CHAPTER 2

In the conference room, Ophelia had been anxiously waiting with everyone in the pack. Her mom, the pack Luna, had ordered the wolves to meet at the conference room as her father, Alpha Ryan, had an important announcement that would impact the pack's well-being.

The pack gathered and waited for Ryan to arrive and make his announcement. There was a buzz as the wolves were busy trying to speculate about what the information he had in store for them would be.

She was unnerved. She could feel something was wrong but couldn't quite place her finger on it. She swung her legs nervously and looked around with so much unease. She had been quite angsty lately.

Ophelia looked in the distance with worry-filled eyes. These attacks had changed everything. They had a happy life, and the attack waves abruptly destroyed the flow of their once vibrant and happy community.

Silence fell in the room as Ryan walked in with his Luna beside him. He glanced around the hall, which they mostly used to host large gatherings and events. All their banquets were held there, but today, he could only see his failure to protect his people.

He felt regret and a deep sorrow accompanied by rage he had not allowed himself to feel all this time. His Luna gently placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder and calmed him down.

"Attention," he called out, effectively gaining the ears of everyone in the room, and they all looked up attentively to hear what he had to say.

"I know you are curious what this is about," he started.

As we all know, we are being threatened by creatures we don't completely understand. All the packs here in the South are being targeted, and none is safe. We united and were led into a trap, losing many; everyone now had to defend their lands, people, family, and friends.

We have watched our brothers lose their lives. And as your Alpha, I am sorry. I could not protect my people. His voice cracked towards the end, and he paused, taking in the sober atmosphere.

I have considered all options and begged the council for help, but they have refused, insisting it is a problem we are strong enough to handle. They claimed that their forces had been spread too thin and that they could not help.

This information was not well received. Panic ensued immediately, and several murmurs and gasps filled the room. If the council wouldn't step in, there was no hope, which meant they were left to perish.

However, I will not sacrifice this pack. If we are to emerge from this alive, we need help. I have deliberated over this, and I have asked for help.

"Who would aid us?"

Wondering, the wolves had instantaneously quietened down to listen to the words of their leader with doubt-filled gazes. The four cardinals never interfered with each region's business, which meant all they had was the council.

"I am aware that each cardinal has its set rules, and no one dares intervene in the affairs of the other. However, this set of rules did not apply to the northern cardinal.

The council was formed to keep all the packs in check. Its members were the enforcers and the executioners of all their laws. They represented their respective regions. The Southern region "had a council," as did the Eastern and Western regions.

Each council represented each region in the "World Council." Only they could interact with the Cardinals. They, in turn, would convey the progress of the werewolf community to the Northern Cardinal, as he was their de facto leader. This information was known only to a few.

The Northern wolves were the strongest, the fastest, and the biggest. Their bloodline was that of the purest Versipellis dating back to the era of the Great War: they never bred or mated with the weak, and they had to prove their strength before being appointed to any position.

Having the most rigorous training methods, they produced the best warriors who underwent tireless training. They had a larger population of wolves. Having a superior chain of supply that couldn't be trifled with.

They were the ultimate powerhouse.

***

"Our borders have been breached". One of the warriors on patrol shouted through the pack link.

"We're surrounded," came another voice,

"The Alpha," still in the middle of his speech, hesitated briefly before barking orders out to the pack members.

The Luna led all the women who couldn't fight and the children to the underground bonkers. The Alpha led the other pack members were led out.

Before leaving, he beckoned Ophelia to come over. He embraced her tight, and he whispered something into her ears.

"Be strong for me and everyone in the park," he said, loud enough for everyone to hear.

With tears in her eyes, she tried to resist, but as a young wolf who hadn't turned yet, she couldn't resist an Alpha command. With no other option, she nodded resolutely with a heavy heart and headed off in the opposite direction.

Ryan shifted to his massive beast and ran toward the direction of the clearing; this battle would decide the fate of the entire pack, and he hoped Ophelia would make it.