The air at Lakeville Pack, the heart of Crescent Mont Province, buzzed with excitement. The sun seemed brighter, its rays stretching into every corner, as if celebrating something special.
Five centuries ago, after the death of the Grand Alpha, the full moon refused to shine on the royal castle of Crescent Mont, keeping it in darkness. According to the stories passed down through generations, this was a sign that no new Grand Alpha could rise.
For 500 years, the royal castle, perched on the highest hill, stood in silence. Its beauty hidden by the night. People stayed away, whispering that it was haunted. Mothers even used it as a threat, warning their children to behave or they'd be sent there, to the "evil castle."
The seers of the province prayed to the goddess for answers, but she remained silent. They traveled to other lands seeking help, but found nothing.
For five hundred long years, Crescent Mont, the largest province in the kingdom, was ruled by the Council of Elders, a group of wise wolves who made laws and kept all the packs under control.
Then, three moons ago, something extraordinary happened. The full moon rose high and shone brightly on the royal castle.
It was a sight that brought joy to the people, and they gathered to witness the spectacle. This marked the end of the Council's rule and the arrival of a new Grand Alpha.
Today was the big day, the coronation. The new Grand Alpha had been chosen: Alpha Drake Campbell, son of Marcus Campbell, a Beta wolf from the Brooklyn Pack in Crescent Mont.
It should have been controversial. A Beta ruling over so many Alphas? It had never happened before. But no one questioned the goddess's decision.
The grand hall of Lakeville Pack was packed with people, all gathered to witness the historic event.
There were wolves from all walks of life. Some dressed in lavish outfits, others in simpler but still neat clothes. Outside, cars of all types were parked, luxurious, modest, and even some old beat-up ones.
At the podium stood the Alphas, their royal robes shining with authority. Each carried a staff, uniquely designed with colors and symbols that represented their packs. They were all here to witness the coronation of the new Grand Alpha.
Across from the Alphas, the Lunas sat. They wore stunning dresses, carefully made with beads and special designs, and their bodies sparkled with expensive jewelry. They were the wives of the Alphas, the true power behind the throne.
In the middle of the stage stood a beautiful golden throne. It was decorated with amazing detail, and its presence filled the room with power. On top of the throne was a golden crown, its gems shining softly in the dim light. This was the seat where Alpha Drake would sit as the new Grand Alpha.
In front of the throne was a large stand with a metal basin on top. Smoke rose from it. Inside were sacred herbs, meant to purify the throne, the crown, and the entire province.
Soft music played in the background, with vocalists and violinists filling the hall. Some people swayed to the rhythm even while seated.
Elsewhere in the building, a man stood by the window, watching the pack and the people coming and going. He wore a blue robe made of the finest fabric, covered in stone designs. He held a staff with a carving of the full moon and a wolf at the top. His fingers were adorned with rings, each symbolizing his role.
His face was serious, his brows furrowed in deep thought. He was Drake Campell, the new Grand Alpha of Crescent Mont. His coronation would happen in just a few hours.
The door opened, but he didn't turn to see who it was.
"My Alpha," a soft voice called, making him glance toward the door.
When he saw her, his cold face softened, and a smile spread across his face.
"Babe!" he whispered, his smile brightening.
She quickly walked over and wrapped her arms around him. "May the goddess be with you always," she said gently.
She was Vanessa, his fated mate, the woman he loved with all his heart. He had plans for their future, but the goddess had other plans for them.
Drake wrapped his arms around Vanessa, breathing in the scent of her hair. "Thank you, my love," he whispered softly.
She gently pulled away from him, her eyes full of concern. "You're worried again?"
He exhaled deeply, pulling her close once more. "You know I am. I'm scared," he admitted, his eyes showing the fear he tried to hide.
"I'm a Beta werewolf," he said, searching her face for understanding.
She gave him a small smile and gently brushed her thumb across his lips. "You didn't choose yourself. She chose you."
"I know," he replied quickly.
"But the people… It's never happened before," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.
"They're calm. They're happy," she reassured him, trying to ease his worries.
"I have this strange feeling," he said, his voice tense. "It's eating at me. Babe, I won't lie… I'm afraid." He tightened his grip on her, as if he could hold onto her to push away his fear.
"I feel like something's wrong. I feel danger. I just want to end this ceremony, send everyone away," he confessed.
For the past day, sleep had been impossible. Every time he closed his eyes, disturbing images filled his mind.
Death, screams, destruction. The feelings only grew stronger as the coronation drew closer, making his heart race with unease.
"You're not just Drake anymore. You're Grand Alpha Drake," Vanessa said softly. "Your province needs your strength and bravery."
He nodded, but his gaze fell to her belly. His hand gently touched it, his voice tender. "How's our child?" he whispered.
She was already a month pregnant when the Grand Alpha selection began, and now she was over three months along.
This wasn't the life he wanted for himself, especially not the life of a leader. He had always dreamed of a peaceful, quiet existence, but that wasn't possible now.
"He's good, happy for his father," she said, her face lighting up with a smile.
Just then, there was a knock at the door. She quickly stepped away from him.
"Come in," Drake called.
A messenger entered, bowing respectfully. "My Alpha, it's time," he said.
"I'll be out in a jiffy," he responded, before the messenger exited the room.
Meanwhile, in another part of the province, a man paced the room, his expression dark. Several men in black surrounded him, their presence threatening.
The man stopped and let out a cruel laugh.
"We are Alpha wolves. No Beta will rule us. We have to stop him!" he commanded, and the men stormed out, danger exuding from them.