Avenging Luna

The Plan

After a long shower and hot meal, I sank into a deep, restless sleep.  I awoke the next morning, as the sun began to kiss the sky.  As I slowly made my way downstairs, I could hear those same low voices, but instead of shock, this time they were laced with anger.  As I stepped into the kitchen, my father called to me "Aya, you should be resting.  Go upstairs and I will have someone bring your breakfast."  His eyes were full of concern, mixed with anger and hatred.  Instead of following his instructions, I vaulted into his arms and hugged him tight.  "Please papa, I need to know what's going on and what you're planning.  I want to help."  He sighed, and suddenly looked much older, as if he'd aged decades over the last day.  "Very well, you may stay and listen, but no arguments.  As Alpha, it is my job to protect our pack, to protect you from these invaders, and I won't have anyone questioning my decisions or authority. 

He led me to the common room where his high-level warriors were gathered, and began to speak in his alpha voice.  "As you know, yesterday at dawn our allies of the Horizon pack were brutally attacked.  As far as we know, all of their warriors were killed, and all of the females and pups were taken as slaves.  My daughter Mariah is the only known survivor, and our Luna Isabella, my wife and mate, died as valiantly as any warrior, protecting others from harm."  The room was silent as he continued. "Our scouts have returned, and report that nothing is left of the Horizon tribe.  Their packhouse and outbuildings have been burned, along with the bodies of all who perished.  There is no evidence as to why the rogues attacked, or what their purpose was.  Our scouts attempted to track the rogues, but lost their scent at the river at the very edge of the Horizon territory.  I have dispatched scouts to all of our allies, to share the news and seek help.  Until we receive news or answers on this attack, every female and pup in the pack will move into the packhouse, which will remain under constant guard.  Border patrols will be tripled, and every warrior will be called to serve.  We will not meet the same fate as the Horizon pack, and we will avenge our Luna."