IS THE ALPHA REALLY DEAD

The night the Alpha died, the entire pack fell silent. It was an unsettling silence—the kind that made even the bravest warriors uneasy. Although hundreds of werewolves had gathered within the grounds of the ancient Blackthorn Castle, hardly anyone spoke. Conversations had faded into anxious whispers, and every pair of eyes seemed fixed on the towering doors of the Alpha's chambers. They were waiting. Waiting for good news. Waiting for someone to tell them that their Alpha would recover. Waiting for the nightmare to end. The Blackthorn Pack had never known a night like this. For more than two decades, Alpha Dominic Blackthorn had stood at the head of the pack. He was not merely their ruler; to many of them, he was their protector, their father, and the strength that held the entire territory together. The thought of losing him was almost impossible to accept. At the entrance of the Alpha's chambers, heavily armed guards stood at every doorway and passage leading into the private wing of the castle. No one was permitted to enter without authorization. The ministers of the pack stood together near the chamber doors. Their faces were tense. Some stared at the floor. Others looked toward the closed doors every few seconds. None of them dared to say what everyone was thinking. What would happen if the Alpha did not survive? The question hung heavily in the air. Then the doors opened. Every head turned. The royal physician stepped out. The elderly physician looked exhausted. His expression alone was enough to make several ministers exchange worried glances. Damon Ravencroft, the senior minister and representative of the royal family, stepped forward. “Doctor,” he said quietly, “how is the Alpha?” The physician hesitated. That hesitation frightened Damon more than any answer could have. “He is alive,” the physician finally said. A few ministers released the breath they had been holding. “But…” The relief disappeared immediately. Damon's expression hardened. “But what?” The physician lowered his voice. “The Alpha is extremely weak. His condition has deteriorated considerably.” One of the ministers stepped forward. “Can you save him?” The physician looked at him. “I cannot promise that.” Silence returned. The physician continued. “You should begin preparing for the possibility that the Alpha may not have much time left.” Damon's jaw tightened. “You mean…” “I mean,” the physician interrupted gently, “that the ministers should begin discussing the succession.” The words struck the group like a blow. Succession. The word nobody wanted to hear. Damon looked toward the closed doors. “Can we speak with him?” “If he is conscious, briefly. But do not exhaust him.” The physician paused before adding, “If you have matters that must be settled, I suggest you do not wait too long.” With that, he turned and walked away. The ministers remained where they were. No one spoke for several moments. Finally, Damon exhaled slowly. “We will return tomorrow.” One of the younger ministers looked at him in disbelief. “Tomorrow?” Damon nodded. “We cannot crowd the Alpha's chambers tonight. The physician has warned us that he needs rest.” “But what do we tell the pack?” Damon looked toward the hundreds of wolves gathered beyond the corridor. “We tell them the truth we are permitted to tell.” “And what is that?” Damon's expression became unreadable. “That the Alpha is receiving treatment and that everyone must remain calm.” The ministers reluctantly agreed. They moved toward the great hall, where the members of the Blackthorn Pack had gathered. The news had already spread throughout the territory. Everyone knew the Alpha was ill. Everyone feared the worst. When Damon entered the hall, the room gradually fell silent. Thousands of eyes turned toward him. Damon climbed the short staircase leading to the raised platform. He stood before the pack with his hands clasped behind his back. For a moment, he simply looked at them. Then he spoke. “Members of the Blackthorn Pack.” His voice carried across the hall. “The royal family is aware of the condition of our Alpha, and every necessary measure is being taken to ensure his recovery.” A murmur passed through the crowd. Damon raised one hand. “Please remain calm.” The hall became quiet again. “The Alpha is receiving the best medical attention available. At this moment, there is no reason for panic.” That was not entirely true. Damon knew it. The ministers knew it. The royal physician knew it. But the pack did not need fear. Not tonight. “The Alpha needs your strength,” Damon continued. “He needs your prayers, your unity, and your faith.” A woman in the crowd called out, “Will he survive?” Damon looked toward her. “We are praying that he will.” Another voice followed. “Can we see him?” “No,” Damon replied firmly. “The physician has ordered complete rest.” The crowd began murmuring again. Damon raised his voice. “Return to your homes tonight. Remain peaceful. The royal family will provide further information when there is something important to announce.” He paused. “And I urge every member of this pack to pray—not only for our Alpha, but for the royal family and everyone responsible for protecting this territory.” His final words seemed to calm the crowd. Slowly, people began leaving the hall. Some continued whispering. Others prayed quietly. Families gathered together before making their way home. The warriors returned to their posts. The castle gradually became quieter. And after several hours, the enormous courtyard that had been filled with frightened wolves was almost empty. From a high window overlooking the grounds, Damon watched them leave. His expression remained serious. He knew what the people had not yet been told. The Alpha was dying. And before the sun rose again, the ministers would have to decide what came next. Because the future of the Blackthorn Pack was no longer certain. And somewhere behind the closed doors of the Alpha's chamber, Dominic Blackthorn was preparing to make one final decision that would change the fate of his son—and the entire pack. None of them knew it yet. But the night Alpha Dominic Blackthorn fell ill would become the beginning of a secret that would haunt the Blackthorn Pack for years. And when the truth finally emerged, everyone would ask the same question: Was the Alpha really dead?