Chapter 8: MARKED

‎Luna Caroline rose up from the floor, and began to pace the royal chambers responding to Alpha Denparlio's question in a monologue.

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‎"How would I feel about Eliana being your backup Luna? Shouldn't the real question be, how do I feel right now?

‎Bubba, ten moons ago the Alpha's Ritual was performed. Whether or not a similar ritual is performed in any other pack, Fortress Cave has no idea and may never find out.

‎Every werewolf in Fortress Cave who had spent at least twenty four moons in the pack qualified for the Alpha's Ritual but here's the twist, the he-wolves only had to make entries and receive tags to be registered on the Pack's ledger system, however, they were not welcome to outrightly participate in the said ritual, just as it has been over the years.

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‎During the ceremony you made a declarative speech:

‎"This is the Fortress Cave pack and I Alpha Denparlio am the Alpha of this pack. In this pack, as much as there is absolute equality, there is also hierarchy and anyone who does not understand, respect, or acknowledge our hierarchy cannot be a part of us. If that's you, you must show yourself out now!".

Then you paused briefly as though expecting someone to actually walk out, and when no one did you proceeded.

‎"As a hallmark of the equality that we so profess, the she-wolves of Fortress Cave shall not only be limited to haunting and simply the welfare of the pack as is common to other packs. They will equally, occupy positions of authority just as they currently do.

‎The he-wolves of Fortress Cave are not required to participate in the Alpha's Ritual because according to the Alpha which would be me, the ritual is a tribute to every she-wolf in history who has ever been put at a disadvantaged position by misogynistic male-werewolves."

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‎"While you said all of that, I stood with you and by you, Bubba.

‎During that ritual as with every other Alpha's Ritual the she-wolves were cleansed, and initiated as sub watchers, with each one given a sub clan within the pack to nurture, oversee and report back to me on your behalf as the Luna of your pack, according to YOUR decree.

‎And who were those that qualified? Was it all the she-wolves who made entry?

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‎No, only those who were brave enough to go through the ritual were qualified to become sub watchers and by extension, (the Alpha's girls).

‎Who do the Alpha's girls answer to according to the Pack's hierarchy?

‎They primarily answer to the moon-walkers, but in specific instances they can apply directly to the Luna whom at her discretion would either handle the matter personally or request for a summoning on their behalf.

‎Who is that Luna? I am.

‎So, if I could bare watching all the sub watchers participate in the Alpha's Ritual, what do you think the answer to your question would be, Bubba?

‎The Alpha slowly sat on their master bed In a very dramatic slow motion that only a fool would overthink of.

‎At this time Eliana was done with the ledgers for the day and exited through the main hall where the newbie wolves were already being dismissed heading straight to her and her sister's chambers.

‎In Eliana and Azra's chamber Eliana soberly entered the chamber.

‎"Eli, why is there a scarf on your neck? You don't like scarfs..." Azra stared stunned.

‎Eliana's exhaustion could be seen from a mile away. She attempted to respond to Azra but unfortunately staggered, almost reaching the floor when Azra sprinted to catch her.

‎"Eli was it the tea, we were told that it was wolfsbane tea. Not everyone handled it well, those who are still sick by dawn tomorrow as a result of drinking it may not be eligible to shift."

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‎"It wasn't the tea, Azra. I will not be having mine until tomorrow according to the Alpha." Eliana faintly responded.

‎"Then what is wrong, Eli?" Azra asked impatiently.

‎Eliana loosened the scarf from her neck and Azra immediately froze at the sight as she muttered:

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‎"He marked me, Azra."

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