Chapter 4

ALPHA BRAN'S POV

When I returned to my chamber following the morning's noise, I found Thorne, my newly chosen beta, waiting by the door.

"Alpha, I have been knocking on your door since, I thought you were inside," Thorne said, as I approached.

"I went to grab something," I replied, acknowledging his presence with a nod before leading the way inside.

"Isn't it freezing outside this morning?" I said as I slid into my normal seat.

Thorne chuckled lightly. "Indeed, Alpha. But it's nothing we can't handle."

"So tell me, why has the Beta of Ironclaw visited me so early?" I asked him totally not comfortable with his visit, but didn't want to show it.

"Is it now a crime to visit my alpha?" Thorne jokes, with a smile plastered on his face.

I waved my hand at his joke. "So tell me, what's the update on the day so far?" I inquired, facing him fully with all seriousness.

"While I came here, I overheard one of the elders' sons, Abel, and his friends discussing the river's shift in temperature. They were quite thrilled about it and were already on their way there.”

“It's a common occurrence, but it always adds an element of excitement to the day." I continued.

"I had planned to visit the river as well, but I think I'll let the younger wolves have their fun this morning. I prefer the solitude of the river when it is less crowded.” I told him, while he nodded.

Just then, a knock interrupted our conversation. "Who is there?" I called out.

"Alpha Bran, it is I, Ana, and I am here with your breakfast," came the response from outside.

"Come in, immediately," I commanded

Ana entered with a tray laden with food fit for a carnivore. The aroma of seared meat and roasted vegetables filled the air, making my mouth water.

"Ah, Ana, you've outdone yourself again," I complimented, eyeing the spread hungrily.

"I aim to please, Alpha," Ana replied with a nod.

As I prepared to have breakfast, I called for Thorne to join me at the table, and we dived into the feast before us, savouring every piece of the delectable meat.

The silence was only broken by the sounds of pleased chewing and the odd clink of silverware against plates.

"Thorne," I began between mouthfuls, "have you ever experienced the river's temperature change?"

"Yes, Alpha. I remember a few occasions, mostly when I was younger. It always felt like a special event, a break from the routine. Now it doesn't really matter much.”

The remnants of our hearty breakfast lingered in the air, as we savoured the diminishing taste on our tongue.

"I've been hearing troubling rumours about the Blood Moon Coven trying to expand their land holdings and gaining influence within our territory." I continued

"I need you to call an emergency meeting at the town hall with the elders within the next hour. We must discuss this matter and devise a plan of action."

"Yes, Alpha. I will send messages to gather them immediately after our conversation," Thorne assured me, with a sense of purpose in his voice.

"Good," I nodded in approval.

Thorne excused himself to carry out his responsibilities, leaving me to contemplate over the approaching meeting and the challenges it presented before deciding to go to the river.

The river's peaceful rhythm accompanied my every stride, providing a calming background for my thoughts.

I paused to take in the satisfying sight of the flowing water before plunging myself into the river, allowing my mind to wander, and drifting along with the gentle current.

The sun's golden warmth reflected on the water's surface, creating a captivating play of light and shadows. I floated on my back, allowing the sun's warmth to absorb into my skin.

My thoughts drifted to the prophecy, which is regarded to be the greatest rising political fight the werewolf world will ever face. And what had happened between me and Casey the previous night.

I was still finding it hard to believe it, but to be honest I wished she wasn't really a weak wolf and outcast, then I would have considered her as my mate.

It was an issue that weighed hard on my mind, hovering with uncertainty and probable confrontation.

The struggle for pack supremacy, the formation and dissolution of coalitions, and the constant tension have all been part of the complicated web of politics that has characterised our world.

After a good bath and relaxation for an hour, I eventually made my way back to the riverbank, feeling rejuvenated and ready to face the panel of elders that awaited me.

I entered the main hall, where the elders and Thorne waited. The atmosphere was formal yet filled with anticipation.

I greeted each elder with respect, respecting their knowledge and experience before taking my seat at the head of the table.

“We may now proceed to the business of the day.” I spoke up, as Thorne was already standing alongside me.

"We've seen consistent growth in our numbers over the last year, Alpha Bran. And the recruits have shown promise, particularly in their combat training," Elder Donovan reported, his expression a mix of pride and cautious excitement.

"That's good to hear," I remarked.

"Alpha Bran, we've received indications of increasing activity from the shadow stalkers on our eastern border." Another of the elders reported.

"They appear to be probing our defences and testing our resolve." Elder Wallace spoke up next.

"We cannot afford to underestimate them. Thorne, I want patrols strengthened throughout the eastern perimeter." I spoke facing Thorne as I gave my command which I hoped will be carried out immediately.

"Send a message to the surrounding packs as well. We must show shared solidarity in the face of external threats." I added.

Thorne nodded, "I'll see to it personally, Alpha."

"Elder Harris, any updates on the rumoured alliance between the Blood Moon coven and the shadow stalkers?" I inquired, facing him fully.

Harris cleared his throat before replying, "The rumours continue, Alpha Bran. There have been reports of emissaries from both factions meeting covertly in neutral territory," he said.

A sardonic smirk escaped my lips.

Elder Sophia, renowned for her supernatural insights, spoke out hesitantly.

"Alpha Bran, there are whispers among the seers and mystics." They claim the Ultimate Alpha might come from any of the three most powerful packs: ours, the Shadow Fangs, or the Blood Moon coven.

I had heard the prophecy since I was born. A prophecy that has resounded over a million years, foretelling the rise of the Ultimate Alpha, a leader of extraordinary power and wisdom who will unify the werewolf clans under one flag.

I raised an eyebrow, interested in the prophecy's mysterious nature. "Is there any hint as to when this prophecy might be fulfilled?" I asked her.

She shakes her head. "The visions aren't clear, Alpha. It might happen tomorrow or decades from now. Such prophecies are fickle, open to interpretation and doubt."

I leaned back in my chair, a contemplative expression on my face. "Keep me updated on any developments surrounding the prophecy."

In the meantime, let us work on strengthening our pack and hardening our defences. In these difficult times, unity and vigilance will be our greatest strengths."

The meeting concluded plans were set in motion, tasks delegated, and a renewed sense of vigilance permeated the air.

As the elders filed out, Thorne stayed back a while, a contemplative look on his face, as the elders filed out. "Alpha, do you think there's any truth to the prophecy?”

I met his gaze squarely, with mischief in my eyes. “Thorne, truth is frequently a matter of perspective in our world." I pulsed to catch my breath before I continued

"So let us concentrate on our sphere of influence and let the enigmas of fate have their natural course. For the meantime get ready; we're going hunting."

He looked at me with a hesitant expression. "I'm still a little bit not over the effect of the many wines we had last night, Alpha," he told me.

A sly smile crossed my face. "Alright then, take as much rest as you can. We wouldn't want our beta stumbling over tree roots and scaring away the prey."

"Thank you, Alpha," Thorne replied gratefully, nodding before making his way out of the hall.

Alone in the hall, I let out a sigh, as the Alpha, I carried the burden of the pack's future on my shoulders – the truth about the prophecy, the challenges that lay ahead.