Total pages in book: 33
Estimated words: 32263 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 161(@200wpm)___ 129(@250wpm)___ 108(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 32263 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 161(@200wpm)___ 129(@250wpm)___ 108(@300wpm)
Normally, a wolf would sprint past all this beauty in a blur, missing it all. It’s a different view of my kingdom, and as frustrated as I am, I’m taking it all in.
At this speed, I can hear my thoughts too.
I think about what Rurik suggested last night and wonder if I could ever do that. Unnatural breeding. Just the thought of it makes me nauseous.
I wonder what my father would do in my place, and I wonder if I can be as ruthless as he was. I used to think he was a stern monster who enjoyed making all those around him miserable. Now, after experiencing the burden of the crown, I’m beginning to realize he was just doing what was required to keep his kingdom intact.
It’s easy to criticize the old man, but at least he kept his kingdom together. That’s not something I’m sure I’ll be able to accomplish.
The forest ends and I emerge on the outskirts of a village where a group of boys are playing Stone Ring. I smile as I remember playing that in my youth. You toss a pebble at a small circle from a distance and the closest stone wins.
Some are in their wolf forms—small, clumsy things with oversized paws and too much enthusiasm—while others are in their shifter forms, pushing and elbowing to throw the next stone.
It’s the wolves who notice me first. Their heads whip around and they instantly drop to the ground, prostrating themselves.
The boys just drop their jaws and openly stare in shock as I approach.
I’m not wearing my crown, but every wolf can recognize the scent of their king and the one true alpha of the pack.
One lowers his head, and the others quickly follow.
“That’s enough of that,” I say, smiling at them. “Raise your heads, boys.”
They just stare in awe as I approach. It’s not often that a king walks into a village. They’ll tell their pups about this day.
“Stone Ring,” I say as I stand in front of them with my hands on my hips. They all crane their heads to look up at me. I tower over them. “Who’s the champion?”
They all look at one kid with a shaved head and a dirty, torn white shirt. “I am, your Alpha. Sorry. My Alpha.”
I can’t help but smile. They’re adorable.
“Will you take me on?” I ask, grabbing a smooth stone from the pile and tossing it in my hand. “I haven’t played in a long time, so go easy on me.”
“Yes, your Alpha. Um, my Alpha.”
“You first.”
He tosses it and, damn, he’s close.
I take a deep breath, focusing on the ring, and I toss the stone. It bounces and lands right behind his.
“You beat me,” I say, smiling at him.
His face pales and then turns green. “I’m sorry, your Alpha. It was an accident. Please don’t axe-cute me.”
“And why would I do that?” I ask in a booming voice. “When I can have a talented young wolf like you in my royal guard one day?”
His face cycles through a whole bunch of emotions and then he breaks out into a proud smile.
I slip my hand into my bag and search for something to give him. All I find is a pocket knife, but it’s a beautiful one, carved from stone with a sharp blade and an emerald set in the handle.
All of the boys stare at it in wonder and jealousy as I hand it to him.
One of the wolves crouches forward and sniffs my boot.
I play some more, winning some games and losing others. I hand out gifts to all of them. Golden coins, a royal handkerchief, a carved pen, and some food that I brought for the oracle.
“You wolves will make the Moonborne Kingdom proud one day,” I say to their beaming faces. “I can’t wait to be there to see it.”
They follow me as I continue on, asking me a million questions and making me laugh with their silly jokes.
“Do you sleep with the crown on?” one asks.
Another one jumps in before I can answer. “Is your bed made of gold?”
I answer each question and they hang on my every word, marveling at my answers.
Eventually, I head into the dark forest and they drop off, unable or too afraid to follow me further.
I smile as I think about each one of their faces. This is what must be protected. This is why I must endure.
An alpha stands so the pack does not fall.
If I weaken, they all bleed.
I whisper the words that have kept me strong all throughout my rule.
“I am alpha. I endure.”
With every step deeper into the trees, the quiet dread returns, settling low in my stomach.
This forest is old and ancient out here. The thick roots snake along the mossy ground and the tall, dense canopy blocks out the sun, casting the forest into darkness.