Adams’ POV
The early morning light was soft and faint as it came through the thick heavy curtains in my study. This gentle light created long shadows that stretched across my desk which were organized and arranged with great care.
On the shelf nearby there were clay figurines shaped like wolves. These figurines were important to me because they reminded me of my family and the role I had inherited as the Alpha King.
The atmosphere in the room felt heavy with an unspoken sense of power and control and there was a quiet peace that surrounded me. However, this moment of tranquility was suddenly broken by a loud and unexpected knock on the door.
“Your Highness,” said a voice that belonged to Ronan.
“Please come in,” I said, trying my best to keep my voice calm and steady. I wanted to sound confident and show that I was in control of the situation.
The door suddenly swung open and Ronan walked into the room. His face showed a mix of urgency and deep concern. He was dressed in the traditional indigo tunic that identified him as a Beta. The rich color of his tunic made his commanding presence even more noticeable.
As he entered, he bowed his head slightly out of respect and then took a few steps closer. “Your Highness,” he said with his voice serious, “I have come to share some very serious and troubling news.”
I reclined in my chair, resting my fingers together under my chin in a thoughtful position that showed how focused and determined I was at that moment. I spoke calmly and gently, “Please go ahead and speak, Ronan. What is it that is bothering you so much at this late hour?”
“The rogues, Sir,” he started, stepping forward slowly and purposefully. “I have some information to share. The reports we’ve received suggest that they are getting organized and preparing for action under the leadership of the Rogue King, Augustus. It appears that he is gathering a significant number of followers and building a strong force-”
I squinted my eyes slightly in suspicion. “Rogue King, Augustus… He has always been someone who works quietly behind the scenes. It’s been a long time since he attempted such a daring action.”
“I also wouldn’t have wanted this issue to come back up again,” Ronan responded, and there was a noticeable strain in his voice that made the air feel heavy.
“However, we have just received information that they have started an assault on a small village that is located within our territory. The people living in that village-”
I jumped up from my chair, bumping into some clay figures in my frustration. “What do you mean they attacked? Which village?”
“Crescent Grove, Your Highness,” he said with his news hanging heavy in the air. “They faced serious losses. Their defenses were not ready. They asked for our help just before we lost contact.”
A muscle moved in my jaw as I took in the news. My heart raced with the instincts of the Alpha testing my calm. “Not okay. How many fighters do they have?”
“Rough guesses say they are outnumbered” Ronan answered, running a hand through his hair in annoyance. “But rogue blood is tough and hard to predict. Bravery doesn’t always match up with numbers, Your Highness.”
Anger was building inside and about to explode. “We can’t let this go on. Gather the palace guards-we’re going to Crescent Grove. They need to see who really owns this land.”
“Your Highness , if I can say something…” Ronan said, feeling the tension in the room. “Hurrying in without a good plan could be a big mistake. We should look at the situation from a distance before jumping in.”
“I’m not afraid to hide away while my people are hurting!” I said sharply, walking back and forth like a hunter watching its target. “Let others talk about plans. My people need a leader to stand by them, not a ruler who ignores their struggles.”
“Got it, Your Highness,” Ronan said quickly, keeping his voice even. “But maybe we should be a little careful so we don’t become the storm we’re trying to stop.”
“Caution?” I repeated, not believing what I was saying. “Tell that to the burned houses in Crescent Grove. Tell that to the moms who lost their kids tonight. We won’t back down while Augustus boldly breaks my rules!”
Ronan stood strong, not backing down. “I won’t doubt your power, but we must stay balanced. Rushing our troops might give Augustus an edge.”
“So what do you think we should do?” I asked with clenched fists.
“Let’s send a small team to check out the village first.” Ronan suggested, his eyes shining with smart ideas. “Find out what danger we face, talk to any survivors if we can and gather supplies before we bring all our strength.”
Without slowing down, I looked out the window at the empty land in front of me. “What if when we get there no one is left to talk to?”
“Then we will at least make sure we do not lose Your Highness,” Ronan said, lowering his voice. “I know you care for our people. You want justice. But real strength is found in smart choices as much as in raw power.”
I took a deep breath thinking about Ronan’s advice while I felt the turmoil inside me. He had always been the calm one; but now was not the time to hold back. “You want me to be patient when everything is falling apart?”
“Not just waiting, Your Highness-thinking ahead. It’s time to gather our troops and learn more. Knowing the land and how many enemies we face gives us a better chance. We do our best when we attack carefully, not wildly.”
I spun around suddenly, my voice serious and gloomy. “Are you saying I should wait?”
“I’m telling you to be careful.”
“Tell the guards to come together” I finally agreed, my voice quiet but strong. “We will leave for Crescent Grove in ten minutes. I want the truth about this terrible act shown in the light.”
Ronan nodded with a look of relief spreading across his face. “As you wish, Your Highness.” He turned around quickly ready to gather the palace guards for our quick leave.
As he walked out, I was alone again in the study with my heart pounding loudly. I paused to relax my shoulders and get ready for what was ahead. My people needed me; I wouldn’t let them down…