it, just like we have in every other aspect of our lives. So, here's the point—we intend to find out how much suffering it takes to push someone to the brink of taking their own life. And the day that night repeats itself, we'll share the answer with you, because, just like every other incident back then, we're keeping every moment etched in our memories now."

"But, here's a friendly warning—it all depends on how much one can endure," Leonardo chuckled, his tone so casual it was as if they weren't discussing the gruesome plot to bring about their mate's slow and agonizing demise, “And I guess Maya's going to survive a bit longer since she doesn't... love us like my mother loved you."

"That's a valid point, Leo. But you know I plan to expedite things," Maximus joined in on the laughter.

"Oh, come on, you know I'm on the same page, just keeping an eye on the odds."

Alaric watched them laugh, disturbed by the thrill they derived from the idea of killing Maya. Indeed, they were sadists, and they were willing to inflict any manner of suffering, whether it involved cutting flesh or drawing blood, to ensure she faced the worst before her eventual demise.

"Guys, you know this isn't right," Alaric said, rising from his seat, hoping they would heed his words. "Maya has nothing to do with any of this. She's innocent. It might amuse you now, but once she's gone, you'll regret it! You'll regret it so much that living will become a curse, and death will terrify you to your core because you'll have to face her. I'm telling you, please, do not go through with this. Listen to me, just this once."

"Too late, Father. We've already made our decision," Maximus replied, his face devoid of emotion.

"And what's wrong with regret? If we end up regretting our decision later, you're here, aren't you? The three of us can drown our guilt and sorrow together in alcohol. After all, that’s the ultimate solution, isn’t it? So, let's see where fate takes us... goodbye for now," Leonardo smiled and then walked out of the office.

"Goodbye then?" Maximus smirked as he lit up a cigarette and followed his brother out.

As they left, Alaric slumped back into his chair, the weight of reality settling upon him. 

The twins weren't going to stop….no matter the cost.