Azimir stared at the moon while he waited for his subjects to gather around. Although his kingdom, the kingdom of Ideni had both humans and special creatures like him, it was only people like him who had come out of their houses into the wild while the humans stayed locked and protected inside their homes. This was not their night to venture for danger would surely befall them once the moon turned red.
Azimir was glad and impressed that his men had already warned the humans about what might happen once the moon turned red. It was not hidden from anyone in his kingdom who he was and how he was able to shift into an animal, a wolf, a terrifying beast whenever he wanted.
The humans also knew that there were others like their king in their kingdom. But never had they complained about it for never had they faced any troubles from anyone.
King Azimir or Alpha Azimir, as how everyone addressed him, was a kind and just ruler. Though he was cold and reserved in nature, he had a warm heart, and never had he failed to perform his duties towards his kingdom or his people. Moreover, he had managed to maintain harmony between humans and werewolves like him, upholding peace and happiness in the kingdom of Ideni.
It was only on the first night in the year of the moon that scared the humans for that was when the werewolves would lose control completely. It was a night of terror, of peril, of blood, and no human in their sane minds would venture out. Wolves in their ferocious state would roam around in the wild and getting captured by them only meant death.
Azimir closed his eyes as he controlled the changes in him. The power in him was rising as moments passed, and it would be anytime soon when he shifted into his wolf.
The animal in him was becoming impatient. All he wanted to do was forsake everything else and let go. But as a King, an Alpha, he had duties to perform. He had to address his people, the other wolves like him and there were still a few moments, sufficient enough for him before the moon turned completely red.
Azimir's eyes fluttered open, his sterling grey eyes observing his subjects around him. They too were getting impatient and it would be soon when everyone would start losing control. Azimir waited until all the people gathered in front of him and after gaining a nod from his Beta, Vasili, he glanced at the moon again.
"It is the year of the moon again." He started, his commanding and domineering voice forcing everyone to focus on him and stop speaking. Even though their wolves were on the verge of coming out, they stood still as it was their Alpha speaking to them.
"And we all know what will happen once the moon turns completely red. I do not have much to say other than to warn everyone here."
A chill went down their spines and many people, especially the younger ones who were experiencing the power of the night for the first time shuddered visibly in fear after sensing the intensity in their Alpha's tone. He was utterly serious and one small mistake would lead to grave consequences.
"Irrespective of what happens and how badly you want to enter the kingdom, I, Azimir Bhaltiar, your Alpha and your King forbid you to take a step inside the kingdom of Ideni until the night ends. You are not to enter the kingdom and even if you do, you are not to hurt any human. This is my warning, and the ones who go against my orders will face my wrath."
Now, not only the younger members of the crowd, but even the older ones, the ones who were familiar with their Alpha's anger trembled in fear. But they did not protest or speak a word against him. Instead, they were only filled with admiration for him for treating everyone fairly and protecting everyone in his kingdom.
"Also," Azimir continued. "I command the older wolves to keep a closer eye on the younger ones lest they should return to the kingdom before the night is over. We do not want anyone committing a mistake even though it is not under their control."
Azimir ran his eyes, holding everyone's gaze fixed on him, observing everyone's expressions. It was only when he sensed that his warning had been registered by everyone and the wolves inside them, did he nod in satisfaction.
"Please be safe everyone and..." He did not even have the chance to finish speaking when the wolf in him compelled him to let go and Azimir did not have the power in him anymore to stop him. All he could do was succumb to its wishes and shift. In his place, now stood a wolf, a beast with golden fur as its grey eyes stared at the now red moon.
No sooner had he shifted into his wolf, all the people around him too shifted, unable to hold onto their control anymore.
It was just one howl from one of the older wolves that made all the other wolves too howl before they started running deep into the jungle with Azimir keeping guard at the boundary that separated his kingdom and the thick jungle.
His Beta too stayed behind and Vasili, now in his wolf form, kneeled at his Alpha on his front legs. "Will you not go, Alpha?"
Azimir heard Vasili speak in his mind and he shook his head immediately. "I will not. I need to guard the humans."
"Does Alpha think the wolves will disrespect you and enter the kingdom in your absence?" Vasili continued.
"I do not want to take a risk, Vasili. The younger wolves have low self-control and they sometimes give in to their desires and come looking for their prey. And I do not want the humans to be their prey. I need to protect the humans from the wolves and the wolves from committing a mistake."
Azimir glanced at the blood-red moon before he fixed his eyes on Vasili. "Keep an eye on them, Vasili. The night is long and dangerous. We need to ensure everyone's safety and I trust no one but you to do it."
Vasili bowed his head in acknowledgment before he too took off in the direction the other wolves had gone. The night had just begun, and it would be quite stressful to stay in control until the first rays of the sun fell on them and ended their misery.