The Challenger
1131 Words
*Third person’s point of view*
The loud knocks on the door interrupted Aurora before her words could reach Jonah. Her throat felt dry all of a sudden and her heart was beating faster than ever. She was so close to saying those three very important words to him, but the noise coming from the door startled her and now she was in a state of shock.
When Jonah went to open the door she turned to face the window and tried to regain her composure as soon as possible. As the door opened there was a familiar voice that said something implicating Aurora.
“Sorry for the bother, but I was told Aurora wanted to meet with me in here.”
Aurora turned around and Richard was at the door spitting out false words that made her look guilty in front of Jonah’s eyes.
“Really? You were told that my wife wanted to meet you? Aurora, is this true?”
“No. Richard I think you were misinformed. Who told you that I wanted to meet you?”
“Ahh … that was your sister, but I forgot her name, sorry about that.”
“Right … Richard, since my wife doesn’t want to see you. You may leave.”
Richard didn’t say another word. He smiled at Aurora and Jonah, leaving them both in a very confused state. When the door closed Aurora waited for Jonah to say something to her, but he simply returned to his desk and continued to read over some papers. Aurora didn’t want him to get angry again so she took the initiative to speak.
“Jonah, you couldn’t have possibly believed what he said. I never asked him to meet me anywhere, especially not here. I only came here because I wanted to see you and talk about what happened.”
“I believe you. Don’t worry. For now we need to focus on the ceremony, we will deal with this some other time.”
“Oh, Okay.”
“Shall we go then?”
“Yes.”
Jonah and Aurora walked out of his office and headed towards the ballroom together where their guests were waiting for them to begin the ceremony. Aurora’s family was already in the ballroom when they entered and her father was talking to the Alphas of the Corin and Argils packs who were accompanied by their Lunas. They walked over to them first and Jonah greeted them.
“Alpha Louis, Luna Glenn and Alpha Albert, Luna Victoria, allow me to properly introduce to you my wife, Aurora Nahrwold, daughter of Alpha Nahrwold, and after this evening, the Luna of the Archer and Arcada packs.
“It’s an honor to meet you Miss Aurora. I see now why your father kept you hidden from the public eye for so long, you are a radiant beauty.”
“You’re too kind Alpha Louis. I hope things are well back at Argils.”
“I agree with my good friend Louis. Aurora, it’s very nice to see you again. Last time I visited Arcada you were only a little girl, but now I look forward to working together to make our packs prosper even more.”
“It’s very nice to see you too Alpha Albert. I wasn’t able to greet you all properly the last time you visited Arcada and I apologize for that.”
“Don’t worry lass, I presumed you were busy then, but you're making up for it right now.”
“Thank you for understanding.”
“Aurora dear, I almost didn’t recognize you. It really has been far too long. I can’t help but wonder what my Andres would look like now since you two were the same age.”
“Darling, let’s not fill Aurora’s head with worrisome thoughts. It’s a very important night for her.”
“No, please Luna Victoria, continue. Andres was my friend when we were young. It makes me happy to talk about him even if it’s just listening to the stories from our past. I know that you haven’t found him, but don’t give up. We need to have faith in Andres. He will return home.”
“You are too kind my dear, but my husband has a point. Right now is not the time to talk about our lives. You know what would make me very happy though? Certain news about the future heir of Arcada and Archer.”
When Aurora realized what Luna Victoria meant by future heir, she turned bright red.
“Oh umm… well I-I“
“Don’t worry Luna Victoria, it won’t be too long.”
With a smug look on his face, Jonah gave them the response that they all wanted to hear and soon enough, they were cheering and coming up with baby names. Aurora stayed in place trying to think of a way to evade more of the baby questions, but when Jonah noticed her uneasiness, he made up an excuse and the two of them stepped away from the social circle.
“Are you okay?”
“Huh? Oh, yes I’m fine. It’s all just a bit overwhelming that’s all.”
“Don’t worry. I just gave them that answer to avoid further questions. I don’t want you to feel pressured to do anything you don't want to.”
“Thank You.”
Jonah’s words helped calm Aurora, whose hands were already sweaty from having them in tight fists. They continued to walk around and greet their guests until the four elders arrived. There was one from each pack and they overlooked all the ceremonies of the Alphas and their Lunas. They were selected by the very first Alphas themselves and their only job was to witness this specific ceremony.
Elijah Hive was the elder of the Arcada pack. He was one hundred fifty years old and had been around since before Jonah’s grandfather took over as Alpha. Fiona Stuart was the elder of the Archer pack and she was one hundred thirty four years old. The other two elders were Luke Weaver from the Corin pack and Matilda Mason from the Argils pack who were both one hundred thirty two years old.
Everyone paid their respects to the elders and soon after that, they headed outside to the gardens. The ceremony started as soon as the sun set. Everyone took their designated seats outside while Jonah and Aurora followed the eldered to the far end of the gardens. Elder Elijah began to speak shortly afterwards.
“We have gathered here tonight to witness the rise of an Alpha and Luna. Before we proceed, is there anyone who would like to challenge Jonah Raeburn for the position as leader of the Arcada and Archer pack?”
All of the guests remained seated quietly. The elders always allowed a minute or two to pass before they proceeded with the ceremony.
“Very well, if there is no one -”
“I challenge Jonah Raeburn for the position as leader of the Arcada and Archer packs!”
“State your name sir.”
“My name is ... Andres Cordova.”
- Writer
