- Test of Trust -
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As Samuel and the Alpha walked silently along the narrow trail back to the main den, tension hung in the air like a heavy mist. The cold wind slipped through the mountains, gently rustling the dry leaves, until the Alpha finally broke the silence with a stern, almost fatherly tone:
— I leave you in charge for a few hours and I come back to this? — he said, not raising his voice, but letting his frustration show. — I trusted you to keep things under control, Samuel… not to stir up trouble.
Samuel remained silent, absorbing the words with respect. He knew there was no point in defending himself yet.
— You know how delicate the situation is right now. We can't afford unnecessary fights. Now tell me: what exactly happened?
Samuel responded calmly:
— He thought I was threatening the mentor and came at me aggressively. I wasn't about to submit to that.
The Alpha sighed deeply, his expression shifting from irritation to something more understanding.
— I see. But Samuel, you must remember that many wolves still see you as a threat — especially because you're human, and because of the war. I chose you as my beta because I know you're capable of seeing beyond appearances, of respecting everyone equally. But respect goes both ways. To be respected, you must also give respect. Are we clear?
Samuel nodded in agreement, showing he understood.
The Alpha relaxed a bit and changed the subject.
— Good. Let's focus on something else. We're almost there, and I'd like to share some news from a meeting I had earlier.
— May I ask you something first? — Samuel asked.
— Of course. What is it?
Samuel hesitated, but soon spoke:
— On the day of the attack, I found a pup who managed to escape. When I got close to the bodies, a she-wolf — the alpha — was still alive. She kept saying just one thing: telling the pup to run. I promised I'd take care of him. Then… I watched the light fade from her eyes. Since then, I've felt the need to keep that promise. And when I saw the pup again, he had the same eyes as my brother. I may have lost my family, but I don't want him to go through the same.
The Alpha listened closely, his eyes softening with the memory of the lost alpha.
— That was Lua. She was loved by all — full of light and magic. If you want to care for the pup in her honor, I won't stop you. But remember, Samuel: you're the beta now. You have responsibilities.
Samuel nodded with determination.
— You can see him tomorrow morning — the Alpha continued. — But now, I need to update you on some important changes within the pack structure.
Back at the den, the Alpha summoned a magical projection showing a map of the territory.
— There was a recent conflict with a rogue alpha, which forced us to restructure the leadership of a new pack. There will now be three main regions, each led by an alpha and their beta. I'll lead one of them — the southern region — and you'll be my beta there.
Samuel reflected on what that meant and raised a concern:
— Don't you think... me being human could be a problem in a new territory?
— Don't worry — the Alpha replied with confidence. — If our pack accepts hybrids, there's no reason to reject you. My decision is final.
After a brief silence, the Alpha continued:
— Tomorrow is the Night of the Moon. A sacred time for us all. A moment of peace. You'll have time to visit the pup. Enjoy it. What do you think?
— I think it's a good idea — Samuel replied.
The Alpha smiled gently and, before leaving, added:
— I've got a few duties tonight and might return late. Feel free to rest. I left some food in the other room for you. Enjoy.
As the Alpha left, Samuel leaned quietly against the wall of the den, the silence wrapping around him. He served himself the food left behind and ate slowly, his thoughts drifting back to the fight earlier that day.
"Something felt strange during that moment… like time around me slowed down. It must have been a reflection of my powers," he thought.
Finally, exhausted, he laid down, letting his thoughts fade as the darkness of night embraced his senses. Soon, sleep overcame him, carrying him into a much-needed and peaceful rest.
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