Chapter 12: Beneath the Alpha House
805 Words
The moon hung high above the Silver Moon Pack, casting long shadows over the silent village.
From the forest, Ava watched the familiar streets she had once walked every day.
Everything looked the same.
Yet everything had changed.
Children no longer played outside. The cheerful lights that once glowed from every home had been replaced by fear and silence. Blood Fang warriors patrolled the streets in black armor, their crimson cloaks fluttering in the cold night breeze.
Kael knelt beside Ava.
"Once we enter the tunnel, we have one objective—free the prisoners."
"And if we're discovered?" Damian asked.
Kael's silver eyes hardened.
"Then we fight our way out."
Ava took a deep breath.
"I know the entrance."
She led the small group through the thick forest until they reached an old stream hidden beneath tangled vines.
Years ago, she had discovered the tunnel while searching for wild herbs. It had become her secret hiding place whenever the pack mocked her.
She pushed aside the vines.
A narrow stone passage appeared.
"It's still here," she whispered.
General Rowan lit a small lantern.
"I'll go first."
"No," Ava said.
"I know this tunnel better than anyone."
Kael studied her for a moment before nodding.
"Lead the way."
---
The tunnel was damp and narrow.
Water dripped steadily from the ceiling, and the air smelled of earth and moss.
Their footsteps echoed softly as they moved deeper underground.
After nearly twenty minutes, Ava raised a hand.
"Stop."
Ahead, faint voices drifted through the darkness.
Blood Fang guards.
Kael motioned for everyone to stay back.
Silently, he moved forward.
Within seconds, two muffled thuds echoed through the tunnel.
The guards collapsed unconscious before they could sound the alarm.
Damian stared.
"You didn't kill them."
Kael shook his head.
"They're soldiers."
"The ones responsible for this will answer later."
Ava noticed Damian watching Kael with new respect.
Perhaps, she thought, Kael was teaching Damian what it truly meant to lead.
---
The tunnel ended beneath the Alpha House.
A loose stone concealed a hidden entrance.
Ava slowly pushed it aside.
The familiar scent of the pack filled the air.
For a moment, memories flooded back.
Cleaning the kitchens.
Carrying heavy buckets.
Being ignored...
Being rejected.
She closed her eyes.
Not anymore.
She climbed into the cellar.
Rows of old barrels filled the room.
Everything was quiet.
Then—
A faint cry echoed from behind a heavy wooden door.
"Help..."
Ava hurried toward it.
Behind iron bars sat dozens of prisoners.
Old men.
Women.
Children.
Even warriors loyal to the Silver Moon Pack.
A thin woman stepped forward.
Her eyes widened.
"Ava?"
Another prisoner gasped.
"It really is her..."
Whispers spread through the cell.
"The Princess has come back."
Tears filled many eyes.
One elderly man gripped the bars.
"We never believed the lies about you."
"You always had a kind heart."
Ava felt tears sting her own eyes.
She unlocked the cell.
"You don't have to be afraid anymore."
The prisoners rushed out, embracing one another.
Among them was a graceful woman with silver hair.
Damian froze.
"Mother..."
Luna Elena looked up.
Her eyes filled with tears.
"My son."
They embraced tightly.
"I'm sorry," Damian whispered.
"I should have seen what Father was becoming."
Luna Elena gently cupped his face.
"The important thing is that you're here now."
She turned toward Ava.
Without hesitation, she bowed.
"Princess Ava."
Ava quickly helped her up.
"Please don't."
"You were always kind to me."
Luna Elena smiled sadly.
"I wasn't kind enough."
"I should have protected you."
Before Ava could respond—
A loud bell rang through the Alpha House.
The alarm.
Someone had discovered them.
"Intruders!" a voice shouted above.
Kael immediately drew his sword.
"They know we're here."
General Rowan looked toward the frightened prisoners.
"We can't fight while protecting all of them."
Ava thought quickly.
"The tunnel!"
She turned to the prisoners.
"Follow General Rowan. He'll lead you to safety."
"What about you?" Luna Elena asked.
Ava looked toward the stairs leading to the upper floor.
"I'm ending this."
Kael stepped beside her.
"And you're not doing it alone."
Damian drew his sword.
"My father has to answer for what he's done."
Heavy footsteps thundered overhead.
Then a familiar voice echoed through the hall.
"So..."
"It seems the little omega has finally come home."
Ava's heart sank.
She would recognize that cold voice anywhere.
Alpha Victor.
The doors above burst open.
Victor descended the staircase slowly, surrounded by Blood Fang warriors.
His eyes settled on Ava.
A cruel smile spread across his face.
"I've been waiting for you."
Moonfang glowed brightly in Ava's hand.
She met his gaze without fear.
"This time..."
"I'm not the frightened girl you threw away."
Victor laughed.
"We'll see about that."
The first battle for the Silver Moon Pack was about to begin.
- Writer
