THE ALPHA OF SHADOWS

THE ARRIVAL

Prince Ryder stirred in his sleep as his eyes fluttered open. He closed his eyes sharply before reopening it, getting used to the bright light.

He was soon aware of his surroundings as he tried to sit up but was hit with a sharp pain from behind.

"Stay still young prince" he heard the voice of Asher in his head and he looked up, only to be greeted by the green eyes of a big brown wolf. He was laying faced down on his back, so embarrassing.

But there was nothing he could do. He was literally disabled as it is, so he was likely to enjoyed the entitlements that came with it. He layed back, relaxing properly as he stretched his arms.

"Hey don't get too comfortable" Asher whom was studying his every movement muttered in his head.

"What happend?" he asked lazily.

"Did I fall off again?". He added with a slight giggle.

"Well sadly that was not the case this time around. It seems like you have a slight concoction cause we were actually under attack a few hours ago, and you were hit, bad".

Prince Ryder paused his stretches as it all started coming back to him. From the attack from trolls, to the forced shifting of the Lycans and then him being hit. Talk about a bad day. He just survived death.

He made a slight movement again just to confirm what he just remembered, and the pain that came with it was enough proof. He just escaped death. But there was still one question bothering him.

"How come we were attacked by trolls". It was a very troubling question judging from the fact that they were up north, and trolls were known to reside down south. They never ventured anywhere past the southern boarders. At least non he had heard of.

"That's the same question everyone else has been asking around here. But no one has come up with a meaningful answer".

"And the alpha, what does he have to say about?" He asked curiously

"Well he's been quite since then, and no one wants to disturb". He answered softly.

"Even you?" he asked curiously.

"What do you mean 'even me' " Asher asked amused.

"Look, let's be frank here. We both know that you're his beta and the closest to him around here. So it'll be easier for him to open up to you"

"Well sadly, he isn't opening up to anyone. And I respect his decision. I can't force anything on him". He answered defensively.

"Woah, woah!. Why are you getting all defensive with me, I didn't say anything wrong. Unless you're lying and feeling guilty about it.

He looked back at her and gave a nervous laugh. "Stop making things up young prince, it's not good for you". Prince Ryder was about to protest against what he said, but then changed his mind.

There was no use arguing with Asher, he has observed that the male could be quite stubborn.

Alpha Ethan walked ahead silently, turning around from time to time, to gaze at the young prince. He felt a little guilty that he got hit earlier.

If he hadn't requested for the him to follow him back to his pack, then he'd probably be at home no unscathed. What an unpleasant way for things to turn out.

They had arrived at the city's gate now and it was nearly dawn.The gigantic gates were pulled open and they all walked in confidently, their aura dominating as they drew the attention of all the wolves around.

Prince Ryder shifted uncomfortably as many eyes stared at him. Usually he was used to being stared at back at his pack, but then it felt unusual and unnatural.

Probably because back at home he was in control, but right now he....... wasn't.

He tried to take his mind off such thoughts as he drank in the new environment. His pack back at home was quite impressive, but here, in the Night shade hawlers, it was...... majestic.

Sleek buildings with a strange but demure setup. Exotic even. They were all painted similarly and had the same construction setup. How could the people here know whose house is which, it all looked very confusing.

If he had thought that the houses before were impressive, then the alpha's pack house was a literal palace made in heaven. It was written boldly up front, alpha Ethan's pack house. But it was supposed to be called his palace.

They were greeted by a welcoming party at the front porch. Prince Ryder was set down by Asher and was supported by a young male whom appeared to be a guard, as large coats made of fine silk was distributed among them.

They all shifted back to their male forms, as they used their coats to cover their nude forms.

Prince Ryder looked away uncomfortably as his cheeks turn a bright crimson. This was not something he wished to behold as it is.

"Call in the royal physician, we have a serious casualty here" came Asher's voice as he fastened his robe, before taking hold of prince Ryder from the guard. And it was only a matter of seconds before a mini bed was brought and prince Ryder was made to lay down on it as two males carried it back into the pack house.

Asher walked beside prince Ryder as they proceeded through the grand doors. He was soon halted by a deep baritone voice.

"You've done enough Asher, you should probably go get some rest. I'll see to the young Prince's well being". It was alpha Ethan speaking, and the authority in his voice left no room for argument.

Asher gave a deep bow "As you wish alpha, but I also suggest you leave it to me alpha. You also need your rest, and I'm sure that there would be a great number of matters waiting for your attention. Do not work yourself out, I'll take care of it". He added persuasively.

Alpha Ethan paused for a moment before letting out a deep breath "Fine you do that, but keep me informed" And with that he walked away. Disappearing into the grand halls.

Asher followed closely behind as Prince Ryder was whisked through the grand corridors, and into the infirmary.

Prince Ryder was given some potions to drink in order to reduce the pains. And surprisingly, he felt relieved immediately. Was this some kind of sorcery.

"Young prince, you are in good hands okay. We'll need to stitch you up a bit so we'll need to undress you. Are you okay with that?" Came the voice of the female physician.

Nothing would have prepared prince Ryder for that . He felt so suffocated as he stared up with horror filled eyes at the physician.

Noticing his inability to answer, she was about to commence with her procedures when a deep baritone voice stopped her on track.

"There would be no need for that".