Prologue;

Howling.

A never-ending genre of ear-shattering cries that surrounds me.

Everyday, it haunts me.

The sound of pleadings from people who ask for help in the most wrenching way— those who crave for survival and are willing to risk everything, even in agony.

But, despite finding such scenarios unpleasant at some point, there's nothing that I can do.

I am, afterall, the chief's daughter.

Father rules the area, and ruling the area means we're obligated to look after its people. To make sure that everyone in our place is living their life with no risks and questions. He deals with them and their call for change.

They seek him.

Without knowing that the man that they trust most, bears more than thousands of secrets that could stab and kill them inside.

Strong.

The air was strong, it was icky and stuffy.

What would be the reason for his presence this time?

“Meadow.” The ruler, my father, called. I was right, he was looking for me. He’s near me, listening to the fastening speed of my heartbeat, “Meadow Eike Harlow.” He calls again.

I looked at him. And I should be used to it, but I still find it . The way he still flaunts his crown that signifies his duty each time he’ll seek for the unknown. It was the skin of a bear he had tackled long ago, a time longer than his people could expect, “Alpha.” I bow to him as I slowly scan his dashingness with my imperial jade orbs. No wonder his scent is still as strong as ever. His figure never changed no matter how many years had passed. Good for him.

He disheveled my satiny grayish hair, “You can keep yourself alive while I’m gone, am I right?” he questions. I nodded. Even though deep inside I want to be by his side. To fight with him. But that’s not possible, not when he’s overprotective and territorial over us—his family. After all, he’s the leader of the pack.

Our pack came from the ancient wolves who value fang over blood. Merciless. That’s our root. One who kills with no hesitation. Even if it involves the pack members themselves.

Betrayers. That’s what we’re known for, and that saddened me. Because in reality ever since my father had stepped inside the cage of the ruling, he had sworn to change the reality. He had sworn to never follow the steps of the Alphas before him. Even if it means breaking the pledge that runs throughout our generations.

If only the blood of mankiller doesn’t flow through our blood, then maybe…things would’ve been better.

No random attacks at the strike of midnight.

No pinpointing from the other packs.

No words of despise from our system arc.

“You can count on me, Father.” I affirmatively answered, “Because after all, I am your daughter.” I look at him straight to his twinkling dark grey orbs. He shortly nodded before having an eye showdown with me, and that’s when I see it. That’s when I realized the words his orbs are trying to communicate to me in silence, love. He loves me more than he could say.

“She is your daughter, yes. But, she’s not a part of this family.”

“She is, Father! How can you be cruel to a bearer of your blood?!”

“Because, Marfori Eleven Harlow, you should understand that there’s a huge difference between an Alpha in an Omega family and an Omega in an Alpha family. She’s below us, Marfori and that’s what you should’ve realized sooner before you’d taken the path of disappointing me by choosing that Theta as your mate.”

Love.

One that he never had the chance to feel under the care of the late Alpha—his father.

Just like the Alphas before him, he was ruthless. He slays even the innocence. Papa saw it all, he saw how the late Alpha rushed to slay a crying infant without any hint of doubt. And that scarred him and his belief over the pledge of our pack.

That’s why he swore. He swore that when his time comes, he’ll be different. He’ll be the bridge between the humans and our kind.

And true to his words, he has been doing that for years now. Because other than being the leader of our pack, he’s also the head of the area we’re in. The humans love him, and he loves them back.

That’s why I know, that when the truth comes to light, and he'll be given the choice of doubt...

He won’t wither on his stand, he’ll fight for the humans and us. Even if it means getting himself killed in the process of protecting his reasons.

“Alright.” He sighs, “For one last time, what would you do if the humans seek for my help?” he questions, as evidence of worry showing through his orbs. But I know, it’s not me he’s worried about. He’s worried about his people, and how unpleasant it is for them to not see him. And for that reason I am proud, the walls he had built for us are still there. Strongly covering the pledge of dignity on protecting us.

“Keep my stand firm and calm. And tell them that you’re not feeling well and have sought for bed early.” I recited, “but, if their call is urgent. They can ask for Mother instead.” He hummed, and smiled. A proud one.

He’s proud of what I’ve become, “Thank you.” He murmured before he turn back and walk away. I stared at him until his figure disappears along with gammas and betas he’s always been with.

Guess it’ll be another long night of howling to the moon for his safe return. Another misery on the branch of uncertainty. If only the world is better, then maybe no blood will be shed for tonight. No packs and families will shed tears in silence.

No force.

No fear.

A world full of certainty and peace.

But that’s impossible to achieve, as the good and bad cannot be without the other. That’s why along with the sun and moon, stars and sky, who had long known their purpose in life.

I silently hope for the betterment of everything, even in just a short period of time.