HOWLIN VIGIL

As Lyrien walked back into the dark room, there was a total silent

''Why isn't he returning to his pack?'' I asked Josh as my curiosity got piqued.

''He's been banned from the pack,'' Josh revealed, his voice full of sorrow.

''But...his power is so unparalleled, I thought he was the Alpha of his pack when I first see him' I stammered, struggling to comprehend.

''He's a living legend who achieved Alpha status mere years after birth,'' Josh explained, his words were weaving a mysterious tapestry.

''This is unbelievable...why would someone be born with such immense power?'' I was surprised

''He's been wanted, been forced to roam the lands,'' Josh said.

''Then who will inherit his pack?' I pressed on.

''His brother, Erin, a leader yet to be proven,'' Josh replied, his eyes clouding with a mix of emotions, his voice trailing off into the night.

Soon the midnight hour crept in, and the creaking of the door signaled Lyrien's return.

I lay awake, lost in thought, and our eyes met in the dim light.

''You're still awake?'' he asked, a hint of surprise in his voice.

''Thoughts keep me company,'' I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. He sat beside me, his presence a comforting warmth.

''Despite his abandonment, his death still make me feel sad,'' he confessed, his voice laced with a deep sorrow.

"I'm forced to mourn from a distance, I still won't be allowed to attend his funeral.' I listened, unsure of how to ease his pain, as the weight of his words hung in the air, 'Would you like a drink?' he offered, his gaze searching for a connection."

As we sipped our drinks, the silence between us grew comfortable, like a warm embrace.

Lyrien's eyes sparkled with curiosity, his voice low and gentle, as he asked, ''What's your story? How did you end up in that place?'' I hesitated, then my hand reached for another bottle, before I start speaking, "I was never meant to be born."

Lyrien's expression softened, he speak with empathy, ''no one I cursed to be born, we are all to be treated equally.'' His words sound familiar resonating with my own pain.

For a moment, we didn't look like strangers, but a kindred spirits, connected by our own shared struggles. The lullaby playing from downstairs became a serenade, it is soothing melody that suspended the time.

The night, once foreboding, now felt endless, a canvas waiting to be filled with stories, secrets of a new dawn.

As I heard croaking of cock, I woke up and was to the situation I found myself i was wrapped in Lyrien's embrace, our naked bodies entwined.My mind raced with disbelief, ''Did I really mate with him?''.

The thought sent my heart racing, my pulse pounding in my veins.

I couldn't recall the details of the night, but the evidence was clear.

Lyrien's gentle snores and the warmth of his body against mine told a story I couldn't ignore.

A mix of emotions swirled inside me - surprise, confusion, and a hint of excitement. I lay there, frozen, trying to process the unexpected turn of events.

"Are you awake?" Lyrien murmured from his sleep in husky voice.

I was embarrassed ,I couldn't deny the attraction, but everything was happening too fast.

''You were really something else last night,' he said, a sly smile spreading across his face. I bristled, trying to maintain my dignity.

''Must you say everything?'' I protested, my voice firm.

''Why shouldn't I?' he countered, his eyes filled with amusement.

''Haven't you forgotten how you reacted last night?'' His words struck a nerve, and I wanted to defend myself but he just throw another bomb.

''Was it your first time?'' he asked, his tone gentle but probing.

My mind raced with thoughts if I made mistake during the mating? I lashed out, trying to divert the conversation.

''I've been locked up my whole life, okay?'' I snapped, my anger masking a deeper discomfort.

Lyrien chuckled, his eyes glinting with mirth.

''Well, you handled your beer like a pro, especially for your first time. You really can hold your liquor well."

I got myself thinking he had been talking about alcohol all along? "Are you referring to alcohol, all this while?" I asked.

Lyrien sat up, his expression playful. "Of course, what did you think I meant?" he said, his words dripping with amusement.

I felt my face burn with embarrassment, unable to respond, I didn't know how to process the unexpected turn of our conversation.

"Then why am I naked?" I asked, I am more confused and embarrassed.

Lyrien's expression was embarrassing as he asked, ''You really don't remember anything, do you?''

I shook my head, feeling a sense of unease wash over me.

''You and Josh must be really past life siblings, forgetting everything after just a few drinks,'' he added, he stood up and walked away, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

Just then, the haunting howls of wolves echoed through the air, it's a mournful melody for people of the pack.

"The Howling Vigil,' Lyrien whispered,

"What's that?" I asked

"We need to go," he said, walking to the car. Josh was already in the driver's seat waiting for us. He didn't even replied.

The entire city seemed to be in mourning, as nearly everyone felt compelled to pay their respects to the bereaved family.

Josh drove us to the cemetery, Lyrien was silent throughout.

When we reached , Lyrien's eyes fixed on the grave where his father would be laid to rest from afar, his body frozen in place, unable to move forward as he can't be allowed to bee seen in the pack.

He watched, his eyes brimming with tears, as the final burial rites were performed, the sound of the howling wolves a poignant accompanied the sorrowful scene.

Just when we are driving back to the house, I was feeling unease in my stomach.

At each bus stop, I noticed my father's security team scrutinizing every passing car, they were scanning every car passing

And then, I saw the photo they held, itwas my photo my heart skipped a beat as reality hit me like a ton of bricks.

It was then I knew my father had finally made his move, and he was looking for me. I had forgotten, momentarily, I am someone not to be in th midst of people as I possess threat that could end their life but my presence by Lyrien side had made me forget for a brief moment, who I truly was and what the impending crescent moon had in store for me.

"Am I caught?" The fear of being dragged back to the shackles, the eerie screams of the malevolent energy within the Tower Gate, sent shivers down my spine. My heart raced with dread as I hesitated, my hand trembling like a leaf as I reached for the button to lower the window.

The security officer's voice cut through the air, firm and commanding, ''Lower your glass.''

My mind raced with worst-case scenarios, my breath caught in my throat, my eyes fixed on the officer's stern expression.