Chapter 125: The Festival
**Nicholas’s POV**
Through the office's window, I looked outside. The aroma of grilled meats and sweet pastries instantly filled the air while the lively melody competed with the lively chatter of the pack. Long tables stretched across the training grounds, filled with goods mostly meat. Lanterns adorned with intricate paper cuttings. The Moon Festival was in full swing. It is a festival that only Lycans do to look back on the time the Moon Goddess made our kind—Lycans.
I stepped away from the window, pulling down the blinds. I craned my neck as exhaustion gnawed at my bones. The past few days had been a series of meetings. Coordinating with teams hunting rogue Council members, tracking down Keith's remaining experiments, and issuing orders to the packs who'd agreed to help capture them. It was a global game of cat and mouse, fueled by Florence's intel about Keith's hidden facilities.
I had just showered and honestly a refreshing shower had offered me a little relaxation while sleep remained a distant memory. It has been days since I got a full 8 hours of sleep.
And most of the time, it is Florence who haunted my thoughts, an enigma wrapped in worry. The last time I talked to her, something about her demeanor had felt…off. Percival and his son, Quinn, had echoed the sentiment before they left the pack.
I can still vividly remember how Alpha Percival's son's accusations still lingered. Despite Sara Douglas' unwavering loyalty to Florence, the girl had opted to join Percival's pack rather than stay under my watch.
“Let’s get everything done today” I grumbled to myself.
Today, I had intended to visit Florence, to defy her wish for freedom and offer a sliver of normalcy. I took my black coat and stepped outside of my office.
“Happy Moon Festival Alpha” a few maids greeted me cheerfully.
I nodded at them and continued my journey to the dungeon. But before I could even reach the main hallway, when Layla’s loud voice echoed in the hall. I turned around to find her running towards me.
"Alpha!" she called with a frown, "We need you outside now! Everyone's waiting for the festivities to… well, to commence! You need to go there now"
I opened my mouth to protest but Layla, her eyes wide with undisguised stress, didn't wait for my reply. With a firm grip on my arm, she pulled me towards the castle doors.
“Can’t it wait for another few minutes?” I asked with a sigh.
“No I already gave you 20 minutes and as an organizer, no more extension” she replied hushedly.
The castle doors burst open, and a wave of lively energy washed over me. Hundreds of pack members cheered as I stepped outside. It was a sea of smiles and excited chatter.
Layla, ever-efficient, appeared at my side, thrusting a microphone into my hand. She gestured to the center of the training ground.
Taking a deep breath, I silenced the crowd with a gesture. A smile tugged at my lips, a genuine one this time, fueled by the energy of the pack.
"My fellow Lycans," I began, my voice ringing out across the clearing. "We gather today waiting tonight for the moon, as we have for generations past. A time to honor the memory, to express our gratitude for the Moon Goddess, and to celebrate the strength and unity of our pack."
A collective nod rippled through the crowd.
"This year has been one of challenges. We have faced challenges, and threats from beyond our borders. Yet, through it all, we have stood together, unwavering in our loyalty and strength as a pack."
A murmur of agreement washed over the crowd. "Today," I declared, my voice rising a notch, "we not only celebrate the past, but we also look towards the future. A future where the pack thrives under the light of the moon!"
A thunderous roar of approval erupted from the crowd. Fists pumped the air, and joyful shouts echoed through the clearing. It was a powerful display of unity, something I was so proud to witness every year.
"But let us not forget that vigilance is the price of freedom. We must remain ever watchful, prepared to face whatever challenges may come our way. For as long as we stand together, as long as the fire of loyalty burns bright within us, then no obstacle can overcome the strength of our pack."
My final words were met with renewed applause and cheers. Layla gave me a wine glass and I raised it to the sky, signaling the start of our festival.
With the formalities out of the way, the celebration truly began. The crowd dispersed, drawn to the tables laden with food and drink. Laughter filled the air as pack members mingled, sharing stories and enjoying the camaraderie. My stomach rumbled, reminding me of the long hours I'd spent strategizing instead of eating. I headed towards a table overflowing with food, choosing an apple to eat.
Just as I raised the glass to my lips, a familiar voice broke through the din. "Alpha Nicholas"
It was Jake. He had always possessed an easygoing nature that made him well-liked among the pack members. Still, I can't seem to like him since seeing him with Florence. Pathetic I know.
"Jake," I greeted, offering a curt nod.
He began pouring himself a cup of juice, "Uh actually, I was wondering… where's Florence?"
A tinge of annoyance, laced with a hint of something else I couldn't quite define, awaken within me. I sharply asked, "Why do you ask?"
"Well," he began, scratching the back of his head, "I'm actually leaving for England soon. Two years of studying art. I figured I'd say goodbye to Florence before I head out. Already filed a report with Clifford about it."
My annoyance evaporated, maybe half-glad that he would leave. I don't like that Florence was close to him.
"She'll be out later," I stated, forcing a neutral tone.
Jake nodded, "Alright then. Just wanted to make sure. Good luck with everything, Alpha." With a final nod, he disappeared into the crowd.
I scanned the faces around me, taking a quiet moment to observe. Layla, a burst of energy, chatted animatedly with a group of young women. Gayle, his imposing stature stood at the edge of the festivities, a watchful eye on the surrounding forest. Clifford, his brow furrowed, seemed engrossed on his phone while my Gamma—Isaac, was monitoring the surveillance room, ensuring the safety of everyone present this time.
Suddenly, Layla materialized beside me, "If you will let Florence out, let me know okay? I prepared a very sophisticated dress for her!” Then she vanished again after snatching a cupcake.
I sighed, a reluctant smile tugging at my lips. Layla's infectious enthusiasm had even managed to crack through the wall of worry that had encased me for days. I stayed for five minutes outside, greeting the other pack members. Then I turned around, about to go back to talk to Florence. Instead, I was met with a pair of bright eyes and a sticky hand holding a half-melted ice cream cone.
Lisa beamed at me. "Alpha Nicholas!" she chirped, offering the ice cream cone like a precious treasure. "Here! This is for you."
She was wearing a pink dress that I know her older sister—Lena bought for her. A chuckle escaped my lips as I ruffled her hair gently. "Thank you, Lisa. That's very kind of you."
"But where's Florence?" she tilted her head, her brow furrowing in what, for her, was a serious expression. "I wanted to show her my new arrows too."
"You'll see her later," I assured Lisa. “I’ll just need to—”
I stopped mid sentence, frowning as my eyes darted to the direction of the gate.
“Alpha?” Lisa asked but I couldn't reply to her.
Berion, my wolf, stirred within me, a low growl rumbling deep in my chest. He didn't need words, the warning was clear – danger was approaching.
As if on cue, the joyous sounds of the festival were replaced by a chilling symphony of howls and the pounding of what sounded like hundreds of approaching paws. My body tensed, adrenaline jolting through my veins. I barked out orders, my voice cutting through the crowd
"Women and children! Back to the castle! Take shelter!"
The next second was the blaring of the pack's emergency siren echoed through the clearing, a harsh counterpoint to the festive music that had been playing moments before. Chaos erupted. Women grabbed their children, their faces etched with seriousness not fear as they ran towards the safety of the castle. We have been under a lot of wars. This is not the first time. Warriors, their faces grim, bolted towards the pack's borders and the gate, their movements a well-rehearsed response to an unseen threat. Next, I heard the sound of an explosion as the land mines seemed to be activated by the coming enemies.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Gayle materialize from the fray. She scooped up a wailing Lisa in her toned arms, her eyes glowing in gold mirroring my own wolf's obsidian darkness for a fleeting moment.
I gave him a curt nod – a silent command. "Guard them," I growled, the primal instinct of my wolf bleeding into my voice.
Before Gayle could respond, I was already running towards the gate. The carefree festival and the echo of Lisa's terrified sobs faded away. My vision narrowed, the world around me sharpening into a picture of attack and defense. My blue eyes, the human Nicholas, were gone, replaced by the cold, calculating hunter that was Berion—my beast, was ready to defend my pack at all costs.