ANDOR.
As the pack members hailed me as their new Alpha, I walked away from the square and returned to my chambers. The encounter with Erling and the death of my father left me feeling conflicted and drained. I needed time to process everything that had happened.
Later that night, I sat alone by the window, gazing at the moonlit forest. My mind was filled with thoughts of my father, his legacy, and the responsibility that now rested upon my shoulders as the new Alpha. I couldn't help but wonder if I was truly ready for this role, or if I could live up to the expectations set by my father's legacy.
As I sat there lost in my thoughts, the door creaked open, and my mother walked in. She looked at me with a mix of concern and pride in her eyes.
"You did what you had to do," she said softly, taking a seat beside me.
"I know, but it's not as simple as that," I replied. "I never wanted this position, and now that I have it, I feel overwhelmed."
"You may not have wanted it, but fate has chosen you to lead the pack," she said, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. "Your father saw something in you, and he believed you were capable of greatness. You have the strength and compassion to be a great leader."
"I hope you're right," I said, leaning my head against her shoulder.
"You have my support, and the support of the pack," she assured me. "You don't have to walk this path alone."
With her words, I felt a renewed sense of determination. I knew I had to step up and honor my father's memory by leading the Red Siren pack with integrity and fairness. I couldn't let my own doubts hold me back.
Later in the day, I called for a meeting with the pack leaders, my father was buried, and a new order had just begun. They all gathered quickly, bumping over each other to get a seat or a place to stand in the hall.
There was nothing more effective than biting someone's head off on the first day of becoming Alpha, they feared me, and I wouldn't need to kill anyone else to make a point.
Edmund approached me gingerly; like everyone else, he had never seen me transform, so he did not know that I could change at will or that my wolf did not completely take over.
"The people have given you a new name." He said.
"They don't like Andor?" I asked.
"They are calling you the demon wolf now." He replied.
I laughed. "Demon wolf?"
"Yes,"
"They are my people; they can call me whatever they want," I said.
"My lord, they have never seen anything like that, and neither have I. It was scary to watch even for us werewolves."
"I want you to become my beta," I replied.
Edmund was shocked and opened his mouth, as a witch had just told him that he would die tomorrow.
"Well, say something," I said.
"My lord, are you sure?"
"You are loyal. And you are a strong fighter. I have seen you in battle. I also think you're smarter than you let on." I explained.
"This is a great honour, and I promise not to let you down." He answered.
I nodded back at him. "My mother will remain luna of this pack. I would need her guidance and experience by my side as we are transitioning into a new era."
"That is a smart choice, my lord," He said.
I focused on my hearing and observed that the great hall was packed. I crept across the hallways, with Edmund trailing behind for my first meeting with the Gammas of my pack.
Gamma wolves are the wolves under the betas. They acted as leaders during fights and were solid and fast when in battle. My father, when he was Alpha, allowed them to also have a say in decisions concerning the pack. He made the final call, but he also listened to their counsel.
Everyone stood up the moment they noticed my presence.
"Long live Alpha Andor." They greeted.
"Please sit," I replied.
"I don't have much to say. I want to get into providing and protecting this pack right away. I have a few decisions I have already made in that regard." I explained. "First, I have chosen Edmund to be my beta. I trust him with my life, and he has proven himself countless times."
The people in the room stomped their legs together. It was a sign that they agreed with my decision.
"Secondly, My mother, Agatha, would remain the luna of this pack. Her wisdom would guide us through this period."
They also stumped their foot in agreement.
"Anyone who has issues they would like to address me should stand up and do so," I commanded.
One of the gammas who I knew very well, Ivar, stood up to speak. He was the first werewolf my father turned and a very vicious fighter. He also created battle strategies that my father used in winning various battles.
"Long live Alpha Andor." He greeted.
I nodded back.
"When your father was alive, he had the werewolf council under control. Isaac is a very proud leader and would expect that you pay homage to him." He explained.
"You are correct," I said. "But, I cannot leave the pack undefended this early. I would send a delegation in that regard."
Ivar nodded back at me.
"Thank you, Ivar," I said.
"I want you and Edmund to lead my delegation to Isaac. You'll bring him silver and gold, and also my oath. I would take my father's place in the council and continue to uphold the rules that keep the peace between the humans and us."
Everyone stomped their foot in agreement; I had heard about this King Isaac. He was the oldest werewolf alive and the ruler of the werewolf council; when we were being hunted down by vampires, humans and witches alike, he united all the strong packs together and sought out peace.
When our enemies saw the unity in our numbers, they agreed to the treaty, which stated that as long as we didn't kill any more of their people, they would no longer do the same.
As long as the council remained, the threat of our numbers would always keep our external enemies at bay.
No one else stood up, so I assumed that it was the end of the meeting; no one else had anything to say. As I was about to leave the great hall, someone else entered it.
I recognised her smell immediately; it was Erling's daughter. She walked to the front and fell on her knees.
"I have buried my father, Lord Andor. I am now yours." I nodded back at her.
I was confused; I had no idea what she wanted me to say or do with her.
"My two brothers have left the pack. They left immediately after we buried our father. I fear that they will return to enact vengeance on you for the death of our father." She said aloud.
"Your father chose his fate," I replied. "And, why are you telling me this. Are they no longer your brothers?"
"They are Lord. But I belong to you now." She replied.
They were whispers from every corner of the hall, so I dismissed them.
"You may all go now," I said. "Edmund, you will leave with Ivar in the morning to send the delegation."
"Long live Alpha Andor." The room greeted in response as they dispersed in a disorderly fashion.
"What is your name?" I asked Erling's daughter.
"Iris." She replied.
I could not describe what I felt in her presence; it felt like joy and a sense of familiarity. Like, I had known this girl my whole life. I wanted to talk to her more, ask her about her life, what she did with her time, her favorite food, everything.
But I felt she would only respond out of fear that she would end up with the same fate as her father.
"You are released from your oath," I said. "You don't have to serve me."
She looked startled, but her reply shook me more. "I don't want ever to leave your side."