6| A dark day

MIKE’S POV

I waited until the moon was high and the pack house had gone quiet. Most of the wolves were either sleeping or on night patrol far from the main building. I had already planned every step in my head. I knew how to move without leaving a clear trail, that was why Astra trusted me with the dirty work.

I went to the priestess first. She was still in her small room near the temple, sitting by the window with an old book open on her lap. When I knocked she looked up, her eyes sharp even in the low light.

“What do you want at this hour?” she asked bluntly.

I kept my voice low and respectful. “The Alpha is asking for you, Great Priestess. He said it is urgent. Something about the old rites and the coming change of power…He wants your guidance before the night ends.”

She frowned but closed the book. “Strange hour for such talk. But if the Alpha calls, I will go.”

I offered my arm like a proper guard. She took it and we walked through the quiet halls. I led her not toward the Alpha’s wing but toward the side exit that led to the old training grounds. She started to ask questions when she noticed the path was wrong.

“This is not the way to his cambers,” she said.

I stopped and turned to face her. “No. It is not.”

Before she could scream or call on the Goddess, I moved quickly.

One hand covered her mouth, knocking her out with the chemical laced around my palm.

I quietly dragged her out, making sure no eyes was on me.

I gave a few guards I was working with a signal and they distracted the others.

I took her into the woods right after her temple, knowing beasts would devour her body before day time.

I went back for the Alpha next. He was still awake in his study, papers spread across the desk. He looked tired, which made me understand he must have taken his sleeping drugs… which was perfect.

I bowed at the door. “Alpha. There is trouble at the north border. Rogues were spotted near the river…The patrol is asking for your presence. They say it is serious.”

“ Can't you handle this without me Mike?.” He asked knowing I could handle such normally without him.

“ Alpha the rouge leader specifically asked to see you in order to stop their operation but trust me, I've got your security covered. They can't harm you.”

He stood slowly, reaching for his coat. “Very well. Lead the way Mike.”

We left through the back path. I talked the whole time, telling him details about the supposed rogues, how many, which direction they came from while a few of my men followed without letting the other guards know the Alpha was with us. He listened, nodding, trusting me because I had served the family since I was a teenager. When we reached the.woods near the old hunting cabin I stopped walking.

“They should be close,” I said.

He stepped forward, eyes scanning the trees. That was when I struck. He fought back even when weak, but at the moment he was no match for me. I aimed for his back, inserting the sword I took from a rougue while once In a battle. He fell immediately, covering himself with him own pool of blood.

I made the attack look like a rogues attack while we went for a walk. I injured myself a few places, to show I was attacked as well.

I rushed back to the pack house, panting while I informed them that I and the alpha was being attacked while he wanted to take a walk. They all believed me without hesitation, believing i could never betray the pack. They all cried while some maids took me in to tend to my wounds.

After a few minutes, I walked straight to Astra's room, knowing twice softly.

She opened it at once, while her eyes were bright with expectation.

“Is it done?” she asked.

I stepped inside and closed the door behind me. “It is done, Alpha.”

The word hung in the air for a few seconds as she stared at me, then a slow smile spread across her face.

“Say it again,” she whispered.

“It is done, Alpha Astra.”

She laughed under her breath, but the satisfaction was clearm Then she wiped the smile away as if it had never been there. Her face changed and tears filled her eyes while her shoulders shook.

“Oh Goddess,” she said loudly enough that anyone in the hallway might hear. “My father…”

I nodded, playing my part. “ I'm sorry my lady.” I said as they began appearing in her room to comfort her.

Just then another guard walked in with a blank face.

“ My lady… we found the priestess dead by the woods at the temple. She seemed to be attacked by the beasts in the woods.”

Astra cried even harder, making me almost doubt it was face.

She covered her face with both hands and let out a broken sob. “Call the council. Now. Everyone must hear this. My father…. The priestess.. what's happening in this pack?.” She faked a cry.

“ My lady can the council meeting be held in the morning… you really need to get a hold of yourself before the meeting.” I said and a few others greed with me.

By morning, the word had reached the entire pack. Everyone cried knowing the alpha was a good man. I knew how was, but it was high time he had rest.

The council hall was filled now as the elders murmured amongst themselves.

Astra walked in last. She wore black, her eyes were red and she moved slowly, like the weight of the news was too heavy for her. When she reached the front she pressed a hand to her chest and spoke in a shaking voice.

“My people… last night we lost two of our strongest pillars. The Great Priestess and my father, the Alpha of Grim Wolf. They were taken from us by rogues. I… I do not know how to stand here without them.”

A few wolves cried out in shock. Others bowed their heads. The head of the council, an older male with a gray beard, stepped forward.

“This is a dark day for Grim Wolf,” he said. “But the pack cannot remain without leadership… The Alpha is gone…The priestess is gone. We must choose a new Alpha and a new priestess as soon as possible. The Goddess demands order.”

Murmurs of agreement rose through the hall.

Astra wiped her cheeks and lifted her chin. “I am ready to serve if the council accepts me… I had already learnt a lot from my father after my sister left us to be with a man. My blood is the blood of the Alpha line. I will protect this pack the way my father did.”

The council members looked at one another. Some nodded. Some still looked uncertain, but no one spoke against her. The head of the council raised his hand.

“Then it is decided. Until a full ceremony can be held, Astra will stand as Alpha of Grim Wolf. We will select a new priestess from the temple ranks within the week. The pack must not stay weak.”

Cheers and low howls filled the hall. Astra lowered her head as if the weight of the title was too much. But when she turned slightly, just enough that only I could see her face from where I stood, she smiled.

ASTRA'S POV

I walked to my room, dismissing the maids and guards at my back.

Today was definitely the best day of my life. Only if Laura knew she made the biggest mistake of her life by trusting me.

Now….

I'll finally take my birth right… to be the alpha of the Grim wolf pack.

I looked at my reflection in the mirror and whispered the words I had waited years to say.

“Alpha Astra.”

Everyone out there is busy morning The alpha and the priestess, while I stand here in victory, finally becoming the alpha of the pack… I wish my mom was here to see how successful I finally became, she would have been proud of me, even if it was the first time ever.