THE MOON LYCAN'S WOLFLESS MATE

Chapter 17

C17: The Lycan Decree

The next morning, the mansion was normal as it was before.

The traces of the previous night’s celebration were still there.

empty goblets, scattered petals, and half-cleared tables… They were reminders of the couple’s union.

Raine didn't have breakfast with them but left for the woods to collect some herbs for herself.

Alpha Elmore, who was in high spirits, held a meeting with his elders that morning, they all noticed the king's excitement.

With Luna Indira by his left at the table, they discussed the progress of the pack.

“Alpha, we suggest your heir starts practice immediately so as to be able to handle some of the pack’s arrangements” One of the elders spoke.

Alpha nods softly “True, in due time he will start his training.

Let's all leave him to have some quality time with his mate”.

The Elders agreed.

Beta Mascot left the meeting shortly and returned with a grim look on his face,

“Alpha, they are here” He said in a hush tone as he spoke to the king closely.

The Elders heard his words, their brows furrowed as the room was instantly filled with tension and dread.

“Let him in,” Alpha Elmore spoke grimly.

His beta signaled the warriors to let them in.

They weren't from Silver Pack nor any of the other packs.

The two were dressed in dark clothing, their presence alone made the surrounding warriors stiffen. One was a female and the other a male their eyes were cold, scanning the room without interest.

In the male’s hand was a scroll sealed with black wax.

They were the Lycan messengers, they took powerful strides stopping before them, they placed their folded fist on their chest for a second as a sign of greeting but didn't bow.

Instead, the male stepped forward and presented the scroll.

“By order of the Lycan King,” he said flatly.

Alpha Elmore stood up and took the scroll and broke the seal.

Silence filled the room as his eyes moved across the contents.

His expression did not change, but with closer observation one could see his grip on the scroll tighten a bit.

But Luna Indira noticed it, she took the scroll from her mate.

“All unmarked females of noble blood who have reached maturity are to be presented for selection at the Lycan Palace.”

Her voice was low as she read aloud.

A heavy silence followed.

One of the elders shifted uneasily.

“It has come again…” he muttered under his breath, no one needed further explanation.

The Lycan palace was at it again, just like ten years ago, the same decree.

Females were taken to the Lycan palace but didn't return the same or never did.

And the few who did…they were never the same.

The messengers remained still, their eyes fixed on the werewolves before them, the female messenger was tired of their mumbles and the frightened expression of the Elders.

“ You know the rule Alpha Elmore, Failure to comply will be treated as defiance,” she said coldly.

Alpha Elmore leaned back slightly, his expression thoughtful rather than fearful.

“Only unmarked females,” he said, more to himself.

“We won't disobey the orders of the great lycan King, rest assured we would provide a female at least” he said composed and surprisingly calm, the Elders turned to each other, their eyes held in confusion.

“Make your decision early Alpha, we would escort the chosen ones back to the Lycan palace” the female added.

“Is one not enough?” Luna Indira asked carefully, the female lycan narrowed her gaze.

“Certainly not ten females must be presented from all packs and there are two left, you are expected to pick two females” the male lycan said firmly leaving no room for arguments.

Alpha Elmore nods in understanding, actually his hands were tied.

There was nothing he could do.

“Mascot, take our esteemed guests to the guest rooms and make sure they are comfortable” he ordered.

Now left with his Elders, their inquisitive eyes were fixed on him, “Alpha what are we to do, we all know what happened ten years ago and we aren't willing to let go of our daughters again”

The elder that held the union spoke up.

Alpha Elmore frowned softly, “Elder Mark you should know better, we can never stand a chance against the Lycan palace, you know what happened the last time it was tried centuries ago”.

“We should discuss how to get these messagers to leave our pack not to have disagreements amongst ourselves, remember we once lost the alpha's sister, she was brave to take up that responsibility for our sake”

Luna Indira finally spoke, her eyes intense as she glanced at the four Elders.

They all shut their lips tightly, ten years ago they were asked to bring four instead of two, and the alpha's sister was willing to join not for her happiness but a sacrifice she was willing to do for her pack.

“So how do we go about it, these younglings would certainly be scared to go again” another Elders asked, he had been silent all these while.

“I as the alpha should lead the way, we would need just one more female to get it done” His voice was steady and strong.

“Elder Linc, gather the pack first thing tomorrow morning, I will have to announce the selection to them and see who is willing and if otherwise we would have to pick” He added smoothly but one could notice the edge in his voice.

The Elders nodded helplessly, after some brief talks they left the room with low spirits to their various homes.

Luna Indira held her mate's hand, rubbing them softly, soothing him.

“It's fine El, She wouldn't want to see you this way if she was here” she spoke in a soft tone.

Alpha Elmore who had shut his eyes as the memory of her sister came back, his nose flared, he could hardly breathe as pain and anger washed through him.

“It was because of her and she must pay” He said through clenched teeth as he finally opened his eyes.