Chapter 2 Two

My father greeted me with a nod, and we dove back into our work. The afternoon passed quickly, with meetings and discussions about everything from trade agreements to pack security. As the sun began to set, I finally had a chance to take a break. I stepped outside, feeling the cool evening air on my skin. The pack's grounds were peaceful, with only a few wolves out and about.

I took a deep breath, feeling the scent of the forest fill my lungs. It was moments like these that I loved being a wolf. The freedom, the connection to nature, the sense of belonging. As I walked through the grounds, I noticed a few of the pack members watching me. Some of them nodded or smiled, while others looked away. I knew I still had a long way to go to win over the entire pack.

I continued my walk, lost in thought. What would it take to prove myself as a leader? Was it even possible, given the prophecies and the elders' reservations? The crunch of gravel beneath my feet was the only sound that broke the silence. My mind began to wander, and I couldn't help but think of the prophecy that had been hanging over me like a dark cloud since I was a child.

"A female alpha will bring ruin to our pack," the elder had declared, his voice dripping with conviction.

I remembered the way some of the pack members had looked at me after that, the way they had whispered to each other when they thought I wasn't listening. It was as if I was already guilty, already condemned to fail. I felt a surge of frustration and anger. Why did the prophecy have to stand in the way? Why couldn't they see beyond it, see me for who I truly was?

I kicked at a rock, sending it skittering across the ground. I was tired of being judged, tired of being doubted. I swore inwardly to change their minds, to prove myself as a capable leader. But how? The prophecy was deeply ingrained in our pack's culture, and many saw it as a warning, a sign of impending doom.

I let out a sigh, feeling the weight of it all bearing down on me. Maybe I was foolish to think I could change their minds. Maybe I was destined to fail, just like the prophecy said but I refused to believe that. I refused to give up.

I squared my shoulders, determination burning within me. I would prove myself, no matter what it took. I would show them all that I was capable, that I was strong. The prophecy would not define me. I would define myself.

I trudged through the forest, my feet heavy with disappointment. Another mate ceremony, another failure. I had hoped that this time would be different, that I would finally find my fated mate and secure my place as alpha.

it seemed fate had other plans.

I couldn't help but feel a sense of despair wash over me. Without a mate, I couldn't take complete control of the pack. It was a tradition as old as time – a female alpha must have a mate by her side, ruling alongside her as her equal. I thought of all the times I had tried to find my mate, all the ceremonies I had attended, all the wolves I had met. But none of them had been the one.

I felt like I was running out of time. My father was growing old, and soon I would be expected to take his place as alpha. But without a mate, I wouldn't be able to do it. I kicked at another rock, feeling frustration and anger build up inside me. Why was this so hard? Why couldn't I just find my mate and be done with it?

I walked for hours, lost in thought, until the sun began to set. I made my way back to my father's study room where he usually was after a long day if dealing with pack business, I was feeling a sense of purpose. "Father, I need to talk to you about something," I said, my voice firm.

He looked up from his papers, a hint of concern in his eyes. "What is it, Lyra?"

"It's the prophecy," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "I don't believe it. I don't think I'm destined to fail."

My father's expression softened, and he nodded. "I never believed it either, Lyra. You have the heart of a true leader."

I felt a surge of gratitude towards him. He had always believed in me, even when no one else did. "Thank you, Father," I said, my voice filled with emotion.

He smiled, his eyes warm. "You don't need to thank me, Lyra. You just need to believe in yourself." And in that moment, I did. I believed in myself, and I knew that I would prove the prophecy wrong.

I walked to my room, feeling less defeated and demoralized. I flopped onto my bed, burying my face in my pillow. Why was this so hard? Why couldn't I just find my mate and be done with it? Just as I was starting to drift off into a pity party, I heard a knock at the door. "Lyra, can I come in?"

I recognized the voice as my second best friend, Andrew. I smiled, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. Andrew always knew how to make me feel better. "Come in," I called out, sitting up and wiping my tears away.

Andrew entered, a concerned look on his face. "Hey, Lyra, what's wrong? I heard about the mate ceremony."