Everyone in the big meeting room felt really tense. The most important wolves in the pack were gathered, and you could practically feel the worry and excitement in the air. Iris stood a little bit away from the others, her arms folded across her chest. Usually, she wasn't allowed to be at these meetings, but this one was special. The wolves from the pack next door, called the Silverclaws, had come to talk about a deal, and her dad, Alpha Marcus, wanted everyone in the pack to be there, even those who don't usually get involved."
Iris felt awkward as the people around her started talking more and more. She heard bits and pieces of their conversations, things like 'working together,' 'fights over land,' and 'helping each other out.' She felt even more uneasy when her brother, Cassian, walked past her looking really serious and unhappy.
"What's going on?" Iris asked, catching his arm.
Cassian hesitated for a moment before shaking his head. "You'll find out soon enough," he said briefly. That only made her more anxious.
At the center of the room, Alpha Marcus stood tall and imposing, his sharp gaze fixed on the representatives from the Silverclaw pack. Their leader, Alpha Rainer, was a strong, sturdy man with eyes that seemed to stare right through you. He had a strong and powerful personality. Beside him stood his Beta, a younger man named Darren. Darren was tall and broad-shouldered, his dark hair neatly combed back. He looked really confident, his sharp eyes scanning the room as though assessing every wolf present.
Marcus raised his hand, signaling for silence. The murmurs died down, and the room became silent.
"Today, we welcome the Silverclaw pack," Alpha Marcus began, His voice echoed throughout the room. "They have come to propose an alliance that may bring stability and strength to both our packs during these difficult times."
Most of the council members mumbled that they agreed, but Iris saw that some of them looked doubtful.
Alpha Rainer stepped forward, his voice calm yet firm. "Thank you, Alpha Marcus. As you know, the recent increase in rogue activity has put pressure on all packs in the region. An alliance between our packs would create a formidable force, ensuring our safety and prosperity."
Iris frowned, sensing there was more to his words. Alliances weren't just about cooperation—they always came with conditions.
"And what are the terms of this alliance?" Marcus asked, cutting straight to the point.
Rainer glanced at Darren before speaking. "We propose a union between our packs through marriage. My Beta, Darren, will marry one of your pack members, solidifying the bond between our packs."
Suddenly, everyone in the room started whispering and murmuring in surprise. Iris felt a strange and uneasy feeling in her stomach, like something bad was going to happen.
Alpha Marcus raised a hand, silencing the crowd. "Who do you have in mind for this union?"
Rainer's piercing gaze swept across the room, landing on Iris. "Your daughter, Iris."
The words hit her like a physical blow, and the air seemed to leave her lungs.
For a moment, the room was silent, everyone too stunned to speak. Then the murmurs began again, louder this time.
Iris's mind raced, disbelief and anger surging through her. Marriage? To Darren? She barely knew the man, and the thought of being used as a bargaining chip made her blood boil.
"No," she said, her voice firm but quiet.
All eyes turned to her, and Marcus's expression darkened. "Iris, this is not the time—"
"No!" she repeated, louder this time. She stepped forward, her hands trembling but her voice steady. "You can't just decide my future like this. I'm not a pawn for your alliances."
Alpha Rainer raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed by her outburst. "This is not just about you, young lady. This is about the survival of your pack. Sacrifices must be made for the greater good."
Darren stepped forward, his expression unreadable. "I assure you, Iris, I would treat you with respect. This union would benefit both our packs."
Iris turned to him, her eyes blazing. "I don't want your respect, and I don't want this union."
Marcus's voice cut through the room like a whip. "Enough, Iris."
She turned to him, her voice trembling with emotion. "Father, you can't do this. You can't force me to marry someone I don't know, someone I don't love."
"This is bigger than you, Iris," Marcus said, his tone cold. "The safety of our pack is at stake. You would do well to remember your duty."
Her heart sank at his words. Duty. That was all she ever was to him—a tool for the pack's benefit.
After the meeting ended, her dad, Marcus, called her to his office. Iris went there, but she wasn't happy and was feeling quite angry.
"Iris," he began, his tone softer than before. "I know this is difficult for you. But you have to understand, this alliance is crucial. We cannot afford to refuse."
"Why does it have to be me?" she demanded. "Why not someone else? Cassian, or anyone else in the pack?"
"Because Rainer specifically requested you," Marcus said. "You're my daughter, and your marriage to Darren would solidify the alliance in a way no one else can."
"That's not fair," Iris said, her voice breaking. "You're asking me to give up my life for something I don't even believe in."
Marcus let out a long breath, looking really tired. "Life in the pack isn't about fairness, Iris. It's about survival."
Iris turned away, tears running down her face. She felt trapped, powerless to fight against the weight of her father's authority.
Later that evening, Iris sought solace in the forest. She needed to think, to clear her head. Elise found her sitting by the stream, her face buried in her hands.
"I heard about the proposal," Elise said, sitting beside her.
Iris nodded, unable to speak.
"What are you going to do?" Elise asked gently.
"I don't know," Iris admitted. "I feel like I don't have a choice."
"You always have a choice," Elise said firmly. "Don't let them take that away from you."
Iris looked at her friend, and a little bit of hope suddenly appeared in her. Maybe Elise was right. Maybe there was a way to escape this situation.
Iris decides she's going to live her life on her own terms, even if it means going against her father and the pack. She knows it will be tough, but she's determined to be in charge of her own future.