Chapter: Chapter 33: The Blood ReckoningEMALReturning to the ceremonial courtyard, the ceremonial rite begins. I make sure to evade Shawl or any other sibling of mine as I proceed in coordinating the arrangements for the ceremonial rites.The courtyard is now filled with hushes as the pack’s elite soldiers march out in flawless formation. Their synchronized steps echo against the stones sharply. Each of them carries a ceremonial blade—polished, curved, and ancient-looking. This isn’t a show of power.It’s a dance of legacy.They move with grace, spinning and slashing through the air as drums thrum in the background. It feels like the pulse of the earth itself, like the heartbeat of every Luna that ever ruled before ours.When the final movement of the blade dance concludes, they drop to one knee as one, heads bowed.Then, from the line of soldiers, the lead demonstrating soldier steps forward. He is a tall man with broad shoulders and scars like cracked stone lining his neck. He’s handed a brown-golden container by one of
Last Updated: 2025-04-14
Chapter: Chapter 32: I Love You, Lilly.EMALThe outdoor celebration soon begins as ordered by the Alpha.The sun casts a warm, amber glow over the courtyard, where silk banners ripple in the breeze—each one bearing the royal sigil: a silver wolf howling beneath a crescent moon with touch of an irregular design I actually didn't take interest to know what it means.The nobles who are only for the outdoor event are already arriving, dressed in their finest silks and ceremonial armor. Guests are laughing with the distant tune of flutes and lyres, and warriors perform blade dances at the prepared spot for them.At the far end of the courtyard, a raised platform has been arranged for the royal family. Elegant, high-backed chairs are ready for the Alphas and royal figures of our pack and other packs. Just below the platform, the rest of us—royal-borns, nobles, pack warriors of the White Fur Pack—stand in place, waiting to begin the ceremonial rite.Despite the lively atmosphere, I can't shake the chill running down my spine. It i
Last Updated: 2025-04-09
Chapter: Chapter 31: The Luna's Birthday EMALThe Luna's Birthday.After days of preparation, it is finally the D-day. As scheduled, the events are divided into two major participations. Starting off will be the indoor event taking place in the throne hall which includes prayers, gifting, and small dances from dance troupes. Then, the outdoor event is scheduled for later in the day, in the open field of White Fur Pack. The throne hall is a grand, intimidating place; high ceilings adorned with ravelled carvings, golden chandeliers, and brown banners hanging in deep earth-like colours, bearing the symbol of our pack. The room is filled with the scent of fresh lilies, the Luna’s favorite, arranged meticulously along the walls and on the long banquet table. People from the royal family are around already and also esteemed guests invited for the indoor event.The Luna sits beside the Alpha on the elevated dais, poised and elegant in her embroidered silver gown. Her dark hair is pulled back in a crown of woven braids, and desp
Last Updated: 2025-04-08
Chapter: Chapter 30: Power Sharing; The First Dravenang AlphaEMALMaster Aldrien intertwines his fingers, resting his hands on the desk. His gaze darts to the book I placed before him, but he says nothing at first."Can you tell me more about power sharing?" I ask.His brows crease, and he leans back in his chair, studying me with curiosity and caution. "Power sharing?" he echoes. "What exactly do you mean by that, Emal?"Wordlessly, I flip open the book, turning to the page that caught my attention earlier. I slide it toward him, tapping the passage with my finger. "This. It talks about someone who used power sharing to win a fight. But it doesn’t explain how."Master Aldrien exhales slowly, his shoulders visibly relaxing as he takes in the words on the page. A long, unreadable silence stretches between us before I break it."So," I press, watching him closely. "Do you know how to take power from your opponent?"His eyes snap to mine, and his expression hardens. "I don’t know what you’re talking about."Liar.I recognize the way his eyes twitc
Last Updated: 2025-04-04
Chapter: Chapter 29: Visiting The Royal Library EMAL I can't stop thinking about what Father said in the throne hall. Everyone has dispersed, but I remain outside, waiting for him. I need to talk to him—perhaps he will change his mind. "Don't waste your time, Emal," Matilda advises before leaving. "In times like this, he never goes back on his word." She's right. I know she is. But it's worth a try. Minutes later, Master Aldrien walks out of the throne hall, documents in hand. "What's wrong, Emal?" he asks, concerned. I shake my head. "It's nothing." "You're still here to see the Alpha, aren't you?" "Yes," I answer reluctantly. Talking to him is worth a shot. "Master Aldrien, I know my father listens to you more than anyone. If there's anyone who can talk to him right now, it's you. I can't take up the task he's given me. How does he expect me to go up against strong warriors? Everyone knows how dangerous the Blood Reckoning is." Master Aldrien places a hand on my shoulder. "Calm down, Emal," he says, tilting my face toward
Last Updated: 2023-11-02
Chapter: Chapter 28: The Luna's Upcoming Birthday EMAL By the time we step into the throne hall, the heavy double doors closing behind us, I already sense the weight of the stares. The grand chamber, with its towering pillars and the ever-present scent of burning cedar, feels more suffocating than usual. Father seats on the large, power exuding throne, his piercing gaze sweeping over us the moment we enter. At his right stands Master Aldrien, his Beta. His arms are crossed, expression unreadable, but there’s no mistaking the sharp edge in his eyes. Asides Father and Master Aldrien, our three older brothers are equally seated on the lined chairs down the throne. "Finally," Shawl drawls. "Norla delivered the message earlier. What took you both so long?" I barely part my lips before Matilda moves slightly forward, ready to respond. But before she can, our father raises a hand. "Let it be, Shawl," he says, firmly. "What matters is that they are here." Matilda spares him a grateful smile. If he notices, he doesn’t react, merely shi
Last Updated: 2023-10-20
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