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.