Chapter SIX: The Banquet

The banquet to celebrate the new alliance and bethrotal was mere dawns away. Things have been a bit tense at the Greymoon pack since Alpha had announced the alliance with their rival pack. Relations with the Sunlit pack have been tensed at best and the sudden alliance left many unsettled, however they had unwavering trust in their Alpha. Lucien had decided to host the banquet at the dandelion field located at the heart of the pack. And only those invited were allowed to attend. This field was near where the training fields of their pack, this will allow them immediate defense in case of any accidents.

A figure sprinted off towards the backyards of the palace into a small opening, darting through the narrow tunnel carved out beneath the thickets, a path he had discovered moons ago during one of his many escapades. It led straight into the outskirts of the village, far away from the watchful eyes of the guards and his ever-watchful brothers. Paws hit the earth lightly, every stride confident as the wind rushed past his fur. Keith shifted back into his human form once he was certain no one had followed. Pulling on his clothes, he grinned at the sudden rush of freedom.

The palace, with its rigid rules and constant eyes, felt like a cage. Out here, among the bustle of villagers and the scent of roasted meat drifting from stalls, he could almost pretend he was a regular wolf, unburdened by titles or duties. Though today he had a reason to sneak out. Keith had overheard his father speaking to Damien some nights back, his curiosity sparked by hushed words about an alliance through marriage, and an alleged secret the Sunlit Alpha hid. His father had always been ruthless and calculating, never doing anything without purpose. So why agree to an alliance with their mortal enemies and what has this got to do with him? Frowning, he brushed stray dirt from his tunic as he headed into the village past the pack house and towards the fields. If the rumors circling the servants’ quarters were true, then the Sunlit pack’s princess was at the heart of it. A sickly pup, hidden away most of her life, yet important enough to warrant this grand alliance. His chest tightened with unease, he had to find answers. Whatever game his father was playing, he was certain he was one of the pawns.

“Keith?” a familiar voice pulled him from his thoughts.

He turned to see Vanessa, the baker’s daughter, balancing a basket of bread on her hip. She was one of the few friends he had outside the palace whom he trusted.

“Sneaking out again?” she teased, her green eyes sparkling, raven black hair fluttering in the wind.

“If you tell, I’ll make sure the next batch of bread never makes it past the guards.” Keith replied smirking.

“Like you could ever resist my honey rolls.” Vanessa replied rolling her eyes.

They shared a laugh that faded quickly as Keith’s gaze drifted to the horizon. The dandelion field loomed in the distance, where preparations for the banquet continued. Bright tents rose like colorful crowns, tables were lined with silverware, and guards moved in careful formation. It was a beautiful scene, yet to Keith, it reeked of a trap waiting to spring.

“You’re worried, whatever about?” Vannessa said softly, following his gaze.

Keith didn’t answer right away, his gaze still on the fields.

“It’s strange, father doesn’t bend to anyone yet here he is bending to those bastards will. That can only mean one thing, he wants something desperately.”

“Or fears something worse, do you think it has to do with the princess?” Vanessa asked.

Keith’s eyes narrowed. “That’s exactly what I plan to find out.”

He didn’t tell her more, he couldn’t. The fewer she knew, the better. Vanessa was a sweet child and he did not want any harm to come to her. Because deep in his gut, he felt it, there was more to this alliance than met the eye.

“I can come with” Vanessa offered, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

“You should carry on before your mother worries. I will only take a look for I can’t be gone for long.”

“Fine, you never let me have fun these days. I’m off then, don’t get caught.” She said and ran off.

That evening, back at the palace, the halls buzzed with restless energy. Servants rushed about carrying trays of polished goblets, and seamstresses adjusted the garments for the Alpha’s family. Keith returned just before sunset, slipping in through a side corridor only to be caught by Damien, who leaned against the wall, arms crossed.

“One might mistake you for a petty thief with the way you’re scurrying about.” Damien said coolly. “Where have you been?”

Keith scowled. “I went for a walk.”

“That took half the day? Father will be thrilled to hear about this ‘walk’.”

Keith clenched his fists but said nothing. Damien was always like this, sharp tongued and far too observant. But tonight, he wasn’t in the mood to fight.

Damien smirked at his silence. “You should rest. Tomorrow, you’ll be paraded in front of the Sunlit pack. Try not to embarrass us.”

Keith bristled. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means,” Damien’s eyes gleamed with something Keith couldn’t place, “that you’re about to be a part of something far above your meagre understanding. And if you’re not careful, it might just consume you.”

Keith turned away, but his brother’s words lodged in his mind like thorns.

The day of the banquet arrived, golden sunlight spilling across the dandelion fields. Guests from both packs mingled, though the air was thick with tension beneath the polite smiles. Guards stood at every corner, and though music played, the air hummed with unease.

Keith stood beside his father and brothers, dressed in royal grey and silver. His eyes wandered across the field, finally resting on a girl seated beside Alpha George. She was delicate looking, dark hair woven with white flowers, eyes a striking shade of gray that seemed to hold a storm within. Though her smile was soft, Keith noticed the pallor of her skin, the way she leaned slightly against her nursemaid as if the effort of sitting upright drained her strength.

“That must be her,” Keith murmured under his breath.

“Aaliyah,” Damien confirmed quietly, never taking his eyes off the princess. “The star of the event.” A cold smile crept into his eyes as he studied her

Keith’s chest tightened again, though he couldn’t explain why. Something about the way her gaze briefly flickered toward him; sharp, searching, and almost knowing, made his pulse quicken. It was as if she had recognized him, though they had never met.

The banquet had only just begun, yet deep within his bones, Keith felt the shifting of fate, pulling him toward a path he had never chosen.