Chapter 5
The moon hung high in the night sky, its silvery glow spilling over the pack's lands, casting long shadows across the quiet forest. The pack house was silent, save for the occasional creak of the wooden beams or the distant rustle of the wind in the trees. Opal had trouble sleeping, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts after the day's training and the secret conversation overheard between her parents.
She found herself drawn to the porch, where Alpha Griffin often spent his evenings when the rest of the pack was asleep. Sure enough, he was there, seated on the wide wooden steps with his broad shoulders silhouetted against the pale light. His gaze was fixed on the horizon, his expression unreadable.
"Can't sleep?" his deep voice rumbled without looking at her.
Opal hesitated in the doorway, suddenly uncertain if she should disturb him. But the questions weighing on her heart pushed her forward. She stepped outside, the cool night air prickling her skin. "No. Too much on my mind."
Griffin turned to her, his silver eyes softening as he gestured for her to sit beside him. She lowered herself onto the step, pulling her knees to her chest.
They sat in silence for a few moments, the kind of comfortable quiet she'd always shared with her father. Finally, Opal broke it, her voice tentative. "Father… do you think I have a chance at being the alpha? Of leading the pack?"
Alpha Griffin exhaled slowly, his gaze returning to the horizon. He didn't answer immediately, as though carefully considering his words. "If it is the Moon Goddess's plan," he said finally, "then yes. You could be alpha. But even I don't know her plan, Opal. No one does."
Opal frowned, her violet eyes searching his face. "But… don't you think I'm capable? Don't you see it in me?"
"I see strength in you," Griffin said, turning his gaze to her. "I see determination, intelligence, and heart. You have all the qualities of a great leader. But being alpha isn't just about those things. It's about destiny. The Moon Goddess chooses her alphas, just as she chooses our mates."
Opal looked away, her hands tightening around her knees. "So, it's not up to me. It's not about how hard I work, how much I train."
Griffin shook his head. "It's not that simple. Your effort, your dedication—they matter. They prepare you for whatever role the Moon Goddess has in store for you. But in the end, her will is what guides us."
For a moment, Opal was quiet, her mind racing. Then she turned to him again. "What about the prophecy? You and Mother—what aren't you telling us?"
Griffin stiffened, his silver eyes narrowing slightly. "What do you mean?"
"I heard you talking," Opal admitted, her voice steady despite her nerves. "About the witch, Azeala. About how we're different. Special. And I think it has something to do with the prophecy of quintuplet alphas, doesn't it?"
Alpha Griffin sighed, running a hand through his silver-streaked hair. "You shouldn't have been eavesdropping."
"I had to," Opal said, her tone firm. "You're keeping things from us—things we need to know."
He studied her for a long moment before nodding slowly. "Very well. If you're old enough to listen in on your parents' conversations, you're old enough to hear the truth."
Opal straightened, her heart pounding.
"There is a prophecy," Griffin began, his voice low. "It's ancient, passed down through only a few alpha bloodlines. It speaks of a time when quintuplets will be born into an alpha family. These quintuplets will carry immense power—strength beyond that of any normal wolf. Together, they will be capable of incredible things. Some say they will possess gifts granted by the Moon Goddess herself."
Opal's breath caught. "Gifts? Like powers?"
Griffin nodded. "It's said that their bond will transcend anything seen before. They will be able to sense each other's thoughts, share their strengths, and stand as one against any threat. But with such power comes danger."
"What kind of danger?" Opal asked, her voice barely a whisper.
"The prophecy also says that the presence of quintuplet alphas will disrupt the balance among packs," Griffin explained. "Other alphas will see you as a threat. They'll fear what you represent, what you could do. And some may choose to attack, hoping to eliminate the threat before it grows."
Opal's stomach churned. "Do they know about us? About the prophecy?"
"Very few," Griffin said. "Your mother and I have kept it a secret. Even within our pack, only the Elders know the full truth. If word were to spread, it could bring chaos."
"Why tell us now?" Opal asked, her voice trembling. "Why not wait?"
"Because you need to understand the importance of working together," Griffin said, his tone firm. "Your bond is your greatest strength. The prophecy doesn't speak of one alpha—it speaks of all five of you. Each of you carries alpha blood, and together, you're stronger than any single wolf could ever be."
Opal swallowed hard, her thoughts swirling. "But what if we can't? What if… what if we're not strong enough?"
Griffin turned to her, his gaze piercing. "You are. I've seen it in you, in all of you. But strength isn't just physical. It's in your bond, your trust in each other. That's what will make you unstoppable."
They sat in silence for a while, the weight of the prophecy settling over them like a shroud. Finally, Opal spoke, her voice quiet but determined.
"If it's the Moon Goddess's plan, then we'll face it. Together."
Griffin smiled faintly, pride flickering in his eyes. "That's all I can ask of you."
As the moon continued its journey across the sky, father and daughter sat together, their shared understanding forging a new bond between them. The road ahead was uncertain, but one thing was clear: the quintuplets were destined for something greater than any of them could have imagined.