The fall of an Alpha

Two

The main hall was already crowded when we returned.

Leaders from different packs stood around the room, speaking among themselves while servants moved between them with drinks and food. The moment I entered, I noticed conversations lowered.

I walked toward the group near the center of the hall.

"Alpha Lucian."

The eastern Alpha stepped forward and bowed slightly.

"Alpha Rowan."

"It has been a while."

"Too long."

He smiled. "Your pack has grown stronger since my last visit."

"That is the goal."

He nodded before looking around the hall.

"The Harvest Festival has always been an important tradition."

"As it should be"

More guests arrived throughout the afternoon. I greeted each leader, listened to their reports, and handled the matters that needed my attention.

The festival was not only a celebration. It was also a time when alliances were strengthened and disagreements were settled.

By evening, the palace had completely changed.

The halls were filled with music, conversations, and the sound of people celebrating. The warriors who had spent the morning training were now standing among their families, enjoying the night.

I stood near the balcony, looking over the gathering below.

"You look like you would rather be anywhere else."

I turned.

Sepharena stood behind me.

"I am here."

"That wasn't my question."

I looked back at the crowd.

"There are too many people."

She smiled slightly. "You are the one who invited them."

"I invited the packs. I did not invite the noise."

A quiet laugh escaped her.

For that moment, I allowed myself to relax.

"You should smile more."

I looked at her.

"Why?"

"Because you can."

I didn't answer.

She had always been different from everyone else. Most people measured their words around me. She never did.

A servant approached and bowed.

"Alpha, the council members are requesting your presence."

I looked at Sepharena.

"I'll be back."

She nodded.

I followed the servant toward the council room, leaving the sounds of the celebration behind.

*

*

*

The council meeting lasted longer than I expected. By the time I returned to the main hall, more guests had arrived, and the music had become louder.

I looked around the room, searching for Sepharena.

I found her near one of the tables with a group of women from the eastern pack. She noticed me and smiled before turning back to the conversation.

I walked over.

"You disappeared."

She looked at me. "I was right here."

"You weren't when I came back."

"I went to greet our guests."

I nodded.

One of the women beside her bowed. "Alpha."

I returned the greeting before looking at Sepharena.

"Have you eaten?"

She shook her head.

"Come with me."

"Where?"

"Food."

She laughed. "I can get food myself."

"I know."

"Then why are you taking me?"

"Because I want to eat too."

She stared at me for a moment before following me.

We walked toward the dining area, where servants were placing fresh dishes on the tables. I took a plate and handed one to her.

She looked at it and smiled.

"You really don't know how to be romantic."

"I wasn't trying to be."

"I know."

She took the plate from me.

We sat together at one of the quieter tables. For a while, neither of us spoke.

I ate while she picked at her food.

"You're not hungry?"

"I am."

"You've barely eaten."

She looked at me.

She shook her head and continued eating.

A group of warriors passed by us, laughing among themselves. One of them stopped when he noticed me.

"Alpha."

I looked up.

He bowed before continuing with the others.

Sepharena watched them leave.

"They seem happy."

I almost smiled .

"You've made this pack strong."

I looked at her.

"We made it strong."

She smiled.

I reached for my cup.

Across the hall, I noticed a group of Omegas carrying food and drinks toward the tables.

One of them caught my attention when another servant nearly dropped a tray. He stepped forward and helped steady it before continuing with his work.

I didn't think much of it.

"Lucian."

I looked back at Sepharena.

"Yes?"

She rested her chin against her hand.

"Do you remember the first Harvest Festival after we became mates?"

"I remember."

"You barely spoke to me."

"I was busy."

"You were always busy."

I smiled slightly.

She noticed.

"There. You did it again."

"Did what?"

"Smiled."

I looked away.

She laughed.

The music changed, and several couples moved toward the center of the hall.

Sepharena looked at them.

"Come."

"No."

She stood and held out her hand.

"Lucian."

"I'm not dancing."

"You are tonight."

I looked at her hand.

Then at her.

"One dance."

She smiled.

I took her hand and followed her toward the crowd.

For once, I didn't think about the council, the borders, or the reports waiting for me.

I simply danced with my mate.