ALPHA'S CAMERON POV

　　Even though I was surrounded by the royal army, my eyes were focused on the royal betas, Brandon and Evan. The way they were looking at my mate spoke volumes. How could I have missed this crucial information? Their connection was undeniable, and my magic over Lydia was dimming in their presence. Recognition flashed across Lydia's face, and the realization hit me like a ton of bricks.

　　Even the strongest magic was not enough to hold them back. That meant only one thing: these three were fated mates. As long as Lydia remained unmarked, their connection would always persist, and I wouldn't be able to make Lydia mine completely.

　　I had thought Lydia hadn't found her mate, that it would be easy for me to marry and mark her, but I was wrong. Now, I didn't even know how I would implement what I had initially planned.

　　I tried to keep my voice steady as I addressed the room. "Do you think your presence here changes anything? I am still the one in control."

　　Evan stepped forward, his eyes blazing with fury. "You're delusional, Cameron. This ends now."

　　I sneered at him. "You think you can just waltz in here and take what's mine?"

　　Brandon's voice was calm, but there was an edge to it that made my blood run cold. "Lydia was never yours to begin with."

　　I glanced at Lydia, hoping to see fear or confusion in her eyes, but instead, there was a spark of defiance. My magic was failing. The bond she shared with Brandon and Evan was stronger than any spell.

　　"I underestimated you," I admitted, trying to buy time as I searched for a way out. "But it's not too late. I can still make her mine."

　　Evan's jaw clenched. "You're a fool, Cameron. Lydia's will is stronger than your twisted magic."

　　I felt a surge of panic. "You don't understand the power I have!" I gestured to the demon in the room, the creature I had summoned with such difficulty. "With this power, I can do anything!"

　　Brandon shook his head. "Power gained through evil means is fragile, Cameron. It can be broken."

　　"Enough talk!" I roared, feeling my composure slip. "You will all bow to me!"

　　"Only in your dreams," Brandon retorted.

　　My anger flared, jealousy consuming me. If Lydia couldn't be mine, she wouldn't belong to anyone else. I decided then and there that I would end these brothers today.

　　I raised my hand, channeling the dark magic that had given me strength. The demon at my side growled, ready to strike. "Prepare to die, Brandon, Evan. You will pay for your interference!"

　　Evan stepped forward, eyes locked on mine, unyielding. "You think you can intimidate us? You're nothing but a coward hiding behind dark magic."

　　"Coward?" I laughed bitterly. "I have the power to crush you both!"

　　Before I could unleash my magic, Brandon and Evan moved in unison, their bond with Lydia lending them a strength I hadn't anticipated. They were like a well-oiled machine, their movements synchronized as they attacked. I retaliated with a blast of dark energy, but they dodged it with ease.

　　"You can't win, Cameron," Brandon said, his voice steady even in the heat of battle. "Lydia will never be yours."

　　"We will protect her with our lives," Evan added, his eyes blazing with determination.

　　Their words only fueled my rage. I summoned more dark energy, the room crackling with its intensity. The demon lunged at them, but Evan met it head-on, his sword flashing as he struck. The creature roared in pain, stumbling back.

　　Brandon advanced on me, his expression grim. "It's over, Cameron. Surrender now."

　　"Never!" I spat, launching another attack. But for every blow I landed, they countered with twice the force. It was like fighting a storm, relentless and unyielding.

　　As the battle raged on, Lydia's presence grew stronger. She stepped forward, her eyes clear and defiant. "Cameron, stop this madness. You're destroying yourself."

　　Her words cut through the haze of my rage. For a moment, I faltered, my grip on the dark magic slipping. But the jealousy, the burning need to possess her, surged back. "If I can't have you, Lydia, then no one will!"

　　I gathered all my remaining power, preparing for a final, devastating attack. But I stopped when my son entered the room.

　　I smirked, "Now we are even." I said and urged Manu to stand by my side and as an obedient son, he stood by my side.

　　"Evan and Brandon, I have my son by my side now. You both stand zero chance against me."

　　Evan and Brandon exchanged a quick glance, their resolve unwavering despite the new threat. Evan's voice was steady as he addressed Manu. "Manu, you don't have to do this. Your father's path will only lead to more pain and suffering."

　　Manu's eyes flickered with uncertainty, but my grip tightened on his shoulder, and his gaze hardened. "My place is with my father," Manu said, though his voice wavered slightly.

　　Lydia stepped forward, her voice gentle yet firm. "Manu, your mother sacrificed everything for you. Do you think she would want this? To see you standing against what is right?"

　　Manu hesitated, the conflict evident on his face. My smirk faltered for a brief moment as i sensed my son's indecision, I knew that he loved his mother more than me. "Stay focused, Manu," I growled at him to gain his attention. "We're on the verge of ultimate power."

　　Brandon seized the moment of distraction. "Manu, listen to Lydia. Your mother's death was not for this. Don't let your father's madness drag you down."

　　The room grew tense as Manu wrestled with his emotions. I watched him intently, my heart swelling with pride as he took out a dagger from his pocket and looked at our enemies with the same hate I felt. My son, my blood, would always stand by my side.

　　I allowed myself a brief smile of satisfaction, convinced that Manu was loyal. "Good, my son," I murmured. "Together, we will bring them to their knees."

　　We moved forward for our final attack, ready to unleash our combined fury on our enemies. I gathered all my dark power, preparing to deliver the final blow. The air crackled with energy, and I could feel the surge of power coursing through my veins. I raised my hands, ready to release the devastating magic that would obliterate anyone who dared to stand against us.

　　But then, in an instant that seemed to stretch into eternity, I felt a sharp, searing pain in my chest. My eyes widened in shock and confusion as I looked down to see Manu's dagger buried deep in my chest. The betrayal hit harder than the physical pain.

　　"Manu... what...?" I gasped, struggling to understand.

　　Manu's face was a mask of grim determination. "This madness ends now, Father. You're mistaken. You've always been wrong."

　　The room seemed to blur around me as the strength drained from my body. My vision dimmed, and the power I had so carefully cultivated began to dissipate, slipping through my fingers like sand. I fell to my knees, the weight of my son's betrayal crushing my spirit.

　　"No... this can't be..." I whispered, my voice barely audible. "We were supposed to rule together."

　　Manu's expression softened slightly, but his resolve remained firm. "This is for Mother. This is for Lydia. And this is for everyone you've hurt."

　　With a final, desperate effort, I tried to summon my magic, but it was too late. The dagger had pierced not just my body, but the very essence of my dark power. I could feel it unravelling within me, leaving me weak and helpless.

　　As I collapsed onto the cold, hard floor, I looked up at Manu one last time. My son. My betrayer. The pain of his betrayal was more excruciating than any physical wound. My vision darkened, and the last thing I saw was Lydia, standing tall and free, her eyes filled with strength and defiance.

　　And then, everything went black.