Not Over

Next morning

Elisa's slumber was shattered as Elijah burst into her room, his urgency palpable. "Lisa, wake up!"

Elisa's eyes fluttered open, disoriented. "What is it? Why are you shaking?" she asked, her voice laced with concern.

Elijah's face was ashen. "Father..." he stammered.

Elisa's heart skipped a beat. "What happened to Father?" she demanded, springing from bed.

Elijah's words tumbled out in a anguish-filled rush. "Father is... he's not waking up. He's not standing up."

The room spun around Elisa as she collapsed onto the bed, her world crumbling. "No... no, this can't be."

Tears streamed down Elijah's face. "I went to check on him, and he was... lifeless. I tried to wake him, but..."

Elisa's mind reeled, grief and shock wrestling for dominance. "This can't be happening. Not now, not when..."

She trailed off, her thoughts consumed by the implications. Alpha Regis's passing would ignite a power struggle, and Ryker's ambitions would be unstoppable.

Elisa and Elijah rushed to the Alpha's chamber, their hearts heavy with grief. The door creaked open, revealing a scene that would haunt them forever.

Alpha Regis lay motionless on his bed, his once-strong frame now still and pale. Elisa's legs buckled, and she collapsed beside him, cradling his hand in hers.

Tears streamed down her face as she whispered, "Father... no, please don't leave me." Her body shook with sobs, mourning the loss of the man who had guided and protected her.

Elijah stood frozen, his eyes welling up with tears. He had never seen his sister so vulnerable, and it broke his heart. He approached her slowly, wrapping his arms around her shoulders.

"Lisa, I'm here," he whispered, trying to comfort her. "We'll get through this together."

Elisa's grip on Alpha Regis's hand tightened. She felt lost and alone, the weight of responsibility settling upon her. Ryker's ambitions, the pack's future, and her own destiny swirled in her mind.

As she wept, Elisa vowed to honor her father's legacy and protect the pack from those who would seek to harm it.

"Elijah, go inform the Beta about Father's passing," Elisa instructed, her voice trembling. "And notify the Royal Announcer."

Elijah nodded solemnly before departing to fulfill his sister's orders.

As the door closed, Elisa's composure crumbled. Tears streamed down her face, and her body shook with sobs.

Isla, Elisa's loyal wolf companion, emerged from the shadows. Her gentle voice whispered in Elisa's mind.

"Elisa, I know you're not okay, but can you try to be strong? Not for anyone else, but for Elijah? He needs you now."

Elisa's thoughts swirled, but Isla's words resonated deep within her. She took a deep breath, wiping away tears.

"You're right, Isla," Elisa whispered aloud. "I must be strong for Elijah, for the pack... for Father's legacy."

Isla's presence enveloped Elisa, offering comfort and solace.

"We'll face this together, Elisa," Isla reassured. "You're not alone."

Elisa's resolve hardened. She would honor her father's memory and protect the pack.

*

Hours later

Beneath the moon's silvery glow, the pack gathered outside the palace, their voices rising in unison.

"Under the moon's watchful eye, we bid our Alpha goodbye.

Leader strong, in spirit soar,

Rest in peace forevermore."

The haunting chant echoed through the night, a poignant farewell to their beloved leader. Alpha Regis's children, Elisa and Elijah, stood at the forefront, their faces etched with grief.

Ryker, flanked by Emilia and Rolly, appeared somber, but his eyes betrayed a calculating glint. Rolly, sensing her father's tension, clung to his arm, her innocent gaze unaware of the turmoil brewing.

Emilia's eyes, red-rimmed from crying, fixed on Elisa, her expression a mix of sorrow and concern. She knew the pack's laws, the intricate web of alliances, and the dangers lurking in the shadows.

As the chant faded, the pack's Beta, Orion, stepped forward.

"Alpha Regis's legacy will live on through his children. Let us honor his memory and support our new Alpha, Elisa."

The pack's murmurs of agreement were punctuated by Ryker's subtle fake smile, a hint of defiance in his eyes.

Ryker's expression remained stoic, but his mind seethed with resentment.

"Enjoy being the Alpha while it lasts, Elisa," he thought, his mental voice dripping with malice. "I won't let you rule over me. You're weak, inexperienced, and blind to the pack's true needs."

As he gazed at Elisa, a calculating glint flickered in his eyes. "She thinks she can lead, but I'll show her the true meaning of power."

Ryker's attention shifted to Emilia, seated beside him. Her loyalty wavered, and he knew it. A subtle whisper in her ear, a carefully crafted lie, and she'd doubt Elisa's ability to lead.

Ryker's confidence grew. "It's only a matter of time before the pack realizes Elisa's incompetence. And when they do, I'll be ready."

His gaze drifted to Rolly, clinging to his arm. "My dear daughter, you'll be the key to my ascension. Your innocence and chance

The pack's collective howl echoed through the night, a triumphant declaration that resonated deep within Elisa's soul.

"The Alpha's legacy lives on!" Orion, the Beta, proclaimed. "Elisa, daughter of Alpha Regis, shall lead our pack!"

Emilia's eyes shone with relief, her smile genuine. For a moment, she forgot Ryker's whispered threats and reveled in the peaceful transition of power.

Ryker's expression, however, told a different story. His smile seemed forced, his eyes flashing with anger. But he remained still, biding his time.

Elisa stood tall, her voice carrying across the gathering. "I vow to honor my father's legacy, to protect and serve our pack with strength and wisdom."

The pack's cheers and howls intensified, their enthusiasm infectious. Elijah stepped forward, his eyes shining with pride.

"Long live Alpha Elisa!" he shouted, his voice blending with the chorus.

As the celebration continued, Emilia leaned into Ryker, her voice barely audible.

"I'm glad you didn't cause a scene. Maybe this is the start of something new for us."

Ryker's response was a cold, calculating smile. "This is far from over," he whispered, his eyes locked onto Elisa.