Once, I Stole A Crown

Pull It Together

The following day came in a storm of chaos. Every trade visit was a production. In every detail, my father expected perfection. Alpha Corin was a prideful sort of monster, and the rest of us existed only to make him look good. His constant goal was to remind every other pack that no matter how the world turned, strength and tradition would always win out.

To that end, Shadow Pack lived as if it existed apart from the modern world. We lived without modern luxuries, and every lack of convenience was an opportunity for our warriors to grow stronger and our women to be forced further into submission. As a result of living apart from the modern world, our parties were a spectacle unlike any other. The women that were allowed to attend wore flowing white gowns as a symbol of purity, and the men dressed in their battle gear. The celebration grounds were surrounded by gardens filled with gardenias, roses, and magnolias. The garden was home to thousands of fireflies that twinkled at sunset like fairy lights. White marble columns stood all around the perimeter, and white silks and garlands hung everywhere. Candles lit the feasting tables, and tall braziers lit the grounds.

It really was a beautiful illusion. Every bit of it was a lie designed to make Alpha Corin seem benevolent and powerful. From the outside, the women were treated well; spoiled even, with their beautiful dresses and opulent jewels, while the men looked like gods in their battle gear. Goods is what we really were. Everything about us, from our clothes to our manners, was meant to create desire.

Even the flowers had a darker purpose. They hid the scent of the women that were locked up; held prisoner until they were traded.

My duty was to make sure my sisters and cousins behaved perfectly. As much as I hated the pageantry, I wouldn't allow a single detail to lay my girls' heads on the sadist's chopping block. I made sure they were clean and dressed, with their hair in perfect order. I tended to myself last with Lily by my side as the other girls helped with the decorating.

Lily watched in awe as I twisted and braided my hair in an elegant style. "Lily," I whispered, "remember not to speak unless spoken to." She nodded. "Mind your manners and stay close in case you're called upon, but don't make yourself a nuisance." Again, she nodded. None of this was fair, but I would do what I could to spare her from the whipping cane another night. "You're sure you'll remember?" I asked.

"Yes, Scissy." She was afraid. It's so much pressure for such a young girl.

"Good girl. Now, I'll be expected to help greet our guests and cater to them, but any chance I have to get away, I'll come and find you, okay?" My promise earned me a small smile.

"We'd better go." We stood, and she wrapped her tiny hand around my pinky.

We reached the border of our land as the sun began to set, and the Brightling Pack envoy would arrive at any moment. The Brightling pack was known for their skilled craftsmen. They had traded with us in the past, supplying our pack with enchanted battle gear in exchange for warriors. This would be my first meeting with any of them. This pact was to establish trade with the new Alpha, as his parents had recently retired and had become Elders. We heard the horses before we saw the carriages. We took our places;

Mother and Father standing front and center with two of our strongest warriors on either side. I stood to the side with my sisters and cousins behind me.

Two horse-drawn carriages appeared on the horizon just as the sun disappeared behind it. My heart began to race. It was such an unusual sensation, as I typically maintained impeccable control over my composure and my emotions. For reasons I could not understand, anticipation began to eat away at me.

I wanted, needed, to take in every detail, my own observations being my only source of information, but the sound of my blood rushing in my veins was deafening. I had to do whatever I could to pull myself together. I attempted to distract myself by reciting the rules in my mind. It wouldn't just be me bearing the cane if I failed to set a good example.

It seemed like an eternity until the carriages pulled up. I kept my eyes on the ground and my head down, the very picture of submissiveness. I couldn't chance raising my head, even though it was getting difficult to breathe. I felt as though my lungs were trapped in an iron cage. I wondered briefly if I had been poisoned but chose instead to focus on the feet of our guests. We had expected four, but five sets of feet exited the carriages.

I recognized the first set of feet as being one of our warriors that had been traded to Brightling years ago. He must have been the escort. Next came three sets that could only be the Elders and Alpha of Brightling. The last set intrigued me. They were tiny; as small as Lily's even. Did the Alpha have a sister?

Introductions began immediately.

"Welcome, honored guests!" Father said with a voice like honey, dripping with fake sincerity. "I trust you had a pleasant journey?"

"Thank you, Alpha Corin, yes, the scenery was beautiful. Your hospitality is greatly appreciated," a deep, smooth voice answered. Pure adrenaline pumped through my veins at the sound of it. The rush of it was so intense that I had to hold back a whimper. It was all very unlike me. "You remember my parents, Elder Erik and Elder Mae?" he asked.

"Of course! We have enjoyed a long and fruitful relationship. How wonderful to see you again." Father clasped hands with Elder Erik. "And congratulations, Alpha Luca, on your ascension! I hope we will enjoy an equally fruitful relationship." Father held his hand out to my mother. "May I present my mate, Aerie?" Mother curtsied gracefully beside him. "And my eldest daughter, Scissera."

I curtsied as gracefully as I could manage, pouring all of my focus into the movement. Alpha Luca stepped in front of me.

"I've heard rumors of the quicksilver eyes of the Shadow family. Forgive my rudeness, but could I not see yours for myself?" he asked gently. His voice seemed to shake, and an anxiety that rivaled my own was rolling off of him.

Not wanting to set a bad example and earn my girls a beating, I looked to Father for permission. His eyes narrowed slightly, but he gave a short nod, and I looked into the visiting Alpha's pale blue eyes. My breath left me in a whoosh, and I became lightheaded. My vision swam, and I felt myself start to sway. I couldn't understand why I was losing control like this. I couldn't let myself make Father look bad.

"Are you alright, Scissera?" Alpha Luca reached for my elbow, concern etched into his strong features. As I felt myself lose all sense of balance, his fingertips grazed my arm, and my world was suddenly set right. My heart beat steadily once more in my chest, my body calmed, and my vision cleared.

I knew immediately that this would be my last night with the Shadow Pack. I had to think fast if I was going to have any chance of saving my girls.