They say the darkest day reflects the storm that is brewing inside one. Today was one of those days. The rain was falling quite heavily and the sky was dark with clouds.
Restlessly walking in my chambers was now a usual thing that I did often. The knock on the door interrupted my thoughts which were spinning all over the place. “Come in,” I said hoping that my voice didn't sound too abnormal.
Captain Thoma came into the room followed by Beta Phillips and Alpha Raphael. They were the closest things I had to friends.
”Alpha Dagen,” Raphael said, shaking hand in hand good-naturedly. "It's good to see you. How have you been holding up?”
I attempted to put a smile on my face but I felt like the very gesture was a stranger to me. "I've been managing, Raphael.
Beta Phillips walked further in, looking troubled. “We’ve been thinking about it for quite some time, Dagen; what have you been up to? You actually have not been yourself of late."
"I know. Thank you for coming," I said, trying to dismiss the question.
Captain Thoma patted me on my back, a friendly gesture. "We’re here for you, Dagen. Whatever you need."
I led them to the private dining I had in my chambers and we all sat. Soon enough, the maids arrived with trays in their hands with fruits, drinks and food for the party.
"Alpha Dagen, would you like some wine?” a maid asked, her voice gentle and trembling.
“Yes, thank you” I answered her and took the glass she handed to me. The others joined in, and we were all holding our glasses and slowly the tension began to ease.
We took our beverages in a rather comfortable silence. Captain Thoma interrupted it with laughter. "Can you guess when was the last time any of us hung out this way? It was after that nasty encounter with the rogue pack east of the border if I remember clearly enough"
Phillips laughed, shaking his head. "I remember. We were nearly killed. I still remember the beautiful sight of the wreckage the next morning, but the feast afterwards was worth it."
Raphael said, “Those were simpler times. Many times we were unsure whether we were fighting for ourselves but we knew well who our enemies were."
“Well, time does fly,” I said slowly. "And so do we."
“Right,” Raphael agreed, lifting the glass in a toast. "To old times."
We all raised our glasses and clinked them, before sipping more.
Raphael leaned back in his chair, his lips twisting into a grin. "Let me tell you, Dagen, you’ve missed a really interesting party at the Dark Moon pack. There the Alpha welcomed twins from his niece.
I attempted to muster even a little interest. “Well done to him,” I added. "I am certain that it was quite the celebration.”
Captain Thoma laughed, dropping his glass. "It was a grand affair. Dagen I wish you had been there. The niece in question has the same name as your former Luna;
I stiffened at the mention of her. "Let's not talk about such things," I said, my voice carrying more edge than I intended.
Raphael raised an eyebrow but continued. "She's just as beautiful, you know."
"I said I don't want to talk about it," I repeated firmly.
There was an awkward silence before Phillip cleared his throat and tried to steer the conversation. "So, Dagen, are you still planning to marry Nydia? It's about time you moved on with your life."
I didn't answer his question because I did not know where things stood with Nydia. "What about Alpha George?"
The tension in the room eased a bit as the conversation shifted. Phillips seemed relieved. "There are rumours about him, you know. Some say he's a sorcerer, and his ascension to the throne is questionable."
Captain Thoma leaned forward, intrigued. "Really? I hadn't heard that. What makes them think he's a sorcerer?"
Phillips shrugged. "You know how rumours are. They say his power is unnatural, that he rose to the throne through means other than the traditional ways."
Raphael scoffed. "People love to talk. Just because he's powerful doesn't mean he's dabbling in sorcery."
"True," I agreed, though my mind was still elsewhere. "But it's worth keeping an eye on."
Phillips nodded. "Agreed. There are always some elements of truth in every rumour.
"By the way, I heard your son might soon be betrothed to the grandniece of King Napoleon," Captain Thoma said.
The room fell silent. "Really?"
Raphael nodded. "Indeed. It's still in the early stages, but it may happen. There needs to be a bit of change," he chuckled.
“Talking about the changes,” Thoma said, turning directly to me, “have you thought about it, Dagen? About moving on?"
“I understand this, thank you Thoma, but some things just don't happen overnight.”
Phillips sat up straight with intense fervour in his face. "All we want is to do what’s best for you, Dagen."
" It means a lot to me that you care about me," I said stiffly.
"You’ve been through a lot and we worry about you.”
“Oh, I know,” I replied more softly. "And I appreciate it."
"The elders are already talking, are you aware?"
I stared at the glass in my hand for a moment and slowly sipped from the wine in the glass. "Talking about what?" I asked, raising my brows.
"About your situation. They say you have neglected your duties because you are mourning."
"Is that so?" I cleared my throat and adjusted my position. "Please tell me, what duties are they speaking about?"
"Your duties to the pack?"
"I have been attending court, have I not?"
"Well, yes?" Thoma responded.
"I have been signing necessary papers, have I not?"
"Yes but—"
"What other duties am I not doing? Which aspects am I not being responsible for?"
"Your duties to birth an heir Dagen," Phillip said.
"I have just lost a child," I hissed. "Let the elders keep talking. I do not care.”