The morning sun crept through thick clouds, casting a pale hue over the land as Alpha Lucas rode through the forest paths toward King Aldrich’s kingdom. The journey had been quiet, no wolves, no patrols, no unnecessary eyes. His mind, however, raged with unrest.
When he finally arrived, King Aldrich was already standing at the gates of his dark stone palace, flanked by guards and dressed in deep blue robes that fluttered with the wind. His expression was unreadable, but his eyes gleamed with something ancient—cold, calculating.
"Welcome, Alpha Lucas," Aldrich said, his voice sharp like a blade sheathed in silk. "I've been expecting you."
Lucas dismounted, removing his gloves as he approached. "Your messenger was discreet. Just as I needed."
The two men walked side by side through the l
