AN OMEN BENEATH THE MOON

TRIPA PACK — SOMEWHERE IN THE WOODS

“Help! Somebody, please help…” Elysia struggled to free herself from the rope she was tied with on the ground. She was alone in a dirty hut. The smell of rotten clay lingered in the air. The walls had deep cracks, and the floor was rough, with scattered sawdust and animal dung. The poorly constructed carton ceiling threatened to fall on her head.

“Keep it down, silly thing,” she heard one of the kidnapper wolves say from outside.

Elysia continued to struggle, but the rope was too tight, and her pale skin had turned red. The sun set. Night took over, and frogs interrupted the silence.

“Seize her!” the big wolf commanded as his minions came in and grabbed her.

“Please… no, I beg you, please…” Elysia pleaded desperately.

They dragged her out of the hut and dropped her on the floor outside. The area was quiet, and the hut seemed to be the only house in the woods, surrounded by a thick forest.

“Strip her!” the wolf commanded again, his voice firm and instructive.

“No… I’m begging… pl…” Elysia stuttered in fear.

“Zip your trap!” the wolf roared with rage as he delivered a hard slap to her face while his minions untied her.

“Ahh… uh…” She groaned in pain as her cheek burned.

“Tear her damned clothes off!” the wolf growled urgently as he began undressing.

The minions separated her arms and legs, pinning them in position as they began stripping her. Her lower body was almost unclad by the time he had his pants down.

“I’m gonna fuck you to death,” he threatened.

He bent down to the floor. His left hand reached for her neck, choking her and pinning her against the ground.

He leaned his other hand forward to grope her, but unexpectedly, an extremely bright light illuminated the area, sending painful beams into his eyes and across the entire space. He was blinded instantly.

“Ahhh… ahhhh…” the wolf cried, unable to see.

Elysia was awestruck and couldn’t move a single muscle.

Her fingers trembled as she couldn’t believe her eyes. Nothing was wrong with her sight; she could see perfectly well, but the wolf and his minions struggled to navigate the environment. They kept stretching their hands forward and colliding with one another.

“You little bitch, what did you…” the big wolf attempted to threaten, but he choked on his words and vomited blood. He gagged repeatedly and fell to the ground along with his minions. Eventually, they threw up every single drop of blood left in them and dropped dead.

Elysia’s eyes almost left their sockets as she looked at the lifeless bodies on the ground. Fear engulfed her as she hurriedly put her clothes back on.

Frightened, she retreated and took to her heels, running for her dear life.

ASTRALIS PACK — THE ROYAL PALACE

The night was bright. The exterior of the royal palace was massively illuminated with crystal lanterns while the moon shone brightly in the sky.

There was chattering, murmuring, and chuckling coming from the terrace.

The royal palace terrace overlooked the palace grounds, with marble flooring and massive pillars. It was decorated with flowers, jewellery, and crystal lanterns.

There was a Royal Dais designated for the royals to sit, and on the side was a section of the terrace which the guests were to face. There were sacred flames on beautiful lamps on each side of the Dais. It took three steps to climb the Dais, and each step was adorned with royal ornaments and flowers. This indicated that royalty carried grace, since only the royals would be able to use the steps.

After the steps, a row of royal-like chairs was placed on the left and right sides across the terrace, separated by a walking path in the form of an aisle. At the end of the walkway were normal chairs. The section on the left was labelled “The Noble’s Table,” while the one on the right was labelled “The Bride’s Gallery.” At the end of the walkway were casual chairs for the other invited guests.

The atmosphere was convivial as muttering, vibing, and exchanges of pleasantries went on across the moonlit terrace.

Standing beside the Royal Dais, a man dressed in a nice black robe and holding a ceremonial staff cleared his throat and spoke up.

“Attention, everyone!” he announced assertively, drawing the attention of the crowd. “It is I, Aldric, the Royal Herald. I welcome you all to this special occasion where we will be selecting a bride for our future Alpha King, His Highness, Darian.”

The crowd erupted into applause, and the murmurs resumed.

“Oh, I can’t wait to see who’ll be the lucky girl tonight.”

“His Highness is so cute!”

“I wish I were the lucky girl.”

“I haven’t seen him with any girl, though.”

“His Highness hasn’t been with any lady for as long as I can remember.”

“As we all know, Astralis is destined for greatness, and this greatness is indisputably linked to our Alpha King, both for the present and for the future. As prophesied from birth, His Highness would have to be with a bride to fully unlock his potential and take Astralis to greater heights!” Aldric said, quelling the murmurs.

Then, a trumpet sounded at the entrance of the terrace.

“All rise for His Majesty, the Alpha King of Astralis Pack, and Her Majesty, the Luna Queen!” Aldric proclaimed, hitting his staff on the floor three times.

The crowd rose to its feet and bowed, pledging allegiance to their King and Queen.

“Long live the King!”

“Long live the Queen!”

The crowd roared in unison.

The Alpha King and Luna Queen walked in, their hands entwined and their steps in rhythm. They were dressed exquisitely in red royal robes and looked their absolute best.

Still holding hands, they halted in front of the crowd and turned to face them.

“You may rise,” the Luna Queen commanded in her soft, feminine voice.

The crowd slowly rose from their bows.

The couple turned back and gently climbed the steps before sitting on their respective royal thrones, side by side.

The crowd took their seats afterwards, while Aldric called on the rest of the royal family.

“Aurelian, I can’t find Darian anywhere in sight,” the Luna said to the Alpha.

“Didn’t you tell him to be here before us, like I asked you to?” he replied.

“I did tell him, but he obviously didn’t listen to me. Aurelian, I really don’t think we should force him to do this,” the Luna said.

“But…”

“No, Phina!” he cut her short.

The royal chair beside Seraphina creaked, and Lyssandra took her seat. She was wearing a white, dinner-style gown that hugged her firmly, showcasing her slim hourglass figure. She had light makeup on and looked stunning. Her hair was packed into a bun, her eyes were bright, and her teeth sparkled white as a small smile played on her lips.

“Hi, Mum. Hello, Dad,” she greeted as she took her seat.

Aurelian only nodded in acknowledgement of her greeting.

Seraphina sighed. “Lyssandra, please go get your brother.”

“Oh, sure, Mum,” she replied, standing up before leaving the terrace to fetch Darian.

DARIAN’S CHAMBERS

Darian stood in front of his mirror, glancing at his reflection.

“I can’t believe I’m doing this,” he muttered.

He was dressed in a white royal robe, beautifully designed and adorned with intricate wolf embroideries and silver threadwork. His hair was well-gelled and combed to the side. His sharp jawline, full brows, pointed nose, and bright eyes enhanced his handsome face.

He looked back at his gold-framed mirror, which hung on the white, ornate walls. A beautiful table stood beneath it, close to his window, whose wolf-embroidered designs were threaded with gold and reflected moonlight into the room.

His bed was resplendent, and gilded tables and divans filled the corners of the room, as well as the space beside the door. Opulent chandeliers brightened the room, with the biggest one towering over his king-sized bed.

He felt tears welling up in his eyes.

He blinked.

They fell onto the marble floor.

He looked back at his reflection in the mirror.

“I’m sorry, Mate,” he said, wiping his tears while adjusting his robe.

“Darian… Darian!” Lyssandra called as she entered the room.

“What?” he replied.

“Oh, look at the groom looking stunning!” Lyssandra said, laughing as she approached him and ruffled his hair.

“Stop it!” Darian glared.

“You don’t look happy,” she said.

“Why would I be, Sandra?” he asked.

“Is this still about your mate?” she asked.

“I feel like I’m betraying her, Sandra. I want to choose her as my bride. I don’t want to be obliged to do this, but Father won’t listen to me,” Darian complained.

“I know, Darian. I know,” Lyssandra soothed.

“If she truly is yours and is meant to love you, she would understand, because you’re not betraying her. You are simply helpless,” she encouraged.

Darian said nothing, staring blankly into space with a stern expression on his face.

“Now, let’s go,” Lyssandra said, pulling his arm lightly and escorting him out.

THE ROYAL TERRACE

The Royal Dais was already filled with members of the Beta and Gamma families.

The Alphas of the other packs occupied the Noble’s Table on the left, while on the right were beautiful maidens dressed in blue-coloured gowns and dresses. All the seats were occupied except for those of Darian and Lyssandra, beside the King and Queen respectively.

They walked in, with Lyssandra leading the way.

“Ha! Let’s welcome His Highness, Darian, our future Alpha King!” Aldric announced.

Roars and claps erupted from the crowd.

Darian and Lyssandra took their seats.

Aldric stepped forward.

“Let the bridal selection ceremony commence!” he declared, raising his ceremonial staff into the air.

Just as he was about to hit it on the ground, the moon, which had been shining brightly and illuminating the terrace, turned blood-red.

The whole terrace fell silent. No one spoke as everyone tried to register the unusual occurrence.

Amidst the silence, wolves could be heard howling from a distance.

Suddenly, a group of wolves barged into the terrace, forcing their way in despite the guards by the door. There were about fifteen of them.

“Your Majesty… save us,” one of the wolves said before all fifteen of them fell to the ground.

With that, the sacred flames beside the Royal Dais were extinguished.

“Goodness!”

“Oh my, what’s happening?” the crowd panicked.

“Call an Alpha Summit, immediately!” Aurelian’s voice thundered.