Recognition

A slight tension settled over the dining hall after the announcement; some were caught unguarded, especially the elders, though they had expected this but not this soon. Their stunned eyes drifted toward Alpha Richard, uncertainty and doubt brewing in them.

No one expected the change to come so soon. Conversations turned into hushed murmurs as the younger wolves exchanged eager glances.

The realization of what this meant dawned on them... an opportunity to rise, to prove themselves.

Unlike their predecessors, they were more ardent for the change to come. Some were already mapping out strategies to outshine the competition and earn a prestigious title in the pack. Lead Warrior, Gamma, Head Tracker... the positions were theirs for the taking if they were strong enough.

The Coming of Age Ceremony was more than just a tradition of young werewolves evolving into adulthood. It was a ritual that determined the finest warriors; the ones fit to protect the pack and ensure its future.

The young wolves, their blood boiling with anticipation, clenched their fists beneath the tables. Their aspirations fueled them. And it wasn't just the males, females were just as determined.

But among the Omegas, there was only longing. They watched, their hearts heavy with the unspoken truth that their chances were slim.

Then, Alpha Richard, a man of few words, lifted his head, his intense, and deep-set ash-grey eyes brimming with confidence and dominance, his voice calm yet resolute.

"This ceremony will be open to everyone."

A ripple of emotion spread through the room. The Omegas' eyes widened, a glimmer of hope surfacing.

Some pack members, however, were less than pleased, though they masked their dissatisfaction well.

Alpha Richard was a wise leader. He knew that strength did not only run through noble bloodlines.

Over the years, some of the pack's finest warriors had once been Omegas; forgotten, dismissed, yet when given the chance, they had risen to greatness.

Some of the oldest and most respected members of the pack had once been servants, mere shadows in the background. Now, they held noble positions within the pack house, Gammas, warriors, healers, and trackers.

Richard had seen enough to understand that potential should not be wasted.

Seated at the head table, Amelia Hillson exhaled in relief.

She had missed last year's ceremony by just a month...barely fifteen then, still waiting for her wolf to awaken. But this year? This year was different.

A soft smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she imagined her wolf.

She wondered what color she would be. Would her eyes mirror her own? Would she be swift, regal...worthy of nobility?

Her mind wandered further... her mate.

She knew that a mate bond could only be sensed once a wolf had emerged. Without it, she could only wonder.

She dreamed of the first time she would run under the moonlight, the thrill of the hunt, the unrestrained freedom. She would finally belong. No more waiting, no more restrictions.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the murmur of gratitude across the hall.

Madam Tera stepped forward, bowing slightly.

"We thank you for this honor, Alpha," she said, her voice steady.

Beside her, a middle-aged man, the boys' coordinator, offered his thanks as well.

The meal had ended, and now it was time for dessert.

As the trays were brought into the dining hall, a rich aroma of cinnamon and baked apples filled the air, curling through the space like a warm embrace.

The atmosphere shifted instantly. Eyes widened. Conversations paused. The scent alone had made an impact.

Someone among the warriors muttered in appreciation. "That smells incredible."

A noblewoman nodded approvingly. "Something different today..."

At the head of the table, Alpha Richard gave a slow, approving nod.

Then the first bite was taken.

One after another, voices of approval and delight followed.

Some were expressive, savoring each bite like a revelation. Others were reserved, but their subtle nods and lingering glances at their plates spoke volumes.

Beta Gerald lowered his fork, his brow raised in interest.

"Who prepared this?"

A brief silence followed.

Matilda's body tensed, her heart racing. She subtly shook her head at Madam Tera, silently pleading not to be revealed.

Madam Tera glanced at her knowingly before turning back to the Beta.

"We were testing a new recipe," she said smoothly. "And it turned out well."

Alpha Richard, who had remained mostly silent, finally spoke, his gaze flickering toward Madam Tera.

"A fine decision," he said, his tone neutral, but the subtle nod he gave was unmistakably approving.

Beta Gerald leaned back slightly, considering. Then, after a moment, he gave a final verdict.

"I want this dessert served for the visitors from the Blood Moon Pack when they arrive, three days from now."

The weight of the request settled in the room.

Matilda swallowed hard but remained composed.

Madam Tera bowed her head slightly.

"It will be done, Beta."