The newcomer, Jushin, walked towards the table and casually plopped down next to Hizuki. The playful smile that had adorned his face earlier was now gone, replaced by a look of bewilderment.
"Oh, no, no, don't tell me you've got amnesia again," Jushin said with a dramatic sigh. Hizuki's normally stern expression flickered, his calm façade cracking ever so slightly.
"Of course, you don't have amnesia," Jushin continued with a teasing tone. "You're just in denial."
Hizuki's gaze sharpened, and his voice dropped to a low, dangerous whisper. "What did you say?"
The air thickened as Hizuki's aura leaked again, a palpable force that would have made anyone else back away. But Jushin simply waved it off, unconcerned. He leaned back slightly in his seat, as if Hizuki's presence was just another casual conversation.
"You're not scaring me off. It's not like this is my idea, right, Alpha?" Jushin pouted at Hizuki, whose sharp gaze lingered on him for several moments before a frustrated sigh escaped his lips.
In their world, titles like Alpha and Beta were far more than mere labels—they were the foundation of a complex and ancient hierarchy that defined the structure of the pack. The Alpha stood as the leader, the pillar of strength and wisdom, entrusted with the well-being of the entire pack. Their role was not just to command but to ensure harmony and unity, balancing strength with fairness in every decision. Second to them was the Beta, who acted as the Alpha's right hand, sharing the burdens of leadership and often serving as the intermediary between the Alpha and the rest of the pack.
While most outside their kind were familiar with the Alpha and Beta, and perhaps the Omega—seen as the peacemaker or emotional anchor of the pack—few understood the depth of roles that made their society thrive. The Delta, for instance, was a werewolf in training for leadership, learning the intricacies of strategy and diplomacy in preparation for a potential future as Beta. Sentinels guarded the pack's borders with vigilance, while Scouts ventured beyond their territory, acting as the pack's eyes and ears in the wider world. Hunters provided sustenance, their skill in tracking and hunting ensuring the survival of the group.
Other roles carried a different kind of importance. The Salutary, or herbal wolf, was a healer, versed in remedies and the mystical arts, tending to the physical and spiritual needs of the pack. Elders, often retired Alphas or Betas, served as reservoirs of wisdom, their guidance invaluable in times of uncertainty. Then there was the Luna, the Alpha's mate, whose role, though less visible in battle or politics, was crucial in nurturing the spirit and unity of the pack.
However, in their specific pack, known as the Shadow Wolf Pack, the hierarchy deviated from tradition in significant ways. There was no Luna—a position left vacant ever since the passing of the current Alpha's mother. The present Alpha had never married, and given the circumstances, it seemed unlikely that he ever would. The absence of a Luna left an unspoken void in the pack, a missing anchor that was traditionally seen as a source of unity and balance.
The pack also lacked Elders, as most of the older wolves had perished in the Great War a hundred and forty years ago. That devastating conflict had wiped out not only the Shadow Wolf Pack's seasoned leaders but also the high-ranking wolves from other packs. It was a war that had left scars too deep to heal, both in the land and in their lineage. The powerful generations of the past, renowned for their strength and wisdom, were now little more than echoes in stories passed down by survivors.
What remained was a new generation—young, untested, and far from the titans their predecessors had been. They carried the weight of a legacy that felt impossibly distant, their potential dulled by the shadows of the past. Even among their ranks, there was a lingering awareness of what had been lost—a stark reminder that the greatness of their ancestors was a mantle they had yet to live up to.
Nonetheless, compared to the other surviving packs in the current world, none were as powerful as the Shadow Wolf Pack. The reason lay in Hizuki Kagerou, who was no ordinary werewolf like those leading the other packs. Hizuki was a Lycan King, a being far more formidable and rare, standing as a testament to the untamed strength of their kind. Beyond this, Hizuki bore the distinction of being the only remaining Child of the Moon with Alpha blood entirely intact. He was the last-born from a line of powerful Alphas, a legacy untouched by the curse of the goddess that had decimated the strength of others. This singular heritage made him not only a beacon of their past glory but also a figure of immense potential, capable of leading the Shadow Wolf Pack to reclaim its former prominence—or surpass it entirely.
This was also the reason for the current dilemma…
Jushin's tone lightened as he added, "If anything, you're lucky to have a Beta as charming and competent as me."
Hizuki gave him a sidelong glance, his expression unreadable. Despite Jushin's teasing, there was an unspoken respect between them, a recognition of the delicate balance their roles maintained within the pack.
"So?" Hizuki prompted, his voice calm but laced with authority.
The playfulness on Jushin's face vanished instantly as he straightened his posture. Gone was the relaxed and carefree young man, replaced by a Beta exuding a sharp and focused demeanor. It was a transformation that spoke volumes about the weight of his responsibilities and the respect he held for his Alpha.
Jushin Kagerou had been away for three days on a business trip, one that he had undertaken on behalf of Hizuki, who steadfastly refused to step foot into other packs' territories. Normally, Jushin wouldn't have bothered with such a trip either, but this time, circumstances dictated otherwise. His grandmother had fallen ill, and the Wind Pack happened to boast the best Salutary in the lands.
In the modern world, there were human doctors and a plethora of medicines available, but certain ailments still defied human understanding. These were the afflictions unique to their kind—diseases and conditions that only the skilled herbalists and healers of the wolf packs could hope to treat. This necessity had forced Jushin's hand, leading him to accept the invitation and venture into the Wind Pack's domain despite his usual reluctance.
"They allowed me to borrow their doctor," Jushin reported, his tone measured and professional. Hizuki nodded silently, urging him to continue. "Their Alpha said she could stay here with us as long as my grandmother needs her. The talks were not difficult, but…"
Jushin's voice trailed off, and Hizuki raised a single brow, his sharp gaze silently commanding him to continue.
Jushin swallowed hard, the weight of the next words clear in his expression. "But it was made known that they would very much like to establish a marriage alliance with the Shadow Wolf Pack…" He hesitated for a moment, his throat tightening under the pressure of delivering such a message. "Between you and their princess."