The closer we got to the training area, the more we could hear the sounds of warriors engaging in sparring—groans of exertion, the sounds of bodies colliding, and infrequent exclamations resonated about us. This arena was a large enclosure in which the members of the pack fought and practiced, fenced by lumber. I was filled with apprehension and glee as I entered at the same time with Lucian.“Do not forget to be courteous. These are the fiercest fighters in our pack,” Lucian cautioned in a serious voice.“I’ll remember,” I said and set my jaw. “Still, first, it is important that I send the appropriate message if I expect them to take me seriously.”“Don’t worry; we all know you will do it anyway.” Lucian smiled at me with a look, which was supposed to be calming. “They will appreciate you for that.”We stepped further in the arena, and some heads turned our way. Additionally, I could spot a number of warriors huddled together and quietly talking with their gazes jumping from Lucian t
The following days went by in a flash as I dedicated myself to finding out everything I could about the rogues and how they operated. With the help of the warriors, I gathered relevant information that Gina and Lucian insisted on seeing. They both appeared to appreciate my work, which made me more ambitious to show that I am worth it.“Ruby, this is fantastic work,” Lucian said and verified the documents I was presenting. “This can assist us in forming a plan.”“Thanks! I was simply pursuing what the warriors had already told me. They provided useful information,” I said, feeling a bit proud.“And you have turned that information into something tactical,” Gina said, approvingly. “If we can find out the way the rogues behave, then we can predict where they will go.”“I am happy that both of you think so,” I said, smiling. “I only want to ensure the safety of everyone.”“On that note of assuring everyone’s security, we need to talk about the upcoming pack meeting and what needs to be do
The aftermath of the pack meeting had me in an emotional, bygone state. I was finally starting to get to the position I had wanted within the pack members, and I could sense the shift in the atmosphere. There started to be rumors about my part in the rogue investigation, and even some of the warriors who had doubted me I could tell where beginning to warm up to me.While making my way through the pack house, I caught some snippets of people saying nice things about me.“Did you hear about Ruby? She has been working on the rogues.”“Yeah, it seems so. I guess she is not as dim-witted as we thought.”I grinned to myself, their words cheering me up. The burden of being, ‘the Ruby of Blue Sky’ was finally getting divorced and I was beginning to wear my own crown.One afternoon, I found myself in the kitchen, cooking with my friend, Sierra. She was still high from the party that had ended the day before, and her mood was excellent as she began cutting vegetables.“Ruby! You won’t believe w
My breath quickened at the news. “What? Since when? How many of them?”“It’s only a few of them, but they’re fast. We must hurry,” the warrior responded, eyes stretching in panic.“Mobilize the warriors and get them ready for a patrol,” Lucian gave the command in a strong voice. “I want every warrior prepared to deploy.”“Yes, Alpha!” the warrior reacted immediately and dashed out to gather the warriors.Lucian gazed at me, this time more urgently. “Ruby, I do not want you to get involved. This may get rough.”I violently recoiled, the rush of power flooding through my veins. “No chance. If I intend to secure a place in this pack, I have to be in this fight. I can assist.”“Ruby, this is not fun. It’s dangerous outside,” Lucian admonished, the look on his face already showing worry.“I comprehend the dangers involved, but I will not sit on the sidelines anymore. If there is any information or assistance that I can provide, I want to be present,” I emphasized, my voice resolute. “Fine
The days that followed our encounter with the rogues was a mad rush of activities. The pack was cautious and I was at the center of it all. It was upon Lucian’s orders that I was to be part of any and all considerations regarding the threat posed by the rogues and I was going to do everything to earn that faith.“Ruby, you’re going to sit in on the strategy meeting today,” Lucian said one morning as we stood outside the training arena. It was bright outside with the sounds of the warriors, who had started their daily training, echo in the surroundings.“Me? For real?” I said, almost gleefully. “What if they don’t wish me to attend?”“They’ll have to manage it. You’ve already earned your stripes and it is important you take part in the conversations,” he replied, turning serious. “Moreover, there is a chance you could help us.”“Sure. Very helpful.” I said, feeling nervous and excited all at once. “And what if I make a fool of myself?”“Don’t think like that. Just speak how you feel an
In the next few days, I found myself getting busier as I concentrated on training and collecting more information regarding the rogue threat. The entire pack was already enthusiastic about the upcoming birthday celebrations for Lucian, myself however – I put my head down and focused only on work. I was hell-bent on proving my worth to the Blood Moon pack.It was still dawn when I returned to the training arena, practicing my moves. The sun had just started to rise giving the arena a golden glow. I was in my zone when all of a sudden, I heard some footsteps coming closer.“Hi, Ruby!” a bright voice interrupted my focus. I turned and Timothy was running towards me with a huge smile plastered on his face.“Tim! What’s the matter?” I asked wiping away the sweat from my face.“I just woke up and wanted to check on you. You were looking so good at the party!” he bubbled with glee.“Thanks! I am just trying to catch up with the rest,” I said blushing at his compliment. “And you? Is fight pra
In the next few days, there was too much activity orientated towards the birthday celebration of Lucian. The pack was too busy and I was also on the whirlwind. Everyboody was very happy to help out with the preparation and I also wanted to do my part.“Ruby, I need help with these decorations,” Sierra called me over as I passed the common room.“Sure! I’m always up for helping with decorations,” I said, rushing toward her. The woman was quite surrounded with women. Moreover, I could see streamers and banners ready to be fixed.“Perfect! I need a spare pair of hands,” Sierra said gleefully. “We have to make sure that everything is perfect for Lucian.”“Bring it on!” I responded and reached for some of the flowers. “What is the mission?”‘We are going to place these flowers at the entrance, like along the door and arrange some of the tables for the snacks,’ Sierra said excitedly. ‘I want everything to be good.’‘Good it is! Let’s begin,’ I answered, filled with the zeal to do the work.
In the subsequent days, there was training after training on a different strategy, and interaction with the fighters. I was beginning to feel that I belong to the Blood Moon pack, and I was ready to show myself to be worth it.One of those boring afternoons, I was in the family area skimming through some combat strategies. Just when I was about to deeply engross myself into the book, Lucian appeared, beaming from ear to ear.“You do seem to be busy,” he remarked lazily, as he casually positioned himself against the door frame.“Just trying to read as much as possible,” I answered, my eyes not leaving the book. “Why are you here?”“Thought I’d check in on you. How’s the training going?” he inquired while moving a little closer to me.“Great! I’ve been training with the warriors, and they’ve really helped me. I think I Am beginning to figure things out,” I said with a sense of pride that made even my chest swell.“That is good news. You have come very far from when you first came,” Luci