The Alpha

SAELYNA

He looks different. The coat's still black as night, but his hair is slicker and everything about him seems forced. He smells like Elwyn.

I don't trust the smile he gives me, it's too casual, too fake. Too wolfish. I knew I'd see him again. I never imagined it would be like this. I never thought he'd be a wolfen.

I dust my bottoms as I stand up. If I have to escape, I have to give him the benefit of the doubt. And be a good actor. 'A settlement of wolvens', I say, 'I presume we are here to be eaten, then'. A muscle ticks in his jaw, and the smile falters a little. 'Ok', he replies, the fake smile still in place, 'I have somewhere to be, so…do what you like, which is not much, considering the circumstances. I don't care, not really'.

He turns to go, which is quite fine by me, but Cyran calls out and rises. 'Do not be offended by my sister. She's…well, just not on terms with wolvens kidnapping elves'. The man in black waves a dismissive hand. 'Whatever you think, I already care less. Like I said, I have a place to be. Enjoy your room'.

In one leap, he shoots up through the roof and out of the room. Cyran is livid when I stare at him. 'Do you realize you have the worst timing for anything?! Saelyna, that was not the time to play proud elf!' I don't know why I spoke that way, but I feel justified, all the more so when I notice he left the roof open. 'You think he left it on purpose?' 'Only one way to find out'. 'Could be a trap'. I shrug and step forward, looking up into the square of morning light that comes through. 'I'm famished already as it is. There's nothing here to eat, save you. And if it comes down to it, I have no doubt your meat would be bitter'. 'Hah. Nice to see you have not lost your sense of humour', he says dryly.

We are of one mind as he steps forward, and I hoist myself onto his shoulders. The roof is just within my reach, so I stand on the tip of my toes. It brushes against my fingers. I'm left with one alternative. 'I'll have to jump' I tell him and go for the leap before he argues.

I go through, and I grasp several thatch before gravity pulls me back. It's painful, holding on whilst the dried stalks prickle my arms. I heave myself with much effort, and am about to drop back down when a hand grips mine and hauls me out like a bag of wheat.

'You are heavier than a wolf, by the Fangs'. When I rise to look at my helper, I'm gazing into the amber eyes of the wolfen that attacked us last night.

CAIVAN

Cursed elves. Just who do they think they are? Who does she think she is? Just goes to show why being kind is not my strong suit.

The gamma and the theta wolvens are already seated in the cave when I arrive. I detect a whiff of sheep, and I can tell Ronn was here, probably sleeping in the back as usual. Normally, it would be funny. It's not, because there are more pressing matters at hand, mirrored on the elder wolvens faces.

The gamma, my great uncle, Arlon, is a bald, stooping man well into his sixties, but stronger than half the pack. His eyes are a glowing red, even when he's not transformed, and his arms look as strong as rock.

The theta, Keilen, is the polar opposite of Arlon. She's younger than I am, taller and more appealing. She inherited most of my mother's features, but she's more of a boy than a girl or a wolven. Today, her hair's shorter and she's wearing a simple light shirt and tight trouser.

I don't sit. I find it ridiculous to sit on a rock for a meeting like this, but father preaches tradition and all that wolf shit. Like I give a fuck.

I tilt my head expectantly. Arlon exchanges glances with Keilen, but I ignore this. They can keep their observations to themselves. 'How are they?' she asks. 'Elv-ish, but they'll snap out of it. Any news?' I ask. 'Your father has been requesting your presence, Caivan', Arlon interjects quietly. 'Any news?' I repeat. They exchange glances again, so I continue. 'Good. I have to head back to court now. I have gleanings of a successful project of the king that might or might not turn out to be the pack's threat. We must make haste as well. They are ready, nothing holds us back'. Keilen nods solemnly. 'I heard about Gylen', she says. 'He'll be fine. He's one of the finest wolvens I've known'. I hope.

I leave the cave and head for the woods. There is a pressing urge to see the elves, especially the one called Saelyna.

Instead, I keep in walking.

RONN