Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Faye's Pov

I now know how the Moon Goddess feels when we pray to her. The pride, the regality and the go that comes with it knowing you hold the palm of the world in your hands. That's exactly the way I felt when everyone bowed before me as the priest made me father's second-in-command.

“By the power invested in me by the Moon Goddess, I crown you, the new Beta of the WhiteMoon pack. Arise and take up your sword.” He concluded.

I rose to my feet and smiled as the hall erupted in applause and whistles. The same hall that was empty the day my husband refused to show up was now filled with both people I knew and those I didn't.

After the ceremony, the applause didn't end there. People kept praising me. A group of little girls even formed a little fan club and ran to meet me.

“We love you, Faye. You're so cute.” The trio of pigtails and pink dresses chorused.

My heart swelled with pride as I ruffled their hair. These were the same kids their mothers refused to come near me before. Now, they're lining up before me.

“Thank you.” I smiled at them before turning to the mothers and fathers who praised me for being brave and not giving up. That day was the only day I felt genuinely happy after mom died. And I was sure she was watching me from heaven.

A few hours after the whole thing ended, I paddled to my bedroom in hopes of getting a good night's sleep. I'd barely reached my room before a hand reached out and grabbed me. 

I struggled with the assailant and managed to overpower him. 

My brows furrowed when our eyes locked. “I knew it was you.”

“You bitch!” Stephen snarled at me. “I'll kill you!”

“Not before I kill you up first!” I bit back. Seriously, what was his problem? 

“You're gonna regret doing what you did! You hear me? You will regret it!” He swung at me and I dodged. His eyes were bloodshot and he reeked. The bastard was drunk.

“The only one who'll regret it is you when I sock you in the eyes. Go to your room now!” I was warned.

He flashed me a grin and turned away. “You'll regret what you did.”

I ignored his comment and went to my room instead. I didn't pay attention to him but three days after that, I wish I had.

My hands trembled slightly as I held the black parchment.

We werewolves are simple creatures. When we want something, we write letters and these letters come in different forms. White for a truce, Green for trade agreement, Blue for Marriages alliances and Black for war.

I looked up from the parchment to my father. “What is the meaning of this?”

When he didn't respond, I slammed my fist against the desk. “Answer me, father!”

“It wasn't my fault!” He dragged his hand through his hair. “It wasn't my fault! This is all on you!” 

I lifted the black parchment again. “This is all on me? When did I ever agree to wage war with the Red Claws pack!” 

My body shuddered when I said that name. The Red Claws Pack is the most feared pack in the entire realm and their leader, Alpha Asher, was nicknamed the “Red Beast.” 

“How is any of this my fault!” I snapped.

“Are you seriously asking me that!” You failed your duty to the pack Faye! You are useless and worthless!! he snapped again.

I froze. “What?”

Father's face turned red as he collapsed on his couch. Even the elders were a bit shaken by his statement.

“How did my failed marriage to Damon make the Red Claws pack wage war on us?” I asked carefully.

Father sighed before he continued. “The alliance with Alpha Damon and the Crescent Moon Pack was a hoax.”

“Hoax?” 

“Our pack is dying, Faye. Even a blind man can easily tell. Your marriage alliance with the Crescent Moon Pack isn't going to magically transform our situation, I was desperate.”

My fear worsened. “What did you do?”

“I … I promised Alpha Asher half of the pack for six years’protection against other packs after the war had ended and when now the time is almost up I heard Damon is his sworn enemy and came up with a plan. I planned for you to get married to Damon so we can seek his protection against Alpha Asher from taking over our land. 

A war between the Crescent Moon Pack and the Red Claws pack would be perfect while we reap the benefits. You ruined everything Faye!!

My heart sank. “Oh no.”

What if Damon had found out father’s attempt to use him and that's why he never showed up for the wedding. Could that mean our little pack would face the wrath of both the Crescent Moon Pack and the Red Claws pack? 

I stumbled back in shock. Even the elders gasped accordingly.

“Who could have thought our pack would get ruined under your leadership?!”

“I was desperate!” He yelled.

“And going against the agreement with the Red Claws Pack in that manner was your only option?” I sighed. “Father, they win wars the same way we breathe air. We can't afford to go to war. We have no standing army and we're low in supplies! We'll all die!” 

“I know,” he hid his face in his hands. 

I stood in the center of the Council hall. Whispers rioted in the room and some of the elders were leaving. They were terrified. I wouldn't blame them. We were up against a monster.

Father looked up at me with tears in his eyes. “I failed everyone.” 

I wanted to tell him it wasn't the first time he'd done that but saying that wouldn't stop the Red Claws’s forces from advancing.

I gripped my fists, thinking of ways we can avoid this war. We could look for allies but no one would want to help us. They'd run for the hills the second they heard who were up against. 

“Come on, Faye. Think.” I whispered to myself. “What's the best way to end this?!”

“We don't have a leader! The Alpha has failed us, our ancestors would be ashamed.” I heard one elder say.

“No leader… that's it!”

“We have to flee from this cursed pack before it's too late!!” I heard an elder say to another.  

I snapped my fingers and grabbed the parchment.

“Faye, where are you going?” Father called behind me.

“To save us!” 

It seems like a stretch but it was the only way to guarantee our survival. 

I am going to kill Alpha Asher myself.