-MIRA-
The morning sunlight streamed through the large windows of the royal quarters, casting a warm glow across the room where the team gathered for breakfast. The scent of fresh bread, cured meats, and honeyed tea filled the air as omegas flitted about, setting dishes on the long table prepared for the team.
Mira entered the room first, her hand brushing against Alaric’s as they walked in, their bond palpable and unspoken but obvious to anyone watching. Alaric pulled out a chair for her, his blue eyes soft as he stole a glance at her before sitting down himself.
Freya and Tobias were already seated, their calm demeanour masking the tension of the prior day’s revelations. Kian and Nathan exchanged jokes with Finn, their laughter echoing softly in the spacious dining area. Liam sat next to Tobias, his sharp gaze flicking over everyone, always the observer.
Helena joined them a moment later, her movements graceful but slower than usual. She paused to greet Lyra, who was sipping her tea at the far end of the table, and then took a seat beside Daemon, her hand brushing against his shoulder as she did.
As everyone began to eat, Mira leaned closer to Helena, her voice low. “Helena, can we talk for a moment? Privately?”
Helena’s amber eyes flickered with curiosity, but she nodded. “Of course.” She placed her napkin down and followed Mira out onto the balcony, the fresh morning air greeting them.
Mira turned to her friend, her expression unusually serious. “Helena, there’s something you need to know. I didn’t say anything earlier because I wasn’t completely certain, but now I am.”
Helena frowned slightly. “What is it?”
“You’re pregnant!” Mira said softly, her voice tinged with awe. “I can hear two heartbeats. Besides yours.”
Helena’s breath hitched as her eyes widened. “You’re saying… I’m carrying twins?”
Mira nodded, a smile breaking through her seriousness. “Yes. Two tiny, steady heartbeats. Congratulations.”
For a moment, Helena was silent, processing the revelation. Then, tears welled up in her eyes, and she let out a shaky laugh. “Twins. Daemon is going to be over the moon.”
“He’s going to be protective as hell,” Mira teased gently, her smile widening.
Helena chuckled, wiping at her eyes. “You’re probably right. Thank you, Mira. For telling me.”
Mira placed a comforting hand on Helena’s shoulder. “You’ll be amazing, Helena. And no matter what, you’ve got all of us here for you.”
The two women shared a quiet moment of camaraderie before heading back inside, the news still fresh and full of promise.
Returning to the group, the energy in the room remained light as the omegas served more tea and fruits. Freya noticed Helena’s slightly flushed cheeks and exchanged a curious glance with Tobias, but she said nothing, respecting whatever private moment had just unfolded.
– KING-
Helena did not get a chance to talk to Daemon before a palace steward requested his, and Freya’s presence in the Kings office immediately. The brother and sister followed the steward down the grand corridors of the palace, their footsteps echoing softly against the marble floors. Tobias walked beside Freya, his protective instincts in overdrive despite the apparent calm. The steward paused before a set of heavy double doors, pushing them open to reveal a private chamber adorned with rich tapestries and a roaring hearth.
The King stood by the window, his regal presence undeniable. His silver-blue eyes softened as he turned to face them deciding after all to tell them the truth now. There was no time to play around. “Freya. Daemon. Please, come in.”
Freya exchanged a glance with Daemon, sensing the gravity of the moment. Tobias hesitated but stepped back, understanding this was a meeting meant only for the siblings. He gave Freya’s hand a reassuring squeeze before the doors closed behind them.
The King gestured for them to sit in the chairs before the hearth. “There is much you need to know,” he began, his voice steady but carrying an undercurrent of emotion. “This had been kept from you for too long, but the time for secrecy is over.”
Daemon leaned forward, his grey eyes sharp. “What are you talking about?”
The King took a deep breath, his gaze flicking between them. “I.. I am your uncle. Your mother, my sister, was a white wolf. One of the most powerful our kind has ever known, but we kept it between the palace walls.”
Freya’s breath hitched. “Our mother?” she whispered. “She was a white wolf?”
“Yes,” the King confirmed. “She was born into the prophecy that foretold the rise of white wolves who would either unite or destroy our kind. Your mother dedicated her life to protecting you both. We kept her power secret for her own safety, but she was found out and, when it became clear that enemies sought to use her power for their own gain, she made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure your safety.”
Daemon’s jaw tightened, his fists clenching. “She gave her life for us?”
The King nodded, his voice heavy. “She loved you more than anything. Her final act was to send you away, to hide you where no one would find you. She told no one, not even me, where you were. It was the only way to keep you safe.”
Freya’s hazel eyes filled with tears. “Then how did she die?” she asked softly.
The King’s expression darkened, his gaze distant as if recalling a memory he wished to forget. “Your mother was found. Tortured. But even under the worst pain imaginable, she never revealed where she had hidden you. Her loyalty to you both was unwavering to the very end.”
Daemon’s breathing quickened, his anger barely contained. “Who killed her?”
The King hesitated, his golden eyes hardening. “That is a question I have been trying to answer for years. She was found murdered near the palace grounds. Whoever did it was close….either someone in the palace or the council at the time. They covered their tracks well, but I have not stopped searching for the truth. I have an idea but I do not want to talk about that just yet”
Freya’s voice trembled as she spoke. “She died to protect us.”
“Yes,” the King said, his voice heavy with emotion. “And it was not in vain. You are here now, strong and ready to fulfill the destiny she believed in with all her heart.” He stopped, then continued, his voice breaking, “I didn’t know if you’d survive. If I’d ever see you again.”
Freya went to him, placing her small hand on his chest in comfort. He looked at her, his eyes wet with unshed tears, and placed his hands over hers.
Daemon stood, pacing the room. “The prophecy. What exactly does it say about us?”
The King’s expression grew sombre and patting her hands gently, walked away from Freya towards his desk. “It speaks of two white wolves who will rise in a time of great peril, joined by a dark wolf and an unknown pack. Together, they will bring either ruin or renewal to wolfkind. The choice is yours.”
Freya and Daemon exchanged a glance, the weight of the prophecy settling heavily on their shoulders.
“I wish I could have found you sooner,” the King continued, his voice quieter. “But your mother hid you well, and by the time we found her… it was too late. The council advised against publicising the search further. They feared it would draw more enemies to you. I regret that decision more than you know.”
Freya’s fists clenched, her emotions swirling between sorrow and determination. “We’ll honour her sacrifice,” she said firmly. “We’ll fight for the future she believed in.”
Daemon nodded walking over to her and placing his arm over her shoulders, his grey eyes blazing with resolve. “No one will separate us again.”
The King placed a hand gently on each of their faces. “Together, we will ensure that her death was not in vain. The enemies within and outside the palace will not prevail.”
The siblings left the chamber with new purpose, their bond with each other, and their uncle, stronger than ever.
– COUNCIL-
The council chamber buzzed with a quiet intensity as Tobias and his team took their seats. The six younger members had been invited to the royal training grounds to do some training there. They had left visibly awed at the prospect. Though Freya and Daemon’s absence was also noted, the respect afforded to the group in the prior meeting lingered. Councilman Eldrin, his silver hair catching the torchlight, leaned forward with a steady gaze.
“Your arrival marks a turning point,” Eldrin began, his voice calm but weighted. “The King trusts you, but we must understand how this group intends to navigate the trials ahead.”
Tobias exchanged a glance with George, who cleared his throat and leaned forward. “We’re here to stop Magnus and Shadowclaw. Whatever it takes. Freya and Daemon aren’t just here to fulfil a prophecy, they’re here to protect every wolf under your rule.”
Councilwoman Althea, her sharp green eyes narrowing slightly, tapped her fingers on the polished table. “Protect, yes. But even the strongest wolves falter when alliances are fragile. Magnus and Shadowclaw have their eyes on power. If their promises sway others, we’re facing more than a simple rebellion.”
Liam spoke up, his tone steady but firm. “We need to ensure that our allies are true. We can’t afford half-truths or hidden agendas, not now.”
Councilman Thane frowned. “You’re implying we don’t know where our loyalties lie?”
“I’m saying we verify,” Liam replied smoothly, his gaze unwavering. “We trust….but we verify.”
Eldrin raised a hand to settle the room. “Liam’s point is valid. But there’s another matter to consider. You’ve brought young wolves into this fold. Brave, no doubt, but are they prepared for what’s coming?”
George straightened in his seat, his voice carrying the authority of a seasoned leader. “Those young wolves chose to stand with us. They’ve trained under Tobias and me, and they’ve proven their loyalty and strength. Age doesn’t determine courage.”
Althea tilted her head, her voice soft but cutting. “It’s not just their youth that concerns us. It’s what they represent. This prophecy….this team….could unite us, or…”
“Or shatter us,” Eldrin finished solemnly. “The prophecy is a double-edged sword. Change can bring renewal, but it can also bring ruin.”
The air in the room grew heavier as the council exchanged wary glances. Tobias leaned forward, his expression firm. “Freya and Daemon aren’t here to divide anyone. They’re here to stop Magnus and Shadowclaw from tearing everything apart. That’s what we’re fighting for.”
George nodded, his voice steady and sure. “Freya and Daemon understand the weight of what’s happening. They don’t take the prophecy lightly. But they also believe in protecting what matters. That’s what we stand for.”
The room fell silent, the council members absorbing George’s words. Finally, Eldrin spoke again, his voice soft but resolute. “Then let us walk this path carefully. Unity must be preserved, but we cannot ignore the shadows creeping at our edges.”
Althea added quietly, “And Magnus and Shadowclaw aren’t the only ones we must watch. There are whispers even within these walls.”
-WARRIORS-
The sun cast long shadows over the royal training grounds, a sprawling expanse of perfectly maintained fields, obstacle courses, and sparring areas. The six youngsters, who had grown accustomed to the rugged simplicity of the Shadowclaw pack’s grounds, stood in awe. The royal grounds were another level entirely. Everything gleamed with precision and care, a testament to the rigorous standards of the palace.
Kian nudged Nathan, his voice a hushed whisper. “This place is insane. Look at the size of those warriors.”
Nathan nodded, his usual grin faltering as he took in the towering forms of the royal warriors. Each one exuded power and discipline, their movements fluid and controlled even in casual drills. “Yeah,” he muttered. “We’re definitely not in Shadowclaw anymore.”
A sharp bark from across the grounds drew their attention. An older wolf with a commanding presence and salt-and-pepper hair approached. His silver eyes scanned the group with the intensity of a predator sizing up prey. He wore simple training gear, but his aura of authority was unmistakable.
“You’re the new arrivals,” he said, his voice gravelly but steady. “I’m Master Harrick. For the next few days, you’re under my care. And let me be clear—I don’t care who you are or where you came from. On this field, you’re my responsibility, and you will meet my standards.”
The youngsters exchanged nervous glances, their excitement tempered by the weight of his words. Harrick’s gaze lingered on each of them, his expression unreadable. “You’re here because someone thinks you have potential. My job is to see if that’s true. You’ll learn discipline, strategy, and strength. And by the end of this, you’ll know exactly what you’re capable of. Any questions?”
Nathan, ever the cheeky one, raised a hesitant hand. “Uh, what happens if we don’t meet your standards?”
Harrick’s lips twitched into a faint smile, though it held no warmth. “Then you won’t last a day. Dismissed.”
The youngsters quickly scattered, each finding their place on the training grounds. Despite their nerves, a spark of determination flickered in their eyes. This was their chance to prove themselves—not just to Harrick, but to the royal warriors and their team.
– ALEX-
Later that day, the whole team gathered in their quarters, the warm aroma of roasted meat and bread filling the room. The youngsters sat in a cluster, their earlier nervousness replaced by animated chatter about their first day on the royal training grounds.
Kian leaned back with a smug grin. “Harrick might act like he’s got a stick up his arse, but did you see his face when I nailed that sparring move?”
Nathan snorted. “Yeah, right before he told you your footwork was sloppy. Keep dreaming.”
The others laughed, but Alex’s chuckle came a beat too late, his focus distant. He picked at his bread, barely touching his food.
Liam, seated nearby, caught the hesitation. His sharp eyes didn’t miss much. “You’ve gone quiet, Alex,” he said lightly, his tone conversational but probing. “Something on your mind?”
Alex shook his head quickly. “No, just tired,” he said, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes.
Liam’s brow furrowed slightly, but he didn’t press further. Instead, he watched as Alex shifted uncomfortably, his gaze flicking toward the window as though searching for something, or someone, outside.
Daemon, ever observant, caught Liam’s eye and gave a subtle nod. Later, the two of them stepped out onto the balcony, leaving the others to their meal.
“He’s worried,” Liam said bluntly, leaning on the railing. “Still thinking about his family back in the pack.”
Daemon exhaled, his grey eyes thoughtful. “It’s not just worry,” he said after a moment. “He’s conflicted. Torn. If we’re not careful, that’ll fester.”
Liam nodded grimly. “We’ll keep an eye on him. He’s a good kid, just… needs some grounding.”
Inside, Alex caught their glance and shifted uncomfortably in his seat, sensing the quiet scrutiny. Kian elbowed him playfully, oblivious to his friend’s inner turmoil. “Cheer up, Alex. Tomorrow Harrick’s putting us through the gauntlet again. You’ll need your strength.”
Alex managed a weak laugh, but his hands tightened on the cup of water in front of him. His mind wandered back to Shadowclaw, to the faces of those he left behind. The weight of his choices pressed heavy on his chest, and despite the warmth of the room and the camaraderie around him, he felt colder than ever.
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