The Rejected Luan's Chosen Path

Chapter 2: The Weight of Legacy

General Henderson

I sat behind my massive mahogany desk, the soft glow of the moonlight streaming through the tall, arched windows, casting a silvery sheen across the polished surface. My office, a testament to my years of service in the King's Elite Guard, was lined with ancient weapons, medals, and scrolls chronicling battles fought and won. The warm light from the lanterns reflected off my ebony skin, and I could feel the weight of the respect I commanded within these walls.

Outside, the werewolf kingdom sprawled beneath the night sky, a beautiful blend of ancient stone architecture and modern fortifications. The towering walls encircled the city like a protective embrace, and the distant howls of the night patrol echoed off the cobblestone streets. The full moon hung low, casting an ethereal glow over the kingdom and illuminating the dense forest that bordered our lands.

The sudden ring of my phone pulled me from my thoughts. I glanced at the caller ID, my brows lifting slightly with curiosity. Answering the call, I heard a steady, determined voice on the other end.

“General Henderson,” the voice began, “My name is Angelina… I'm the granddaughter of Lina De Leon of the Half Moon Pack. She said you might be expecting my call.”

A warm, nostalgic chuckle escaped my lips. “Lina’s granddaughter. I’d recognize that name anywhere. Your grandmother was one of the finest warriors I ever knew. She’s spoken of you often and sent me videos of your training. You've got her fire.”

As I spoke, my mind conjured images of the videos Lina had sent over the years. I recalled one in particular—Angelina, a lithe, determined figure, moving with a grace and precision that belied her youth. In human form, she was a whirlwind of speed and agility, her movements sharp and calculated. But it was her transformation that truly captivated me. As a black wolf with piercing silver eyes, she was a force of nature—powerful, fierce, and utterly mesmerizing. Her attacks were a perfect blend of strength and strategy, each move executed with the precision of a seasoned warrior.

“She mentioned you might sponsor me for the Elite Warrior Training Program,” Angelina continued.

“I’d be honored to sponsor you,” I replied without hesitation. Our conversation continued, her words revealing a deep well of determination and pain, the sting of rejection fueling her resolve.

After the call ended, I sat in contemplative silence for a moment, my thoughts unexpectedly drifting back to Lina. I had admired her long before she found her mate, and her fierce spirit and unmatched skill on the battlefield left an indelible mark on my heart. But fate had other plans, and I watched from the sidelines as she chose another. Still, our bond remained strong, forged in the fires of countless battles and mutual respect.

Shaking off the memories, I pressed a button on my desk. Within minutes, the heavy wooden door creaked open, and Rule stepped into the room.

Rule was a striking figure—towering and rugged, with short, wavy brown hair and piercing silver eyes that gleamed with an intensity few could match. His tan skin glistened under the lantern light, the fitted black training outfit clinging to his muscular frame, showcasing the raw power beneath. His broad shoulders and chiseled form spoke of centuries of battle-hardened experience, and his every movement radiated controlled aggression. Despite his youthful appearance, Rule was one of the most powerful Lycans in the world. He could have been king, but he preferred the chaos of the battlefield.

“You called, General?” Rule’s voice was deep, carrying a weight of authority and a brooding skepticism that rarely wavered.

“I’m adding a new recruit to the Elite Warrior list,” I said, sliding Angelina’s folder across the desk. I’ve been holding onto the folder since Lina sent me the videos of Angelina’s practices. “Her name is Angelina De Leon.”

Rule’s brows furrowed as he picked up the folder, flipping through its contents with a critical eye. “Another last-minute addition? You really think she’ll make it?” His tone was laced with doubt, the skepticism in his silver gaze sharp and unyielding.

I snickered quietly. “I don’t expect you to give her any special treatment, Rule. Just be fair.”

Rule studied the image of Angelina, his eyes narrowing slightly as an unexpected flicker of intrigue crossed his features. “I’ll be fair,” he muttered, though his voice was tinged with reluctance. “But I’ll work her hard. She’ll have to prove she belongs.”

As Rule turned to leave, he paused, glancing over his shoulder. “Why are you adding her to the recruit list at the last minute and sponsoring a nobody wolf? Couldn’t she wait for the next recruitment?”

My expression hardened slightly, though I felt the glint of something unspoken in my eyes. “My reasons are my own, Rule. But never discount someone you perceive as weak. Even weak things have strength and purpose.”

Rule’s frown deepened, frustration flickering across his face, but he knew better than to press further. With a curt nod, he exited the room, his mind already racing with thoughts of the new recruit.

As the door closed behind him, I leaned back in my chair, a chuckle escaping my lips. “If Angelina’s anything like her grandmother,” I murmured to myself, “Rule is in for an awakening.”

The moonlight bathed the office in a serene glow as I sat in contemplative silence, the weight of the past and the promise of the future intertwining in the stillness of the night.