THE NETHER ALCHEMIST: RISE OF ZEGRATH VOID

The Alpha's mansion was bizarre with activities and so was the whole pack lands. Decorations were being made, a feast was being prepared and several other activities, all of which were in place to welcome the Alpha's new wife and the pack's new Luna.

For fifteen years, Greene Woodland Pack had remained without a Luna. Ever since Alpha Ron Greene's wife passed away mysteriously, the Alpha had devoted all his time to building up his pack to be one of the best in the woods. And building up his son to be a better Alpha than he was. He made sure he and his son didn't get submerged in the sorrow of losing a wife and a mother. It was a hard process but it was worth it.

Would Greene Woodland Pack be able to boast of their material and human resources if Ron had lost his will after losing his wife?

And would he have been able to boast of a son who could raise his head high in any situation and make him proud at all times if he had chosen to grieve instead of live?

The answers were no. So everytime Ron thought about it, he knew the pain of hiding the pain he had felt was worth it.

He had learnt to live with the pain and eventually, he couldn't feel it anymore. But it was time to let go of the last bit he was holding onto. It was time to finally take a new wife.

Ron met Sylvia at a birthday party. She had caught his eye at first glance and after talking to her, Ron was long gone, lost in love. It was love at first sight. He didn't even mind that she already had a daughter the age range of his son. Afterall, he had a son too.

And now they were getting married.

His son, Chase hadn't protested at all which didn't come as a surprise. Ron knew Chase very well. He knew a lot on how to hide his emotions, probably even more than his father. The more anyone tried to get them out of him, the more they stayed hidden. That was how he had grown up, never crying as a child for anything. He was always on his own, quiet and unconcerned.

Even today, Chase was very much unconcerned about the activities going on in his pack. He had been in his part of the mansion all day with no intentions of attending the big occasion, going on with his daily activities like nothing was happening. The servants were all wondering but none of them dared to say anything. Not until the Alpha himself came to his son. Everyone simply concluded that this rather aloof master of theirs would finally be rebuked by his father.

" Father, you should have called me" Chase said as he sighted his father.

Alpha Ron sighed.

" Chase, my wife-to-be is coming home today" he said. His hand was crossed at his back, his posture fit for that of a king.

" I know" Chase's response was airy.

" You should be with me. Why would I have to call you?"

" Pardon me Father but I have work to handle out of the pack today, I'm afraid I won't be able to attend the ceremony"

" I see... What work is that? I remember asking for everything to be suspended"

" You did Father but this is personal"

Alpha Ron stayed silent for a while. His expression turned stern.

" Chase, the whole woods is going to be here. Every wolf I know will be here, except my son. How's that supposed to look?"

" Father..."

" Listen to me Chase, there will be dire consequences if you miss this occasion. And that's just me trying to look out for you. I'm letting go and you have to too"

Chase chuckled lightly. Right! He thought! His father was definitely looking out for him.

He lowered his head and mumbled,

" What if I don't want to?"

Alpha Ron heaved. He motioned for everyone to leave the room. They all scurried out leaving just the both of them.

" Chase, son... It's been fifteen years" Alpha Ron said. His expression had softened, for this was a pain he shared.

Chase chuckled, an ironically painful one .

" It's not long enough" he said, " Neither is twenty or thirty years father. Forever isn't enough"

" Chase..."

" I know, I know you have to move on. I know you have to let go, the pack needs a Luna and all that. I know, I get it, I'm not blaming you but I'm not ready to move on yet. I'm not ready to let go yet, let me hold unto the last bit of the memories I have, that's all I ask for. Being part of this would be wrong to mum"

Alpha Ron was moved. It was the first time in so long that Chase had talked to him informally, like he was his father and not just an Alpha.

" No Chase. That's where you're wrong. Mum would want you to be part of this"

Chase sighed tiredly.

" How would you know?"

" I do. The only thing your mother would want is for you to be happy"

" Please son, do not miss this occasion. Your stepmother and stepsister are eager to meet you"

After saying this, Alpha Ron took his leave. Chase sighed heavily. His chest felt heavy, one of the disadvantages of keeping the emotions locked in. He had a lot he wanted to say but... just but.

" You okay man?" a tiny voice said in Chase's head. It was his wolf, Tyga.

" I will be" Chase responded. He didn't say it out loud.

" Maybe you should just attend. We don't want trouble with your father now, do we?" Tyga said.

Chase let out an aggrieved heave.

" Fine!"

Then to the servants who had just come in.

" Prepare me an outfit"

***

Calming music soared through the speakers, echoing in the huge hall. The dancing floor sparkled with lights, waiters and waitresses in black were everywhere. It was an all-white party, the colour blending with the colourful lights decorating the hall. Everyone was chattering with one another, they all looked excited. And as his father had said, the place was full with all the wolves they knew and beyond.

Chase didn't take the scowl off his face as he walked into the massive hall. He was dressed in a black shirt and pants, the first two buttons of his shirt undone to reveal a perfectly toned chest. His hair was ruffled in a handsome mess. With the frown on his face, he gave off a 'handsome dictator ' kind of vibe.

He was dressed as the waiters but everyone knew him, everyone knew the Alpha's son. He stood out in the crowd, making everyone stare.

" Chase..." It was his father calling to him.

Chase walked towards him.

" You're late but I'm glad you're here" Alpha Ron said.

Beside him was a woman. Her dress was flying around her, along with her hair. Her skin was a pale yellow and she had a set of dazzling white teeth. She was smiling widely at Chase.

So she was to be the replacement. Chase thought.

" Chase, meet Sylvia. Your stepmother-to-be"

" Hello Chase" Sylvia said. Her voice was high-pitched.

" Hello" Chase responded laconically.

Sylvia frowned slightly, exchanging looks with Ron. Ron shook his head at her telling her not to worry.

" It's nice to finally meet you Chase" Sylvia said, smiling again.

" My daughter has been so eager to meet you. Where is she?" Sylvia began looking around and then her eyes lit up,

" There she is" she waved her hand at someone, her smile wide.

Chase followed her eyes and as his eyes fell on her, his wolf roared in his mind.

" Mate!"