The air at Lakeville Pack, the heart of Crescent Mont Province, buzzed with excitement. The sun seemed brighter, its rays stretching into every corner, as if celebrating something special.
Five centuries ago, after the death of the Grand Alpha, the full moon refused to shine on the royal castle of Crescent Mont, keeping it in darkness. According to the stories passed down through generations, this was a sign that no new Grand Alpha could rise.
For 500 years, the royal castle, perched on the highest hill, stood in silence. Its beauty hidden by the night. People stayed away, whispering that it was haunted. Mothers even used it as a threat, warning their children to behave or they'd be sent there, to the "evil castle."
The seers of the province prayed to the goddess for answers, but she remained silent. They traveled to other lands seeking help, but found nothing.
For five hundred long years, Crescent Mont, the largest province in the kingdom, was ruled by the Council of Elders, a group of wise wolves who made laws and kept all the packs under control.
Then, three moons ago, something extraordinary happened. The full moon rose high and shone brightly on the royal castle.
It was a sight that brought joy to the people, and they gathered to witness the spectacle. This marked the end of the Council's rule and the arrival of a new Grand Alpha.
Today was the big day, the coronation. The new Grand Alpha had been chosen: Alpha Drake Campbell, son of Marcus Campbell, a Beta wolf from the Brooklyn Pack in Crescent Mont.
It should have been controversial. A Beta ruling over so many Alphas? It had never happened before. But no one questioned the goddess's decision.
The grand hall of Lakeville Pack was packed with people, all gathered to witness the historic event.
There were wolves from all walks of life. Some dressed in lavish outfits, others in simpler but still neat clothes. Outside, cars of all types were parked, luxurious, modest, and even some old beat-up ones.
At the podium stood the Alphas, their royal robes shining with authority. Each carried a staff, uniquely designed with colors and symbols that represented their packs. They were all here to witness the coronation of the new Grand Alpha.
Across from the Alphas, the Lunas sat. They wore stunning dresses, carefully made with beads and special designs, and their bodies sparkled with expensive jewelry. They were the wives of the Alphas, the true power behind the throne.
In the middle of the stage stood a beautiful golden throne. It was decorated with amazing detail, and its presence filled the room with power. On top of the throne was a golden crown, its gems shining softly in the dim light. This was the seat where Alpha Drake would sit as the new Grand Alpha.
In front of the throne was a large stand with a metal basin on top. Smoke rose from it. Inside were sacred herbs, meant to purify the throne, the crown, and the entire province.
Soft music played in the background, with vocalists and violinists filling the hall. Some people swayed to the rhythm even while seated.
Elsewhere in the building, I stood by the window, watching the pack and the people coming and going. I wore a blue robe made of the finest fabric, covered in stone designs. I held a staff with a carving of the full moon and a wolf at the top. My fingers were adorned with rings, each symbolizing my role.
My face was serious, my brows furrowed in deep thought. I was Drake Campell, the new Grand Alpha of Crescent Mont. My coronation would happen in just a few hours.
The door opened, but I didn't turn to see who it was.
"My Alpha," a soft voice called, making me glance toward the door.
When I saw her, my cold face softened, and a smile spread across my face.
"Babe!" I whispered, my smile brightening.
She quickly walked over and wrapped her arms around me. "May the goddess be with you always," she said gently.
She was Vanessa, my fated mate, the woman I loved with all my heart. I had plans for our future, but the goddess had other plans for us.
I wrapped my arms around Vanessa, breathing in the scent of her hair. "Thank you, my love," I whispered softly.
I gently pulled away from me, her eyes full of concern. "You're worried again?"
I exhaled deeply, pulling her close once more. "You know I am. I'm scared," I admitted, my eyes showing the fear I tried to hide.
"I'm a Beta werewolf," I said, searching her face for understanding.
She gave me a small smile and gently brushed her thumb across my lips. "You didn't choose yourself. She chose you."
"I know," I replied quickly.
"But the people… It's never happened before," I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper.
"They're calm. They're happy," she reassured me, trying to ease my worries.
"I have this strange feeling," I said, my voice tense. "It's eating at me. Babe, I won't lie… I'm afraid." I tightened my grip on her, as if I could hold onto her to push away my fear.
"I feel like something's wrong. I feel danger. I just want to end this ceremony, send everyone away," I confessed.
For the past day, sleep had been impossible. Every time I closed his eyes, disturbing images filled my mind.
Death, screams, destruction. The feelings only grew stronger as the coronation drew closer, making my heart race with unease.
"You're not just Drake anymore. You're Grand Alpha Drake," Vanessa said softly. "Your province needs your strength and bravery."
I nodded, but my gaze fell to her belly. My hand gently touched it, my voice tender. "How's our child?" I whispered.
She was already a month pregnant when the Grand Alpha selection began, and now she was over three months along.
This wasn't the life I wanted for myself, especially not the life of a leader. I had always dreamed of a peaceful, quiet existence, but that wasn't possible now.
"He's good, happy for his father," she said, her face lighting up with a smile.
Just then, there was a knock at the door. She quickly stepped away from me.
"Come in," I called.
A messenger entered, bowing respectfully. "My Alpha, it's time," I said.
"I'll be out in a jiffy," I responded, before the messenger exited the room.
Meanwhile, in another part of the province, a man paced the room, his expression dark. Several men in black surrounded him, their presence threatening. He was Ephraim Ruger.
The man stopped and let out a cruel laugh.
"We are Alpha wolves. No Beta will rule us. We have to stop him!" he commanded, and the men stormed out, danger exuding from them.