Chapter. 1
Adolf was just a boy when he first saw someone being betrayed. The night air was cold on his skin, and the earthy scent of the surrounding forest, filled with pine, only increased the anxiety he felt about what was about to happen. He always had the feeling that he was unprepared. He had that feeling now.
As long as he could remember, the pack was his only family. His father is the Alpha, and he taught him the skills to fight, lead, and protect. The pack meant everything to him, just as it meant everything to his father, brothers, and sisters.
But tonight? Tonight, he felt as if everything was slipping away.
He was standing beside his father in the opening, tall and gigantic trees surrounded them. They were patiently waiting, observing the whole area.
"I don’t trust him," his father spoke in a low but serious tone.
Adolf looked at his father surprisingly, “What do you mean? Klaus has been with us for many years.”
The look on his father's face was firm. “Exactly. That is why this situation is a dangerous one.
Adolf gazed into the dark woods where Klaus, the beta of their pack, stood by a tall tree, the moonlight revealing his presence.
“Why now? "After all this time?” Adolf asked his father, his voice full of uncertainty.
His father's response was slow. That is because power changes people. You will understand all that soon, Adolf. When it is your time to lead, remember this moment.
Adolf nodded, still uncertain about his father's words. He was young, he was not yet an adult, but he knew that he would lead the pack one day. He did not expect that day to come very soon.
As Klaus moved towards them, the leaves cracked under his feet. He was moving fluidly but there was a cold chill in his face. He had a new energy.
“Alpha,” Klaus' voice sounded smooth, perhaps it was too smooth. Have come to discuss an urgent matter with you.
Adolf's father looked up. He narrowed his eyes before he said “Speak.”
Klaus paused. He looked at Adolf before returning to the Alpha. “There are others who are plotting to take over the pack. They are gaining power, and they are closer than you think.”
Adolf felt a wave of despair go through him. This is not new information. The wolves that lurked around their borders had always posed a danger, yet there had never been any real actions against them. At least, that is not what Adolf had thought.
However, the tension in Klaus's voice and the way his hands were moving suggested that he had a different agenda.
“Who are they?” Adolf's father inquired and asked Klaus.
Does it not matter? Klaus replied, a smile forming on his lips that did not reach his eyes. “What is important is that we react.”
There was tension in the atmosphere, and Adolf felt a shift. Something was ominous and it was frightening,
It was not just the pack which was at risk, it was a more sinister plan.
Suddenly, Klaus transformed under the moonlight, revealing a massive wolf with his fur as dark as the night and his eyes glowing with an eerie green light. Klaus's transformation was very swift and brutal. Adolf barely had the time to process it before Klaus charged at his father.
A fierce howl filled the silent night as Adolf’s father transformed into his own wolf form. The two alphas collided in a whirlwind of their fur, teeth, and rage. They shook the ground beneath them.
Adolf just stood there paralyzed with fear, his heart raced so fast as he watched the chaotic scene. His father was a strong leader, but Klaus was a very cunning person. As each minute passed by, it dawned on Adolf that the betrayal of Klaus was deeper than what Adolf had suspected.
Adolf's instincts rose high, but his body would not respond. His father’s voice had always been his source of strength, but now it felt like a distant memory, drowned out by the terrifying sounds of bones which were broken and painful growls.
“Father!” Adolf finally cried out. There was desperation in his voice. He tried to move forward, but his legs could not carry him.
The tempo of their battle had slowed down; Klaus' eyes were blazing with an eerie green fire as he gazed at Adolf,
“Tonight will mark the end of your father’s rule, Adolf and your own as well. You will never command this pack. I will ensure that you never do.
Adolf felt a dip in his stomach, and before he could respond, Klaus had raked hard across his father’s chest. Blood pooled on the ground, it was dark and viscous. His father staggered back in a weakened state, barely able to stand.
"No… Adolf breathed loudly. He charged forward, but as soon as he reached his father, he felt a searing pain shot through his side. Klaus had focused his attack on him, and Adolf felt pain engulf him.
The last image that filled his mind before darkness took over him was his father’s broken body, which was slumped against a tree, his eyes casting a final, silent plea in the direction of Adolf.
When Adolf regained his consciousness, there was silence all around him. A strange quietness filled the air. He heard the faint howl of wolves in the distance, but the forest looked deserted. His body throbbed with the painful memory of Klaus' claws, and he tasted blood in his mouth.
With great effort, he stood up; his hands were trembling. The clearing was now deserted. His father is gone, his pack is in disarray, and Klaus? Klaus has also vanished into the shadows.
Adolf stumbled through the woods, his mind was in a state of confusion, and he was in sorrow. The betrayal had been so swift, merciless, and complete. He could not understand how Klaus, who he had once considered a brother, could commit such an act.
His heart raced fast, he felt the pain of losing his father. The pack, his family were all shattered, and all he could do was wander aimlessly through the trees. He was feeling lost.
Yet, in spite of the turmoil in his mind, a part of him resisted him from surrendering to despair.
He had to endure all this chapter of his life, he had to rebuild his life. His father’s words echoed in his mind. When it is your time to lead, remember this moment.
Then he heard the sound.
A faint but clear sound came from behind him, the snap of a twig was followed by a low growl. His instincts reacted, and he turned around. His heart was racing.
That was when he spotted her, Valeria.
She lingered in the shadows, her dark eyes fixed on him. For a brief moment, Marcus thought he detected a hint of recognition among them, as if there was a connection from their past.
But there was something else that was lurking there, something which was more sinister.
No…
Before he could respond to the feeling, a sharp, familiar voice spoke from the darkness.
“Did you really believe you could escape this, Adolf? This is your fate.”
He felt the ground shaking under him as he saw more wolves move out of the shadows, encircling him.
At that exact moment, Adolf understood that his struggle was not over; the true fight was just beginning.