Chapter 2 The cold Alpha

Kael's heart hammered in his chest as he stepped into the morning chill. Dawn had not yet broken, and the world lay still beneath a vault of stars, the full moon a silver guardian overhead. Kael tugged back a lock of long black hair and stared at the mirror-smooth surface of the lake at his feet. He dipped a fingertip into the icy water, skimming ripples across his reflection. He didn't recognize the man looking back at him: broad-shouldered and tall, with guilt shadowing his eyes, carrying an unwanted burden.

He took a shuddering breath as the ripples made his image blur-as if fate itself was distorting him.

That burden was his destiny. He'd been training since he was a cub to be Alpha, to take his father's mantle, and now each full moon brought him closer to the Moon Rite - the ceremony that would seal his fate. Everyone expected him to accept what the Goddess-or some ancient prophecy-had chosen. He should have felt honored, even triumphant. Instead, dread knotted in his gut. He would have given anything for a simple life as one of the pack, free of this responsibility, but every step of his young life had been leading him here.

A twig snapped behind him. Kael spun. Roran, his Beta and oldest friend, stepped out of the pines, rubbing sleep from his eyes. "Can't sleep either?" Kael asked quietly.

Roran grinned. "There's something in the air, Kael-maybe even the fireflies know. Just getting a head start on patrol. You look lost in thought." Kael managed a small laugh. "You think? I'm just making sure everything's ready for tomorrow's Rite. The pack's anxious enough already."

"The Rite should be celebrated," Roran said, leaning against a tree. "Soon you'll stand at the sacred stones and the Moon Goddess will make her will known."

Kael's face darkened. "I know stories," he said softly. "Of Alphas forced to bond with someone they don't want. I can't imagine betraying someone like that." Roran folded his arms and asked gently, "And what about you? What do *you* want, Kael? Who do you want?"

Kael shook his head. "I... I don't know. How could I? I've never met my mate; how can I know my heart?"

Roran smiled faintly. "That's the big question, isn't it? But trust me: if there is someone out there for you, the Moon Goddess will make sure you find her."

They walked into the clearing at the camp's heart. Kael approached the bloodstone circle-an ancient marker ringed by carved oaks that held the names of every past Alpha. He placed a hand on the smooth surface, inhaling the cool night air. "This has stood for generations," he murmured, voice low. "Tomorrow, we will give it new meaning."

He left the circle and wandered among the tents. Evan, the old tracker, saw him approaching. Kael patted Evan's silvery head. The elder's eyes, bright with years of service, carried the memory of every Alpha before him. Kael realized how seldom he had sought advice from Evan or the other elders; he'd carried this burden alone for too long. A pang of guilt twisted Kael's chest. The weight of destiny had been on his shoulders since he was a cub, and now the time had come to face it.

He stepped away from the crackling campfires into the hush of the forest. Pine needles glistened with dew in the moonlight. Kael tilted his head back and drew in a steadying breath. The smoky scent from the camp mingled with the crisp night air, and for a moment the tension in his chest eased. A lone cricket chirped in the darkness, and Kael noticed how alive the forest seemed now that the pack was asleep. He ran a hand along the rough bark of a pine trunk, feeling its grooves under his fingers. Everything felt real except the knot of dread inside him. He exhaled slowly, trying to calm his racing heart.

Hidden in the shadow of a fir tree, Kael crouched quietly, lost in thought. He remembered how his father once placed a heavy paw on his shoulder under the glow of a blood-red moon and said, "One day you will carry the pack in your heart." At the time, those words had filled him with pride. Now they felt like iron chains around his chest. He still honored his father's hopes, but all he felt tonight was fear: fear of the unknown, fear of the pack's expectations. He closed his eyes against the memory, steeling himself.

Suddenly, a melody drifted through the pines. It wasn't the owls or the wind - something else was humming, a wordless lullaby that reached out and touched Kael's soul. He felt goosebumps prick his arms. He closed his eyes, letting the notes wash over him. Each phrase felt personal, like a whisper meant only for him. He opened his eyes slowly, trying to pinpoint its source, but there was nothing but darkness and moonlit needles between the trees.

He lifted his head, heart pounding. The moonlight illuminated only trees and shadows-no singer. Then, breaking the hush, came one word, carried on the melody: "Kael-." He whipped around, desperate to see who had spoken. But only silence answered. The forest stood still again.

Kael drew a deep breath, forcing himself steady. "Who's there?" he called, voice trembling slightly. The only answer was an owl hooting in the distance. He gave himself a shake - it must have been the wind. Suddenly, Roran's form emerged from the darkness. "Kael? You okay?" Roran asked.

Kael managed a weak smile. "I thought I heard something."

Roran shrugged. "The wind at night tends to do that. Come on - let's get back. Tomorrow will be a long day."

Kael followed Roran back to the campfire and lay down with the others. Yet in the darkness, he couldn't stop glancing toward the pines, where his name had been spoken. It echoed in his mind: Kael. A cold shiver ran along his spine as he felt watched. Finally, he whispered to the night, "I'm here." Only the silver silence answered him.

Kael lay back on his furs, staring at the distant stars. Tomorrow, the Moon Rite would come - and he had no idea what it would bring him.