A Howl for Justice

Chapter 1 Athena's POV The moon hung low in the sky, it's ethereal glow was cast on the grand halls of Veridonia King Adalwolf, a strong figure with piercing blue eyes and a great crown of midnight black, sat upon his throne, with his gaze intensely fixed on the woman who kneel before him. Queen Athena, a woman with cascading silver hair that flowed like waterfall around her shoulders. She fidgeted as she kneeled infront of her husband. "I beg of you Adalwolf," I pleaded with tears dripping down my cheeks my voice ladened with desperation. "Do not take my girl from me. Luna is my only child, I suffered a great deal to give birth to her and she's my only child." The stern expression on Adalwolf's face remained unchanged as he stared in my face. "Veridonia only needs a male heir, a strong male heir not a weak useless omega girl like Luna. A strong boy who would continue in my footsteps and take this kingdom to greater height." Tears continues gushing from my eyes as I continued begging "But she's still young who knows how strong she'll become when she grows older, please give her more time." I said while pleading. Adalwolf rose from his throne I came near me towering over me. "Athena, strength isn't the only criteria to lead our pack. The wilderness of our kingdom calls for a strong werewolf, both physically and mentally, a ruler who will command respect from the beasts that roam our lands and also protect our kingdom from external attacks of other kingdom's pack." He said with a strong tone that didn't waver no matter how many drops dropped from my eyes. My heart shattered as those words that came out Adalwolf mouth he didn't have any affection for his daughter all he wanted was to protect his power and keep his position as the supreme leader of the pack. "Please Adalwolf," my voice quivered, "then you'll have to let me go with her, I can't leave my precious daughter stranded in the wilderness by herself." My voice laced with a resolved determination. I couldn't let my daughter suffer in the wilderness alone I must be there to help her atleast be her guide through life, she was the only one I could risk my life for. Adalwolf's gaze unwavering and he suddenly burst into laughter "of what are use are you??, All I asked of you was a male heir and since you couldn't get one for me you can leave. There's no need for permission to leave" he said blatantly without remorse. With a dry face and silent tears stiring down my cheeks I had accepted my fate. I turned my gaze away and turned it around towards Luna who was playing in the corner of the hall. She looked so innocent and wasn't even aware of the development that took place in her life a separation that would shape her life. A smile crept to my lips as I dragged my feet near Luna, she was chasing her shadow across the marble floor. As the guards approached, I ran to pick her up, the smile on her face warmed my heart as I picked her up her beautiful face and beautiful skin made my heart race a tears dropped from my eyes. "My dear luna, you're destined for greatness." I said while placing a subtle kiss on her forehead. With my gaze going steering towards Adalwolf a last glance at the once sweet mate I decided to give my whole life to but he changed once he attracted power. I left the abode with a heavy heart but with a happy soul because, my baby was in my arms. The moon cast it's golden glow on the terrain that led out of the Kingdom of Veridonia. It's bright light illuminating the path that led out of the place I once regarded as home. The night enveloped Luna and I as we pressed on deep into the wilderness I undergone a complete transformation. And howled at the moon leaving behind everything I had, my howl echoed through the night. Aldawolf's POV The night was chilly and the moon's glow was bright. Athena had left with Luna and my resolve remained unwavered all I needed was a male heir and she failed to produce one for me. I had to take a new mate, one that would give me what I wanted the most in the world one that would make my soul feel alive. The door to my chamber creaked open and a young-she wolf stepped in her name was Hyemen she was werewolf known for her cunning ways but she had a striking beauty that radiated through her black raven hair that cascaded down her shoulders. "What are you doing here?" I asked, curious as to why she suddenly barged into my chambers. "Leader Aldawolf, I know you're in need of a male heir desperately and I know your wife and child had left for the wilderness. I would give you what you really want - a male child, and if I can't after five full moons I'll leave just like your wife did today." She replied with intensity filled eyes and her gaze was unwavered. "So all you want to be is my mate??" I asked again. "Yes, I want to rule this Kingdom by your side, and I promise to give you a male son." What do I have to lose I thought, all I wanted was an heir and if Hyemen would give it to me so be it. As soon as Hyemen left I couldn't help but wonder if this was the right step to take but, even if it wasn't I'd just have to go through with it to know first. Abandoning my thoughts I went to sleep, preparing my mind for whatever was to come in the morning. Chapter 2 Athena's POV The vastness of the wilderness grew bigger and farther the more I ventured into it, the sounds of rustling leaves and the cold night air clung to my fur carrying a sense of foreboding, with Luna nestled close to my side weariness set in and my legs were getting very very worn out. Venturing further into the wilderness of the forest deep howls of what sounded like werewolves got loud along with the sound of rustling leaves. I was a bit excited we were closer to another kingdom I thought, while quickening my pace. But, the closer we got to the howl the more I felt and impending danger my senses were on high alert, I don't understand why but I had to take precaution for my kid's safety. I scanned the area of any threat or danger. I started hearing low menacing growl emanate from the shadows. I turned to drop Luna and keep her safe but as I turned a pack of werewolves came out of the shadows facing me their eyes gleamed of ferral hunger. Fear griped my heart and my heartbeat started going faster than normal as I undergone full transformation my bones cracked while rearranging beneath my skin. A surge of warmth that surged through my veins and caused my muscles to ripple and expand. My limbs elongated and grew stronger, taking on the sleek and powerful proportions of my true form. My hands and feet transformed into padded paws, and my face features morphed, my nose elongated and my sense of smell heightened and my ears grew longer and stood perched slightly above my head. I was ready to protect Luna with my life. I kept her on the ground and lured the pack towards me. The leader of the pack had massive brute eyes filled with aggression, he stepped forward. “Well, well, what do we have here? A lone she wolf with her little pup? How fortunate you’d die by my hands.” “Leave us be, we mean no harm, we seek survival only nothing more” I said with a subtle yet harsh tone. With those words the leader scoffed and stared deep into my eyes “Survive? In this jungle only the strong survives and I am the strongest person.” He said with anxiety dancing in his eyes. After the words of their leader, every member of their park lunged forward, with a snarling fur and unstable breathing. My breathing grew intense, I dodged some as claws and teeth clashed. The air was filled with the cacophony of my battles with the member of this unknown pack. The strength I had couldn’t conquer them all as they all closed in on me, the teeth of one of them pierced into my flesh, their growled triumphantly. My sight blur and my body betraying me I went down. My thoughts went back to Luna who was behind me I used every ounce of my strength to drag towards Luna as tears welled up in my defeated eyes, I cowered over her blood dripping through my skin covering the ground beneath and Luna’s skin. I kissed her forehead “You must grow up and become who I couldn’t, you must become very strong.” I whispered as my breath became heavier. I growled one last time at the moon, and a manner of plea to protect my daughter who I couldn’t protect. My body has betrayed me my strength gone, my death was inevitable I knew that, but I’d die with my daughter in my arms. Short narration Athena’s body lay lifeless upon the forest floor blood dripping through her skin and Luna was in her arms. The moon cast a gentle glow upon her form. The air was chilly but time was over for Athena, only remnants of her valiant struggle against the rogue werewolves lingered in the shadows. Luna was crying in her mother’s arm, her innocent face not knowing what was happening. Her mother was dead and she was in the arms of the one who had sacrificed her life to protect hers. Magnus the leader of the rogue pack, an imposing figure with grizzled fur, and battle scars etched upon his weathered frame, went towards Athena’s lifeless body and took Luna from her. “she comes with us.” He declared, with an authoritative tone. “And why’s that Magnus?” a member of the pack asked. “She’s still very young we can groom her to be one of us.” Magnus replied with his voice laced with utmost certainty. The pack was always ready to do whatever Magnus wanted and they faced danger and lay their life for him as they regarded him as their savior, the one who had saved the from the claws of the wilderness and brought them into his arms for protection. To them Magnus was more than a leader, he was almost a god who they would do anything to satisfy, the air that surrounded magnus was filled with authority and his structure exuded power and control. He had everything he ever wanted. As the pack withdrew from the wilderness they turned back and went towards their shelter, a lone building standing deep into the forest. The building was made of earth, wood and interwoven vines, creating a rugged façade that blended with the wilderness itself. Entering the abode meant traversing a dangerous path, guided only by the faint scent of the remnant of the pack that lingered in the air. The building was filled with members of different pack that had left their home either banished or runaways. Magnus had created a community of delinquents and harnessed their power into what he wanted. Magnus’ home was a bridging gap between the world and what transcended beyond it as he could do whatever he wanted in his abode without anybody questioning him. He gave that sort of freedom to his pack too except he knew how to control them and that was what made them adore him as their leader and their god who had protected them from the claws of danger when they needed it. Chapter 3 Two years later In the heart of Veridonia, anticipation grew in the kingdom as the union between Adalwolf and Hyemen his new mate, drew near. Preparations has started in earnest and the King was set to use this opportunity to strengthen his power as the leader of the Kingdom of Veridonia. He had called on leaders of different packs from other kingdoms. The kingdom bustled as their daily activities change. The entourages from different packs of other kingdoms arrived to witness the grand wedding between Adalwolf and Hyemen. The kingdom’s courtyard was adorned with vibrant banners and colorful floral arrangements. All the motels and pub in the kingdom was filled to the brink with foreigners. Adalwolf’s POV As the sun’s glow went down and the moon was rising, the courtyard swung open, and the air was filled with the sounds of hooves and paws, showcasing the arrival of the main entourages. Each pack had its distinctive noble attire that exuded an air of nobility and great power. The first pack to arrive were the representative of the Golden coastal cliff, their garments adorned with rear shells and sea weed, that signifies their connection to the beautiful vast ocean. Their leader Alpha Dolf, emanated a very calm authority, his steps were gentle as if the ground he was stepping was going to break, he moved slowly and talked very calmly, with a very poised demeanor. His eyes glowed bright and sparkled with intelligence that was showcased from how he presented his words. The second pack arrived were the representatives of the Northern mountains, led by a formidable force – Alpha Corin, he was a man with a fierce gaze, his eyes a testament to their harsh terrain and resilience they had sustained due to the harsh, snowy peaks they resided. Alpha Corin is known for his fierce ability in war and his strong hold on his people, he exuded an air of discipline that he maintained throughout his cabinet and his Kingdom. His attire showcased a fur-trimmed cloak with crown made of horns. His presence commanded respect and fierce determination. The third pack that arrived emerged from the Eastern lands. The leader – Alpha Tau, wore an attire that blended seamlessly to the surroundings. Leaves and feathers adorned their clothing, reflecting their origin from the woods. His steps light, and his presence harmonious with the melody of the forest. Alpha Tau was a man known for his keeping promises, he always kept his words no matter what. He was a very disciplined man with a very vivid potential to rule. He prioritized his kingdom’s welfare over other things. He was a man brimmed with deep intelligence and people sought out to seek his wisdom over matters. The entourage from the Southern lands of Aldoria arrived last, with a thunderous gallop to their steps, Led by Alpha Yara – A man with a wild gaze and untamed spirit, he was known for his likeness to war and that explains the vastness of his kingdom as he has conquered so many. He had an unyielding spirit and a stubborn personality. His attire was embroidered with patterns that mimicked that of prairie grasses, which signifies the resilience of his pack in the open expanse. He was a very strong and ferocious man and that showcased in his body build. One by one, they made their entrance into the land, the individual characteristics of each pack adding vibrancy and diversity to the gathering. Each leader bringing a unique energy to the event a testament to their rich cultures and the diplomacy that adorned their kingdom. As they settled down different dialects and languages buzzed the arena, as the leaders exchanged stories, shared their visions woven through the discussions that bonded them together for a very long while. Hyemen and I, resplendent in our beautiful attires, moved through the courtyard to greet the leaders and thank them for taking the stress to come. The diplomacy and the ability to share our purpose was the beginning of establishing great power that would foster harmony in Veridonia and bring the wealth to sustain the kingdom. The leaders, in turn extended their congratulations, offering us gifts that represented the essence of their own kingdoms – a token of their goodwill and a symbol of the bond that would be forged through this momentous occasion. I addressed the leaders, in a very strong and resonant tone, and I carried a message of my purpose as the grand hall fell into a hushed silence. My gaze swept across the grand hall, I began as my voice resonated “Esteemed leaders, and great representatives of noble packs, I stand before you today not only as a leader of this realm but as a humble steward of the werewolf kind. I extend my deepest gratitude for your presence here, for your commitment to the future that lay ahead and I hope you enjoy the rest of the evening.” I said as the crowd erupted in applause in affirmations. As the night wore on, the celebrations reached its peak, the grand hall alive with music and revelry. Hyemen and I danced together in a display of harmony that seemed to bring everything alive. Although, my engagement to Hyemen was solely for the purpose of her bearing me a male heir, I had to make it feel alive to strengthen the diplomacy of Veridonia with the other kingdoms. As Hyemen tried holding me tighter “Don’t overdo it.” I whispered into her ears with a fake smile displayed on my face. She moved backward a little as we continued to dance and a smile that wasn’t real etched on our faces. The whole hall continued in merriment as the whole kingdom looked to the path ahead with a shared vision based on love, respect and the great movement of the kingdom. Chapter 4 Short narration The delegates from the Golden coastal kingdom were the first to leave Veridonia. As they proceeded into the wilderness that bordered the kingdom. The air around their carriages felt still and the feeling of danger filled the air. They felt a shadow lurking and suddenly within a blink of an eye the Alpha was no where to be found. Tension stirred among the guards that protected the Alpha and they started searching through the whole wilderness in a glimpse to understand what was happening but as soon as one of them moved deeper a slight growl scared him and he falls to the ground before he could get up a werewolf jumped on him and dug his teeth in his skin and tore his skin with its claw and he screams “we’re under attack” he declared as the other guards ran back towards Veridonia. Scared and uncertain growl filled the air but the pack that attacked them seemed to be very strong as they wiped the whole guards out. Leaving only one of them wounded and scarred. Taki’s POV I was wounded as I dragged myself towards the Kingdom of Golden coast the whole delgates and the alpha were dead I had to get to our kingdom in earnest to relay the news. I walked as fast as I could dragging my feet on the ground beneath with blood dripping from my body. I was faltered I walked for days before I could get to the terrain. Seeing the waters that bordered our kingdom I was happy, I was almost home I rested near the waters and crossed the border to our kingdom. My feet betraying me but, driven by my purpose I dragged myself across the gate and went towards the palace. The more I moved the more people of the kingdom stared at me, unbothered by their stare and murmur I moved towards the palace as my blood dripped covering the floor I walked. I got to the palace gates and I told the guard at the gate to announce me to the council that waited for the leader. As I was announced the guards helped me into the chamber where the council held their meeting. “Where is the leader, and why are you here alone?” asked one of the members of the council. “The Alpha and the whole delegates are dead, I’m the only one left alive.” I said with tears welled up in my eyes threatening to drop down my cheeks. “How did it happen?” they asked in unison, in a very confused tone. We were on our way home as soon as we left the borders of Veridonia a pack attacked us, it was dark and it was hard to recognize their faces. Everyone was killed but l was the only one left and I used every ounce of my strength in coming here to report to you. "The leader is gone and every other person dead." I said. "Call Kain and Axel, immediately. And you, go get rest up." The eldest member of the council said with his voice laced with authority. Short summary The doors to a chamber opens up, revealing two figures a male and female with gigantic body. Their eyes filled with horror and the muscles ripped up and their gaze intense. "T..the council calls the two of you." The guard reported trembling at the fearful sight before him. He runs away immediately after reporting to them. A gigantic sound echoed through the corridors that led to the council halls. Axel and kain approached with fiery eyes. As they entered the halls the council although fearful of them knew they were loyal to the king. " News reaching us is that the king has died in the borders of Veridonia along with all the guards that accompanied him.I want you to go to Veridonia now to verify the truth and get back to me. Tell Adalwolf that if he does not produce the heads of those that engaged in this act within the next 7 days after the delivery of your message, we shall not hesitate to wage war on Veridonia." The elder said with authority in his voice. Filled with rage and fueled with their loyalty to their leaders. Kain and Axel along with four other guards moved out of the chambers and set to move to Veridonia to relay the wished of the council to Adalwolf." They stepped on their feet and got on their horses as they moved briskly covering the ground beneath them with such speed and might. The ground felt their gigantic leg bouncing on and off it as they walked towards the kingdom of Veridonia. To relay what they had been sent. "I cannot imagine they allowed the leader die, I shall unleash terror on them." Kain said with a very husky voice. "The leader had taken us in when nobody did, he made us warriors out of nothing and shaped a life for us. He believed in us when nobody did. I can't wait to detroy whoever it was that engaged in this act." Axel said with a hint of sadness in her voice. They moved as fast as they could and entered the kingdom of Veridonia with such might as citizens of Veridonia being fearful of the figures that approached them continued running causing a lot of chaos and unrestlessness in the Kingdom. "Where are you from?" A guard who walked near the border asked. " Bring me to your leader" kain said with a rage filled tone. Scared the guards decides to take them to the Leaders abode. As they approached the gate news reached the king of Gaints causing havoc in the town as people ran helter skelter. Little did they know it was Kain and Axel undeniable war machinery that had ravaged many kingdoms and destroyed hundreds of villages. Chapter 5 Adalwolf's POV I was in the halls with my cabinets deliberating on the issue at hand about the strangers that had disrupted the peace of the kingdom just by their cheer presence, when a messenger came in “My lord, someone requests an audience with you, he says he’s aa messenger from the Golden coastal Kingdom.” He said fidgeting. “Let them in” I said in a very confused tone. The hall fell into silence and the door pushed open revealing two distinguishingly massive figures made their way into the hall, their presence filled the space and the ground trembled beneath their footsteps, as a result of their sheer size and strength. The two figures had a very fierce countenance, with muscles ripping with raw power, and fiery red eyes the entered with a very poised demeanor. “We have come on the order of the council of the Golden coastal Kingdom to give a report” he said with a very husky voice. “Our leader Alpha Dolf, was killed immediately he crossed your borders and the killers spared none except one of our loyal guards. The council is requesting for the heads of those who performed this act within an ultimatum of seven days. Failure to do so might lead to an unleash of war on the Kingdom of Veridonia.” I was startled with this jaw dropping information that had happened for days and I was not informed about. Everything happening was a mystery to me. “I promise you we would do anything it would take to uncover the truth behind the death of the Great leader of the Golden coast Kingdom.” I said with my voice filled with confusion still not understanding what exactly was happening. “Seven days is all you get to bring their heads to the front of the council after that, My lord, I can’t ascertain what would happen.” The male figure said. The whole council remained silent as the huge figures and the other soldier that turned their back to leave step. “Kelp,” I called out to him, “gather about 50 strong men I need you to go across the border right now and bring every lead you get in relation to the matter on ground. I’m giving you an ultimatum of three days to get every lead to me. Short Narration Immediately, Kelp gathers fifty of his men and they dashed into the kingdom and in a matter of hours they had crossed the border and dived into the wilderness ahead. They started searching for any leads not long after they’ve searched for about a hour, one of the soldiers called the attention of kelp to a something. As soon as Kelp left got there what he saw was a whole very deep covered with planks and a very offensive stench emanating from underneath the plank. Opening the plank and looking into the whole what they saw surprised them. Kelp’s POV As soon as we opened the hole and looked into the hole with our flickering torches what we saw was a pile of dead body some decayed while maggots crawled on the wall of the hole and on the body of some of the dead body. “Start getting them out one after the other” I said while we have to try to identify if the Leader of coastal Kingdom is one of them. As soon as they brought about twenty of the dead bodies, I noticed something strange on all the dead bodies they all had a mark of claws and sharp teeth piercing near their neck and all the dead bodies but, one was different it had a string of coral refined shell tattoo near its arm. It was a culture of the golden coastal kingdom to get a tattoo of coral shell on their arms once they turned twenty definitely, this particular one was from the Golden coastal Kingdom. So, I designated five of my men to go report to the king about what we just found out. They dispersed immediately, as we continued our search. After some minutes I heard loud growls coming from deep inside the forest. I rushed to go see what was happening along with five of my men, but before I got there about three of them were dead with piercing near their neck. I was surprised and dumbfounded I was still examining what was happening and I heard another loud growl coming from another side of the forest, rushing to go see what’s happening before I got there too they were dead. I was scared and my heart started pounding in my chest. “What was happening? Is this place haunted? Are we going to all die?” I whispered to myself as growls kept coming from different parts of the forest. I was scared and my body couldn’t withstand it. I looked around me and most of my men were down with blood seeping down their skin. And their uniform drenched in their blood. They all undergone an incomplete transformation before they died showing they were struggling. I realized I couldn’t stay in the forest any longer. I had to leave now or I’d be dead too. “Whoever, was doing this must be playing games with us,” I thought. I told the remaining ten soldiers to come with me, “Let’s get out of this Godforsaken forest.” We started running towards the kingdom our legs were as fast as lightening but, suddenly, a weird figure with strange eyes moved within a flash second passed through us and I heard a loud growl behind me I continued running, "why is it killing us?" I thought as I continued running forward. I continued running fast but, I suddenly felt my leg betray me as I stumbled over a fallen tree, as I went down series of questions ran through my mind. “Would I die like this? What exactly was chasing me? What would I do now?”