Chapter 1: The Letter

“You’re a woman,” the enemy soldier gasped, staring at her clothing which had been slit down the middle.

“Bloody hell,” she cursed, her eyes widening. His sword had manage to hit her, tearing through the leather of her war clothes. She looked around hastily to be sure no one else watched.

“I wonder what your people will have to say when they realize you’re nothing but a fr—“

She hurled a dagger at his throat. He choked, his word cutting off as blood spurted from his neck. She watched as he crumpled to the ground, holding his neck in shock.

“Well, too bad dead mean can’t talk,” she hissed, moving closer to him menancingly. “And maybe you should have focused on killing me, instead of what I am,” Maera grinned. “Oh, and perhaps a foolish move to remain in Vaelmont when your fellow warriors have returned to their alpha king to tell them this district is untouchable.”

She drove her sword into his belly before he could manage to say another word. Then she stripped him off his clothing, took his robe and wrapped it around herself.

“Commander Cael,” a voice shouted in the distance. She took in a deep breath and turned around to see Yule, a warrior she was relatively close with. “We heard— oh dear,” he gasped upon seeing the body. “They retreated forces yesterday,… why….”

“Their king placed a bounty on my head so he remained here. Let’s go.”

•••

"Commander Cael!" The loud voice followed by persistent knocking roused Maera from sleep.

She stood up grudgingly and went to the door, her brows furrowing in confusion. As her hand touched the handle, she gasped. "Oh dear."

She shot to the corner of the room, picking up the robe that lay there. She draped it around herself, ensuring it covered every bit of her cleavage.

She cleared her throat as she finally opened the door. "Yes, how may I help you?" She asked in her deepest voice possible.

"Commander Cael, I have received a letter from the new king, in light of the recent developments and tragedy in the pack," the young messenger said. He was a stocky boy with short cropped hair. He shivered in the mornings cold, mist coming out of his nostrils.

She took the letter from his hand and gave a smile. "Thank you."

She watched as he walked away, then closed the door behind her, sinking onto the ground against it. Her heart was beating so fast against her chest.

Her fingers trembled as she broke the seal. Her eyes travelled over the words so perfectly written. Not a single smudge of ink was out of place.

To: Commander Cael

From: Headquarters, Althara.

His Majesty, Supreme Alpha King Theron IV of the Crescent Moon Pack.

Commander Cael,

By this letter, you are hereby summoned to the royal palace immediately. The council and I have reviewed your recent victories and strategies in Vaelmont, your assigned district, and wish to appoint you as the royal war strategist and general commander of the Crescent Army Headquarters in Althara.

We are still surrounded by enemies here and crippled by grief. My father's blood is not yet dry on the battlefield, and yet, duty demands that we rise again. You are expected to report by dusk. Delay will not be tolerated.

Signed,

Supreme Alpha King Theron IV, Crescent Moon Pack.

"Dear goddess." She dropped the letter on the floor and stood, then she began pacing back and forth the entire room.

Wasn't that what you've always wanted? Her wolf, Naya whispered to her. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity.

"I can't take it," she whispered softly, worry crossing her features.

You don't have a choice.

"By the moons light," she swore.

She had to be there by dusk, was there even enough travel time for her to leave Vaelmont and arrive at Althara before night time?

"They need me," she whispered, shoving clothes into an animal skin bag. "They won't behead me if I'm late."

Well, Alpha Gale Theron the Third is dead. His son is young, and might be soft hearted.

"This letter doesn't show me any hints that he's a softie."

Maybe.

She didn't bother to take a bath— there was absolutely no time to waste. She took off the robe she wore previously and grabbed some long strips of linen that lay across a chair, wrapping it tightly around her chest.

It was uncomfortable as always, but she had gotten used to most of it already. Being uncomfortable was better than being killed for being a fraud.

She shuddered at the thought of being found out.

After wearing her trousers, she wore a thick wool tunic and placed a vest across it, before grabbing a coat.

Maera stood in front of the mirror after tying her hair properly. She dipped her fingers into powdered charcoal. She traced them across her cheekbones and smudged them. When she was satisfied with the contouring of her jaw, she put on leather gloves, grabbed her sword and some daggers, scribbled a note quickly, then stepped out of the house.

Her horse gave a friendly neigh as she approached the stables. She smiled, patting it's head as she led it out.

The wind whipped her skin harshly as the horse galloped through the quiet town. It was relatively peaceful, and clean. However, Maera could not get the image of what it had been three weeks ago.

The land had been a pool of blood, headless bodies and skulls swimming inside of it.

She stopped her horse in front of the district palace and gestured for the guard to come closer.

"Tell Alpha Rowan that the Supreme Alpha has requested my presence within his courts before dusk," she said. "I am on my way to Althara. I'm not yet sure whether I shall be coming back to Vaelmont." She pulled out the note she had written earlier and handed it to him.

Maera continued her journey, her horse veering off to the rocky terrains. She could hear the distant roar of the raging war even though it was far away from where she was.

She wasn't sure how long she travelled for, but as the moon set behind clouds, casting an orange glow, she could see Althara coming into view.

She maintained her path close to the edge of the woods, a feeling of sadness curling in her chest as she finally got there. The city was almost in ruins, and not anything like the first time she visited it.

The war cries were getting louder now— screams, shouts, the endless clang of metal.

She guided her horse towards the open, whipping it lightly so it galloped on the dust covered roads. From a distance, she could see the high stone walls of the palace come into view under the growing moonlight.

Her horse slowed to a stop as she reached the gates.

Heavily armored guards patrolled the area, while some roamed about in their wolf form. it quite a was a miracle the war hadn't reached the palace.

"Alpha Theron has been expecting you," a guard greeted, opening a smaller gate for her. She blinked— how the hell did he know exactly who she was.

She swung down from her horse, handing the reins over to a stable boy.

She walked through the gate, unsure of which direction she was to go.

“I’ll lead you to him,” a guard said behind her. “Shall we?”

She nodded, walking beside him down a path. Ornamental flowers flanked both sides, and finally they arrived in front of a tall building. Burning torches lit the stone walls, giving an orange glow.

The double doors were opened immediately.

“You’re late. This is night time already— I believe I said dusk.”