The prophecy of the two Alphas

I'm Everly, a werewolf living in a pack that never really accepted me. My days are filled with loneliness and contemptuous looks, but I have learned to endure in silence. Being the daughter of the pack leader hasn't made my life any easier. On the contrary, it has amplified expectations and disappointments. My father, Alaric, is a respected but ruthless leader, and he has always favored my brother, Kael, over me. This blatant favoritism has driven a wedge between us.

The sun was barely rising when I left our house, a large wooden building nestled in the heart of the forest. The fresh morning air was invigorating, but I knew the day ahead of me would be far from pleasant. As I crossed the yard, I passed several members of the pack who gave me cold looks, some whispering among themselves. I clenched my fists and lowered my head, accustomed to this silent hostility.

I headed towards the training room, a large open space where the pack members practice and prepare for possible dangers. Kael was already there, giving orders and demonstrating combat moves. The other werewolves listened to him with respectful attention. My brother had always been the prodigal son, the ideal heir in our father's eyes.

- Everly, you're late, as usual," Kael said when he saw me approaching.

- I'm not late, I retorted, my face impassive. Training starts in five minutes.

He shrugged his shoulders, a mocking smile stretching his lips.

- Regardless, we don't need you here. Why not go berry picking or do something useful for once?

The others snickered, and I felt my cheeks heat up with shame and anger. I didn't answer and headed towards the end of the room, training alone as usual. My movements were precise and fluid, the result of long hours of solo practice. Yet, I knew that no matter my skills, they would never be recognized by my father or brother.

After training, I decided to visit Luna, my best friend. Luna and I had grown up together, and despite the challenges in my life, she had always been there for me. His house was located at the other end of the village, a charming little house surrounded by wild flowers. When I arrived, I knocked on the door, and she opened it almost immediately, a wide smile lighting up her face.

- Everly! Come in, it's been a long time since I've seen you.

I smiled back and entered. The warmth of his home and his warm welcome were always a comfort to me.

- Sorry, I've been busy with... everything," I said, sighing. How are you ?

- Good, she replied, leading me into the kitchen. I made some tea, come sit down.

We sat at the table, and she poured me a steaming cup of tea. His look became more serious.

- How are things going with your father and Kael?

I shrugged my shoulders, trying to appear indifferent.

- As per usual. Kael is always the favorite, and my father only sees his exploits. Nothing new.

Luna took my hand and squeezed it gently.

- Everly, you are so much stronger than you think. Don't let them bring you down. One day they will see your value.

I smile weakly. Luna's words were comforting, but it was difficult to remain hopeful. We continued to talk about everything and nothing, and for a moment I forgot my worries. But this tranquility was short-lived.

On my way home, I ran into my father, Alaric, in the entrance hall. He was an imposing man, with piercing eyes and a rigid posture. He fixed me with a cold gaze.

- Everly, I need to talk to you.

My heart sank, but I kept an impassive face.

- Yes, father?

- I've heard complaints about you, he began. It seems like you're not contributing as much as you should to the pack. You need to take your responsibilities more seriously.

I gritted my teeth, holding back a scathing response. I knew that defending myself would only make things worse.

- I'm doing my best, I replied calmly. I train hard and try to...

- Your best is not enough, he interrupted. Look at your brother, Kael. He gives everything for this pack. You should take inspiration from him.

The constant comparison with Kael was unbearable, but I bowed slightly, as if to signify my acceptance.

- I'll try to do better, I said simply.

Alaric nodded, visibly dissatisfied but ready to end the conversation. I quickly retreated to my room, seeking refuge in solitude. My personal space was my sanctuary, a place where I could be myself without judgment.

Sitting on my bed, I thought about Luna's words and my meeting with my father. Anger and frustration boiled inside me, but I knew I had to channel it into something productive. I was determined to prove my worth, not only to my pack, but to myself as well.

Dusk was beginning to fall when I decided to go out for a night run in the forest. Transforming into a werewolf was always a liberating experience, a moment where I could connect with my true self. The forest was dense and dark, but my keen senses guided my steps with confidence.

As I ran through the trees, I felt a familiar presence and turned to see Luna, also transformed. She followed me, as she often did.

- I knew I would find you here, she said, approaching me.

We ran together in silence for a while, relishing the freedom our animal form afforded us. After a while, we stopped near a stream, returning to our human form.

- You know, Everly, you are the best friend I ever had, Luna said, sitting down on a stone. I don't want to see you suffer because of your father and Kael.

I sat next to her, touched by her sincerity.

- Thank you, Luna. You too are the best friend I ever had. Sometimes you're the only reason I'm holding on.

Luna smiled at me, and we stood there, enjoying the quiet of the night forest. Still, part of me couldn't help but wonder how long I could endure this marginalization. I was ready to fight for my place in the pack, but I knew the road would be long and arduous.

Going home that night, I felt more determined than ever. I had Luna by my side, and I knew I had to find a way to prove my value. No matter the obstacles, I wouldn't give up. I was Everly, daughter of the chief of the pack, and I deserved my place as much as anyone else.

Thus ended one more day in my complicated life. Tomorrow, I would continue to fight, to train, and to seek ways to gain the respect and recognition that I deserved. My journey would be difficult, but I was ready to face it, head high and valiant heart.

The days that followed were strange. Luna, usually so present and warm, began to behave distantly. Our conversations once full of complicity and laughter, were becoming increasingly rare. At the start, I put this on the account of the stress and obligations of the pack. But soon, I couldn't ignore the evidence.

One morning, when I went out to train, I crossed Luna near the meeting room. She seemed restless, throwing furtive looks around her. I approached a smile, hoping to hunt the apparent tension.

- Hi, Luna. Are you doing well ? It's been a few days since we saw each other, I said with a slight hesitation.

She jumped slightly, as taken in fault, then turned to me with a forced smile.

- Oh, hi Everly. Yes, sorry, I was ... busy, she replied, avoiding my gaze.

- Are you sure everything is fine? It looks like something bothers you.

She shook her head strongly, but her smile couldn't hide her discomfort.

- No, everything is fine. Just ... things from the pack, you know how it is.

I nodded, although my intuition shouted that there was something else. We exchanged a few banalities before she found an excuse to move away quickly. I stayed there, perplexed and worried.

The following days, his behavior became even stranger. She avoided my gaze, found excuses not to spend time with me, and seemed constantly on her guard. One evening, coming back from a race through the forest, I decided to follow it discreetly, hoping to understand what was wrong.

I saw her sneak in the woods, throwing nervous glances over her shoulder. My sharp senses allowed me to follow it without being spotted. After a few minutes, she joined a small group of werewolves, some of whom belonged to our pack. Among them was Kael.

I hid behind a tree, holding my ear to listen to their conversation.

- ... And if we manage to have it expelled, we can finally establish a new order, said Kael, his tone full of determination.

- But how can we convince the pack council? Luna asked, her eyes brilliant with a concern that I didn't know.

Kael smiled coldly.

- Don't worry about that. I have my means. You just have to continue to discredit it. Make sure that she makes an irreparable error.

My heart was hugged as Kael's words infiltrated my mind. Luna plotted against me, with my own brother. The betrayal burned in me like a lively flame, and I had to bite my lip so as not to shout.

Once the meeting was finished, I discreetly returned home, my swirling spirit of anger and sorrow. I had to confront Luna, but how? Part of me refused to believe it, still hoping that it was a misunderstanding.

The next day, I found Luna near the stream where we used to meet. She seemed nervous, and I took a deep breath before I advance towards her.

- Luna, we have to speak, I say, my voice firmer than I had planned.

She turned to me, her usual smile absent.

- What do you want to talk about, Every?

- I know everything, Luna. I know you're plotting with Kael to get me kicked out of the pack, I said, crossing my arms, trying to contain my anger.

His face fell into an expression of surprise and fear.

- Everly, it's not what you think...

- Not what I believe? I heard you! You are trying to discredit me, to have me chased away! How could you do this to me? You, my best friend!

She took a step back, tears beginning to fall.

- I...I had no choice. Kael threatened me. He told me that if I didn't help him, he would attack my family.

I shook my head, feeling my anger turn into deep pain.

- And you thought that betraying your friend was the best solution?

She burst into tears, falling to her knees in front of me.

- Everly, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you. I'm trapped. I don't know what to do.

I looked at Luna, torn between compassion and anger.

- You should have talked to me. We would have found a solution together. Now it may be too late.

I left her there, at the edge of the stream, my emotions boiling. How could I trust anyone again after such a betrayal?

When I got home, I found Kael and my father talking. Their gaze turned to me as I entered.

- Everly, where have you been? Alaric asked, his tone dry and authoritative.

- I was talking to Luna, I replied, my gaze fixed on Kael with a burning intensity.

He raised an eyebrow, feigning innocence.

- Oh, and what were you talking about? he asked nonchalantly.

- About your attempt to get me kicked out of the pack, Kael, I spat. I know everything.

Alaric frowned, turning to Kael with a glint of suspicion in his eyes.

- Is this true, Kael?

My brother laughed, shaking his head.

- Everly, you are really paranoid. Why would I want to have you expelled?

I took a step forward, my fist clenched.

- Because you always wanted to be the sole heir. You can't stand the idea that I might have a place in this pack.

- Enough ! Alaric thundered. Kael, is it true what your sister says?

Kael crossed his arms, adopting a defiant posture.

- Father, Everly is losing her mind. She makes up stories to attract attention. You know I had nothing to do with that.

I gritted my teeth, feeling frustration building within me. I knew proving his guilt would be difficult, especially with my father biased in his favor.

- Father, I just ask you to keep an open mind. If you're not ready to believe me, at least watch Kael and Luna. Their actions will speak for themselves.

Alaric nodded, although his gaze remained cold and distant.

- Alright. But know that I will not tolerate any unfounded accusations. Everly, be careful what you say.

I left the room, feeling tears welling up. My own family was plotting against me, and the person I trusted most had betrayed me. The loneliness I once felt intensified, leaving a bitter taste in my mouth.

That night I couldn't sleep. Luna's words echoed in my head, mixed with Kael's mocking laughter. I needed a plan. It was no longer enough to defend myself, I had to counterattack. But how can they prove their conspiracy without tangible evidence?

I woke up early the next morning, determined to find answers. Walking through the forest, I met Jarek, one of the oldest and most respected members of the pack. He had always been impartial and wise.

- Jarek, can I talk to you? I asked, my voice trembling with emotion.

He nodded, motioning for me to sit next to him on a tree trunk.

- Of course, Everly. What is happening?

I explained everything from Luna's recent distance to the discovery of their plot. Jarek listened attentively, his face serious.

- Everly, your situation is delicate. But know that the truth always comes out in the end. If Luna and Kael are really plotting against you, they will end up making a mistake.

I sighed, grateful for his support.

- But what can I do in the meantime?

- Continue to be yourself. Show the pack that you are worthy of their respect and trust. And keep your eyes open. The truth will eventually reveal itself.

His words brought me some comfort. I had a long way to go, but I was not alone. I had allies, even if their numbers were small.

Returning home, I faced a

New reality. Luna's betrayal had broken something in me, but it had also made me stronger, more determined. I was willing to do anything to prove my worth and protect my place in the pack.

As the sun set on a new day, I felt a new resilience born within me. The battle had only just begun, and I was ready to face whatever challenges came my way. For my pack, for my family, and most importantly, for myself.

The next morning, I woke up with renewed determination. Jarek's words still echoed in my mind. He was right, I had to prove my worth to the pack. But before that, I had to confront my father, Alaric, with my suspicions. It was a risk to take, but I had to do it.

I took a deep breath as I approached my father's office, a dark, austere room where he spent most of his time. I knocked on the door and waited.

- Come in, said Alaric's authoritative voice.

I entered and closed the door behind me. My father was sitting at his desk, hunched over a pile of documents. He looked up at me, his eyebrows furrowing in annoyance.

- What do you want, Everly? he asked dryly.

I took a deep breath, trying to gather all my courage.

- Father, I need to talk to you about something important. This concerns Luna and Kael.

He sat up slightly, his sharp eyes searching mine.

- Go on.

- I have reason to believe that Luna and Kael are plotting against me. They're trying to have me kicked out of the pack, I began, feeling my voice trembling slightly despite myself.

He let out an exasperated sigh and leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest.

- Everly, are you serious? Are you coming to tell me about rumors and suspicions without the slightest tangible proof?

- These are not rumors, Father. I heard a conversation between them. They plan to discredit me, I insisted, trying to keep calm.

- So you have nothing better to do than spy on your own family? Your brother and Luna have important responsibilities. They have no time to waste on imaginary plots, he replied scornfully.

I clenched my fists, feeling frustration building inside me. Why would he never believe me?

- Father, I am not lying. Kael wants to get rid of me to be the sole heir. He uses Luna to achieve his ends.

He stood abruptly, his face hardening.

- Enough ! Kael is a loyal and dedicated member of this pack, just like Luna. Your accusations are nothing more than desperate attempts to get attention. If you can't behave responsibly, then maybe it's time you seriously considered your place here.

The pain of his words pierced me, but I refused to let it deter me.

- You don't understand, Father. I'm not looking to attract attention. I just want to protect our pack from Kael's schemes.

He turned to me, his eyes burning with anger.

- You're pathetic, Everly. Always complaining and blaming others for your own failures. I don't have any more time to waste on your childishness. If you want to prove your worth, do it through actions, not baseless accusations.

I stood frozen, feeling tears welling up in my eyes, but I refused to let them fall in front of him. Without another word, I left the office, my heart heavy with pain and disappointment.

As I left, I came face to face with Kael. He had certainly heard our conversation, because a smirk stretched his lips.

- So, little sister, have you decided to play the martyr? he taunted.

I glared at him, anger replacing the sadness in my heart.

- I'm not being a martyr, Kael. I'm just defending my place in this pack.

He laughed, a harsh, cruel sound.

- Your place? What place, Everly? You never had a place here. You are nothing but a nuisance, a thorn in our father's side.

I felt rage rising inside me, uncontrollable.

- You have no idea what I'm worth, Kael. But you will soon find out. I will fight for my place, and I will prove you wrong.

He shook his head, still with that disdainful smile.

- Good luck with that. But don't forget, little sister, that in this pack, the weak have no place. And you have always been the weaker of the two of us.

Without giving him another glance, I headed towards the exit. Pain and anger boiled inside me, but they also fueled my determination. I couldn't let Kael and Luna win. I had to find a way to prove my accusations, to show my worth.

The day passed in a blur of frustration and planning. I knew that to turn things around, I had to be strategic. I needed proof, and for that I had to watch Kael and Luna closely.

That evening, after sharing a silent meal with the pack, I discreetly went to the clearing where I had surprised Luna and Kael the last time. Hiding in the shadows of the trees, I watched for the slightest sign of their presence. The minutes passed slowly, and I was starting to lose hope when they finally appeared.

Luna seemed more nervous than ever, her hands shaking slightly as she spoke to Kael. I strained my ears, trying to catch every word.

- Kael, I don't know how much longer I can continue like this. Everly is starting to suspect something, she whispered.

- Never mind. We must continue. She has no proof, and Father will never believe her, Kael replied confidently.

- But what if she finds a way to prove our shenanigans? Luna asked, visibly worried.

Kael grabbed her chin with a firm hand, forcing her gaze to meet his.

- Listen to me carefully, Luna. We are so close to the goal. Once Everly is out of our way, nothing can stop us. Do what I tell you, and everything will be fine.

I clenched my fists, feeling a cold rage overcome me. I had heard enough. I now knew that their intentions were clear and that Luna was not an innocent victim in this matter.

The next morning, I decided to go back to see Jarek. If there was one person in the pack who could help me, it was him. When I arrived at his house, I knocked gently on the door.

- Come in, Everly, he said, opening the door. You look worried.

- I need your help, Jarek. I overheard another conversation between Kael and Luna. They are really plotting against me. You need to help me find evidence to unmask them.

He nodded, his expression serious.

- I believe you, Everly. We will find a way. But this will require patience and cunning. Are you ready to do anything to prove the truth?

I looked him straight in the eyes, determination burning inside me.

- Yes, Jarek. I'm ready for anything.

- Alright. We will start by monitoring their movements. You will have to be discreet and not arouse their suspicions. I will also talk to a few pack members I trust. We must be careful.

The days that followed were intense. I learned to blend into the shadows, to listen and observe without being seen. Jarek and I managed to piece together fragments of conversations and suspicious behavior, but we still needed something more concrete.

One evening, as I was getting ready for bed, I received a note slipped under my door. It was from Jarek. "Meet me at midnight by the old barn. I have something to show you."

At the appointed time, I slipped out of the house, careful not to wake anyone. The old barn stood far from the village, shrouded in darkness and silence. Jarek was waiting for me, a flashlight in his hand.

- What did you find? I whispered, approaching him.

- Follow me, he replied simply.

We entered the barn, and he led me to a remote corner. There, among the old hay bales and rusty tools, was a hiding place. Jarek opened it delicately and took out a file.

- This is Kael's diary. I managed to recover it discreetly. It contains notes on his plans and Luna's actions. This is exactly what we needed.

I took the file, my hands trembling with excitement and

Fear. Flipping through it quickly, I saw detailed descriptions of their plans to discredit me, dates, conversations. This was the tangible proof I was looking for.

- Thanks, Jarek. With this, I will finally be able to prove the truth to our father.

He nodded, a reassuring smile on his face.

- Be careful, Everly. Kael and Luna will stop at nothing to achieve their goals. Make sure you are well prepared before confronting Alaric.

I returned home, my back pressed against me. I knew confronting my father would be difficult, but I was ready. This time, I had the necessary proof. The truth would come out eventually, and I could finally find my place in the pack.

As I lay down, I felt a glimmer of hope return to me. The battle was not yet won, but I was more determined than ever to fight for my place and for justice. The road would be long and strewn with pitfalls, but I was no longer alone. I had allies and, above all, I had the truth on my side.