The voices were low but audible as the five Chiefs of the River pack council sat amongst themselves. They were holding an emergency meeting in the Council room.
"The last time something like this happened, it was a sign, a premonition of the dark war" Thorak's words hung heavy, painting a grim echo of a forgotten war.
Fenris scoffed dismissing Thorak even though a shadow lingered.
"Are you really comparing the scampering about of all the animals to the death of livestock? This could have been caused simply by a disease!" He said.
"And the sickness of the young ones in the orphanage? Was that caused by another disease?" Vlad asked, his gaze sharpened with suspicion.
"Well, if the livestock had an illness then it's quite possible the children did too…" Draven suggested.
"I think something is amiss and we have to act on it as soon as we can!" Thorak said with a growl.
"The healer is with the children already and they are responding." Draven said.
"And if they don't? If we are next?" Thorak spat.
"When would you see that this seclusion is causing harm to us! We are restricted! Prisoners!" Vlad said angrilly.
"What exactly are you driving at? That has nothing to do with this conversation!" Fenris interjected.
"It has everything to do with this conversation because it's all the Alpha's doing. What is expected when you have an Alpha who is nonchalant, cold and empty! He doesn't resonate with us, the pack members, he is distant and perhaps the goddess is not pleased!" Thorak growled.
"What is expected of a leader who had to seize the throne at seven?!" Draven roared, his fist slamming onto the table. "Who killed his own father to ensure our survival? He sacrificed his very innocence, his soul, so that we could live!"
"Live like caged animals, with no true freedom!" Vlad shot back, his anger palpable.
"We are safe!" Fenris argued vehemently. "We are alive! Our resources have multiplied, our knowledge has expanded under Alpha Zephyr's guidance. He may be distant, but he is a strong and capable leader!"
"Riches without freedom are meaningless!" Vlad hissed. "If not for this cursed seclusion, we would be the wealthiest pack in the realm!"
"And if not for this seclusion," Fenris countered, his voice a low growl of finality, "we would be dead."
"This is not living," Thorak insisted, his voice thick with resentment.
"So, tell me," Fenris challenged, his eyes narrowed. "What would you prefer? Freedom under the Dark King's brutal thumb?"
"Freedom," Thorak stated defiantly, "is always better than this."
"How dare you even utter such a thought?!" Draven bellowed. "The Dark King ruined us! He slaughtered our families, stole our loved ones, took the Claw—!"
"And what if the Alpha is already intertwined with that darkness?" Thorak interjected.
"Enough!" Logan's voice, quiet but firm, cut through the rising tide of anger. He had remained a silent observer, his gaze moving from one agitated face to another.
"Yes, Enough." Another voice boomed across the room.
a deeper voice resonated through the room, silencing them all.
Every head swiveled as Alpha Zephyr entered, his Beta, Ralph, and Gamma, Zeeb, flanking him. The Chiefs rose as one, bowing their heads in unison before settling back into their seats.
"I had hoped for a more composed gathering," Zephyr said with his gaze sweeping across the room. There was a hint of displeasure in his tone. Usually, he would have simply begun the meeting, his coldness a shield against their turmoil.
"There is a strange illness spreading, My Alpha," Fenris reported respectfully.
"I am aware," Zephyr replied simply, his gaze unwavering. "The healer is attending to it."
His expectation of unquestioning obedience was met with silence. The Chiefs had witnessed Zephyr's ascent from a child, the weight of the throne settling upon his young shoulders. Respect mingled with a profound fear for the enigmatic leader he had become.
Yet, today, something was different.
A raw edge of irritability flickered in Zephyr's eyes, a stark contrast to his usual detached composure.
The remainder of the meeting proceeded calmly, the Alpha's tense presence was a palpable force. When it finally concluded, the Chiefs dispersed, leaving only Zephyr, Ralph, and Zeeb.
"They looked deeply troubled." Ralph observed.
"It's the first disease outbreak we are dealing with in a long time… they'll be unsettled." Zephyr said.
"Well, I intend to breed unease in to my evening. I have a party to attend." Zeeb said announced with a wink.
"Honestly Zeeb, your timing is impeccable." Ralph commented.
"Life is too short for constant grimness, My Friends. These days have been heavy on me, I need to unwind and relax. Besides it's the full moon in two days… I need to be ready for that." He said arching a knowing eyebrow at Zephyr.
"I need to pay a visit to Raula, so I'll be leaving too." Zephyr said.
"Of course, Alpha," Zeeb teased, a playful grin spreading across his face. "Wouldn't want you missing out on all the… fun." He darted away before Zephyr could offer a retort.
"I'll go home, i do need to rest against the full moon." Ralph told his best friend.
A beat of silence hung in the air. "Do you truly believe… she could be my fated mate?"
The silence stretched, thick with unspoken understanding.
"Yes, Zephyr," Ralph confirmed, his gaze steady. "I do."
Zephyr said nothing. He wanted to ask why but he made up his mind not to ask today. He turned on his heels and disappeared in to the night headed to Raula's house.
He had sent her a message ahead of his arrival and so she was seated by her balcony, waiting for him.
He landed, gracefully transformed and made himself comfortable in a chair beside her.
"You're here." She welcomed him with a light smile.
"Will you have something to eat?" She asked even though she knew he would say no.
"Thank you but No. How are you doing?" He asked.
"I'm well, Zephyr." She responded. "And how are you? How's the Solistice attack coming along?"
"It's alright." He answered.
Their meetings were usually like this, predictable and bland but most meetings with Zephyr went that way, less words and more seriousness.
"You have something you want to talk about." Zephyr said observing Raula closely. She looked unrelaxed.
"It's not important." She lied.
"You can talk to me, Raula." He said calmly.
There was a chilling silence in which Raula was summoning the courage to have this conversation.
"It's about the Strange woman."
There was no flicker of surprise in Zephyr's eyes but he did look interested.
"What about her?" He prodded.
Raula sighed feeling drained already by the conversation.
She summoned courage again.
Knowing Zephyr, she had to be as direct as possible. He hated being dragged.
"I would like to know who she is." She said even though what she really wanted to say was
Is this woman your mate? Where did she come from?
"I am not sure of that." He said.
He was not lying but he was not saying the truth either.
"Is that all you have to say?" He asked her and she nodded stiffly.
The questions were hanging in her throat. She wanted more! She needed more!
"Then, I have to leave." He said getting up.
"You haven't stayed long enough." Raula tried.
"I am busy."
With no more words from her, he headed for the balcony.
"Zephyr?" She called and he turned around.
"I wish you a painless full moon." She prayed even though she knew it would not happen that way.
"Take care, Raula." He said before disappearing.
Raula felt the insecurity and anxiety well up in her. Zephyr seemed agitated or uncomfortable.
Something was wrong and her guts told her that it had to be the strange woman. That was the only difference in the past twenty years.
Raula could hardly wait to see Dorianna, then she would know exactly what was happening.
For now, she had to comfort herself by saying
I am the only one for Zephyr, Nothing or no one can change that.