We found ourselves on the outskirts of the Palace compound, and when Ethan finished dressing up, we made our way inside together. He complimented me with a smile, saying, "You look stunning." I chose to remain silent and averted my gaze.
With each step I took within the palace, a profound sense of high esteem echoed through me. The feast was already in full swing, filled with numerous attendees, including servants and nobles alike. It was difficult for me to distinguish between werewolves and humans, let alone tell the Alphas from their subjects.
This was the first evening feast I had attended, and it proved to be even more captivating than its daytime counterpart. The music played endlessly, while the dancers showcased their unique steps. Multiple performances unfolded simultaneously, captivating the audience. Despite all the lively entertainment, Ethan and I passed by, heading towards an inner courtyard.
I couldn't help but wonder where we were headed. I had never ventured beyond the palace hall before. As we went deeper into the inner court, we arrived at a mind-blowing hall, grand and mighty in its appearance.
I couldn't help but wonder if this magnificent hall was the main palace hall. Its beauty and design surpassed that of the previous palace hall we had passed. A chill ran through me, and I couldn't help but ask, "Where are we? What is this place?"
Ethan took hold of my hands and replied, "This is the judgment chamber, the inner court of the palace. Not everyone is allowed access here." Leaning closer to my ear, he added softly, "Not even the queen is permitted to enter this hall."
I was taken aback. "There's a place in this kingdom where even the queen isn't allowed?" I questioned, my curiosity piqued.
"Then why did you bring me here? Won't we get into trouble if I'm spotted?" I scanned the surroundings, noting the rare presence of servants. The faces I did see were unmistakably non-human.
Once again, Ethan leaned in close and whispered, "Everyone in this hall are Alphas, so be cautious with your words. I may not be able to protect you from all of them." I nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation.
Confirming my suspicions, indeed the faces I saw were non-humans. The hall was filled with a total of thirty male Alphas and four female Alphas, alongside other noble beings.
At the center of the hall, there was a grand golden circle, rising from the ground to about half a foot high. I couldn't help but wonder about its purpose.
Everyone present took their seats in a circular formation, positioned thirty feet away from the golden circle.
Despite the crowded space, there was an air of orderliness that made it difficult for me to find a moment of relaxation. I was the only non-Alpha and non-noble present, I felt slightly suffocated.
The servants gradually departed from the hall, leaving behind only the Alphas and noble members of the kingdom. Moments later, the king himself made his entrance, I marveled at how a man of ninety-four years could maintain the appearance of someone in their early forties. Perhaps it was the magic within these walls.
As the king entered, a wave of respect swept through the hall, and everyone rose from their seats until he was seated himself. I found myself seated beside Ethan in the front row, just a seat away from the king.
I had always known that Ethan was strong, but I had never imagined his position within the kingdom to be this eminent. Sitting so close to the king felt overwhelming, even though I harbored resentment towards him and the others gathered in the hall.
(Before I proceeds, let me explain all the various ranking of werewolves.
Alpha: The leader of the pack, usually the strongest and most dominant werewolf.
Beta: The second-in-command to the Alpha, often the most loyal and trusted member of the pack.
Omega: The lowest-ranking member of the pack, often used as a scapegoat or treated as an outcast.
Delta: A werewolf who serves as a scout or hunter for the pack.
Gamma: A werewolf who serves as a medic or healer for the pack.
Epsilon: A werewolf who serves as a spy or informant for the pack.
Zeta: A werewolf who serves as a strategist or planner for the pack.
Kappa: A werewolf who is responsible for training new members of the pack.
Sigma: A lone wolf who does not belong to any pack and prefers to live and hunt alone.
Theta: A werewolf who is particularly skilled in combat and serves as the pack's warrior.
Eta: A werewolf who is responsible for maintaining the pack's territory and marking its boundaries.
Iota: A werewolf who is responsible for gathering information about other packs and potential threats to the pack. (A watch man)
Lambda: A werewolf who serves as the pack's enforcer, making sure that all members follow the rules and punishing those who do not.)
When everyone had taken their seats and the hall fell into a hushed silence, the meeting commenced. Initially, I had assumed that this gathering was merely a grand feast, but it became clear that the feast was merely a mask for a secret discussion.
Suddenly, an Alpha across the room broke the silence, addressing a pressing concern about the presence of Sigma werewolves causing trouble in the capital and the surrounding woods. These rascal werewolves were disregarding the authority of any pack or Alpha within the kingdom, and it was causing fear and unrest among the farmers and hunters.
Naturally, my anger erupt as I recognized the Alpha speaking. It was none other than Icarus, the very same Alpha who had led the pack responsible for the destruction and havoc of my hometown. The memories of that horrific day came rushing back, and I struggled to contain my emotions.
I was on the verge of saying something in response to Icarus when Ethan, sensing my growing discomposure, reached out and placed his hands on mine. It was as if he was trying to calm me down and establish a connection between us. Suddenly, I found myself able to hear his thoughts as they intertwined with mine.
"I know those memories haunt you, as intense as if it happened yesterday," his thoughts whispered in my mind. I was taken aback by the sudden link, unsure of how to react or what to make of this newfound connection we had.
Feeling overwhelmed, I withdrew my hand from Ethan's, severing the connection. I didn't want him to dig into my thoughts and know the depth of my resentment towards him.
"The Lambda pack should do what's best for a situation like this. Icarus, take necessary action if any Sigma werewolf refuses to comply with the rules," the King stated firmly, and no one voiced any opposition.
"Yes, my Lord." Icarus replied.
I couldn't determine whether the King was a werewolf or a human. His physical appearance seemed human, but his decisions and judgments carried a cruel undertone.
"You all know why we're gathered here today, and if anyone has forgotten, allow me to remind you," the King declared, rising from his seat. He made his way towards the golden circle at the center of the hall, capturing everyone's attention.
"We are here because the Royal Pack has cooked up, a strategy to take down the Grendor Dynasty once and for all. And if we unite and work together, we shall achieve success," the King announced with conviction.
"What! He's a werewolf too?" I exclaimed silently. It wasn't the fact that the King was a werewolf that surprised me, but rather the revelation of his intentions.
"If the Grendor Dynasty is brought down, the world will plunge into complete chaos," I seethed quietly. I longed to voice out my thoughts, to expose their cruel and corrupt hearts, but I knew I couldn't.
"We all understand that Grendor is no match for us. They rule through wealth, while we reign through power. Yes, money can buy power, but power controls money. Now, imagine a world where we possess both money and power—we will be unstoppable," King Morgath proclaimed, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.
"Is this where these monstrous men decide the fate of kingdoms? Don't they value the lives at stake in this invasion?" I pondered inwardly, my expression reflecting my growing anger.
Ethan could sense the rage welling up within me, and he held my hand tightly, refusing to let go. His presence provided a calming influence, and gradually, I regained my composure, erasing all the negative thoughts I had harbored, as Ethan was trying so earnestly to understand my inner turmoil.
King Morgath returned to his throne and asked, "Any comments?" The room fell into silence as the Alphas and nobles contemplated their thoughts, and I remained silent.
No one opposed King Morgath's idea of invading Grendor Kingdom. I couldn't help but wonder if all the Alphas were genuinely afraid of the Royal Pack or perhaps just fearful of King Morgath himself.
It was obvious to me that the Royal Pack was the Zeta Pack in the Kingdom. (A pack that serves as a strategist or planner for the nation) Every Kingdom is considered as a Pack of his own, and every pack in it have his own duties assigned to it.
Confusion wriggle within me as I tried to comprehend the unfolding events. Just as I was beginning to believe that fear had silenced them, voices erupted from the crowd, shattering the calmness.
To be continued... Invading Grendor (Two)