"She was not made for ball gowns and parties, but for battlefields and saddles." Warrior Princess, Nikita Gill

Blood Moon Shadow Pack, 2019

Veronica

When the familiar thick air awakened my senses, I knew we had reached the Blood Moon Shadow Pack. As the car effortlessly hovered through the driveway, I felt close to going back to the shelter again. I detested Royalty and hated it more because of the unfortunate fact that I am one. The responsibility I had to carry is like a pillow made of knives. The more that I need to embrace it to overcome the night, the deeper cuts would be.

The paths I maundered, none have walked on before. People I knew became ashes now, as I aimlessly roam this Earth. My eyes wandered into the mansion in front of me. My heart dreaded the memories I have at this place I call home.

If only forsaking this land would be easy.

The car stopped and I opened the door immediately. Alexander walked behind me as we passed by the embellished walls up to the stairs that lead to my office. Overwhelming anxiety was obvious in the air as I entered the room, welcomed by the arguing voices of my pack members, most likely because of the events that occurred these past weeks.

   "Where's Helena?" I asked while I sat on my swivel chair reading the papers I managed to snatch from Maximus's hands along the way.

   "Probably in her office Alpha, the casualties were quite high this month," Maximus responded with disappointment in his voice.

   "Tell me something I don't know, Max."

Maximus shook his head disapprovingly. "Veronica, how long are you intending on laying low? I'm sorry but you can't defy Hecate forever. Your obligations here are bigger. Storytime with kids isn't going to cut it. Stop playing the hero. Until when are you going hide your identity as one of the Alpha's legionaries?"

It's not playing the hero. I admit I despised the Royal title, but I can't just watch these killings pass and do nothing. Reports have been going to my Beta and Gamma from parts of the region that a particular "legionary" helps during small attacks, but they knew better.

   "I understand where you're coming from Max but watch your tone. I am still your Alpha," I glared at him nearly crumpling the papers in my hand. "Abandoning duty is not on my vocabulary. I train with our warriors every day and serve my people to the best I can. Why do I need to attach the word ALPHA to everything I do?

Alexander let out a deep growl. "You did that before in the North Ronnie! Who did they blame for it?"

My body hardened as I gritted my teeth. The anger in my eyes tried to conceal the guilt that sat not only in my heart but also on my whole being. Why does he need to bring up what happened many years ago?

You shall pay for every ounce of blood that stained this land.

That attack. The attack that snatched the last piece of love I have for myself.

   "I served and worked behind closed doors for centuries, Alex. You think summoning the council and the Kingdom then going "Hey long time no see, surprise I'm the Alpha, nice to meet you, now let's have peace"  will change everything?" I said, mocking him.

He cursed under his breath. One point for the Alpha.

   "Alpha, the Elders are restless, the council is questioning us-"

   "You mean me, right?" I cut Akane off as I rub my temple.

   "Fine. If you have a plan in mind Alpha, we need to do it soon. We can at least sort things out before you introduce yourself. People have grown impatient over the years. Rogues grew in number and are attacking everywhere. We can't keep you working on the sidelines anymore. Rumors are spreading that you're non-existent and that the Royals and Elders are making you up to stay in power." Max's jaws clenched.

The Blood Moon Shadow Pack led by Royals is the main force that commands the whole Moon Kingdom. The Royals are consist of six werewolves chosen by the Moon Goddess, Hecate under special circumstances. I, Veronica Arianrhod as the Alpha, second in command, Beta Alexander Reign, and Third in command, Gamma Maximus Chase. We also have the twins and Chief Warriors Akira, and Akane Kimori and finally, the Chief Healer, Helena Fern. With the Elders and the Dire Council, we maintain the peace and proper balance between the four Elements, the four head Regions of the Moon Kingdom. The New Moon Pack in the North, Earthshine Pack in the East, Crescent Moon in the West, and the Neap Tide Pack in the South.

I resumed reading the papers when a familiar pair of clacking heels entered the room.

   "Bark, Helena."

   "Stop being an ass Alpha, I had enough headache," she said, slamming more papers on my table.

   "200 fatalities, just this month. Rogues are ruthless, sparing no one. That's not even the worst part," she paused then drew a heavy breath "Based on the witnesses and the tests performed on the bodies, they are using necromancy, submitting to the devil, selling their wretched souls to get even stronger."

Stupid mutts, they never change. My wolf, Ezra snarled in my head.

I stood and walked towards the map spred across my office's center table.

How many times had I looked at the same map, having the same problem? I'd been caught up in this mess for as long as I can remember. Whether people knew me as the Alpha or not, it's always the same.

All they care about is power.

   "I need to talk to the Elders, at least I trust them. Now is not the right time to discuss these matters with The Dire council. Considering its diversity there would be conflicting ideas. For sure loyalty is divided."

   "What do you suggest we do then, Alpha? Akira asked.

I roughly ran my fingers through my chestnut-colored hair then placed both of my hands on the table with my head down.

   "I have no choice. We need to get out there. We'll observe each Regional Pack, get to know how they operate while training them. If we know that their loyalty stands we'll ask them to join our forces. The rogues aren't supposed to be this cocksure. Someone in the pack or a Regional Pack itself is backing them up, or worst, someone from the council."

   "That is a good plan, At least we're ready before you tell them who you are," Alexander reminded again.

Helena seconded. "I agree with Alex on this one, Alpha. Aside from your safety, I think we can observe them better if they continue to assume that the rumors are true. They'll show their true colors and we can identify traitors easily."

   "Right, I will take this up to the Elders so we can finalize a plan. You're all dismissed."

The meeting with the Elders went fast. I laid out parts of my plan to visit the regions.

   "Your Highness, I fear that we'll lose more credibility if you don't introduce yourself immediately." Elder Inez argued. Elders Alejandro and Michael also agreed.

   "I've existed for centuries Inez; do you not trust me? I furrowed my brows and stared hard at them. "I have been with your ancestors all these years and watched you become the people you are today. You three need to understand that I did what I had to do. You have your mates and family. If you continue to question me and what I do with my life, I'd be willing to exchange mine  with yours."

Mate. How spiteful.

I tried to dismiss them but they managed to bring up that sensitive topic that I have tried dodge many times.

   "What about the curse Alpha?" Alejandro asked. My body stiffened as I looked at him angrily.

   "The curse has nothing to do with this." I hissed. "I have accepted my fate long ago. I don't fear it anymore."

Michael spoke, almost taunting me. "Yes, you don't fear death. You consider it a gift, after existing for so long. But you know, deep down what you exactly fear. You don't understand the curse and its consequences. Will it bring death to you? Or death on your people?"

I buried my face in my hands. I hate it when they are right. Oracles failed to interpret. Hecate doesn't even answer me.

   "What can I say, our dear Hecate made me the way I am, a pawn. Funny how I can bring death to others but not upon myself."

I sighed as I lay on my bed and recall that conversation in my office. Although I am used to the cold sheets and the loneliness in this room, I felt myself shiver. Elder Michael was right. Every time I think I'm one step ahead of them, I always end up being twenty steps behind. The gods never fail to remind me that I need to atone for my sins caused by my blood, my kind, my people. I am a pawn. Hecate said someone had to be held accountable. It has been so long, but her words and the bloodcurdling screams still haunt me. I curled on my bed and closed my eyes.

Until you pay the price.

I hug myself tightly, hoping for at least a night without me fighting my demons.

Damn you, Hecate.

Chapter 2 is up :) Let me know what you think.

Your valuable comments can really help me :) and I apologize for the grammar and punctuation errors. This is kind of like a rough draft since I'm working from 9 am to 6 pm, so I write during my breaks before I sleep and during the weekend.

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ladypaperback