Feast

I nod in appreciation as Alpha Nathan finishes showing me the map, my mind already spinning with thoughts of the journey ahead. “Do you have an extra copy of this map?” I ask, gesturing toward the intricate layout. “It would be helpful when I visit the other packs.”

Nathan gives a thoughtful nod, turning to a nearby filing cabinet. After rummaging for a moment, he returns with a smaller version of the map. I thank him, carefully folding the map and placing it securely in my pouch. Having this will make navigating the different territories much easier, and I’m grateful for the foresight.

“Queen Lenora,” Nathan begins, his tone more formal now, “would you and your guardians like to spend the night here before your journey to the lycan kingdom?”

I glance outside and notice that the daylight has faded, the sky now painted in the soft hues of twilight. I hadn’t realized how late it had become, and the thought of a night’s rest before embarking on the next leg of our journey sounds appealing.

“Yes,” I reply, “thank you. We’d appreciate that.”

Nathan offers a kind smile and arranges a feast for us in the pack-house. The air soon fills with the warm smells of roasted meats and hearty stews, mixed with the sounds of laughter and conversation. As I settle into the lively atmosphere, I can’t help but feel at ease among the wolves. Despite the hardships they’ve endured, their spirit remains strong, and I find myself drawn to their warmth.

I mingle with the pack members, enjoying the casual camaraderie. My guardians have attracted a small crowd as they entertain with playful displays of magic, conjuring tiny bursts of light and color that earn delighted gasps from onlookers. I smile, watching as they seamlessly blend into the group, their ease and charm winning over the pack.

As the night wears on, I find myself dancing and chatting with Nathan and Sam. The tension from earlier seems to have lifted, replaced by an atmosphere of celebration. There’s something comforting about being here, surrounded by the wolves. It feels familiar, almost like home.

But as I scan the room, I notice Savannah standing off to the side, her gaze fixed on me with an unmistakable glare. The resentment in her eyes is palpable, and it sends a chill down my spine. I know I need to address this—whatever animosity she holds toward me won’t resolve itself on its own.

Taking a deep breath, I make my way over to her, determined to clear the air. “Savannah,” I say gently, “I understand why you said what you did earlier. I’m sorry you feel so strongly against me. But I’m not a liar. I would never deceive my people.”

Before I can continue, Savannah cuts me off, her voice sharp with anger. “Don’t try your bullshit on me,” she snaps, her eyes narrowing. “I see right through you. How can you call yourself an alpha when you don’t even have a wolf?”

Her words sting, a cold slap of truth mixed with misunderstanding. She scoffs, turning on her heel and walking away before I can respond, leaving me standing there, my heart pounding with frustration. I can feel my alpha energy stirring within me, the instinctive power rising to the surface, ready to respond to her challenge. But I force myself to take a deep breath, concentrating hard to push it down, to let the moment pass without giving in to the fire within me.

Just then, Arya appears at my side, her presence calming. “Are you okay, my queen?” she asks, concern etched on her face.

I nod, though my energy is still buzzing beneath the surface, raw and unsettled. Sensing my turmoil, Arya gently guides me outside, where the cool night air greets me like a balm. I take a deep breath, filling my lungs with the crispness of the evening. It’s exactly what I need.

“Not everyone will accept you right away,” Arya says softly as we stand under the stars. Her voice is full of wisdom and empathy. “You seem too good to be true to a lot of people. Some have been through their own traumas or have personal reasons that make it hard to trust. Give them time.”

Her words sink in, the truth of them resonating in my heart. I know not everyone will trust me immediately. Some will doubt, others will resist, but that doesn’t change who I am or what I stand for. I won’t let Savannah’s harshness get to me. I have to stay focused on my path.

“Don’t let anyone bring you down, my queen,” Arya continues, her gaze steady and full of conviction. “You have been nothing but a blessing to everyone who has needed you.”

Her arms wrap around me in a warm hug, and I feel the sincerity of her words wash over me. It’s a reminder I didn’t know I needed—despite the doubts of a few, there are many who believe in me, who stand with me. That’s what matters.

We linger outside for a while longer, talking quietly beneath the moonlit sky, the weight of the day slowly melting away as we share laughter and stories. There’s something healing about the stillness of the night, the way it cradles us in its peaceful embrace.

Eventually, we return inside, where Alpha Nathan has offered us rooms in the pack-house. The cozy, welcoming space feels like a sanctuary after such a long day, and the moment my head hits the pillow, exhaustion pulls me under. Sleep comes swiftly, and I drift into the darkness, my body grateful for the rest.