Chapter 22
“Rommik won the alpha challenge.”
The pack’s murmurs rose in the air. They were surprised to see the power Rommik displayed today. He was known as the best fighter in the pack after his brother, but no one thought he could defeat Konrad. They started to chant Rommik’s name and rejoice in the background while Kian took a relaxed breath finally. Kiara was right beside him, fresh tears streaming down her cheeks.
“You’re bleeding so much.” She helped him sit, and he sagged against her.
“I’ll be fine.”
“Rommik is the winner,” an elder announced. “Step forward, Rommik.”
The gray wolf, covered in blood and dirt, strode forward with its head held high. Then he shifted to his human form, tying the loincloth someone threw at him around his hips before bowing at the elders.
Lucille stepped forward. “Bow to your new alpha.” Her calm voice carried an air of authority. “Rommik won fair and square in the alpha challenge, proving that he is a capable leader of the pack. Therefore, as per our ancestor’s laws, he will now lead the Moonlight Howl pack as its pack alpha.”
“Thank you. It’s my honor, elders. ”Rommik straightened and turned to address the pack. “I promise to lead the pack in a kinder, more forgiving way and shall never repeat the mistakes of our previous alpha.”
“Rommik!”
“Rommik!”
“Rommik!”
Kian smiled as the pack members chanted his name. If anyone deserved to rule the pack, it was Rommik. He knew he would be a great leader.
“The first thing I’d like to do is eradicate the ‘kill any human on sight’ rule.” He clasped his hands behind his back. “The ancient rules will be revised under the elder’s guidance. I ask you for your understanding as we work toward the betterment of the pack.” He inclined his head.
Applauses and cheers broke from the crowd again.
“Kian and Kiara were sent away by elder Lucille for a valuable mission. They’re pardoned from any form of punishment, and on behalf of the pack, I thank them for their courage and valiance.” He bowed at them. “And from now, pack members are allowed to go out of the pack lands with permission and for valid reason.”
More howls erupted in appreciation and the pack members bowed to Rommik accepting his decision.
“You did it, my boy.” Lucille hugged him before tying a red thread around his wrist that officially concluded the alpha’s succession.
Rommik slowly limbed toward Kian, where he lay and knelt beside him. “I’m so proud of you, brother. You have done so much for the pack.” He extended a hand. “Will you stay by my side, Kian? As a brother and my second-in-command.”
Kian bowed his head in respect. “It’ll be my honor to serve you, my Alpha.”
Rommik beamed. He reached out to pat Kiara’s head. “You might not be my niece by blood, but that won’t change anything. You’re one of ours, and it will remain the same.” He gestured toward Layla. “You too.”
“Thank you,” Kiara’s voice cracked as she hugged him tightly.
“Oh, I like him,” Layla chimed. “Congratulations, sir. I’ve heard a lot about you from Kiara. By the way, I’m Layla. We didn’t get a chance to get acquainted properly.”
Rommik inclined his head. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Layla.”
***
The pack members were lost in their conversations when Konrad’s wolf climbed to his feet, staggering. A furious howl was all the warning they received before he lunged toward Kian and Kiara. Kian’s eyes widened in alarm, and he pushed Kiara away on instinct, bracing himself for the impact.
However, the attack never came. Lucille stepped forward in a blink of an eye, lifting her hands in the air. Instantly, Konrad flew into the air, crashing against the tree, and fell in a heap. Growls rumbled out of his chest.
He lifted his head to see Lucille and the other elders standing there with their hands in the air. Lucille’s eyes glowed bright silver as she continued to chant something in an ancient language.
Konrad’s wolf stood, and his body shook before he fixed his gaze on its next target. It snarled and stepped toward elders, but Layla threw another smoke bomb. The wolf turned his head toward her. But before he could attack her, hewas thrown once more with such a force that it hit the tree again, causing the trunk to crack in the middle.
Kian had only heard about the elders possessing magical powers. Hearing those stories was one thing but witnessing them was another. He watched in awe as thin strands of silver light reached Konrad’s struggling wolf, wrapping around him and began to bind him. Konrad’s wolf howled in agony as it tried to break free, but the strands only tightened around him.
“Shift!” Lucille’s powerful voice boomed around them.
Konrad’s wolf shuddered and began to shift in front of their eyes. “What the hell are you doing? Let me go!” he roared.
“You’re an evil wolf, Konrad. You disrespected the Moon Goddess and went against her will to harm her children. The pack laws are laid out to protect the pack, but you used it to control the pack wolves, and your harsh rule led to infighting, resentment, and pain,” she continued. “You caused the pack members to live in constant fear. You’re unfit to lead the pack.”
Konrad snarled. “Let me go this instant, and I’ll spare your life, Lucille!”
The elders stepped forward. They shared a glance, and Lucille nodded. “I’m afraid I can’t do that, Konrad. As the elders of the pack, it’s our responsibility to stop the alpha if he steps out of the line. You lost the title. Stand down.”
More warriors stepped into the clearing with spears and other sharp weapons ready to attack if needed. Konrad tried to break the binds but failed miserably.
“The spell will leech off your strength and will render you useless,” Lucille said. “You’re just a normal wolf now, Konrad. Give up! Maybe we will spare your life. But, there’s nothing that will break you out of that spell.”
The silver threads simmered before disappearing into his skin. He sagged to the forest floor, his chest heaving and features contorting, but he said nothing. It was as if he was tongue-tied.
She turned to Kiara and smiled. She lifted the scroll in her hand. “Well done, child. You have finally fulfilled your destiny.”
Kiara bowed. “Thanks.” She eyed Konrad. “What happens to him now?”
Lucille’s smile didn’t waver. “Leave that to us, child. The elders and the new alpha will take care of it.”
“No. You should hand him over to Lune Hunters. It’s their job,” Layla said, joining Kiara and Lucille in their conversation.
“And who are you, young lady?” Lucille eyed her from head to toe before settling her sharp eyes on her face.
“I’m Layla Miller, granny. Kiara’s twin sister.” Layla smirked, looking at the surprised expression on Lucille’s face.
“Layla, you shouldn’t talk to elders like that,” Kiara hissed from beside her, but her sister, as usual, ignored her and continued.
“So, as I was saying, old lady.…”
“Elder…Layla.” Kiara gritted through her teeth.
“Elder, older, granny… same thing.” She shrugged. “Didn’t you say no one even know her real age? Ouch!” Layla sent daggers at her sister, who pinched her. However, their staring match ended when they heard a giggle erupting from the old woman.
“Oh, dear, you are exactly what we need in the pack right now. You’re gonna be a good influence on our Kiara.” With that, elder Lucille departed, laughing to herself.
“What about that dumbass, granny?” Layla was the first who came out of her shock and shouted behind Lucille’s retreating form.
“We will think about it and let you know later. For now, we have greater things to worry about.”
Layla grumbled at Lucille’s reply, causing Kiara to laugh at her expression. She watched the pack members carrying Kian to the healer’s hut. He would be okay. Layla was the best thing that happened to her until now. They had a lot to do, but with Layla by her side, she was sure things would be okay.