The Alpha Who Had No Wolf

Chapter 4: Blood on the Border

The Council Chamber erupted into chaos.

"The Shadow Claw Pack hasn't dared invade our lands in decades," Elder Selene said, her voice tight with alarm.

"They would never march with an army unless someone united them," Rowan added grimly.

Alpha Magnus turned to the bloodied scout.

"How far are they from the northern village?"

"Less than an hour, Alpha," the scout gasped. "They burned the watchtowers... no survivors."

A heavy silence settled over the room.

Magnus looked at his commanders.

"Sound the war horns. Every warrior capable of fighting is to report to the northern gate immediately."

The commanders bowed and rushed out.

Within moments, the deep roar of war horns echoed across Moonfang Village.

The sound froze the blood of every pack member.

War had come.

Kael stepped outside the council hall and watched as the peaceful village transformed into a battlefield.

Warriors strapped swords to their backs.

Archers filled their quivers.

Women and children hurried towards the underground shelters.

Smoke from the blacksmith's forge rose high into the sky as fresh weapons were hammered into shape.

Fear hung over the village like a storm cloud.

"Kael!"

He turned.

His mother hurried towards him, her face pale.

"I heard the war horns."

"They're attacking the northern border."

She grabbed both of his hands.

"Promise me you won't go."

He lowered his eyes.

"I have to help."

"You're not a warrior."

"I may not have a wolf..."

He looked towards the northern mountains.

"...but this is still my home."

Before Elara could answer, another voice interrupted.

"You still think you're one of us?"

Rylan approached with several young warriors behind him.

Unlike before, there was no mocking smile.

Only contempt.

"You'll only get in the way."

Kael met his stare.

"I'm not asking your permission."

Rylan stepped closer.

"If you die today..."

He leaned in until only Kael could hear.

"...don't expect anyone to mourn you."

With that, he walked away.

Kael watched him disappear into the gathering army.

Something about Rylan's words bothered him.

Not because they hurt.

Because they no longer did.

By sunset, the Moonfang warriors had reached the northern border.

The forest was unnaturally quiet.

Trees lay splintered across the ground.

The scent of blood filled the air.

Bodies of Moonfang scouts were scattered among the broken branches.

Some had never even drawn their weapons.

Magnus knelt beside one of them.

"They were ambushed."

A low growl spread through the warriors.

Then—

A howl echoed across the valley.

One.

Then another.

Then hundreds.

From the darkness between the trees, glowing eyes appeared.

Green.

Gold.

Red.

An endless sea of wolves emerged from the shadows.

At their head stood a massive black wolf with silver scars crossing his face.

"The Shadow Claw Alpha," Magnus whispered.

The enemy Alpha shifted into human form.

He was tall, muscular, and wore dark armour stained with old blood.

He smiled.

"Magnus."

"You've crossed into my territory."

"I have."

"You've broken the ancient treaty."

"I did."

Magnus narrowed his eyes.

"You've come to die."

The black-armoured Alpha laughed.

"No."

He raised one hand.

"I've come to deliver a message."

The wolves behind him stepped aside.

A hooded figure walked forward.

Unlike the others, he moved with slow, effortless confidence.

Even the Shadow Claw Alpha bowed his head as the stranger passed.

Magnus's expression changed.

For the first time in years...

The Alpha looked afraid.

"Who are you?" Magnus demanded.

The hooded man stopped.

"I have had many names."

His voice was calm.

"But once..."

He slowly lowered his hood.

"...they called me the King's Hand."

A jagged scar ran across his face.

His eyes glowed a deep crimson.

He looked past Magnus...

...and fixed his gaze directly on Kael.

"There you are."

Kael felt his heart pound.

He had never seen this man before.

Yet the stranger smiled as though greeting an old friend.

"I've been looking for you."