THE ETERNAL HOWL

As the Alpha, his connections to those around him weren't just about duty, they wer

ystone in the training grounds. Aldric was not just Kael's right hand, he w

teased, circling him like a predator. "A

ng his fists. "Talk

idestepped him effortlessly, locking Aldric in

" Kael quipped

f off. "Fine, fine. I'll give you

erie a reminder of the trust that bou

ecorations depicting the history of the Silverclaw Pack. The air was thic

e. "Alpha Kael," he began, his voice gravelly but firm, "the pack thrives under your lea

ily with him. "The pack is strong, Elder Marce

g. "The ancestors watch over you. But strength is not

yed with him long aft

ing to the moonflowers that bloomed only at night. She knelt o

she asked without looking

tting on the edge of the garden

rm but searching. "You've been carrying

e ground. "It's nothing. Just the usua

. "You can tell me, Kael. Whatever it

The elders spoke to me today. They reminded me that streng

y've seen what you've built here. They're ju

ion softening. "How is it you a

d. "Because I know you. And I

th relics and artefacts that have been passed down through generations. The walls we

for his unmatched strength and unyielding leadership. Rhys had died in battle wh

oud of you," came

er hair catching the dim light. Though age had softene

ael said softly, his

t you must remember, Kael, legends are forged through tri

those of the elders. "I just

s shoulder. "But don't let doubt creep in. It's the

the gathering, watching his people dance and laugh around the fire. A strange sensati

reathing shallow. For the first

he haze. She appeared at his side, h

quickly, straighteni

nvinced. "You don't get t

rcing a smile. "Go back to the

she walked away, Kael couldn't shak

er. Warriors discussed border patrols, mothers shared stories of

er with a knowing smirk. "You've been aw

smile. "Of course not. Kael's j

ith the territory. But don't let him shut you out,

r friend's bluntness. "You're

laughter, but Kael's mind was elsewhere. He couldn't shake the f

oming, just as the elders

t a hint of something darker and he didn

but his jaw was tight, and his hands were clenched at his sides. He couldn't shake the faint, throbbing sensation that had started at the back o

presence drawing the attention of the warriors. They str

spite the dull ache in his head. "Keep sharpening yo

eave, his chest swelling with pride at the strength of his pack. But even as

n't make out their meaning. His brows furrowed as he glanced arou

ha K

er back, and her kind eyes reflected the waning sunlight. She was always

, his tone softening

ile," she said, concern lacing

through his hair. "Of course. Just making s

thing was different about him lately. His steps weren't as firm, his voice not as sharp. She noticed the slight sha

," she said gently. "Mayb

ckling. "I'm fine, Sele

n her chest. Kael wasn't the kind of man to co

seemed quieter than usual. The usual rustle of leaves and chi

that?" she

brows drawing toge

he murmured, her voice

wering trees casting long shadows in the fading light. He had grown up in these woods so h

wasn't the familiar call of his pack members, but something wild

placing a protective hand on Selene'

s from the scouts. His Beta Aldric had assured him there was no

eturned, faint

n his chair. "What the hell is going on

e backbone of the Silverclaw Pack. Whatever this

r interrupted his

e doorway. "Alpha, the patrols are set for

Good. Let's ke

s he studied Kael. "You sure you're alright?

er of irritation flashing in them. "I'm

in surrender. "Alright, a

aled heavily. He didn't ne

ith Kael earlier replayed in her mind. She wanted to tru

ng a hand through her hair. "What's goin

nocked before stepping i

er with a small smi

concern flashing in

ferent lately. I don't know how to

ng hand on her shoulder. "Maybe it's ju

mured, but her hear

rred with Aldric, their movements fluid and precise. But ha

was filled with alarm a

apped, pulling away

sy glances. Their Alpha rarely stumbled

mined to appear unfazed. But as he left the traini

o silence the frustration bubbling beneath the surface. Wha