ChapterFour
948 Words
Keaton's Pov
THE FEAST
As we crossed into Whispering Pack territory, the atmosphere shifted, thick with anticipation. A man, probably in his late forties, stepped forward, bowing deeply. "Greetings, Alpha Ironclaw," he said, "I'm Beta Hebrew of the Whispering Pack."
My father, Alpha Ironclaw, offered a small smile. "My pleasure, Beta Hebrew." He then gestured towards his beta. "This is my beta, Beta Davis, and his daughter, Lena." Beta Hebrew gave them a polite bow and they returned the gesture.
Then, my father nudged me forward. "And this is Keaton, my son."
Beta Hebrew bowed again. "Your Highness Keaton," he said, "we've heard so much about you. "We're truly grateful to have you here." I just gave him a slight nod in return.
My father cut through the quiet. "So, Beta Hebrew, I assume you're here to lead us to the feast?"
"Yes, my Alpha," Beta Hebrew replied, stepping forward. "This way, please."
He led us to a massive hall, where thousands of people waited inside. The moment we stepped in, a collective gasp filled the air, followed by a deep bow. "Greetings, Alpha Ironclaw," they chanted.
The beta guided us through the crowd, towards the front section. In the front section, I could see royals from the Other Pack awaited. I spotted my uncle, Alpha Julius of the Shadowsfang Pack, seated there with his son, Alex, along with his beta.
Next to them was Alpha Talon from the Blue Moon Pack with his beta by his side. My father moved through the line, shaking hands and exchanging nods with each of them. While we simply bowed our heads in respect.
We were led to the seats next to the Alpha of the Whispering Pack. The Alpha also extended his hand in greeting to my father.
Once we were all settled, my father stood and the hall immediately fell silent. He looked out at the assembled crowd. "Greetings to the people of the Whispering Pack," he announced. Everyone bowed their heads again.
My father cleared his throat, a deep, resonant sound. "We, the Ironclaw Pack, are here because..." He paused, turning to Beta Davis, who sat beside him.
Beta Davis brought out a document and handed it over to my father. My father took it, holding it up for all to see. He continued, his voice strong and clear. "The Ironclaw Pack has agreed to protect the people of Whispering Pines. In return, we gain fifty percent control of the pack."
A murmur ran through the crowd. Then, almost in unison, they bowed. "We, the Whispering Pack, are so grateful for this kindness, Alpha," they said, their voices a low hum of acceptance.
My father cleared his throat once more, cutting through the lingering whispers. "Now," he stated, "we shall proceed to the next steps."
My father then moved forward with Beta Davis right behind him. Alpha Wilfred from the Whispering Pines pack did the same, with Beta Hebrew by his side.
He spoke as his voice carried. "I, Alpha Nathaniel Ironclaw of the Ironclaw packs, promise protection. "For the Whispering Pines and their people." He received a knife, took it and made a quick cut to his palm and let the blood drip into a ceremonial cup.
Alpha Wilfred also made his promise. "I, Alpha Wilfred of the Whispering Pines, and my people? "Pledge our loyalty and will be subordinate to the Ironclaw packs." He, too, was handed a knife. He sliced his palm. His blood mixed with my father's in the same cup.
Beta Davis handed my father the Ironclaw seal, the seal bearing the Ironclaw signature. He dipped it into the blood. Then, he pressed it onto the document. Alpha Wilfred did the same thing with his seal dipped into the blood and pressed onto the paper.
My father held up the sealed document for everyone to see, then declared, "SEALED". The people bowed and began to mutter.
Great Alpha, leader of our pack,
We gather in humble reverence,
Grateful for your strength and guidance,
For the protection you offer under moonlit skies,
And the unity you foster among us.
With each breath, we honor your sacrifice,
Your courage in the face of adversity,
Your wisdom that steers us through storms,
And your heart beats for every member of our family.
May your spirit remain fierce and true,
As you lead us with honor and grace,
We thank you for your unwavering loyalty,
For the bonds you forge that keep us strong.
In gratitude, we pledge our loyalty,
To stand beside you in every battle,
To cherish the land we call home,
And to honor the legacy you build.
Great Alpha, guide us always,
With respect and love, we raise our howls,
For you are our strength, our protector,
In you, we find our purpose and pride.
We are forever grateful.
So it is spoken, so it shall be.
After the vows had been made, the atmosphere shifted from solemnity to celebration. The quiet hall now turns into a lousy one, the people muttering among themselves.
My father and Beta Davis have gone to meet with the other Alphas to discuss. Lena was nowhere to be found. I could feel thousands of eyes on me.
I stood up from my seat, feeling the urge to look around the pack land. I could feel thousands of eyes on me, and as I walked through the large crowd, I could hear - "Oh my god, he is so handsome".
I continue walking, ignoring the attention. When I finally got outside, a refreshing breeze hit my smooth skin, awakening my senses.
I looked around and let my legs do the lead as I wandered through the pack land.
- Writer
