I stand at the edge of the ridge, looking down at the clearing where my pack gathers. The moon is high, casting silver shadows on the ground, and I feel its pull deep in my bones. It’s a reminder that as Alpha, the weight of the pack rests on my shoulders. Protecting them, guiding them, it’s all up to me.
“Tristan,” a voice calls from behind, pulling me from my thoughts. It’s Luca, my second-in-command and oldest friend. His face is serious, lined with concern. "The council's waiting. They want to know what you're planning."
I nod, brushing past him. "Let's not keep them waiting."
Inside the meeting hall, the air buzzes with murmurs. Everyone quiets when I enter, their eyes fixed on me, waiting for guidance. I take a deep breath and step forward, my mind racing with the burden of leadership.
“The attacks are getting closer,” I begin, my voice echoing in the quiet hall. “We can’t wait any longer. We need more allies.”
There’s a murmur of surprise, then disapproval. Many in the pack are wary of outsiders. For years, we've managed on our own. But these attacks are different, mysterious and relentless.
“And where do you plan on finding these allies?” an elder asks, his voice skeptical. “We can’t trust just anyone.”
“I’ve heard about a healer in the Moonshadow Pack,” I reply, meeting his gaze. “She’s supposed to be very skilled, and her knowledge might help us. We need someone who can assist us in ways that strength alone can't.”
Luca steps forward, his voice steady. “We need to act before it’s too late. The Alpha is right. If we don’t, who knows what will happen to us.”
I look around the room, seeing nods of agreement mixed with doubt. I know it’s risky. The Moonshadow Pack is known to keep to themselves, and forming alliances has never been our strong suit. But deep down, I feel this is the right path.
“I’ll go see her myself,” I declare. “It’ll be just me. No one else will be put in danger.”
There’s silence, the weight of my words hanging in the air. But slowly, the council nods, and the room begins to fill with quiet agreement.
After the meeting, Luca catches up to me as I leave the hall. The moonlight shines on his worried face. “Are you sure about this, Tristan?”
I pause, feeling the cool night air on my skin. “I have to try, Luca. The pack depends on it. I won’t let them down.”
“You never do,” he says, clapping me on the shoulder. “Just be careful out there.”
I nod, but in my heart, I know that careful might not be enough. As Alpha, every decision I make holds weight. Every step I take could change the course of our future. I spend a moment watching the pack members as they disperse, each of them trusting me to make things right.
As I head back to my quarters, the thought of the healer lingers in my mind. She's an unknown ally I hope will make the difference we need. But for now, all I have is the heavy mantle of leadership and a plan that needs to work.
Tomorrow I’ll set out to find her. Tonight, the woods are quiet, the only sound the gentle rustling of leaves. I climb into bed, the familiar scent of pine and earth comforting me as I close my eyes. Sleep doesn’t come quickly, though. My mind races with thoughts, plans, and hope for our pack’s future.
This task, this journey is set to be the start of something that could save us all. But in the darkness, as sleep finally takes hold, there's also the whisper of uncertainty. I only hope it leads to salvation rather than ruin.
As the moon watches over us, I drift into restless dreams, knowing that tomorrow could change everything.
