THE PALACE

Alpha Wynter leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers as he listened to the ministers' concerns. The Beta, standing beside him, watched the discussion with a keen eye.

"I don't think we should allow the omegas at the school anymore," Minister Thorold said, his voice dripping with disdain. "Our pups are complaining about being taught alongside them."

Alpha Wynter raised an eyebrow. "And what, exactly, is the problem with the omegas being educated alongside the other pups?" He asked.

Minister Thorold hesitated before responding, "Well, they're just so... inferior. It's beneath us to be teaching them the same things." He said.

The Alpha's expression turned stern. "As long as I am the alpha, the omegas will be treated equally to others, no matter what you say. They have just as much right to an education as any other member of the pack." He said.

Minister Ragnar spoke up, his voice laced with condescension. "But, Alpha, they're already growing too powerful. You're being too lenient with them. What if they become a threat to our dominance?" He asked.

Alpha Wynter's gaze narrowed. "I will not tolerate any discussion of persecution or marginalization of our omega members. They are part of this pack, and they deserve to be treated with respect and dignity." He said.

"But....."

The Beta cleared his throat, intervening before the ministers could respond. "I think we've discussed this topic sufficiently, and his majesty has said his word, Alpha. Perhaps we could move on to other matters?" He asked with a bow.

The Alpha nodded, and the meeting continued, with the ministers reluctantly dropping the subject. Once the discussion was concluded, Alpha Wynter dismissed the council.

As the ministers filed out, the Beta fell into step beside them.

"Let's discuss the plan," he said, his voice low and conspiratorial.

The ministers gathered around him, their faces eager as they find a secretive place to stand. "So, how is the plan going?" Minister Thorold asked.

The Beta smiled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "My son has finally caught the princess's attention. Soon, they'll be married, and-"

"But what if they're not mates?" Minister Ragnar interrupted. "The Alpha may not allow them to marry."

The Beta chuckled. "Trust me, the Alpha always follows my word because he trusts me the most. He'll allow the marriage, and after that... well, let's just say that my son will be taking over as the new Alpha because we will be getting rid of the Alpha and his family." He said.

The ministers exchanged sly glances, their faces twisted in cruel smiles. "And when that happens, we'll finally be able to achieve our aim: a pack without the useless omegas," Minister Thorold said, his voice dripping with malice.

The group erupted into laughter, their voices echoing off the walls.

Lysander's father, Blackwood, stood frozen in the doorway, his eyes wide with shock. He had returned to the store room to retrieve a cleaning bucket he had forgotten earlier. Now, he wished he hadn't overheard the conversation.

The Beta's words hung in the air, taunting him: "a pack without the useless omegas." Blackwood felt a cold dread creeping up his spine. He knew he had to get out of there.

He slowly backed away, trying not to make a sound. But as he turned to leave, his foot creaked on the floorboards. The Beta's head snapped towards him, his eyes narrowing.

"Ah, Blackwood," the Beta said, his voice dripping with false warmth. "What brings you here?"

Blackwood bowed low, trying to hide his trembling hands. "I-I was just returning the cleaning equipment, sir. I didn't mean to intrude."

The Beta's gaze lingered on him, suspicion etched on his face. "Very well. You may leave." He said.

Blackwood beat a hasty retreat, his heart pounding in his chest.

The Beta watched Blackwood leave, his eyes narrowing.

"Do you think he heard what we said?" Minister Thorold asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

The Beta's smile was cold and calculating. "Don't worry, I'll take care of it." He said.

As the ministers dispersed, the Beta's mind was already racing with plans to eliminate any potential threats to their scheme. He knew that Blackwood had overheard something, but he wasn't sure how much. Either way, it didn't matter. The Beta had a plan in place to deal with any potential witnesses.

Little did he know, Lysander's life was about to take a dramatic turn, one that would change the course of his destiny forever.

......

Lysander lay on his bed, staring blankly at the ceiling as Sage entered the room.

"Hey, what's up?" Sage asked, his voice casual. He is Lysander older brother.

Lysander shrugged, not looking up. "Nothing."

Sage's eyes scanned the room before landing on Lysander's face. His expression turned stern as he took in the bruises.

"How long is this going to continue?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.

Lysander finally looked up, a hint of bitterness in his eyes. "Forever, probably."

Sage scoffed, walking over to Lysander's bed. "You have to hang out with them if you want them to leave you alone. Look at me, I hang out with them, and they respect me." He said.

Lysander raised an eyebrow, a sarcastic smile on his face. "More like their slave, they send you around." He said.

Sage's expression tightened, but he didn't deny it. "At least it's better than being beaten. Get up and dress; we're going to the Alpha's princess party. You should try to talk to people and make friends there." He said.

Lysander groaned, rolling over onto his stomach. "Do you think anyone will want to be friends with me?" He asked.

Sage's expression softened slightly. "Yeah, there are people who will. So, let's go." He said.

Before Lysander could protest further, Sage dragged him up from the bed. Lysander stumbled, his legs protesting after sitting for so long. Sage pushed him toward the bathroom.

"Make yourself look good; I'll be waiting outside," Sage said.

Lysander leaned against the sink, staring at his reflection in the mirror. The bruises on his face stood out starkly, a reminder of his place in the pack's hierarchy. He didn't want to go to the party, didn't want to face the condescending smiles and snickers. But Sage was already gone, waiting outside for him to get ready.

With a sigh, Lysander began to clean up, trying to make himself presentable. As he dressed, he couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. What if Sage was wrong? What if no one wanted to be friends with him?

Lysander pushed the thoughts aside, focusing on getting through the night. He would go to the party, try to make a good impression, and maybe, just maybe, things would start to change. But as he looked at himself in the mirror, he couldn't help but wonder if he was fooling himself.

.....

Lysander's eyes widened as he entered the huge mansion, overwhelmed by the number of wolves present. The air was filled with laughter and music, and the smell of drinks and food wafted through the air.

"There are my guys," Sage said, grinning. "Have fun on your own and make some friends." With that, he went to join a group of boys, leaving Lysander to fend for himself.

Lysander scoffed, feeling a bit annoyed. He made his way to a corner of the room, where he sat down and grabbed a drink from the table. As he sipped it gently, he took in the scene before him.

Suddenly, a loud howling erupted, followed by applause. Lysander's eyes followed the commotion to the front of the room, where the alpha princess had appeared. Kieran, the beta's son, was standing beside her, holding her hand. Lysander's eyes widened as he recognized the girl from the previous day. She was even more beautiful than he had remembered, and he couldn't believe she was the alpha princess.

As he watched, the princess cut a huge cake, and the crowd cheered. Then, she fell to the ground, her bones crunching as she underwent her first transformation. Lysander gasped in shock as she emerged as a beautiful white wolf. The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, and the princess, now in wolf form, loped away.

Lysander smiled gently, feeling a sense of wonder. He looked around, but the princess was nowhere to be seen. He decided to have a little fun at the party, but as he stood up, he saw the group of boys who always bullied him. He quickly made a move to exit the party, but a sweet, enchanting smell caught his nose.

His eyes widened as he followed the smell, his heart racing with excitement. The smell grew stronger, and he found himself tracing it to a corridor. He kept going until a door suddenly opened, and Astra came out.

Astra had been waiting for Kieran in the room, but as she perceived the same smell, she froze. She saw Lysander standing in front of her, and their eyes met in a moment of pure shock.

"Mate," Lysander's wolf voice echoed in his head, the word sending a shiver down his spine. This was the first time his wolf had ever spoken to him, and Lysander felt a mix of emotions: excitement, fear, and confusion.

Astra's eyes were wide with shock, her face pale. She stared at Lysander, her mind reeling with the implications of what she was feeling. She had been expecting to find her mate, but she had never expected it to be this boy, this omega who was so far beneath her in social standing.

The two of them stood there, frozen in time, their eyes locked on each other. The world around them melted away, leaving only the two of them, and the undeniable connection between them.

"Mate..."

The word echoed in the corridor, low and rough like it was being dragged from his soul. Lysander stiffened as the voice came again, almost in a whisper, yet it held enough weight to root him to the spot. His eyes locked on hers-Astra, glowing faintly in the soft torchlight of the hallway.

He didn't even understand why he was stepping toward her, like something ancient inside him had been awakened and now controlled his body. Each step he took felt foreign yet necessary, like the pull of gravity-but this time it was emotional, spiritual.

Astra's eyes widened. She sensed it too. Panic flickered across her face, and suddenly the quiet was shattered by approaching footsteps. Instinct took over.

"Come with me," she hissed and dashed forward. Before Lysander could react, Astra grabbed his arm and shoved him backward. He stumbled through a doorway, falling to the ground. She came crashing down on top of him, her hands bracing on his chest.

The air between them stilled.

Her breath ghosted across his face. Neither of them moved. Neither of them spoke. They just felt.

Lysander's hands hovered in the air, unsure of where to go. Her heartbeat thundered against his ribs through the contact of their bodies. He could feel something ancient and sacred stir within him, humming between their bodies like an unspoken vow.

Then-

"Astra, are you in there?"

Kieran's voice cut through the moment like a blade.

Astra gasped, her eyes going wide with shock. She scrambled to her feet and rushed to the door, nearly tripping over herself as she slammed it shut behind her before Kieran could see inside.

She stepped into the hallway, pressing her back against it like a barrier. Her face was flushed, her breath uneven.

Kieran stood in front of her, his brows furrowed in suspicion. "What's going on? You look flustered."

Astra forced a smile, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "It's nothing. I'm okay."

"You told me to meet you in that room. Aren't we supposed to... y'know, have our first night together again?" His voice dipped with a gentle kind of expectation.

Astra faltered. "I don't think I'm ready."

Kieran's expression fell. His easygoing smile faded, replaced by a quiet hurt. He studied her, looking for answers in her guarded eyes.

"Are you... angry with me?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

He hesitated, then shook his head with a faint, strained smile. "No. Of course not. I'm ready to wait. As long as you need."

A wave of relief passed through her. "Thank you. I'm just... tired. I want to go home."

He frowned slightly. "Astra, this is your party. You can't just leave. People will notice."

She reached for his hand, her grip light but insistent. "Please? You can cover for me, right? Just for tonight. They won't even know I'm gone."

Kieran sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. "Alright. I'll keep them distracted. Go get some rest."

A smile touched her lips, grateful and soft. She leaned forward and pecked him on the cheek. "Thank you, Kieran."

He watched her go, his eyes trailing after her as she disappeared down the corridor. A moment passed. Then another.

A hand slid over his shoulder, and he turned with a startled smile.

"Why are you out here alone?" A sultry voice teased. A young woman leaned against the wall, dressed in a way that left little to the imagination. Her lips curled in a knowing smirk. "Thought you'd be busy with the Alpha Princess by now."

Kieran exhaled, his smile darkening. "Thought so too. But she's... strange. Distant. I'm getting tired of it."

The girl stepped closer, her fingers trailing along his arm. "Well, I'm available. And I won't act strange, mate."

Kieran looked at her, a flicker of something cold in his eyes. He leaned in, kissed her with the frustration of a man whose pride had been bruised, then grabbed her hand.

"Let's get out of here," he said, dragging her away without a second glance.

Back inside the room, Lysander was still on the floor, staring at the ceiling. The air still hummed with the lingering electricity of what had just happened.

"Astra..." he whispered to no one.

Something had shifted. And there was no going back.

---

Lysander couldn't stop smiling as he walked home, the night breeze brushing gently against his skin. His heart was light, soaring higher than it ever had. He had never truly believed he'd find his mate, never even dared to hope. Yet here he was, walking with a giddy warmth blooming in his chest and a strange energy pulsing in his veins.

He didn't know how long he'd been walking, nor did he care. His entire body still tingled from the moment with Astra, when she touched him, when they locked eyes, when their souls seemed to recognize one another. It was something sacred, something that rewrote the very meaning of connection.

"Hey, feeling excited?"

Lysander froze mid-step, eyes wide as the voice echoed in his head. It wasn't his own.

"Who are you?" he asked, his thoughts sharp, cautious.

"I am Magnus... your wolf. Your mate in spirit. The other half of your soul."

Lysander nearly stumbled on the sidewalk. His breath caught as the realization settled in. His wolf. He had finally awakened. After all this time.

Before he could respond, the front door of the house swung open.

"Lysander!" Sage's voice was thick with worry.

"I was worried sick! I didn't even Know when you left the party." He added.

Sage's eyes narrowed when he noticed the dazed, happy smile playing on Lysander's face.

"What's going on with you?" he asked, stepping closer. "Did you finally make a friend or something?"

Lysander chuckled softly, still reeling. "It's not that. I heard... I heard my wolf. His voice. He said his name is Magnus."

Sage's eyes widened, and he took a step back, nearly gasping. "Wait, what?"

Before Lysander could repeat himself, the patter of small feet filled the hallway.

"What's going on?" their younger brother, Zane, asked as he darted into the room. He was barely Ten.

Sage turned to him, still stunned. "His wolf spoke to him. Lysander's wolf has awakened."

Zane's face lit up like the sun, and he rushed forward, throwing his arms around Lysander with a happy laugh.

"That's amazing! Soon you'll have your first transformation!"

Lysander returned the hug, warmth blooming in his chest from the familiar love of his brothers. "Yeah," he said, still dazed. "It feels... surreal."

Zane stepped back, bouncing with excitement. "Did it hurt? Was it loud? What does he sound like?"

"Deep. Calm," Lysander replied, closing his eyes for a moment. "Like someone I've always known, just... never heard before."

Sage rubbed the back of his neck, watching him closely. "This is a big deal, you know. It means your instincts are going to start sharpening, your emotions might feel more intense. You'll feel your wolf pushing forward."

"I know," Lysander murmured.

Zane tilted his head. "You're acting all weird. Happy, but also like you're hiding something."

Lysander hesitated.

"Also..." he began, then trailed off.

Sage folded his arms. "Also what? Spit it out."

Lysander glanced between the two of them, then shook his head. "Nothing. It's nothing, I just... I'll tell you guys later, okay?"

Zane groaned. "Ugh, come on!"

"I'm serious," Lysander said, giving them both a playful shove toward the door. "I'm tired. I just want to lie down."

Sage smirked knowingly. "Fine. But don't think you're getting out of telling us eventually. Especially if it involves a girl."

Lysander rolled his eyes as the door clicked shut behind them. Finally alone, he let out a deep breath and fell onto his bed, arms spread wide.

His mind raced, yet his body was still. His smile returned as he closed his eyes, letting the quiet wash over him.

"Still here?" the voice asked in his mind again, this time softer.

"Yeah... Magnus, right?"

"Yes. I've been waiting a long time to meet you, Lysander."

"Why now?"

"Because your mate awakened something in you. It called me forward. Your soul recognized hers, and I followed."

Lysander's chest rose and fell slowly. "She's beautiful. Strong. I've never felt anything like that."

"You were made for each other. Even if the world tries to keep you apart, the bond is there. Stronger than blood. Stronger than fate."

A warmth spread through Lysander's limbs as he listened to Magnus's words. For the first time in his life, he didn't feel like something was missing.

"You'll guide me through the transformation?" Lysander asked.

"Always. You're not alone anymore."

Lysander smiled again, sleep pulling at the corners of his mind. The connection, the voice of Magnus, the memory of Astra, it all wove together into a cocoon of warmth.

And as the stars blinked above the roof of his home, Lysander drifted into sleep, still whispering to the other half of his soul.

THE NEXT DAY, THE PALACE

Mr. Blackwood wiped the last streak of water from the marble hallway floor, his joints aching slightly from the long day's work.

He wrung out the cloth and folded it neatly, ready to leave when he heard footsteps approach. A guard in uniform stood a few feet away, his expression unreadable.

"The Beta wants to see you," the guard said curtly.

Mr. Blackwood raised his brows slightly but said nothing. He only nodded and followed. They walked in silence through twisting corridors until they stopped at a heavy oak door. The guard pushed it open.

Inside, a few ministers sat alongside the Beta, who lounged in an ornate chair near the hearth. Flames crackled behind him, casting a flickering light over the richly adorned room. Mr. Blackwood stepped inside and bowed low, respectfully.

The Beta smiled, but there was no warmth in it. "Ah, Blackwood. Word gets around, you know. I've heard you're doing excellent work here at the palace."

"Thank you, sir," Mr. Blackwood said, eyes still on the floor.

"How about a reward?" the Beta continued, his voice light but laced with something darker.

Mr. Blackwood straightened slightly, still holding himself with calm dignity. "I don't think I need a reward, my lord. I'm just doing my job." he said.

The Beta chuckled and rose from his seat. His boots clicked softly against the marble as he approached. He rested a hand on Mr. Blackwood's shoulder. It felt heavy.

"I could change your life, you know," the Beta said quietly.

"Just a word to the Alpha, and everything could be different for you. A house of your own, a place in court. You've served long and loyally, haven't you?"

"I appreciate the offer, truly," Mr. Blackwood said, carefully stepping back. "But I like my life as it is. Simple, honest. Please, my lord, what is it you want from me?"

The Beta's smile faded slightly, replaced by something more calculating. He motioned to a nearby guard, who stepped forward carrying a polished wooden box. The lid was lifted to reveal rows of gleaming gold coins.

"I want your mouth sealed, Blackwood," the Beta said. "You can do that, can't you? No questions. No talk. No ears where they shouldn't be."

Mr. Blackwood stared at the box for a moment before shifting his gaze back to the Beta.

"I'm not interested in palace affairs, sir. I'm only here to work. That's all I've ever done. Please, let me keep doing my job."

He bowed again, deeply, then turned and walked toward the door, he didn't accept the box.

Behind him, a cruel smile curled across the Beta's face. He didn't speak until Mr. Blackwood was gone.

"Told you," Minister Therold said with a bitter sneer. "They're growing wings. The Alpha's gone soft. He should've listened when we warned him."

The Beta turned his eyes to the gold, then slammed the lid shut with a sharp clack. "He should've taken the gold. Played the fool. But now, whatever happens next... he's brought it on himself."

He turned, his cloak sweeping behind him as he stormed out of the room. The ministers followed.

---

NIGHTTIME

"Where are you going?" Sage asked, stepping into Lysander's room just as he finished buttoning up his black shirt.

Lysander glanced at him through the mirror. "Heard there's another party tonight. For the princess."

Sage leaned against the doorframe, brows furrowed. "And you're going?"

Lysander nodded, grabbing a jacket from the bed. "Yeah."

Sage blinked at him, clearly surprised. "You're kidding."

"Nope."

Sage didn't move. He just stood there, arms crossed, watching Lysander like he was trying to piece together a puzzle that suddenly stopped making sense.

Lysander sighed, turning to face him. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

"I don't know... It's just-" Sage tilted his head, eyes narrowing. "You've been acting strange since yesterday. Like... distant. Distracted. Did something happen? Did you... find your mate?" he asked.

"What? Hell no." Lysander said a little too quickly, waving a hand as if to dismiss the idea entirely.

Sage didn't look convinced. "You sure? 'Cause it's either that or you've suddenly developed a thing for the princess."

"I just wanted to get out, that's all," Lysander muttered, pulling on his jacket. "You told me to stop sulking and hang out more. That's what I'm doing. You coming?" He asked.

Sage shook his head. "Can't. Gotta babysit Zane. Mom's off doing one of her 'urgent errands' again." he said.

Lysander offered a tight smile. "Alright. Have fun, then."

"You too," Sage replied, still watching him with suspicion as he left.

---

The club pulsed with music and lights. Bodies swayed to the rhythm, laughter mixing with the heavy beat of the bass. Lysander stepped in and felt the energy wash over him like a wave. But none of it mattered. He wasn't here for the party.

He sat down at the edge of the room, fingers drumming nervously against his thigh. Minutes passed before it hit him, soft and intoxicating. Her scent. A unique blend of lavender and the first snow of winter.

Magnus stirred immediately.

"She's close."

Lysander stood, following the scent through the crowd. Every step brought him closer, his heart pounding with anticipation. He reached a hallway leading away from the main room, stopping in front of a closed door where her scent lingered thickest.

Just as he raised his hand to knock, the door swung open.

Astra stood there, eyes wide, but not with surprise. Almost like she'd been expecting him.

Before he could speak, she grabbed his arm and yanked him inside. The door slammed behind them.

"What are you doing here?" she snapped, keeping her voice low but sharp.

"My wolf-Magnus. He wouldn't stop. He needed to see you," Lysander said, rubbing the back of his neck and looking down. She was breathtaking, dressed in deep red, her hair tumbling down her shoulders like fire.

Astra crossed her arms. "You can't just come looking for me like this, Lysander. If someone saw you-"

"Are you ashamed of me?" he cut in, lifting his gaze to hers. His voice was quiet, almost broken.

Her lips parted, but no words came at first. Finally, she exhaled.

"No. It's not that. I'm just... not ready. Not yet. I need time, and I need you to stay away until I am." she said.

Lysander swallowed hard. He'd been so excited, so hopeful. His mate. His other half. But instead of warmth, all he felt was a cold, heavy silence stretching between them.

"Okay," he whispered, eyes cast downward as he watch her leave.

---

Lysander stepped back into the glowing haze of the club, the bass from the music vibrating through his chest. The lights were dim, but not enough to hide what his eyes immediately caught, Astra, she wasn't alone, her hand laced tightly with Kieran's. The sight punched the air from his lungs.

She was smiling.

That smile he wish were for him.

The pain came fast, sharp and cold.

"He can't be holding our mate," Magnus growled inside his head, his voice deep and thunderous. "She's ours."

Lysander gritted his teeth, but he couldn't look away. Kieran raised a crystal glass of wine, his voice booming across the crowd.

"To the Princess! Eighteen years strong, and tonight-her first transformation!"

The crowd erupted with a chorus of, "Cheers!" followed by the clinking of glasses and the sweet chime of laughter. Hands clapped, feet stomped, and then came the final blow: Kieran pulled Astra into a hug-and kissed her.

Not just a peck. It was a possessive, triumphant kiss. Like he'd won.

The guests whooped and cheered, oblivious to the storm brewing in Lysander's chest.

"No. Not my mate. No!" Magnus roared, thrashing against the mental walls Lysander barely held together. His wolf was losing control.

Suddenly, Lysander's eyes glowed an eerie, blazing blue. His vision tunneled in on Kieran and Astra. He didn't remember crossing the room. He didn't feel the people brushing past. All he knew was rage.

With a snarl, he tore through the crowd and grabbed Kieran's shoulder, yanking him away from Astra. His fist flew before Kieran could even react. The punch landed square on his jaw, sending him stumbling back into a stunned silence.

Gasps rippled through the crowd like a wave.

"Stay away from my mate!" Magnus' voice, thick with alpha fury, boomed from Lysander's mouth.

The murmurs started instantly.

"Did he say mate?"

"The princess? Is he insane?"

"How dare he claim her! He should be executed!"

"Must be drunk..."

Kieran stood slowly, wiping the blood from his lip, a cold smirk dancing on his face.

"You just made the biggest mistake of your life." he said.

He launched forward with a snarl, and the tables turned fast. Lysander fought back, but Kieran was faster, stronger, and trained. Soon, Lysander was on the ground, blood pouring from his nose as Kieran landed blow after blow. The crowd, hungry for chaos, began cheering like it was a show.

"Teach him a lesson, Kieran!"

"Put him in his place!"

Through swollen eyes, Lysander saw Astra's face. For a moment, he thought she looked concerned-just a flicker-but then it hardened.

"Stop! Kieran, stop!" she yelled, stepping forward as Lysander's head lolled to the side, blood staining the floor beneath him.

Kieran hesitated, breathing hard, before releasing him and rising to his feet.

Lysander groaned and tried to push himself up, but Astra's voice cut through the noise like a whip.

"What did I tell you just minutes ago?" she snapped, her voice trembling with fury.

"I said I wanted to keep it a secret! But you-you told everyone! Do you have any idea what you've done?" She yelled at him.

"He was touching you," Lysander croaked, wiping blood from his lip.

"So what? He's my boyfriend!" she shouted. "And you... You're nothing but a weak mate-one I will never accept."

Her words struck deeper than Kieran's fists.

"What...what are you saying?" he asked, barely holding himself upright.

"I don't need you. I don't want you." Her voice cracked, and then she spat the words like venom.

"I, Astra Wynter, reject you, Lysander Blackwood, as my mate!"

The club fell silent. Someone gasped. Another covered their mouth in disbelief.

Lysander stared at her, staggered by the pain no blade could ever inflict.

Astra turned and walked away, her back straight, shoulders set-unshaken.

The crowd parted for her, but their eyes snapped back to him, cold and judging.

He didn't wait for the guards to drag him out or for the whispers to grow louder.

He turned, heart shattered, and ran from the club, the night swallowing him whole.