Seeking Help From The Chief Demon

Back at Crestmoon Pack…

The meeting hall buzzed with frantic voices and stomping feet as Alpha Kadel stood at the head of the long oval table, surrounded by council elders and high-ranking officers. The early morning sun cut through the window slats, painting sharp lines across the polished floor—light that did nothing to ease the tension in the room.

War was hanging in the air.

Before anyone could make sense of the noise, Beta Stefan hurried into the hall. His face was pale, his steps urgent, and without waiting for permission, he leaned close to murmur something into Alpha Kadel’s ear.

The change was instant.

Alpha Kadel’s face reddened—first with shock, then fury, then something darker. His jaw clenched so tightly the bones in his temple twitched. Every elder leaned forward, desperate to hear what news had struck their Alpha silent.

Kadel slammed his palm onto the table and roared, voice echoing through the hall like a thunderclap:

“HOW DARE HE?! HOW DARE CARLO THREATEN ME WITH WAR!” The hall erupted.

“Carlo has lost his mind!”

“He dares challenge Crestmoon?!”

“That mutt should be put down!”

“We should march at once! Carlo cannot win!”

The shouting bounced off the high ceilings until a single, frail hand lifted into the air.

Elder Peng—the oldest living council member, the man who had served two Alphas before Kadel—rose to his feet. Instantly, the hall fell into respectful silence.

Even Alpha Kadel straightened.

“Alpha Kadel,” Elder Peng began, voice soft but sharp with age and wisdom, “you have led Crestmoon with strength and wisdom. You have every right to feel insulted… even to go to war.”

Several heads nodded, relief flickering across faces.

“But,” Peng continued, “war at this time will not favor Crestmoon.”

The murmuring resumed—quieter, thoughtful now.

He went on, hands folded behind him. “Our warriors are recovering from last winter’s losses. Our harvest this year was poor. And Carlo has been preparing for months. A confrontation now may destroy us.”

He sat slowly, his words hanging heavy in the air.

Alpha Kadel inhaled deeply, then exhaled. “Thank you, Elder Peng. Then tell me—what solution do we choose?”

An elder to the right spoke first, clearing his throat. “We… we could pay the tributes Carlo demands. Triple them, as he asked. That will appease him.”

“No!” someone shouted. “We cannot afford that!”

“Our stores are already strained!”

“And once we agree, Carlo will demand again next moon!”

Chaos returned as everyone spoke over each other until Alpha Kadel lifted his hand.

Silence settled again. Then Beta Stefan stepped forward.

He bowed. “Alpha… if Carlo seeks to intimidate us, then perhaps we seek help from someone he fears.” The room stilled.

A council member frowned. “Who could that possibly be?”

Stefan hesitated for only a moment. “A tyrant respects only a greater tyrant. Carlo will retreat if he knows Crestmoon stands under the shadow of someone more powerful.”

Alpha Kadel narrowed his eyes. “Who are you suggesting?”

Stefan lifted his head and spoke the name like a warning:

“Draven BloodFall.” Gasps burst through the hall.

Some elders recoiled. One clutched his chest as if struck by lightning.

“That devil?!”

“Seeking help from Draven is suicide!”

“He is worse than Carlo!”

“He would destroy us all!”

“He eats threats for breakfast—we will be next!”

Gamma Murray who has being silent until now—stepped forward, expression grim. “I support Stefan.” He paused. “Draven BloodFall is the chief demon among wolves.... but he is the only one Carlo fears. And the only one capable of forcing Carlo into submission.” The hall fell into a deathly stillness.

After several slow seconds, Alpha Kadel spoke. “I agree.”

More gasps.

He continued, voice steady with decision. “We have no time, no other allies, and no other option. Crestmoon will seek Draven BloodFall’s protection. Stefan—prepare the official letter immediately. We will await the devil’s terms.”

Everyone exchanged uneasy glances.

They all knew one truth... Draven BloodFall never offered help freely. And the price he demanded was always… devastating.

---

When Alpha Kadel returned to his wife’s chamber…

Lady Lyria was standing before her tall silver-framed mirror, her maid Lila brushing her long dark hair into soft waves. She saw her husband’s reflection first—his stiff posture, the storm in his eyes—and her smile slowly faded.

The moment the door closed behind Lila, she gently took his hand and led him to the cushioned seat near the window. She slipped behind him and began massaging the tight knots at the base of his neck—her secret therapy, the one thing that always loosened the tension bottled inside him.

It worked.

After a long exhale, he finally spoke.

His voice was low… tired.

He told her everything—the outcome of the emergency meeting, Carlo’s threatening letter, the looming war. How Crestmoon had no army strong enough to withstand Silverfang’s if Carlo followed through. And how, in desperation, he needed to seek aid from someone far more powerful.

“So who,” she asked softly, fingers pausing, “could possibly help in such a short time?”

His jaw twitched.“Draven BloodFall.”

She froze. Her fingers pressed too deep into a nerve at his neck.

“Ahh—Lyria!” Kadel winced and twisted around, glaring. “What was that for?!”

Realizing her mistake, she gasped and bowed her head. “I—I’m sorry, my love. I panicked when you said that devil’s name.”

Her voice trembled. “Draven BloodFall is a walking devil. Calling for him is like inviting the underworld into Crestmoon! It’s dangerous, reckless—I don’t advise it.”

Kadel rubbed his neck, face still twisted in pain and frustration.

“I know. But I have no choice. Only Draven can make Carlo back down and leave us in peace. Besides, i can't keep paying for what the padt Alpha agreed to... We don't need his services anymore”

Lyria swallowed hard. “What does Draven want in return?”

Kadel shook his head. “He hasn’t responded. I sent the letter and now… we wait. He is our last hope to avoid a war we cannot win.”

She inhaled shakily, stopped massaging him, and wrapped her arms around his shoulders from behind... though fear churned in her heart.