Chapter 7 The Rebellion Begins

The woods just kept going. Naku's legs were screaming, but stopping wasn't an option. He sucked in air, each breath fueling his anger. He had to stop Lord Meldus-things had gone too far. Tabitha was right beside him, her eyes darting around, taking in every detail as they barreled through the trees. She didn't act tired at all.

They finally hit a small opening in the trees, and Naku called for a break. They both needed to catch their breath. We can't do this by ourselves, Naku said, stating the obvious.

Tabitha didn't miss a beat, still scanning the area. Yeah, no kidding. But people still remember your dad, you know? There are witches and wolves out there who'd rather have you on the throne instead of Meldus. We just need to find them before he does.

How many are left? Naku asked, a little desperate. Are we talking about enough to make a dent?

Tabitha frowned, thinking hard. Not a ton. Meldus has done a real number on turning everyone against you. The witches who used to back your dad are underground now. But... I've heard things. There's a pack out there. A group of wolves that doesn't belong to any of the mainstream packs. They're hiding up in the mountains to the north. Word is, they're strong and they still believe in your family line. If we can get them on our side, we might actually have a shot.

Naku's mind was spinning. Time was slipping away, and Meldus was probably getting stronger by the minute. But if they could find some allies and start a real fight, there might be a chance to turn things around.

North it is, Naku said, making up his mind. Let's go find those mountains.

They moved under the cover of night, staying off the roads and sticking to the thickest parts of the forest. Naku's senses were on high alert, picking up the slightest sounds long before danger got close. Tabitha helped where she could, using her magic to hide their scent and keep unwanted eyes away.

The sun was just starting to peek over the horizon on the second day when they reached the base of the northern mountains. The air was colder up here, the wind sharper, but Naku felt a surge of determination. Somewhere up there was a pack that might be the answer to everything. But would they be willing to risk it all?

As they started to climb, Naku's mind wandered back to the night his father warned him about ever changing. No matter what happens, his father had said, you can't let anyone see your true form. The world isn't ready for someone like you, Naku.

But now, it felt like the world wasn't just 'not ready'-it was trying to wipe him off the map.

Almost there, Tabitha said, jolting Naku back to reality. She pointed to a weird rock formation that jutted out from the side of the mountain. They're holed up somewhere past those cliffs. But heads up-they don't exactly welcome strangers.

Naku nodded, pressing on. His body felt heavier with each step, like he was carrying the entire fate of their kind on his shoulders. He had always been a loner, even before he was forced to leave. Now, he had to get a whole pack of wolves to follow him into a war. It wasn't just his own neck on the line anymore.

After what felt like forever, they reached a tight passage between the cliffs. Naku's eyes narrowed as he caught a glimpse of movement ahead-shadowy figures blending in with the rocks. Wolves, hidden and watching their every move.

They've been tracking us for a while, Tabitha whispered. Just stay cool.

Naku raised his hands to show he wasn't trying to start anything, but his heart was pounding. He had to play this perfectly. These wolves were his last best shot.

A tall, scarred wolf with silver fur stepped out of the shadows. His eyes were hard and icy as he sized Naku up.

Who comes to the High Fang's territory without being invited? the wolf growled, his voice bouncing off the cliffs.

I'm Naku, son of the rightful Alpha King, Naku said, standing as tall as he could. I'm here to ask for your help in taking back what belongs to us.

The silver-furred wolf let out a harsh laugh. The king's kid? You think your bloodline means we owe you something? Things have changed, kid. We're fighting to survive, not to put some new butt on the throne.

Naku's jaw tightened. I'm not asking for anyone's loyalty. I'm asking for your help to stop Lord Meldus. If he wins, none of us will make it. Wolves, witches, mages-we'll all be under his thumb.

The wolf's eyes flickered when he heard Meldus's name, but he still looked skeptical. Why should we take your word for it? How do we know you're not just another power-hungry wolf?

Naku took a deep breath. He could still hear his father's warnings ringing in his ears, but they didn't matter right now. He couldn't back down. Fine. You want proof? I'll give you proof.

Before Tabitha could say anything, Naku let out a low growl. He could feel his body changing, his bones shifting, muscles growing, and fur sprouting all over his skin. In seconds, he was standing there in his full alpha form. Towering over the silver-furred wolf and everyone else.

No one had ever seen anything like it. The air crackled with power-a heavy scent of dominance and raw strength. The rogue pack started whispering to each other, their eyes wide with a mix of shock and fear.

The silver-furred wolf took a step back, his confidence shaken. An alpha with that kind of strength... he muttered, almost to himself. You really are the king's son.

Naku held his gaze, his eyes glowing with a primal energy. I'm not trying to boss anyone around. I want to stand with you. Meldus is coming for all of us. When he does, you're going to need allies who can trade blows with you and not just bow down.

The silver-furred wolf stood there for a long moment, thinking it over. Finally, he nodded slowly and stuck out his hand. Alright, Naku. You've got our support. The High Fang will fight with you.

Naku shifted back into his human form, relief washing over him. But this was just the start. With the High Fang on his side, the rebellion was starting to take shape. Now they needed more-other rogue wolves, witches, mages-anyone willing to stand up to Lord Meldus.

As they headed back down the mountain, Naku felt a little lighter. But the war ahead looked huge, and he knew this was only the first step on a long and bloody road.