The Alpha's Golden Warrior

Dimah Qazi; 12 years old

"Listen to me darling," Moms voice wavered, "run, run as far as you can, away from these grounds-"

Black smoke swarmed the night skies and enveloped us in a serene silence, away from the breaking branches and bellowing fires. All I could see were those green eyes staring back at me, glossy and tired.

"Go south, past the dungeons-" A scream sliced through night, befalling a strange uncertainty within my soul, "and just keep running, ok habibti?"

My eyes followed the door knob that began jiggling, my heart accelerating in its beats. My mother grabbed my slim arms, shaking me to consciousness I was barely grasping onto. The smoke was blinding me, it was slithering up my veins and clogging every pathway I opted for a way out, but mom didn't stand for that.

"Wake up, Dimah! Don't deprive me of those eyes I gave you, not now," I blinked hard at her words, opening my eyes as wide as I could, "good girl, just how I raised you,"

The sound of our door being banged echoed within the four walls of our home.

"Once you turn 18, run to the castle and become the golden warrior your father raised you to be. Understood?" I nodded urgently, trying my best to find a way to get us both out of here, alive and well.

Mother looked behind her, at the door knob that was jiggling with such valency it's screws were unwinding. Her grip on my arms tightened, eliciting tears to my eyes, not at the pain, but at the thought of having to run out of her embrace, at the thought of having to look into her eyes for the last time.

"Mama, I can't," I shook my head at her, traitorous tears escaping the sockets of my eyes, "I can't-"

Mother pulled me into her arms, her shoulders shaking as she sobbed into my own. It was her attempt at silencing me, and it had worked. There was no time, the screws began falling out of the knob, the screams grew louder and the fires outside our home bloomed. I could have only hoped that father and Slaiman made it out alive.

"I love you, habiti," She whispered into my hair, caressing my quivering back.

"I love you too, mama," As I uttered my last words, mother let go of me, her eyes sparkling with a force I'd never witnessed before. She inched her head to the direction of my closet and placed a hand on her lip, forcing me into further silence.

It was the first time I'd seen her so enthralled in sadness. In melancholic rage so robust it had scared me into the closet out of fear I did not understand it.

I listened to her. What else could I have done? The darkness of my closet was suffocating; space non existent and air concentrated in tar. Though something caught my eyes. Throughout the voice of blackness, something called out for me. A glint, a reflection, I didn't know, but it was something, something out of the darkness.

Silently, I knocked onto the back of my wardrobe, only to hear a hollow sound that echoed back at me. There was something behind the closet.

As I went to break it down, the sound of wood shattering and soldiers screaming sprung into our home. I screamed into my hands and dug my head into my knees, unable to control the quivering of my body.

I peaked through the gap of the doors, watching as mother grabbed her sword, the sound of its metal threatening, and growled so loudly the grounds shook. My wolf whimpered, itching for us to make a move, one that may or may not have us killed.

And so I sat there, watching as mother fought off tens of soldiers, eliminating each one with such feral force doubt grew in their eyes.

All until one soldier.

Until one coward crawled behind her, rose his sword, and plunged it into her back.

I screamed.

So loudly the stars wavered and the clouds parted.

With glass eyes I watched her body grow limp, I heard her sword clink onto the ground and her eyes turn dull.

Without a second thought, I sprung out of the closet, growling so menacingly the walls rumbled. I couldn't see properly, I couldn't see anything but red. With elongated claws I sliced the murdering soldiers neck and kneed him in the head.

The soldier behind him grabbed me by the waist with one hand and slapped his other onto my mouth. I bit it till I felt his bone crunch. With a guttural growl he dropped me to the ground. My eyes scattered to find one weapon when they landed on mothers sword.

I saw my green eyes in them. I saw her in my reflection.

Was I going to die today or make it out alive?

I grabbed the sword and plunged it into his stomach, no more screams left in me.

That day, I crawled through the passage father had dug for me, my ears ringing in the sound of my pack members shouting, calling for help. I ran south and didn't look back.

I ran till mothers dull eyes left my thoughts.

Till I dropped, nothing left in me anymore.

6 YEARS LATER

"Soldier!"

I stomped my foot onto the ground and raised my hand to a trained salute, my other hand wrapped around my back.

It was hard to breathe, my throat drowning in the sensation of my fallen opponents hits, each bruise a patch of pins and needles. The world was somewhat blurry- i couldn't make out what the generals face looked like but I knew he was there, in front of me.

"You have passed the final round of the screening. Your next and final test will be primarily based off of your psychological and mental abilities that have any relation with protecting the king of all wolves," The generals tone was disapproving as he looked me up and down, his fists clenched, "You will now be suited up to meet the former Luna, whom which you must speak only formally to. After that, you will be excused to your flat."

My hands were shaking. My entire body was trembling.

"The females in this kingdom really are getting out of hand," He mumbled under his breath, shaking his head as he clenched his fist.

I looked down before my wolf and I said something that would have had us sent back to our home- one we didn't have. I am a rogue, something I am not too ashamed of stating to only those who ask. My status has served me some advantages- those being the ability to fend for myself, to survive in the wilderness of the lycan world and has built up my emotional walls. Granted, if they werent built up, I would have punched that General back to where he belonged.

The gym.

"Follow the Beta, he will guide you to the changing rooms," Those were the generals last words before turning around and giving the boys who had failed a speech that consisted of 'I encourage you to try out next year'.

"Follow me," I turned around and faced the beta, bowing before following him.

I won't lie and say I wasn't afraid. The silent walk was evident of my emotions- I was sure the Beta could smell my fear; my discomfort in this new habitat. It was all too much. The grand halls, the mosaic floors and flamboyant chandeliers that swarmed every inch of the tall ceilings. I wasn't used to any of that.

Frustrated, I ran a hand through my hair. Just how long were these hallways?

A shiver overtook my being and I wondered wether that was an outcome of the overwhelming win or the fact that I was wearing a tank top and leggings.

I chose the latter to save my pride.

"You did good, out there," The betas voice echoed against the silent halls walls, almost provokingly.

Did he mean to sound that way? As though he were making fun of the medal I wore? Or was that just my conscience speaking?

I pursed my lips and nodded, not sparing him another glance.

The title almost didn't seem like a win, but rather a slap to the face of what I was. A female rogue who found no other way out of the wilderness other than to sneak into the higher family's home full abode. To spread her feral nature into their royal blood and slither like a snake through their castle walls.

Yes, mother had forced upon me this destiny. She didn't die for nothing, but something about this castle ruffled my fur.

"You're quite silent for a warrior," The color of his voice turned annoyed.

I halted in my footsteps, offended.

"Am I supposed to be screaming right now?" I asked.

"You made it through-"

"I know," I gritted through my teeth.

My words were harsh, I knew that, but I couldn't help it. I was suffocating in the scent of these high bloods, in the aura of their power that urged you to bow down to them without a second thought.

His next words went into my right ear and out my left. There was a hole in me, one that couldn't- wouldn't, be filled with a stable home, a costly job and acquaintances I would surely make in this castle. This hole could only be filled with one thing.

Those green eyes.

Tears sprung to my eyes as I silently followed the beta, my hands wrapped around my waist- a failed attempt at diminishing the hollow feeling in my chest. Goodness did I feel heavy with emptiness; a robust vacantness that swarmed my entire being.

Father would be proud.

What I remembered of him, would be proud.

The beta took a deep breath in, then proceeded to shake his head before we stopped in our tracks. A large door laid in front of us, embellished in rubies that were engraved into the dark, rich chocolate wood. My eyes glowed at the sight. Truly, it was a beautiful piece of furniture.

I laid my hand on one of the rubies, the strings of my heart pulling painfully.

The beta abruptly knocked onto the door making me flinch away from the loud sound on instinct.

How insensitive.

Not even a second later the door swung open welcoming the presence of red headed woman, one that was taller than the beta regardless of the deviant heels she wore. Her eyes sparkled once they had landed on the Beta and without a second thought, wrapped her arms around his neck and dug her head into his shoulders.

"I missed you," She mumbled, snuggling her nose deeper into his neck.

"Me more, qumar," He laid a wet kiss onto her neck, tightening his hold on her slim waist.

My brows rose.

The woman turned to face me, a bright smile plastered across her face with her arm still wrapped around her male, "Who's the stunning female you've brought me at this ungodly hour," She asked, her eyes trained on my figure.

"Nina, this is the royal guard," His eyes were glued to her neck so intensely it felt as though I were intruding on their moment.

Her eyes sparkled as she jumped in glee, clapping her slim fingers together. She left his grip, eliciting an uncontrollable growl out of the frustrated male and put her hand through mine.

"I told you, power is in the females," She said almost defiantly, "You can leave now, I'll see you at our floor," She shooed the beta away with her hand before pulling me into the changing room, surprising me.

She could do that?

I winched at the sheer light the room emitted, my eyes irritated by the array of sparkles and colors that surrounded the place. Dresses upon dresses laid on all the couches with pins and needles protruding out of them- though some were either hung or worn by mannequins. They were all dazzling to look at; more than pleasing to the eye; but I didn't spot my armor anywhere near here.

"You look like a deer caught in headlights, dear," She giggled, evoking a grimace out of me.

That was not my ideal first impression.

"Apologies," I mumbled, "May I ask where my armor is? I've been ordered to meet the former Luna while sporting the metal,"

"Metal?" She rose her brow, "Sweetheart, this suit is made of more than just metal,"

"That's fine, so long as it's armor,"

"Blunt," She nodded, somewhat impressed, "I like it,"

"Thank you,"

"No need to thank me,"

"Oh," How was I supposed to reply to that, "Apologies,"

"No need to apologize either,"

"My bad," At my serious answer, her head fell back and she let out a gregarious laugh, the sound radiating off of the 4 walls of the room.

I was confused to what exactly was funny, but I decided to stay silent.

"You're funny," She pointed an accusing finger at me as she stood up, her long legs carrying her across the room to the wall that was covered in mirrors.

"Thank you,"

"Though you do come off as robotic," Her tone was light as she pressed a button attached to the corner of the wall.

"I'll take that as a compliment,"

"You certainly should,"

All I could do was nod absentmindedly as I watched the mirrors slide open revealing a new section of the room, one that held one mannequin that spun in circular motions wearing an exquisite piece of leather armor I had never seen in my 18 years of existence.

The Lycan symbol was engraved into the swords attached to the armor. The hands were sawn to represent black leather bandages that swiveled around the arm more than once- making a knife to that part of my body impenetrable. The boots were otherworldly, made of a dark cyan leather I had never seen before as three clips laid consecutively above each other's to ensure comfortable usage. I even had my own cape.

A cape.

"It's beautiful," I whispered, itching to touch the leather.

Two hands grabbed my own and forced me to look into the eyes of the owner. Nina was smiling at me, her eyes crinkling at the edges as she inched her head to the direction of the armor, "This is all yours, Bella," She shook her head, letting out a chuckle, "I've always wished for the day a female guard would come up and overcome the social constructs this awful kingdom brings upon us and finally, the day has come," I nodded back at her, pride swelling in my heart.

"There is pain behind those beautiful green orbs, I can see it," She smiled as she tightened her grip on my hands, "but that pain is what makes you different than those high blood boys, that pain is what brought you here," she gave my shaking hands a squeeze of reassurance before letting go, "Now let's get you into this darling, it won't move itself, Royal guard."

"The suit fits you wonderfully," The maid had said, her eyes sparkling.

She was young, very young. Her brows were thick, untamed yet shaped sleekly, and her hair ran down her back like waves. I felt the strong urge to ask her where she was from and what she was doing here when thousands of males would be asking for her hand in marriage if she even stepped foot outside the castle, but fought it.

"Thank you, dear," I pursued my lips, sending her a sad smile.

No child should be wasting their years grooming adults who were fully capable of moving themselves. She should've been running outside, chasing birds and catching feathers with her fangs.

"I've been instructed to send you to the Luna. It's only a short walk, right down the hallway on the first left," She took a deep breath in, checking my armour for any faults, "does it fit comfortably, madame?"

"Yes, don't worry about me," She nodded, gesturing for me to leave the room and follow her.

Her shoulders slumped when she walked, a clear sign that she was overworked in this awful place. There was this shadow in her eyes, almost blackening the bright honey hue of her orbs, one that I'd never expected to see in a 14 year old. In fact, I don't think I saw her smile once inside that changing room.

I gulped, genuinely fearing the doings of this castle.

We passed by several guards who sent me looks of envy and disappointment; that the protector of the king of all wolves would be a female rogue.

I was restless for peace, for a sick serenity.

The untamed forests were only ever approached by those who had been banished by their packs or rogues, and I had grown up in that wilderness; though I couldn't take anymore of it.

"We are here," The young girl halted in her footsteps, forcing me to do the same, my cape dropping to the ground.

She swallowed, turning around to face me after taking a frightful glance at the set of double doors in front of us. The young girl had hope in her eyes. At what? I didn't precisely know, but it made me feel something.

"Please, do your best to become the kingdoms royal guard-" The girl shut her lips as a male guard passed by us, fear saturated in her eyes before I bent down slightly and pointed to my ears, ushering her to whisper her final words, "The kingdom must understand that the females are worth more than balls and galas. They must understand that it is us that will lead them to prosperity. Please, prove yourself to the Luna, I cannot stand my status,"

A tear had slid down her cheek, pulling the strings of my heart painfully. I wiped away the lonely tear, looking her in the eyes intensely.

"What is your name?" I asked her, tilting my head to one side.

"Dalal,"

"I will do my absolute best to prove myself worthy, Dalal," I let go of her face, unable to stare into her gloomy eyes one second more.

It reminded me too much of myself.

She knocked onto the door three times, waiting patiently before a loud 'Enter' had echoed throughout the length of the hallway. Dalal trembled and turned the knob of the double doors, pushing them open.

A cold air had whooshed past me, evoking a shiver out of me.

Behind the large ivory desk sat a platinum haired woman of great age but youthful beauty. "Dalal, you're excused," I watched as Dalal scattered out of the room, closing the doors behind her, leaving me alone with the cat eyed woman.

I got down on one knee, my head bowed down in respect as my hair shielded my from her powerful gaze, a curtain surrounding my slim frame. Either the air was especially thick or my fear of her had sky rocketed, but it was getting hard to breathe. The armour began feeling like second skin in the worst way possible, as though I were trapped in it. I itched to scratch at my neck and free myself of this position, to throw myself out into the woods once more.

"Rise," I did just that, waiting for her plethora of commands.

My heart was beating out of my chest and my hands were getting sweaty. I just hoped she hadn't noticed.

"Your past lies within these files, darling," The Luna drummed her fingers onto her desk, tantalising me with the yellow file that sat right in front of her, "I've read it before you arrived, I like to keep myself prepared for whatever this kingdom throws at me,"

I gulped.

"There is nothing more I hate than surprises. They execute silliness, are an unneeded waste of time and never help,"

I felt a droplet of sweat run down my neck.

"So, lets see," She opened the file. "The royal guard,"

And so she began.

"A female,"

A line.

"A woman of red blood,"

Another line.

"A vacant history,"

Another line.

"Unbonded and unwedded,"

The last line.

"A rogue,"

My heart stopped.

Her eyes were furious, as though I'd just murdered her son and served him to her on a platter.

"There is absolutely nothing on this piece of paper that remotely inclines me to elect you as the royal guard. Absolutely nothing," Her eyes glowed a dark amber, "So I will allow you to talk of yourself and not this," She dropped the piece of paper, folding her hands in front of her.

"Who are you?"

Who was I?

In those moments I had completely forgotten who I was. I'd forgotten the platonic reason of my existence, why I was where I was and why I was wearing such armour. All I could see was blooming fires and fallen homes, all I could hear was deathly screams and the burning of wood. All I could do was sit still, until I saw my reflection in the mirror that sat behind the back boned Luna.

All until I saw those damned green eyes.

Mothers eyes.

Become the golden warrior your father trained you to be.

I'll try.

Once you turn 18, run to the castle.

I did.

Don't deprive me of those eyes I gave you.

I won't.

I love you, Dimah.

I love you too.

I looked up and into her eyes.

"I am a female rogue," I started, "I am someone who has witnessed what terrors lay looming beneath the trees of the untamed forests. I am someone who has heard what the wallowing winds whispered within the midnight skies of the outskirt lands. I have grown up in the wilderness, surrounded by evil, yet I am still alive,"

My wolf rumbled in the back of my head, cowering at her stare.

"Luna, I do not expect you to understand what power one must withhold to survive 6 years in the undisciplined lands of this kingdom, but I do expect to at least respect my integrity when I say it is not easy. Nobody in this castle would last a week in the anarchy that is the untamed forests, you have my word for it,

"My blood may be red, my past may be vacant for reasons you have no business creeping around to find, but that is not something that should determine my ability to protect the king of all wolves. What should is that I have scored the highest amongst all the white blooded boys. What should, is that I am still breathing and alive when I am supposed to be dead," By the end of my speech I was out of breath, clenching at the edge of the Luna's table

As though I had been burnt by it, i snatched my hand away from the wood, regaining my composure. I didn't know what had gotten into me, what had allowed me to speak in such a manner with the Queen, but there was no taking it back.

I clenched my jaw, praying to the moon goddess that I had not blown my chance at serenity.

The Luna looked taken aback, her sea blue eyes wide and her shoulders leaning against the chair, away from mine. She hadn't expected me to ignite at her, to tell her exactly who I was. It wasn't exactly possible to raise your voice at someone of higher status than you, but I think the moon goddess has granted me the ability after all my years in the wild.

She gulped, fixing her posture, before shutting the file completely closed.

The luna rose her hand to her face and pulled a stray strand of her hair behind her hair, seemingly flustered.

"The guards will guide you to your section of the castle. You will meet the alpha tomorrow and be prepared by the dressers. A maid will be assigned to you, one to your liking," She said.

Immediately, Dalal's teary eyes flooded my memory.

"Could I please have Dalal assigned to me?" I asked, hopeful.

Surprise and a flash of angst sprawled across her blue orbs before she nodded.

"You're excused,"

I bowed my head before turning around, my cape flying in the thick atmosphere. The set of double doors opened themselves, bidding me my farewells as two male guards awaited me in their metal armour, swords and chains strapped to their belts.

Awakened.

I felt awakened, as though something minuscule in my soul had snapped and spread.

The soldiers walked me to my section of the castle in silence, their heads held low as they exchanged glances every now and then. Their metal armour was noisy, but that was more comforting than the suffocating silence of the castle walls.

Our silent walk came to a stop once we faced a large set of doors. The guards gestured for me to enter, and I did just that.

I pushed the doors open, entering a small room that held exactly one weapons closet, a grande sink and a mirror. At the end of the room was another set of double doors, this time rich in colour and mighty jewels. Taking a deep breath, I pulled down the handle of the doors and pushed them open, eyes tearing up as I witnessed the beauty of the interior of my new home.

A living room with beautiful red sofas and fireplace facing them, a large dining table and a matching set of beautifully crafted chairs. A bedroom at the end of the room and a kitchen of my own. Most importantly, windows. Windows that surrounded an entire wall of my new home, that allowed me to the witness the beauty of the starry night.

"Thank you," I nodded at the guards, eyes teary, "I'd like to be alone now,"

The guards left, not sparing me another glance.

That night, I moved the three seater couch so that it was facing my wall of windows and fell asleep in front of the midnight stars, hoping that wherever she was, the moon goddess could hear me thanking her.