The fall of an Alpha

One

Dawn came early, and I was already awake.

The palace was quieter than usual. Outside my window, the first signs of the Harvest Festival were already visible. Servants moved through the courtyard carrying decorations, warriors checked the gates, and messengers went from one side of the palace to another.

I got dressed and left my room.

The two guards standing outside bowed as soon as they saw me.

"Good morning, Alpha."

I nodded and continued walking.

The training grounds were already filled with warriors. The sound of swords meeting echoed across the field as they practiced. Some of them had been training since before I became Alpha, while others had only recently joined the ranks.

I stood at the edge of the field and watched.

A young warrior moved forward too quickly, leaving his guard open. His opponent noticed and struck before he could react.

"Stop."

Both warriors froze.

The young one lowered his sword.

"Your movements are too rushed," I said. "Strength means nothing if you cannot control it."

"Yes, Alpha."

"Again."

They returned to their positions.

I walked around the field, observing the rest of the warriors.

"Your timing is improving."

I turned toward my Beta, who had approached without making much noise.

"I hope so. They have been training every day."

He looked toward the warriors. "The festival has everyone working harder than usual."

"It should."

He glanced at the scroll in his hand.

"The eastern pack arrived earlier this morning. The western delegation will arrive before noon."

"Make sure their rooms are prepared."

"Yes Alpha "

I nodded and took the scroll from him. I read through the information quickly before handing it back.

"Move the guards around the main entrance during the ceremony."

"Yes, Alpha."

He bowed before leaving.

I remained on the field for a little longer before heading back toward the palace.

As I walked through the halls, servants moved aside to let me pass. Some bowed, others simply lowered their heads.

I was used to it.

The palace had always been like this.

Quiet when I walked through it.

When I reached the main hall, I saw my father standing near one of the windows.

Kael Tyrell.

He had changed little over the years. His presence still carried the same authority it always had, even though he no longer wore the crown.

"Lucian."

"Father."

His eyes moved toward the decorations being placed around the hall.

"The festival preparations are almost complete."

"Yes."

"You have invited many leaders this year."

"They are part of the kingdom. They should be here."

He looked at me briefly before looking away.

"Do not underestimate them."

"I don't."

A few moments passed before he left the hall.

I watched him disappear around the corner before turning away.

My father and I had always been different. There were things we agreed on, and things we never spoke about.

I continued toward the garden.

Sepharena was there, sitting beside the fountain with a book in her hands.

She looked up when she heard my footsteps.

"You are finally here."

"I had work."

"You always have work."

I sat beside her.

"And you always complain about it."

A small smile appeared on her face.

"Because you never rest."

"I rest."

"When?"

I didn't answer immediately.

She closed her book and looked at me.

"The festival begins tonight. You should try to enjoy it."

"I will."

"You say that every year."

I looked at her.

"And every year, I am there."

She laughed softly.

For a moment, the noise of the palace disappeared. There were no meetings, no reports, and no responsibilities waiting for me.

Only the quiet morning.

Then one of the servants approached.

"Alpha, Luna."

We both looked up.

"The first guests have arrived."

I stood.

"It seems my rest is over."

Sepharena shook her head as she stood beside me.

"You never really rested."

I ignored the comment and walked with her back toward the palace.