Truth and Ties

ALANA'S P.O.V

The wind whispered through the trees, carrying leaves in its breath, swirling them around me. The soft breeze tousled my hair, setting the strands flying like silk ribbons in the air. I closed my eyes and let the wind sweep me away.

I heard the crunch of the leaves beneath the ants' tiny feet, and my gaze followed them as they all marched in formation. But then, a lone ant caught my eye, it was struggling to lift a twig that was much bigger than it and I watched as the ant tried again and again to move the twig, but it was no use. The twig was just too heavy.

"Such is the burden of life," I whispered, "the weight of everyone's hopes and dreams resting on your shoulders. And when you inevitably disappoint them, the burden becomes too much to bear." A deep sigh escaped my lips.

"If only Mom and Dad could understand," I mumbled, my voice barely audible.

The swift sound of an arrow, penetrating the air and whizzing towards me snapped me out of my thoughts.

I swiftly rolled away, just in time as the arrow embedded itself in a tree.

"W-who's there? "I said, as I took a quick glance at my surroundings.

It was oddly quiet, only interrupted by the high pitch of the croaking frogs.

I remained still, my Wolf senses on high alert, searching for any sign of movement.

After an eerie moment of silence, I decided to make a run for it but a barrage of arrows whizzed in my direction. I managed to dodge most of them, but one lucky arrow struck my shoulder, piercing through my skin, and digging deep.

"Argh.." I let out a painful cry as I tried to pull the arrow out, but it seemed it was buried deep. I heard more movements around me and I looked up to see an intimidating presence.

"Werewolf hunters! These bloody bastards." I muttered and bit my lips.

The hunter stood, his bow drawn and aimed at me

"Well, well, well. If it isn't Princess Alana, the mighty Alpha's daughter," the hunter said, his face shadowed by the hood of his cloak. "Finally a good prey."

I squinted, trying to make out the hunter's features, but his face was hidden in the shadows. "H..How do you know my name? What do you want from me?" I asked, my voice coming out shaky.

"You don't have to worry about that Princess, all you need to know is that I'll be feasting on your flesh tonight," the hunter said with a cruel laugh.

"A predator cannot be feasted upon by its prey," I replied, "I am at the top of the food chain," I said as I slowly backed into the forest, intending to put some distance between the hunter and me.

With a newfound strength, I successfully dragged the arrow out of my shoulder and made a run into the woods. The hunter shot another arrow, but I was too quick and the arrow whizzed past me, embedding itself in a weak branch.

I sprinted through the trees, my heart pounding in my chest. Branches whipped at my face and leaves crunched beneath my feet. I could hear the hunter crashing through the underbrush gaining on her with every step.

My wolf beckoned on her to be released, but there was no time to change form.

Seeing that the hunter wasn't giving up, I leaped and transformed into a wolf.

I was right and my actions made me get noticed by other hunters as they all sprinted out of different directions surrounding me. Their bows were drawn, each aiming at me.

Great! I am officially a magnet to hunters.

"It's a good thing your Alpha isn't here," one of the hunters said with a sneer, swinging a rope around me. "We'll make a fortune off of your head."

"You won't get away with this!" I snarled, struggling against the rope and almost immediately I heard a howl in the distance.

"Dad" I muttered. "Jokes on you because in a few minutes, you'll all be surrounded by wolves. Do any of you know what happens to those who harm a member of the pack?"

The hunters looked at each other nervously. But before they could react, another howl pierced the air, coming from somewhere in the forest. It was followed by another howl, and another, until it sounded like the woods were filled with wolves. "Don't you think it'll be better if you just leave me and make a run for it because It seems my pack mates are furious."

"Shut up." one of the hunters said as he tied a dirty cloth around my mouth while another hunter carried me and they all sprinted through the woods.

As the hunters ran, they could hear the pounding of paws on the ground behind them. The wolves were gaining on them, their howls growing louder.

One by one, the hunters were caught by my pack mates. Their voices echoed through the forest, and the hunters trembled in fear. Finally, they came face to face with my father, the Alpha.

He looked them over. "You have trespassed on our territory," he growled, baring his teeth. "And you have taken one of our own. We are low on food so it seems your lives won't be spared."

"Please, show mercy," the head hunter pleaded, his voice trembling. "We did not mean to trespass, and we promise never to do so again. Please, let us go. We will leave and never return."

Dad fixed his gaze on the hunter and took a deep breath before saying. "The next time you trespass, I'll make you join the ranks of your fallen ancestors." he snared" Now, untie my daughter!"

What! I can't believe he's just gonna let them go after everything they've done.

The remaining hunters did as they were instructed. After untying me, they bowed their heads and left the forest.

He was so unfair, he let the hunters go even after they almost kidnapped me but I am sure I'll get an earful at the Palace, like it's my fault for almost getting kidnapped.

***********************

Adrian's POV

"That was quite the hunt brothers," I said, my breath still heavy from the exertion. I punched Ethan playfully on the arm.

"There is just something I always enjoy about full moon hunts," Ethan grinned. "There's something about the moonlight that makes everything seem more exciting."

"Two deers Ethan? That's hardly a victory worth celebrating," Adolf scoffed, interrupting our moment of relaxation.

"It's sure better than nothing," I shot back.

"You like to think you're hot stuff, but I'd like to see you do better," Adolf grinned.

I was about to give him a reply when we saw Walter, one of the palace guards frantically heading our way.

"My lords, I have been searching everywhere for you." Walter said.

"We went for a quick hunt, is something wrong?" Ethan spoke up.

"No, but your father has called for an emergency pack meeting, everyone is already gathered up in the pack house, we have to hurry." He said and he started walking, Ethan, Adolf, and I shared a puzzled look as we followed behind Walter.

An emergency pack meeting, I wonder what that was about?

As we got closer to the pack house, we could hear the howling of the pack in the air. On getting to the house I noticed that so many wolves surrounded the clearing, their eyes glowing in the darkness and Father slowly walked out.

Whew! We made it just in time.

"My loyal wolves." his voice boomed through the forest. "Tonight, I have gathered you all under the watchful gaze of the moon, to make a well-curated decision." he paused, his eyes meeting everyone's gaze. I wondered what was going on.

He continued after a brief silence.

"As our tradition demands and as you all know, my firstborn son is supposed to take the baton of leadership from me after my passing but after much thought and consultation, tonight, I will defile this centuries-old tradition," he said and everyone began whispering.

"Can all my sons come forward," he asked and Ethan nudged me as we all walked towards Father.

Father was being a little too formal. It was creeping me out.

"Adrian stepped forward," Father said, calling to me, I slowly walked towards him, meeting his tired gaze.

"Adrian my son, though not being the firstborn son, you have proved to me that you possess so many tremendous qualities that separate you from your siblings. In your eyes, I see a fiery strength, and in your heart, I see love, I see kindness, I see your unwavering determination, to your pack, you have surpassed all my expectations. Tonight I am announcing you before the eyes of the entire pack as my successor, you will become the next alpha. Father said, tapping my shoulder with a smile.

Wait! What? I opened my mouth to speak but an elder beat me to it.

"What?" one of the elders exclaimed, "It's not within your power to change the customs, this tradition was forged in the hands of our ancestors."

Father stared at the ancestor with a grim face.

"I am the alpha of this pack, and I make the laws. I have appointed Adrain, my last-born son as the next alpha of this pack. the topic isn't up for debate. It seems the full moon is over now so everyone should return to the palace and be merry." Father said as he walked away, probably heading back to the palace.

I looked up at my brothers as they all turned to walk away with anger boldly written on their faces.

What has Father done?!

************

THIRD PERSON'S P.O.V

In his chambers, the Alpha lay awake, pondering on the events of the night. He heard footsteps outside and sat up, wondering who it could be.

"Adrian?" he called out. "Is that you son?"

A figure stepped into the light, but it was not Adrian. "Your decision tonight was not proper, you can't make that bastard our Alpha, we will not let you." the figure said.

The Alpha hissed loudly "Who are you to tell me whatI can and can't do? I expected you'd come. Make it fast, killing me won't change my decision." the alpha said with a smirk on his face.

The figure reached for a dagger hidden in their cloak, and the Alpha realized he was in danger.

"Long live the King," the figure hissed, and lunged for the Alpha's throat.

ALANA'S P.O.V

"You got all of us worried, Alana. You left the pack and wandered into the woods alone. How could you be so irresponsible?" Father said with a hint of worry and anger in his tone. "What if they had successfully taken you and butchered you, do you think your mother would have survived hearing that news?"

"I am so sorry Dad, but I swear I almost had him until the others showed up," I replied.

"You're nothing but a weakling," Father growled, his voice reverberating through the woods. "You were humiliated in the hands of the hunters."

"Father, I..." I spoke but he cut him off.

"Silence!" he thundered. "Come with me," he said before turning around and stalking out of the forest, I followed closely behind.

I wondered what he was gonna do next.

We walked till we got to the pack house. Father stopped and addressed one of the guards following behind us. "Gather all wolves, we have a pressing matter to discuss," he said.

The guards let out a piercing howl that reverberated through the night. One by one, the wolves of the pack emerged from their houses, drawn by the call. Within a few minutes, the hall was filled with people.

"We have grown weak, and our enemies have taken notice," Father said, his voice ringing with authority. "We are no longer protecting each other, and our walls have become porous, allowing hunters to slip through. We almost lost my daughter tonight," he said, I was tempted to open my mind and protest that he was being dramatic a-.

Father's voice resonated in the air, "The hunters are coming for us, and we must be prepared. We have grown weak, and instead of fearing us, they now see us as easy prey and this must change." he paused, his gaze meeting with everybody's.

"I have decided that in order to protect every single one of you, a new law must be put in place, and those who disobey it shall face severe punishment," he declared, his eyes blazing.

"Firstly, no female wolf may leave the pack alone. They must not hunt, play, or go into the woods by themselves. From now on, any female must be accompanied by at least three other pack members.

Second, no one is allowed to bring an intruder into the pack without informing me first. I need to see the individual and determine whether he/she is a friend or foe. Does everyone understand? Father said and In response, the wolves let out a unified howl, the sound echoing through the trees. He smiled, satisfied with their response. "Go now, and rest," he said. "We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow."

He has always been like this, unfair to female wolves.

Adrian's P.O.V

The warm rays of the sun dived deep into my chambers, fatigued, I walked over to Father's room, after knocking for a few minutes, I entered the chambers and it seemed he was still asleep, I contemplated on whether to go and come back later or to wake him up. I decided to wake him up.

"Father," I said. "I have come to ask that you reconsider your decision and make Sky the next Alpha. I know it is a great honor, but I feel as though I am not ready for this huge responsibility. I don't think I have what it takes to lead this great pack. Besides, Ethan and the rest of my brothers are stronger than I have ever been."

I waited in silence, but as the moments ticked by, I began to worry. Father has never been a deep sleeper, he had the best senses I know, the noise of me opening the door should have woke him up.

Something was wrong

I walked closer to his bed and when I looked down, I felt my heart stop as I gawked at the sight in front of me, my father's head had been severed from his body, leaving only a pool of blood in its place.

"Father! No! No! No!" I cried, as I held his lifeless hands.

I hurriedly rushed out of his chambers as I let out a loud howl and within a few minutes, The elder wolf and some of the palace guards rushed in.

The elder wolf sniffed the blood-soaked dagger.

"This was no ordinary dagger," he said, his voice low and serious. "Your father was killed with wolfsbane"

Ethan walked in and his voice rose in anger. "W-Wolfsbane, who could have done this?" he demanded as tears fell from his eyes.

Adolf walked into the room with an expressionless face, he took a brief look at Father's body. "Well, there is no point in mourning. He's gone, and there is nothing we can do to bring him back."

What! I knew Adolf had always been cold with his words but this was just brutal, I opened my mouth to speak but Ethan beat me to it as stepped forward, anger flashing in his eyes. "You seem awfully unfazed by the death of our father," he snarled. "Is it because you know who the killer is or maybe you are the killer?"

"I know no such thing!" Adolf retorted, taking a step back. "You can't accuse your brother of murdering his father."

"Enough!" Sky's voice rose above the argument.

"We must not quarrel during this time of mourning. Our father is gone, and our first priority should be to honor his memory, not to point fingers or lay blame at one another. Let us come together and remember him with respect. We don't want to irritate his soul by our presence. And yes, two purebloods shouldn't have arguments. There are other ways to settle misunderstandings." He paused and shifted his gaze to the elder, who had been silent throughout the argument. " What do we do, Elder? "

The elder bowed his head, his shoulders shaking with emotion. "We must lay him to rest," he said, his voice breaking. "It is the only thing we can do for him now. He is gone, but he was a great alpha and he would not be forgotten," he said and he turned and walked away, his steps slow and heavy.

THIRD PERSON'S P.O.V

"The heavens mourn for us," the elder said, his voice solemn. The wolves stood silent, listening to his words.

"With a heavy heart, I announce the passing of our Alpha," the elder said, his voice heavy with grief. "We must honor his memory and carry on in his absence."

"The healers have done all they can," the elder said, his voice filled with sadness. "They have used their herbs to preserve his body, but it will only last until midnight. We must prepare for the burial before then."

***************

The sun slowly sank beneath the horizon, and night began approaching.

At midnight, the wolves gathered around the rock, and transformed into their human forms. The she-wolves were dressed in black gowns and white veils, their faces turned to the ground. The male wolves wore black hoods, their hands clasped over their chests.

An elder emerged, and the sound of murmuring died down. "We are gathered here to pay our last respects to the Great Dragon of the White Wolf Pack," he began, his voice full of emotion. "His passing is a great loss to us all. We can't question the decision of the moon goddess as She alone knows the answers."

As the elder finished his speech, the first drops of rain began to fall. The raindrops grew heavier, drenching the elders and the wolves gathered there.

"Let us lay the Great Dragon to rest," the elder said, his voice filled with grief.

The she-wolves began to chant. The male wolves joined in, humming in harmony. Together, they carried the body of the alpha to the gravesite, their steps slow and measured.

As the Alpha was lowered into the earth, the elder spoke again. "May your ancestors guide you on your journey into the unknown," he said, his voice barely audible above the wind and rain. "May you find peace and rest in the realm beyond."

He placed his hand on the fresh earth, then turned to the gathered wolves. "We must now turn our attention to the future," he said, his eyes settling on Adrian. "Step forward," he commanded.

"Shortly before he passed, the Great Dragon named you as his successor," the elder said, addressing Adrian. "It is now your duty to lead this pack through these uncertain times. I ask that you rule with wisdom and understanding and that you always remember all the lessons the Great Dragon taught us."

As the elder spoke, A hunter hidden behind the cliff drew his bow and aimed it at Adrian. Just as he let the arrow fly, the elder went closer to Adrian to bless him.

The arrow pierced his spinal cord and forced itself out of his chest. Blood rushed out of his mouth.

As the elder fell, Adrian rushed forward and caught him just before he hit the ground. The wolves around them turned to look at the hunter, their eyes filled with fear. They transformed into wolves and charged towards him, snarling and snapping their jaws.

The hunter dropped his bow and ran, but he was too slow. The wolves pounced, bringing him down. As they were about to tear his flesh, a voice called out.

"Let him go."

Before the wolves could look in the direction of the voice, a figure emerged from the shadows bringing the wolves down and leaving only one wolf.

The figure emerged and his face was revealed.

" You? You traitor! You murdered your father?" the wolf snared. "For the throne? Yes. " The figure giggled.

ALANA'S P.O.V

The boundary wolves howled at a great pitch, marking a new day.

The deer grazed peacefully in the clearing, their ears perked for any sign of danger. The forest was still and quiet, the only sound was the rustling of leaves in the breeze.

Suddenly, a twig snapped underfoot, and the deer's heads jerked up in alarm. Upon noticing us, they took off like a shot, their white tails flashing behind them.

We burst out from the trees, hot on the deer's heels. "Come on, you stupid deer!" I groaned, my breath coming in short, sharp pants.

We ran until the deer's strength finally gave out, and we brought it down.

"Alana, You know we're going to be in so much trouble if your father finds out we were here," Eve said, her voice shaking.

I scoffed. "I can handle my dad Eve. Besides, I'm almost 19. I'm not going to let some silly rule stop me from having a little fun."

Eve and Amaya looked at each other like I was crazy, their eyes wide.

"Oh My God! Are you serious?" they said in unison.

"Yeah, in 7 months, I'll be a grown-up and I won't have to follow these stupid rules anymore, dad is so unfair to us female wolves, treating us like babies, we are as strong as the male wolves," I said.

"Well I am sorry you feel like that but until then, you are still under my care and you will adhere to all the rules of the pack," Father said, stepping out from behind a tree. His eyes blazed with anger. "What is wrong with you Alana? What you're doing is not only dangerous but irresponsible. How many times have I warned you not to leave the pack alone?"

"It's not fair dad, I can take care of myself, I don't need Eli to babysit me."

"Enough! I don't want to hear anything about it, you will adhere to my rules Alana! Now take your kill and your friends back to the palace," he said and turned to leave. "And yes, I don't want to see you breaking any more rules. You've just ruined what could have been a relaxing morning walk for me."

We all exchanged a guilty glance, as we hurried to gather up our things. I carried the deer, while the other two helped each other up. We all walked back to the pack house, feeling like we'd just dodged a bullet.

How did he find us? I hate those rules

******

BACK IN THE WHITE WOLF PACK....

THIRD PERSON'S POV

"I'll make sure the whole pack knows what a traitor you are," the wolf snarled.

But before he could finish his sentence, the figure lunged forward, digging his claws into the wolf's throat and ripping out his esophagus.

Blood gushed from the wound, and the wolf fell to the ground, choking on his own blood. The figure quickly averted an incoming arrow.

"You missed your target," The figure said, turning to the hunter. "The other wolves will be here soon. They'll tear you apart."

The hunter's face was pale with fear.

"What about my payment? W..when am I gonna get my payment." he stammered.

"Your payment will be delivered after you're dead," The figure said with a sinister laugh, disappearing into the shadows.

The hunter scrambled to his feet and ran out of the forest, his heart pounding in his chest. He ran and ran, until he reached the edge of the forest and collapsed on the ground, exhausted. He lay there, panting.

ADRIAN'S P.O.V

"Two down," I muttered, my heart pounding in my chest. "This is only the beginning, and we've got a real problem on our hands and I don't think the pack is ready for whatever's coming," I said as I glanced down at the body of the elder, who had taken his last breath for the pack. "I'll make sure the person who did this pays, I swear it," I said as tears streamed down my face.

First, my father, now this, what was going on?

"Alpha, the hunter got away," a wolf reported, his voice breathless with panic. "Some of our packmates are dead, they were ambushed by -"

I raised his head and glared at the wolf, cutting him off. "Dead? How many of our packmates?" I demanded.

The wolf hesitated. "I don't know, exactly. Th. They were... gone when I got there."

Ethan's brow furrowed. "Gone? What do you mean gone?"

"I think the wolves were attacked and they all didn't survive," the wolf explained. "It's clear that something big is coming, something we're not prepared for."

Ethan's eyes narrowed. "Go gather all the pack members here, now. We need to make sure everyone is safe and accounted for." I said.

"Yes, my Lord." the wolf said, bowing his head before turning to leave.

"Whatever comes next, Adrian, just know that I'm with you, Always brother," Ethan said, placing a hand on my shoulder. "I've got your back."

I turned to look at him, my eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you," I said. "It really means a lot to know that I have your support."

Ethan gave me a nod. "Always," he said.

Sky approached us and gently took the elder from his arms, laying him in the freshly dug grave. "We honor his passing," he said. "He was a great man, and he will be missed."

I nodded, my eyes feeling a bit moist with tears. "He was like a father to all of us," I said. "He taught me everything I know," I said.

We all returned to the palace with their faces grim. On getting to the palace gates, the pack gathered around and I noticed a low murmur running through the group so many hushed voices speaking in whispers.

I cleared my throat to speak. "The enemy thinks they can break us," I said, my voice firm. "But we are a pack. We are stronger together than we are apart. It's evident they want to divide us, but they will not succeed, it's been a terrible day, so let's all go and rest in our houses." I said and with that the gathering dissolved, feeling disoriented and fatigued, I timidly walked to my father's room.

On getting to his room the first thing I noticed was his blood-soaked bed and I broke down all over again. "I can't do this Father," I sobbed. "Why? Why did you make me the Alpha just to leave me all alone, Why couldn't Sky be the alpha instead of me? I'm not fit to lead the pack, Dad. I can't do this!

The door creaked open and I heard a voice coming in "You are stronger than you know, Adrian," Sky said, stepping into the light. "Our father saw something special in you," Sky said, his voice calm and reassuring. "You have a different set of skills and strengths. That's what makes you a tremendous leader. You just need to learn to control your emotions and not let them cloud your judgment."

I looked up at Sky. "Do you really think I can do this, do you think I have what it takes to lead this pack?" he asked.

"No! I don't think, I know you can," Sky replied, placing a hand on Adrian's shoulder. "I alongside all our brothers will stand by you, and help you through this difficult time. You are not alone. I'm always here for you and I'd guide you through anything . That's what elder brothers do, right? Remember Adrian, being hunted is part of being an Alpha,"

Sky said, his smile warm and reassuring.

"You might not know this but our father faced a lot of challenges when he took over so don't be too hard on yourself, and don't give up hope. Take a moment to rest, and gather your strength. We'll figure this out together."

I took a deep breath, as I felt the tension leave my body. "Thank you, Sky," I said, my voice husky with emotion. "I appreciate your support and your faith in me."

"Good now get yourself together and be sure to get a good night's rest, your coronation is tomorrow." he patted my shoulder before leaving Father's chambers.

I miss you, Father.