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
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
The very well-known White Fur Pack of werewolves is situated in the northern part of Alacia, a kingdom said to have been founded by two different couples who were deeply in love with their respective partners and cherished each other as friends. Everyone residing in Alacia appears peaceful, going about their own business in harmony. The unity among them is undeniable, rooted in the love the founders and ancestors of the pack instilled in the kingdom before their demise. However, despite the unity shared among the people of Alacia, a great internal strife has persisted for years within the White Fur Pack. This conflict is not widely known among the common pack members but is well understood by the royal family. Every royal-born child is no doubt taught about the strife from a young age. Just like the White Fur Pack has its strife, the kingdom of Alacia in general has its own discord. One of the primary causes of the discord in Alacia arises from the belief that only werewolves can rul
EMAL The large metal ball in the center of the castle yard has already been struck by the guards on early morning patrol. The deep echo reverberates through the walls, marking the start of another day. I sit up sluggishly, rubbing the sleep from my eyes before dragging myself to the bathroom to freshen up. Stepping under the shower, I let the cold-water cascade over me, hoping it will wash away the thoughts pressing down on my chest. My father’s words echo in my mind. "You will be more than others. In fact, you must be!" I clench my jaw, gripping the edges of the sink as the memory cuts through me. No matter how much I try to ignore it, the truth remains—I am nothing in this pack. A weakling. An embarrassment. An Alpha heir with no powers. If only I could do something to change that. If only I could feel my wolf. Do I even have one? Every werewolf connects with their wolf at a certain age, but mine remains silent. Others communicate with theirs before they even come of age, yet I
EMAL Blake grips my chin roughly, tilting my head up so I’m forced to meet his mocking gaze. “Stand up,” he commands. I ignore him, holding onto the small hope that the teacher will walk in any second. Even though I know their presence wouldn’t change much, it would at least serve as a distraction. I glance at my wristwatch and sigh internally. "Class should have started by now. Where is the teacher?" Blake chuckles. “Waiting for someone? The teacher?” His voice drips with amusement. He turns to the class, still gripping my face. “I think someone should let our dear friend know that the teacher won’t be coming anytime soon.” Laughter erupts around us, a cruel chorus of mockery. True enough. What was I even waiting for? “Can you please go back to your seat? This is my territory and I didn't cross the line.” I say, hoping he would just desist from his evil plans and leave me to myself. Well, it turns out to be just hope. Blake smirks. “Your seat? Your territory? Who do you think
EMAL The detention room darkens as evening settles in, the sky slowly consumed by thick clouds. Hours slip by, and I begin to wonder if everyone has forgotten about me. If I had powers, I’d break through the iron lock securing this room and walk out without a second thought. Right now, though, I can't reach out to anyone—not even Matilda. I sigh and lean against the cold wall, my gaze locked on the door, waiting. Seconds stretch into minutes, and my hope fades, until I hear hurried footsteps approaching. My heart leaps as the door swings open, revealing my sister. Indeed, she's the only one that treats me well and I have no doubt about it. "Emal," she calls softly, rushing toward me. She pulls a bottle of water from her bag and hands it to me. I drink eagerly, till I recover from exhaustion. Without another word, we leave the school and head home. On our way back home, we both remain silent. "I'm sorry," she finally says, breaking the quiet. I glance up at her, confused. "Why
EMAL A cool breeze brushes against my cheeks, stirring me awake. The dark clouds in the sky begins to brighten as the sky gradually become blue. Stretching my limbs, I feel something damp against my skin. Touching it, I realize it's morning dew. With a deep sigh, I take in the tranquil atmosphere, allowing the calm it brings wash over me –a rare moment of peace. But as I glance around, memories of the previous night flood back. I had fallen asleep at the lakeside. Alone. Again. Turning my back at the lake, I face the castle's direction pondering on what my next step should be. I'm definitely not ready to see anyone at the moment. Especially not anyone from the pack. It's too early for me to be ridiculed again. Taking a few steps forward while deciding where to go and what next to do, my stomach grumbles. I pause. Right. I haven't eaten since yesterday afternoon. The thought of returning home for food makes my chest tighten. No, I can’t. I won’t. The maids would probably be pre
EMAL I pick up my pace, walking as fast as I can to school. After what happened yesterday, I refuse to be the center of attention again. I reach the school gates sooner than expected, slipping inside unnoticed. Quietly, I make my way to my classroom and take my seat, trying to blend into the background. The class is settled, waiting for the teacher—if one even decides to show up that is. "How was the game yesterday? Who won?" The voice grates on my nerves before I even look up. Another one of Blake’s minions, here to taunt me first thing in the morning. Not again. I swallow hard, feeling the familiar helplessness settle in my chest. I don’t know what I did to deserve this treatment. Maybe just existing is enough. Being bullied by my own pack members isn’t new, but it doesn’t hurt any less. Some days, I wish things would change overnight. I reach into my bag, searching for something—anything—to distract myself. My fingers finally close around a pencil buried deep within the
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
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
EMALMaster 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
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
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
EMAL I know my sister all too well—her curiosity, her persistence, and her inability to let a mystery rest. The moment I sensed someone had entered my room in my absence, I had my suspicions. Now, as Matilda stands before me, feigning innocence, I piece everything together. She must have had a reason for sneaking into my room earlier. A part of me wants to confront her immediately, to demand why she was here and what she was searching for. But I hold back. There’s no need to cause unnecessary tension—not yet. Instead, I choose patience, knowing that sooner or later, she’ll come to me with questions. She always does. As night falls, I sense her presence even before she knocks. "Come in, you don’t need to create a noise," I call out. She steps inside, scanning the room. Her gaze falls on the vellum, exactly where I left it. "I guess you’ve returned," she says casually. "Not too long ago," I reply. She moves toward my desk, glancing at the vellum once more before turning to m
MATILDA Wait! What? How in hell? I replayed the scene I heard in my head. Did I hear that correctly? Emal... my little brother… isn’t actually my blood sibling? A shiver runs through me as reality crashes down, shattering the foundation of everything I once believed. I’ve always loved Emal like my own—protected him, played with him, stood by him. And now, in an instant, everything has changed. My fingers curl into fists, my breath shallow as emotions swirl in a chaotic storm. Betrayal. Confusion. Anger. How could they? How could my parents keep such a life-altering secret? Why was this hidden from me, from everyone? And who… who is Athena to him? The innocence of my bond with feels tainted, and I can't help but wonder about the woman who gave birth to him and what her place is in our lives. Tears stream down my face, and I'm paralyzed by a sense of betrayal, not just from my parents but from the very concept of family itself. I don't know how to confront them, or if I even sh
MATILDA I move swiftly through the hallway, my heart pounding. My mind races with thoughts of Emal, the vellum, and the secrets I’m so close to unveiling. But as I round a corner, I freeze in place. Standing just outside Emal’s room is the last person I expected to see—my father. The Alpha. His sharp gaze locks onto me, his expression unreadable. Time stands still and I can feel his eyes assessing me, taking in my slightly disheveled state. He knows something is off. "Matilda," he calls, his voice deep. "What are you doing here?" I force a calm expression and meet his gaze. "I was looking for Emal, Father. I thought he might be in his room, but he wasn’t. I wanted to ask him something." His brows furrow slightly, as if trying to see through my lie. "You seem flustered," he notes, stepping closer and cupping my face in his hands. I steady my breathing. "I must have just been in a hurry. Nothing to worry about." His suspicions linger, but after a moment, he nods. I rele
MATILDA Returning from school, I'm eager to hear what the guard I sent to trail Emal has discovered about Emal's activities. I can't shake off the feeling that there's more to the whole issue than meets the eye. Just when I am about to call for his presence, he steps in. "Good evening, my lady," he greets, bowing in respect. "Did you find anything?" I ask, knowing how cautious Emal can be. He might have noticed he was being followed and changed his plans. "Yes, my lady. I observed the Crowned Prince Alpha throughout the day, just as you instructed. He didn’t leave for school as early as usual. Instead, he went into Her Ladyship’s chamber shortly after she left the castle." I frown slightly. "Are you saying he was in my mother’s room?" "Yes, Your Highness. He stayed there for quite some time. When he finally emerged, he was holding a vellum, clutching it as if it were of great importance. But I couldn’t determine what was written on it." My curiosity deepens. "And after tha