Pack’s Future

Dinner Hall

The maids bustled about, arranging the lavish feast and adorning the dining hall with vibrant flowers and candles.

Elisa ensured her father, Alpha Regis, was comfortably seated before taking her place beside him.

Elijah settled into his chair, exchanging warm smiles with Elisa. The atmosphere was filled with anticipation and a sense of family reunion.

Just then, Emilia arrived with her daughter, Rolly, in tow. They bowed deeply to Alpha Regis, showing respect.

"Welcome, Emilia, Rolly," Alpha Regis said, his voice weak but warm. "Please, join us."

Emilia's gaze flicked to Ryker's empty chair, her expression tinged with concern. She guided Rolly to her seat, taking her place beside her daughter.

As the last of the family members arrived, the dining hall fell silent, awaiting Ryker's entrance. The air thickened with tension.

Elijah's warm smile accompanied his introduction. "Elisa, meet Emilia, Ryker's wife, and their adorable daughter, Rolly."

Elisa's eyes widened in surprise, her gaze shifting from Emilia to Rolly. "I'm so sorry, Emilia," she said, her voice filled with genuine warmth.

Emilia's smile dispelled any awkwardness. "It's nothing, my princess," she replied, laughing as they shared a gentle hug.

Elisa's attention turned to Rolly, who beamed with four mischievous teeth. "You're so pretty... how are you, little angel?" Elisa cooed.

Rolly's shy grin deepened, but she remained silent, clinging to her mother's hand.

"Thank you," Emilia said, her eyes shining with pride. "Rolly's a bit shy around new people."

Alpha Regis chuckled, his eyes twinkling. "I remember when Elisa was that age... full of energy and curiosity."

The table erupted into warm laughter, easing the tension. Elisa and Emilia exchanged a heartfelt glance, a newfound connection formed.

"Come on, Father," Elisa smiled, just as Ryker entered the dining hall.

The family's tradition dictated that they wait for everyone to arrive before beginning their meal. No matter the delay, they prioritized unity.

"Brother!" Elisa called out, her eyes sparkling with warmth.

Ryker feigned surprise, his expression exaggerated. "Elisa? I didn't know you were back!"

Emilia's eyes narrowed, her gaze flashing with dismay. She knew Ryker was aware of Elisa's return; his deception didn't sit well with her.

Alpha Regis's eyes, however, held a hint of skepticism. He knew Ryker's true nature, but chose to maintain peace.

Elijah's neutral expression concealed his thoughts, but his eyes lingered on Ryker, observing his brother's behavior.

"Welcome back, Elisa," Ryker continued, his tone overly enthusiastic. "We've missed you."

Elisa's smile faltered for an instant, sensing the tension.

"Thank you, Ryker. It's good to be home."

The silence that followed was palpable, until Alpha Regis spoke. "Now that we're all here, let's share a meal together."

The maid served the steaming dishes, and the family began their meal in silence. Alpha Regis's longstanding rule - "no talking while eating" - remained unbroken, a tradition Elisa cherished.

As they savored their food, the only sounds were the clinking of utensils and gentle hum of conversation from the maids in the background.

Elisa's gaze drifted to her father, her heart swelling with gratitude. This silence was more than just a rule; it was a time for reflection, for appreciating the simple joys of family and nourishment.

Elijah's eyes met Elisa's, a soft smile exchanged between them. Emilia focused on her meal, her thoughts seemingly elsewhere. Rolly mimicked her mother's actions, quietly enjoying her food.

Ryker's expression remained guarded, his eyes fixed on his plate. The tension he brought with him still lingered, but the silence temporarily soothed the air.

As they finished their meal, Alpha Regis pushed his chair back, signaling the end of the silence.

"Thank you, everyone," he said, his voice warm and weak.

Alpha Regis's words dropped like a stone into a still pond, sending ripples through the room. "Now that Elisa is back home, and I'm getting old... it's time for me to step down as Alpha."

The family's eyes snapped towards him, shock and concern etched on their faces.

"Father, I've told you not to say anything like that," Elisa protested, her voice laced with urgency. "There's no need to consider stepping down from your throne."

Elijah's brow furrowed, his eyes locked onto Alpha Regis.

"Father, we know you're old and weak. But the pack still needs your leadership."

Emilia's gaze darted between Alpha Regis and Elisa, her expression cautious. Ryker, however, remained silent, his eyes gleaming with calculation.

Alpha Regis's gentle smile eased the tension. "My children, I've made up my mind. Elisa's return marks a new era for our pack. It's time for fresh leadership."

Ryker's eyes flashed with excitement, but he swiftly veiled it behind a mask of concern. "But, Alpha... even if you want to step down, why must we wait for Elisa to return?"

Elisa's gaze pierced Ryker, sensing the duplicity behind his words.

Elijah's calm demeanor contrasted with the rising tension. "Because she's the next Alpha, bearing the Alpha's blood."

Ryker's composure shattered, his voice escalating to a shout. "She can never be the Alpha, not when I'm here – and the senior!"

Emilia's eyes widened, alarm etched on her face. "Ryker, please, don't go down this path," she implored, grasping his arm.

Ryker shook her off, his gaze cold. "You don't understand, Emilia. I've earned the right to lead. Bloodline doesn't dictate leadership."

Alpha Regis's expression turned stern. "Enough, Ryker. The pack's traditions and laws are clear: only those with Alpha blood can lead."

Elisa's voice remained steady. "Ryker, you know the laws. Why challenge them now?"

Ryker's smile twisted. "Because I've realized that tradition can be... redefined."

Alpha Regis's voice boomed through the dining hall, his authority unwavering. "I've never seen a human lead a wolf pack as their Alpha. Stop whatever you're planning, Ryker."

With a subtle nod, the guards assisted Alpha Regis to his feet, their movements swift and silent. Elisa and Elijah followed closely behind, their faces etched with concern.

Emilia's voice trembled as she approached Ryker, her hands clasped together.

"Why are you doing this, Ryker? You know how much Father hates rebellion."

Ryker's face contorted in rage, his eyes blazing like embers.

"Shut up, woman! You know nothing!" he bellowed, slamming his fist on the table. The silverware rattled, and Rolly's eyes welled up with tears.

Emilia recoiled, stung by his words. Rolly's wails filled the air as she clung to her mother's skirts.

"Ryker, please..." Emilia pleaded, but he stormed out of the dining hall, the heavy wooden doors crashing shut behind him.

The room fell silent, except for Rolly's cries. Alpha Regis's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched.

"Elisa, Elijah, we need to discuss the pack's future. Tomorrow," he said, his voice low and urgent.

Elisa nodded, her jaw set. "I'll ensure the pack's safety, Father."

Elijah's gaze lingered on Emilia and Rolly. "I'll stay with them, make sure they're protected."

As the family dispersed, Emilia's tears fell silently, her heart heavy with foreboding.