Alpha Draven himself stepped inside. As if summoned by the very conversation.His presence filled the hall at once. Tall, broad, his dark cloak trailing like a shadow. His crimson eyes swept the circle, then landed on me.“Elders,” he said smoothly, his tone respectful but firm. “I hope I am not intruding.”Elder Corin cleared his throat. “We were only… discussing.”“I imagine I know the subject,” Alpha Draven said, his gaze never leaving me. “And I believe it is best to speak without whispers. Let everything be clear.”He walked into the firelight, his movements controlled, deliberate, like a predator who didn’t need to chase its prey.“I will not waste words. I have offered what I know is best, for my Pack, for yours, and for our people. Alpha Aarhea and I together would be stronger than any threat that lingers beyond our borders. It is simple truth.”“Simple truth?” I snapped, unable to hold my tongue. “Or simple ambition?”His lips curved faintly, but there was no warmth in it. “A
Aarhea’s Point of ViewWhile walking to go to the courtroom, I heard some whispers about the proposal of Alpha Draven. I just ignored them and continue walking.The elders were already gathered when I entered, their cloaks brushing the floor, their eyes sharp and waiting.My steps echoed as I walked to the head of the circle.My chest tightened, but I forced myself to lift my chin. I was Alpha. I would not show weakness.Elder Corin, the eldest among them, cleared his throat. His voice was steady, but edged with impatience.“Alpha Aarhea, the council has been restless. Last night’s attack by the rogues shook the Pack. And now, with Alpha Draven’s suggestion, we must speak plainly. The Crimson Pack needs direction.”I folded my arms. “Then let’s speak plainly.” I said, my voice and my face were serious while looking at them.Murmurs rose. Elder Maras, her gray braid coiled tightly at her neck, leaned forward on her cane. Her eyes searched mine with a kind of pity I hated.“Alpha Aarhea,
Aarhea's Point of View:The moon hung low that night, silver light pouring across the courtyard stones still darkened with blood. I had hoped for silence, for a moment alone to gather myself, but I should have known better.Alpha Draven was waiting.He leaned against one of the stone pillars at the edge of the training ground, his arms folded, his expression carved sharp as ever. When he spoke, there was no softness, no trace of the romantic gestures I had once known from Logan or the bond I had shared with Jake.“You haven’t given me an answer.” His voice was low, unyielding, cutting through the night air.I lifted my chin, refusing to falter. “I already did. I said no.”Alpha Draven stepped closer, his boots echoing against the stone, his crimson gaze steady on mine. “No is not an answer that keeps your Pack safe.”I stiffened, my wolf bristling beneath my skin. “Do not speak to me as if I cannot protect my own people. Crimson is my Pack. I will defend it without tying myself to y
Aarhea’s Point of ViewThe council room smelled of something weird now. All eyes were pointing on me like I was a criminal or something. The battle was won, but the Pack’s spirit still trembled in the aftermath. Blood still stained the courtyard, and the memory of rogues howling at our gates weighed heavy on every heart.I sat at the head of the council table, my knuckles pressed hard into the polished wood. The elders had gathered once more, their faces lined with worry.Alpha Draven stood across from me, his broad shoulders straight, his voice steady and deliberate.“The Crimson Pack fought bravely,” he began, his eyes sweeping over the council before resting on me. “But last night proved what I’ve warned you all...your walls are not enough, your warriors are not enough. The rogues will return, stronger, and hungrier. Alone, with the help of others, Crimson Pack will fall!" Murmurs rose among the elders. Elder Corin’s brow furrowed, while Elder Mira folded her hands tightly toget
Aarhea's Point of View: The gates shuddered under the weight of claws and fury. Splinters rained down as wood cracked, steel groaned, and the air filled with the stench of bloodlust.I leapt from the courtyard steps, landing on four paws, my wolf form bristling, my growl a command that split through the chaos. Warriors shifted beside me, their bodies rippling into fur and fangs. The sound of snarls filled the night.“Form the line!” I barked through the link, my Alpha voice sharp as steel. “Protect the civilians. Hold the wall at all costs.”The rogues came.They poured through the broken gate like a black tide, eyes glowing feral red, mouths foaming with hunger. Their howls ripped through the air, savage and wild. The clash was instant, a storm of fur, teeth, and steel.I lunged, slamming into the first rogue, my jaws crushing its throat before it could strike a young warrior at my side. Blood sprayed hot across my muzzle, but I did not stop. Another came, and another....each fallin
Aarhea’s Point of ViewThe night after the council felt longer than any winter.I could not sleep! Jake’s letter clutched in my hands like a fragile heartbeat. By dawn, my decision was clear.Ellias waited outside my room, his expression grim but ready. I pressed the folded letter against his chest.“Ellias,” I said, my voice steady though my heart shook.“I want you to find the truth. Alpha Draven’s words cannot be left to poison the Pack. Investigate what happened to Jake’s parents. Dig into the night of their deaths. Speak to anyone who lived through it, anyone who remembers. I don’t care how deep you must go...find me proof!" I ordered him.Ellias widened his eyes, "You want me to investigate at the Lycan Terretory, Alpha Aarhea?" he asked, his voice was stuttered." Yes. Why? Is there something wrong?" I replied and asked him back." But..." he did not continue what he was saying when I cut him."Don't worry. I will give you letter saying that you have important things to do in t