Unknown POV
The air felt thick over the Green Forest Pack as if a heavy blanket was covering everything.
In the center of the once-bright community, the hopes of the pack members had faded under the strict control of Alpha Rax Moore and his partner, Luna Cassandra.
Rumors spread quietly among them, low voices exchanged in secret, but nothing could hide the tough truth brought by the new leaders.
Days turned into nights with no laughter as joy was hidden by the heavy weight of oppression. A deep fear hung over the pack like a calm storm beating with every heartbeat. Today was not just another day and everyone sensed it.
The leftover members of the pack came together in the square, their faces tight with worry.
Eyes glanced around, showing hidden fears and quiet anger, but they showed no resistance, only obedience. Rax and Cassandra stood in front of them, their authority strongly persuasive.
Rax walked confidently onto a raised platform, his dark hair slightly touching his strong jaw, each step firm echoing in the quiet crowd. He scanned the many faces in front of him, assessing their fear like a wolf watching sheep.
“Today!” he shouted, his voice loud and filled with disdain. “We are here to share an important lesson. Our loyalty to the Alpha must never change!”
A cold silence fell over the crowd, who quickly quieted down, staring at the unfortunate Elder tied in the middle of the square.
The old wolf, once a strong leader of the pack, looked frail and worn now, just a shadow of who he used to be. He caught Rax’s eye, a spark of defiance showing in his tired eyes, and yelled “You are not an Alpha, Rax Moore! You’re a thief! You will never earn the respect of a real leader!”
Gasps spread through the crowd as the tension grew thick. Rax’s face grew serious, turning into a threatening look. “What did you say?” he asked quietly, moving closer in. His confidence felt unbearable.
A guard lunged forward, swinging his arm at the Elder and hitting him hard in the face, causing blood to splatter on the ground. The crowd recoiled, panic clear on their faces.
“Remember this,” Rax said, his voice deep and threatening, “to anyone who challenges me. This wolf will show what happens. If you go against me, you’re going against the rogue king!”
The Elder’s eyes burned with a fierce mix of power and sadness. “You think you are an Alpha, but you’re nothing! You will all fall because of your pride and remember this, the real Alpha will come back!”
Cassandra giggled, a mean spark in her eyes. “It’s too late for that old fool. You should watch what you say. It is pretty dumb not like me.” Then she leaned on the wooden railing looking relaxed but full of disdain.
“Loyalty,” Rax said, raising his hands dramatically. “Loyalty is something earned through respect and sacrifice. Those who are weak will not make it. Remember this moment! This Elder’s challenge will be his downfall today. Understand this! Anyone who goes against me deserves death as you are against the strength of the pack!”
He faced a quiet tension that soon became whispers in the crowd. Fear wrapped around everyone’s neck as he raised his hand for quiet.
“Do you hear me?” His voice rang out with a cold certainty. “Feel your hearts shake with respect. You mock my power, but I’m the one who leads you in tough times!”
With a quick, clear motion, he pointed to the executioner whose serious expression showed the harshness that was coming. Rax kept his eyes on the Elder, who stood tall despite the shaking in his body.
“Get ready!” Rax said with a smirk and at that instant everything felt still.
The crowd gasped as the executioner showed his shiny sword and, at that moment, time seemed to stop. The blade shone dangerously, a warning of what would happen to them if they slipped from Rax’s control.
“No!” the Elder shouted, but his words were lost in the chaos around him. The blade struck down, quick and cruel.
A disturbing thud echoed. The square fell silent, broken only by the heavy breathing of those gripped by fear. Eyes grew wide, mouths opened in surprise and the truth of what just happened sank in around them.
Rax and Cassandra looked at each other, the air buzzing with tension. He grinned, enjoying his strength, while Cassandra raised an eyebrow, clearly pleased.
The Elder lay motionless in front of them, a clear warning to anyone who still wanted to challenge the future king.
“Let this be a lesson!” Rax shouted again, his voice breaking the deep silence. “You still feel fear in your hearts. That’s good! Let that fear make you loyal to me!”
But before he could go on, the crowd suddenly moved like a restless wave parting for a figure covered in darkness.
Whispers grew into urgent whispers, then to shocked gasps as Ben stepped up wrapped in a black cloak. The hood hid his face, but his strong presence made everyone step back, eyes open wide in fear.
“Rax,” Ben said quietly, his voice deep and strong, very different from the soft murmurs around them. “Why are they executing people?”
Rax stepped forward, trying to show he was in charge, but Ben’s presence felt heavy and scary, making it hard for Rax to speak.
“I had to remind them of their place and show them what happens if they do not obey,” Rax said, trying to keep his voice calm.
Ben stepped forward, his presence demanding attention, his gaze fixed on Rax. Suddenly, he grabbed Rax by the throat, lifting him easily off the ground.
A loud gasp came from the crowd. They held their breath feeling scared and unsure.
“You were chosen as Alpha of this pack, Rax, to unite the wolves, the fighters and get ready for the rogue king.” Ben’s voice was icy and firm.
“Not to punish every wolf who questions you. You should realize that now is not the time for fighting among us. This is the time for coming together, for being strong and for preparing to confront the coming war. Do you get it?”
Rax, having trouble breathing, could only give a quick nod.
Ben, not bothered by Rax’s fight, held Rax’s throat tightly, his grip super strong. “Nod if you get it!”
Rax, his face turning purple from not getting enough air, nodded again, his attempts getting weaker.
Ben, happy with Rax’s answer, then lets him fall to the ground. Rax coughed, struggling to breathe and dropped to his knees, his eyes showing fear and a new respect for Ben.
Ben’s voice rang out in the quiet square. “Get the army ready Rax. The war is here…”