1
ARIA
Dawn’s light crept through the dense canopy of lofty maples, gigantic beech, and ancient ash trees, casting a glow on the training grounds. As the morning sun began its daily ritual of waking the world, nature’s vibrant chorus filled the air. The tranquil atmosphere of the lush forest was juxtaposed with the rhythmic thumping of paws and the low rumbles of exertion as my pack members and I engaged in our daily training regimen, honing our bodies and minds for whatever threats might lurk beyond our territory.
As the future alpha, my presence on the field extended past participation. It was a physical demonstration of my dedication to the pack, proof that I intended to lead by example. My muscles coiled and flexed under silver-gray fur that shimmered in the burgeoning sunlight, every strand catching the rays and highlighting my silver eyes that swept across my pack, silently motivating them to push their limits.
“Focus,”I encouraged each shifter through the mental link we all shared.
The sparring wolves tightened their stances, their movements becoming more deliberate. Power went beyondmuscle and sinew; it was about having a strong mind and believing in one’s grit. And here, near rogue territory, where the untamed wilds met the border of our pack lands, such belief was paramount.
We practiced combat in shifting forms, the dance between human and wolf fluid as water, each strike evidence of our versatility. My own form blurred between two legs and four, the transition seamless and instinctual. I led a complex drill, evading and retaliating with a grace that hid the ferocity behind each movement. Living so close to the Crimson Fang pack, a pack with whom we had a tenuous peace at best, meant we always had to be prepared. Having previously engaged in warfare with them, the Silver Claw pack knew their regime was far stricter than ours. I had to ensure our pack was ready to fight should Crimson Fang ever rescind the truce.
Eldan’s muscular form lunged toward me, snarling as he aimed for my flank. I pivoted on the balls of my feet, the tension in my muscles mounting before I sprung away from his assault.
“Your head isn’t in this fight,”Eldan said.
I bared my teeth in annoyance. He was right. My mind was preoccupied with more difficult matters. Father had been unrelenting in his discussions with me about his retirement, insisting that it was time I assumed the responsibility of alpha. The very thought sent tremors of anxiety through me. Allowing doubt to seep into my bones was not an option, not in this setting, not with the pack watching. Father wouldn’t approve of them perceiving any disharmony between us or my uncertainty about what was planned for my future.
I shook off my unease and returned my focus to Eldan. We circled each other, our movements fluid thanks to years of disciplined training. My body moved intuitively, every muscle and tendon poised for action, allowing my mind to drift to my father’s edict and the future he’d mapped out for me. Each strikeI delivered was a silent scream against my impending duties, my claws cutting through the air with precision.
“Someone’s feisty today,”Eldan grunted as he deftly blocked my advance.“Is this about your talk with Alpha Ragnar later?”
“Just practicing my negotiation skills.” I allowed a chuckle to flow through me.
The truth was, true leadership was inching closer, encircling me like a cloak too heavy to bear alone. Father believed in strength through unity, but in moments such as these, the predetermined path that others expected me to walk with unwavering certainty made me feel isolated.
As we continued to spar, Eldan matched my every move with equal finesse, pushing me to the limits of my agility and endurance.
“You’re holding back. What’s eating at you?”Eldan reared up on his hind legs and dodged a swipe of my paw with ease.
“Nothing I can’t handle.”My frustration was an intense undercurrent of restlessness that threatened to spill over.
Part of me longed to confide in him, but Eldan was a warrior, not a confidant, and some burdens were mine alone. I poured all my frustration into the dance of our sparring, finding solace in the simplicity of physical exertion and the clarity it brought.
Eldan transformed into his human form and reached out, his fingertips nearly grazing my snout. I pulled away, then lunged at his leg, snapping my jaws dangerously close to his skin, when his attention abruptly shifted away from me as an unknown scent wafted towards us.
I saw an unfamiliar figure casually strolling past the fence encircling the Silver Claw training ground.
“Lost your way, rogue? Or just here to admire how a real pack trains?” Eldan’s malicious taunt was aimed at the lone figure skirting our territory, dark-furred and solitary against the backdrop.
I tracked the rogue wolf’s progress, my ears twitching at the dismissal in Eldan’s tone. The rogue spared us nothing but an indifferent glance before continuing on. My sparring partner’s laughter grated on my nerves, fueling a growing urge to reprimand him.
I shifted from my wolf form to address him. “Enough. Judgment isn’t ours to cast so carelessly.”
“Oh, come on.” Eldan grimaced, the mirth dropping from his expression. “He’s just a fucking rogue, walking too close to the borders of our territory. Should be grateful I even acknowledged his existence instead of just eviscerating him.”
I cringed at the narrow worldview Eldan clung to like a lifeline. The unclaimed territories harbored a multitude of rogues, those who either chose to live independently of pack life or those who’d been banished for their transgressions. Yes, we were creatures driven by pack instincts and loyalty, but compassion was a strength, not a weakness. It was a lesson I wished Eldan would learn, not just for his sake but for the harmony of the pack.
As if in response to the tension, the skies above churned ominously, dark clouds swallowing the azure canvas. A low rumble of thunder rolled in the distance.
“Storm’s brewing,” I said. The weather had grown wild and unpredictable of late, much like the emotions I wrestled with each day.
“Isn’t that the truth?” Eldan replied.
The charged air buzzed around us, a reminder that there were forces at play far greater than our individual squabbles or prejudiced beliefs.
“Let’s finish this round quickly,” I suggested, refocusing on Eldan, who nodded in agreement. The looming storm served as a fitting backdrop for the internal one I fought against, thepressure of the future bearing down on me as heavily as the promise of rain.