I sat down beside the iron pillars and watched as people trotted along. Maids, butlers, servants
carrying trays and trays of food and barrels of wine. The royal celebration was to be held tomorrow to
mark the Princesses coming of age. The palace was filled with guests, viscounts and Dukes from
different cities. Valnaria was always known to be beautiful during spring.
I spotted a young girl of about my age walking towards me. Her most memorable feature was her
blood red hair and her black pupils to contrast. She was beautiful just like her name.
"May." I called out to her, waving.
"Ian!" She exclaimed, walking over "I've been looking all over for you."
"Why?" I asked ruffling her hair, smiling.
"Dad has called a meeting of the Hales." She said as my expression became serious.
"What about our brothers?" I asked with furrowed brows.
"Already there." She hummed as she stood up from beside me.
I stood up and followed her to the Hallowed chamber. Dad was standing on the podium with ten other
men. Unlike the rest of the men down, they were dressed lightly with little or no armory .The Hales
were known for their black silk and red trims. The meeting of the Hales was always called when there
were serious matters of security. The Hales were known for their swiftness and strength and rumored
to slice through their preys with their bear hands hence the name lone wolves but they weren't too far
from the truth.
The Hales comprised of one family; "My family". My father, the leader, head of security and right hand
to the king. He was currently talking with my two older brothers, Pierre and Clove. The rest comprised
of extended family members.
"Our Alpha." I greeted with a slight bow. May walked up to stand beside him.
"Ian , join us." He said signaling me with a smile across his face. Walking up to him,
"Your now 18, an official member of the Hales so you ought to attend our meetings." He said with a
pat on my shoulder.
" Yes Alpha." I said respectfully with a bow.
"Good." He said with a nod before turning back to my siblings.There have been rumors that a group of people want to overthrow the king, and what better
humiliating day than when he announces his heir to the world?"
Turning to address the rest of the men,
"We will protect the king with our lives, that's our duty as Hales." He said, eyes showing flashes of red.
"Pierre, you're in charge of the East gate. Clove the West gate. Don, you're to patrol the halls."
"Oliver , you're will be part of the Kings guard. The rest of you share yourselves amongst them." He
said, giving out order on the security formation.
I looked around contemplating which side I should join.
"Ian , follow me." Dad said before walking towards the door. I followed behind until we turned around
the corner.
" I believe we have a spy in the palace." He stated, turning to glance at me briefly. "If anything goes
south, you have one job. Protect the Princess, I'll handle the King."
I looked at him, confusion written over my face. This job was sensitive. The protection of the Princess
was of outmost importance and it was given to me, the bastard son of the Alpha. His features became
softer and he gave me a knowing look .
"You may not have been born from the Luna but you are still my son." He said touching my shoulder
with a soft smile before turning to leave.
XXXXX
Three voices could be heard inside the main room. The building belonged to Chris the Third one of
Valnarias strongest and richest family. Golden chandeliers protruded from the ceilings and the tables
looked like the were made of pure gold. Usually mouths gaped open in awe when they entered but the
two people who sat at the receiving end remained unfazed.
"How's the plan going?" Chris asked breaking the long silence.
"Everything is in order, your grace." Serina answered.
"You're the queen where do you think Aleksander will be?" He asked.
"Most likely the West gate, your grace but his head of security Damion will be our major issue." Shereplied with a annoyed sigh.
"Leave Damion to me." The other voice answered."You expect us to leave our biggest threat to someone who won't even tell us his name?" Serina asked
with a scoff, glaring at the man. A smirk could be seen on his face and his eyes flashed red for a
second.
"You can call me R." He said the smirk never leaving his face .
"How do you intend to get rid of the problem might I ask, R?" Chris questioned his hands stroking his
scruffy beard.
"You know, everyone has a weakness." He began as he adjusted his sitting position. "Rich old fools,
mischievous women, and it just so happens I know his." He said a mischievous smile etched on his face.