1. An Alpha Is Dead

The wind blew rustling leaves as Natalie Kane sat on the very peak of a hill, staring at the beautiful view. She loved coming to the hill because it reminded her of the beauty of nature and the essence of life. The hill was known as The Wall by the rest of the pack because it separated the Deadbolt pack from other packs, but she named the hill, Life because of the feeling it gave her. She always felt more alive whenever she was up there, all her nerves were more alert and she felt a supreme sense of comfort.  

     As she sat at the peak of the hill, she sighted Arie, her best friend, running from afar and screaming her name. Natalie sighed in annoyance, she hated it when she was interrupted by someone whenever she was on Life(the hill). As Arie grew closer, Natalie began to notice the panic in Arie's voice. She stood up in alert, picked her arrow and ran down the hill.  

    As she ran towards Arie, she wondered on what would make Arie so scared to interrupt her meditation on the hill. Although, Arie got frightened easily, she had never interrupted Natalie's meditation before.  

       As Arie grew a lot closer, Natalie noticed her red and puffy face and that her chubby cheeks were wet with flowing tears. Natalie hugged Arie and patted her consolingly on her back, whispering the words; "it's alright,whatever it is, you're gonna be fine. It's all okay." even without knowing what the issue was. 

“It's not about me, Natty.”  

 Natalie's heart skipped for a second, then she said in a calm tone, though deep down she wasn't calm at all. “OK, what is it then?” 

      Arie moved away from Natty's arms and looked at her in a way Natty had never seen. "It's Yvonne." 

     Yvonne!!! What could have happened to Yvonne? She thought. 

"What happened?" 

    Arie broke into uncontrollable tears and cried out in a loud voice; "She is dead, Yvonne is dead!" 

Natalie's head went blank immediately, it felt like the world was upside down, Arie's loud cries seemed like distant murmurs. Then a thought of relief came to her. What if it was another Yvonne, maybe it was the new cook named Yvonne. Of course, how can an Alpha of a great pack die all of a sudden. 

With a shaking voice, Natalie managed to ask; "Which Yvonne are you talking about?" 

      Arie teary eyes were fixed on Natalie, and in those eyes she found the answer, even before Arie cried out her name. 

     For a moment, the world felt empty, all she could hear was the repetition of Arie's voice, saying; Yvonne Ney is dead, 

Yvonne Ney is dead, 

Yvonne Ney is dead,…

Handogan Kane, Alpha of the Deadbolt pack, 

stood before his son,Oritz Kane and some of his trusted guards and advisors. He stared at the few people gathered before him and then he noticed the absence of his dearest daughter, Natalie. 

        "Where is Natalie?" Handogan said in a thunderous voice. 

      A few of the advisors shook fearfully and looked around like they were just noticing her absence. Finally, Oritz said in a calm but mocking tone, "She is most likely on a hill listening to the morning tweeters and staring at gardens from afar like the little princess that she is." 

      "Has she been told about what just happened to our dearest Yvonne." Handogan said in a tough but calmer voice, trying to hide his disappointment. 

       "Yes, Father," Oritz said happily. "I sent a few guards to alert her about two hours ago, I guess her absence means she isn't really concerned about the demise of Yvonne Ney."  

     A few murmurs arose in the hall, as advisors and guards whispered to one another. Oritz was having a good time watching the sudden murmurs, perhaps everyone will see that the all-perfect princess wasn't so perfect after all.  

     The murmurs ceased as Handogan cleared his throat loudly to get everyone's attention. "As the new tradition entails, we will have to travel to the Furnace pack lands for the burial. We have just a couple of hours to prepare as it will be in our favour to arrive…" At that moment, Natalie walked into the hall with Arie right behind her. "before nightfall." 

    Natalie unaware of what had transpired few minutes ago was comported and elegant as always and it seemed like she wasn't even affected by the great loss of a woman who was the only thing close to a mother she had ever had. Natalie had never been the type to show her emotions, even though she had a hole in her heart, she still acted normal and unaffected. 

       "See who came back from her birdwatching. Anyways, welcome back, you came just in time." Oritz said with a half smile across his mouth.  

    Natalie knew about her brother's dislike for her so she didn't react. 

     Handogan continued talking, "Although, this time, something weird has happened. The Skull pack has decided to come along." 

    Natalie gasped in fear, and so did the rest. Although, the Deadbolt pack were seen as the strongest(mostly because of their number), the Skull pack were known for their wickedness and bloodthirstiness.  

     Handogan was aware of the dangers involved but he couldn't break tradition by not going, apart from that, Yvonne Ney was almost like a sister to him, and took the role of mother for his children, he had to honour her burial.  

     "Father, are you really sure about what you are saying." Natalie asked with fear written across her face.  

       "My most reliable source informed me earlier today, and he said that he was hundred percent certain about it." 

       Oritz who seemed like the most afraid person in the hall said in panic, "I don't think we should go, father. From what I have heard the Skull pack are highly dangerous." 

         For the first time, Old Lord Renobic,  Handogan's main advisor, spoke up. "If you will adhere, it will be in our best interests not to go, at least not today." 

        "I know the risks involved, Reno." Handogan said, the folding of his forehead made it visible that he was thinking really hard on what to do. After a few minutes, he said in a firm and authoritative voice, "Ready the horses, we travel by night fall." 

       "But, father…"  

 "It's final, so get ready." Handogan said cutting Oritz off. He walked back  into his study room and slammed the door shut.

The big black horses barely made any sound, there was no conversation among the big guards who had large scary tattoos around them.  

     Leading the guards, were four people on black horses; Demenicus Darke, the alpha of the skull pack, Simion and Euvene Darke, the alpha first twin sons, and lastly Reven. F. Darke, the bastard last son of the alpha, who was known by other packs as the Deathkeeper, because of his brutality and savagery. 

       Reven. F. Darke was the youngest son of his father Demenicus Darke, and was also the son who made Demenicus proud. Unlike his brothers, Reven was a mouth dropping handsome man with  bright ocean blue eyes, sturdy and built-up body which looked as firm as a rock, awesome black hair which often glimmer under sunlight, great jawline and, full and fluffy pink lips to complement every other body characteristics.  

    Finally, the hoof-hoof -hoof sound which was the only sound the black horses made stopped as Reven Darke raised his left arm high exposing a bit of his serpent tatoo at his back, and the others halted their horses.  

         "We are at the city wall." Reven said to the rest. 

        "Thank you, Reven." Demenicus said. "We all know the plan; We go in there and we cause no trouble, and bring no attention to ourselves, while Reven and I will discuss on how to obtain the desired ornament. Remember to be vigilant of any unusual activity. They all hate us, so let's give them more reasons to hate us, because we clearly don't need their love." 

      After Demenicus speech, they all came down from their horses and walked by foot leaving their horses tied to certain trees and watched over by three guards.