The Alpha's Prisoner

Chapter One: Death.

(9 years ago)

Nyla's POV

“Attack!” voices echo, loud enough for everyone to hear. The air is thick with sweat mingling with the metallic tang of blood.

I hear my father's voice from the hallway calling my name with a sense of urgency.

“Nyla!”

“Nyla! Hurry, you need to hide. The pack is under attack!”

I shoot up from my bed, confused.

“What? How?” the words come out sharp and rushed.

“Hurry, dress up. Be as fast as possible” he says, already opening my wardrobe and tossing the first cloth he grabs at me.

I pull off my nightwear and pull the clothes on as fast as I can, sliding my feet into my footwear.

He takes my arms gently. “Listen carefully”, he says. “We’re going to sneak out of here to somewhere safe, okay?” He nods, trying to reassure me.

I nod, but I can already feel goosebumps rising on my skin.

“Dad… we’re going to be fine, right?” I ask.

“Of course we will.” His face lights up with a smile, and before I can smile back—he lifts me onto his shoulders and dashes into the hallway.

The whole place is in chaos. Lifeless bodies lie scattered everywhere, people running in panic, desperate to find somewhere—anywhere to hide.

My heart beats too fast and my hands tremble as I cling to my father. I look around for her but she is nowhere to be found.

“Dad… where’s Mum?” I whispered softly into his ear, tears welling in my eyes.

He pats my back. “She’s fine. She asked me to keep you safe… she’s fine,” he says softly, his breath uneven, almost as if he's trying to convince himself.

My mother is different from the others, she comes from a long line of ancient, pure wolves—stronger, faster, deadlier.

They are a rare breed of wolves, feared by all. Yet looking around, it’s clear we are hopelessly outnumbered.

Our soldiers can't hold out for long, it's only a matter of hours before the whole pack is gone.

We stop at the back of the house, and he yanks open the storage drums. “Here, stay here. Be very quiet. Don't make a sound,” my father says, sliding me into one of the storage drums as quickly as he can.

“But Dad…” I try to protest, tears blurring my words.

“Shhhh…..” he interrupts, wiping the tears from my cheeks.

“We don't have much time left, Nyla. Listen to me carefully and always remember this…” he continues.

“Do not trust anyone. Especially not Darius. You are the Bloodmoon pack’s only hope…”

“But Dad… Who is Darius?” I cry, wiping my tears with the back of my palms

“The Alpha of Crescentmoon Pack.” he replied.

My brows draw together. “What?”

“Nyla, promise me you'll never shed tears again and that you will avenge us”

I nod, hot tears streaming down my cheeks

I don’t want to be left alone in this dark, cold place, while every other member of the family fights those bloodthirsty invaders.

But what can I do? I’m only nine years old, and I haven’t even shifted—my wolf hasn’t come to me.

Helpless, tears slid down my face.

My father leans in, wiping them away before pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead.

Just then, we hear footsteps—someone is coming and he is close.

My father quickly covers the drum with its lid and shifts. His wolf, Kael, is one of the strongest and I know it's going to be a quick battle.

I curl myself up to fit properly inside the drum. Fortunately, there’s a small crack in front of the drum.

I lean closer, trying to get a clear view of what is happening outside.

Two wolves storm in aggressively but Kael is already ready to attack them, and, just as I predicted, the fight is quick.

In the blink of an eye, he defeats both of them but then something unexpected happens.

More wolves storm in, and with them comes their leader—Alpha Derick Vexley.

The moment he steps inside, silence falls. The leader of the Nightbane Pack had arrived.

For a moment, something feels wrong. I shift my gaze, and see him dragging someone by the neck.

Oh no!

My Mother.

Her hair looks messy, her face covered in blood, and her legs barely hold her weight as they drag her. She lets out a soft groan as they pull her in front of my Dad.

My hands tremble in fear, my heartbeat pounds like it will burst through my chest.

I press my lips tight to stop me from making any sound as hot tears stream down my cheeks, pain piercing my heart.

“No… no, please don't.” my father's tears fill the room.

In a split second, my mother’s head rolls across the room. I gasp, my throat tight with fear.

“Annnn…!” Kael howls in agony, tears streaming down his face as he struggles to reach her.

This is the first time I've ever seen Kael cry.

As he tries to move closer, a knife pierces his heart, leaving him frozen in place.

He crumples to the floor, staring blankly ahead, almost lifeless.

Almost immediately, Alpha Derick and his men’s cruel laughter fills the room.

This kingdom belongs to the Nightbane pack now. It is mine,” Alpha Derick’s voice echoes through the room.

“Throw them into the pit and bury them with the captives. Kill everyone in the Bloodmoon pack.” he orders.

“Yes, Alpha!” His men chorus as they leave the room to join the others outside.

I curl up in the drum trembling, my hands pressed tightly over my mouth, my heart racing fast in panic.

I haven’t gotten my scent yet, so it’s impossible for them to know there’s someone else in the room.

My eyes dart back to where my father is. Surprisingly, he’s still alive—but I can tell he doesn’t have much time left.

Our gazes meet, he smiles faintly, and then a whisper leaves his lips.“Remember… do not trust anyone.” Then his body collapses to the floor.

My chest tightens as panic rises through me. My screams catch in my throat, and tears fall freely down my cheeks as I stare at him, helpless.

And with that, the palace is buried in blood—my family's blood.

I stay in the drum, broken, waiting for everything to quiet down. The cold metal presses against me, sending shivers through my body as I weep, but soon I slip into the arms of sleep.

The sound of my father’s words—“Remember…”—jolts me awake from my nightmare. My body is drenched in sweat with shivers running down my spine.

I’m not sure how long I sleep, but my dreams are filled with images of my mother’s head rolling across the floor and Alpha Derick stabbing my father in the chest.

I push the lid aside with force and climb down carefully. It’s almost nightfall. I run as fast as my legs can carry me, even though they are weak and my bones scream with exhaustion.

The Nightbane pack is from the North, and the Crescentmoon pack is in the South—and the last thing I want is to find myself anywhere near those regions.

My only hope now is the Silvermoon pack, far to the west.

I run.

And I keep running.

I need to get there before dawn. I wish I hadn’t survived. I should have gone with them.

Tears well in my eyes, my palms slick with sweat. I stumble, then force myself upright, pulling myself together as I start running again.

But after running for a while, my body finally gives in, exhaustion screaming through my bones.

I collapse near the riverbank, waiting for death to take me. Then, through the blur of my fading vision, I see shadows moving behind the trees across the water.

But my body is too weak to react. I close my eyes, letting the darkness claim me.