The Alpha's Mark

Malrik sat on his throne in the throne room, with his elders gathered before him. An elder with a long beard spoke first, asking, "Why have you summoned us so late at night?" Another elder, wearing a blue cloak, added, "Have you found the sorcerer’s whereabouts?"

Malrik grinned and replied, "My esteemed elders," he paused for effect, "I have summoned you here because I have made a great discovery that may explain... and potentially change—the course of everything we have believed all along." The elders exchanged questioning glances, and then he lifted a book, asking, "Do you recognize this book or its contents?"

The elders looked at one another, shaking their heads, signifying that they did not. Malrik smiled and continued, "I did not know the contents of this book until today, and it has altered what I believed all this time."

The elder with the long beard asked, "Your Highness, what book is that?"

Malrik responded, "Elder Elias handed it to me many days ago, but I was adamant about not reading it because I thought it would be useless. Since I disliked reading, I kept it aside. However, today, while rummaging through my desk, I stumbled upon it. I became curious, wondering if the elder gave it to me for a reason, so I read it. Although I haven’t finished, it has certainly answered a question that has been occupying my mind."

An elder with a tall hat inquired, "And what is that, Your Highness?"

Malrik’s eyes darted across the room as he said, "Who is that girl, Odesse, and what makes her aura so undeniably powerful? This book explained it all."

The elder with the long beard said impatiently, "Your Highness, it would be wise to stop beating around the bush and tell us what you have discovered."

Malrik grinned wider. "Anticipation builds adrenaline, Elder, just as my dear brother said: patience." He stood up slowly and continued, "Haven’t you ever wondered about the High Chief? He is the only one in this entire wolf kingdom with silver hair and pale skin. We’ve never seen his face, yet that detail isn’t revealed to the public." He glanced at one of his elders and asked, "Why did he become the High Chief, anyway?"

The elder replied, "Since he helped his father win a war during the rebellious reign of Fenris the Third."

"Pause," Malrik interrupted. "How old do you presume he was when that happened?"

"Sixteen, if I am not mistaken, Your Highness," the elder said.

Malrik smiled and continued, "From my readings of the history books, it is said that a catastrophic explosion occurred during that time, destroying half of the kingdoms, right?" The elders nodded.

Malrik continued, "But he managed to fix everything in under five days by staying in the heart of the map at night, where the moon shone brightest. He sat there with no food or water until everything was restored. When everything was okay, he became unconscious for a month."

The elder wearing the blue cloak asked, "Your Highness, why bring up the High Chief’s accomplishments when they are already well-known?"

"Relax, Elder, I’m getting to my point," Malrik said as he walked back to his throne and sat down slowly. "Now, this ’human’ girl, Odesse," he said, air-quoting with his fingers, "has unnaturally long silver hair and pale skin just like the High Chief. The aura she carries is undeniably strong, but not as strong as the High Chief’s. The Shadows did attack the Moonlight Pack, but when we arrived, there was no destructive aftermath. Some citizens in the Moonlight Pack did testify to my spies that they saw Shadows, but it was as if a huge dome was protecting them, preventing the Shadows from entering. So, who else could have done that if not Odesse?"

"Remember the day we visited the palace? What did you say, Elder?" Malrik asked.

The elder replied, "I noticed that the aura was stronger than usual."

"Exactly," Malrik said. "Not because of my brother, but because of that girl. She has awakened her powers, and not just that—she is related to the High Chief." The elders looked at each other in shock, and one asked, "But how, Your Highness?"

"Now this book," Malrik said, "after reading it explains about the Moon Spirit. It gives life, but in return, that life becomes its covenant. I do not know how it connects with the High Chief’s family or how Odesse is related to him, but one thing is certain: Odesse is not an ordinary human. If she truly has the powers that this book says the Moon Spirit possesses, then she can break Valex’s curse. And elders, you know exactly what is at stake if that curse gets broken. My life will be at stake because not only will everyone find out about it, but I have put my life on the line for this, and I will die."

An elder said, "We can’t let that happen, Your Highness. Because not only you but all of us will face execution if the truth comes out."

Malrik’s grin faded as he came to a realization. "I couldn’t help but smile at this new discovery, but now it fades with the realization that my life is at stake."

...

It was morning at the Moonlight Palace, and the sky shone brightly, but the sun shone even brighter. The creatures in the sky sang their early morning songs. Sunlight reflected through the large windows of the small solar where Odesse and Azure were conducting their lessons for the day.

Odesse stood before a mock table filled with various cutlery. Azure looked at Odesse and said, "Your Highness, today we shall be learning about formal dining etiquette and the hierarchy of service." Odesse glanced at the table and then at Azure, looking puzzled. "There are a lot of them," she observed.

Azure smiled and explained, "In front of you is an array of silverware, including forks and spoons that serve different purposes. Today, you must learn which utensils are for eating oysters, salads, and which are for the dessert course."

Odesse appeared confused. "Don’t people just use one spoon and fork for everything? Why are there dozens?"

Azure smirked and replied, "Your Highness, you are a queen now. This means you will accompany the king to various events, and you don’t want to embarrass him, do you?"

Odesse shook her head. "Of course not." Azure looked at her, mouth closed and giving Odesse a convincing look. Odesse glanced back at the spoons and forks and finally said, "Alright, let’s get on with the studies."

Azure smiled. "That’s good, Your Highness. Let’s keep moving." They moved to the next table, and Azure extended her hands to demonstrate. "These are the wine and water chalices. At large events, there are often multiple glasses for different types of wine and water. You need to know which to reach for so you don’t appear unrefined in front of foreign dignitaries."

Odesse nodded. "Alright." Azure turned to her and said, "Your Highness, you will also need to learn the ’Silent Language’ of cutlery."

Odesse asked, "What is that?"

Azure replied, "It’s about how to position your knife and fork on the plate to signal to the servants that you are ’resting’ versus ’finished.’"

Odesse groaned. "Why is that even a thing? What difference does it make?"

Azure paused before explaining, "The difference is significant. It distinguishes a servant from a queen; it demonstrates authority, Your Highness."

Odesse fell silent and thought to herself, "My King! Why aren’t you here with me?"

Azure, trying to bring her back, asked, "Is everything okay, Your Highness?"

Odesse forced a smile and replied, "Everything is fine. Let’s carry on."

Azure nods and then walks to sit down. "There is something called the finger bowl," she explains as Odesse approaches her seat. Odesse asks, "What is that?"

Azure replies, "It’s a way to use a bowl of scented water to cleanse your fingertips between courses without making a mess or accidentally drinking from it."

Suddenly, Azure stands up quickly. "Now that we’ve covered the basics, it’s time to put it into practice, Your Highness."

Odesse smiles nervously and responds, "Yes, of course."

...

The hours that followed were a blur of silver, crystal, and sharp corrections. By the time the sun began to dip below the palace spires, casting long amber shadows across the solar, Odesse’s fingers ached from repetitive motions, and her mind felt frayed.

Azure stood, smoothing her skirts with a crisp, rustling sound. She looked down at the mock table setting, now perfectly arranged, and then at Odesse. "You have the hands of a diplomat, Your Majesty," she said, her voice smooth and resonant. "Most young royals lack the patience for the small details. You have done well today."

Odesse felt a flicker of pride ignite in her chest, warming her more than the fireplace ever could. "Thank you. I want to be ready when the King returns."

"You will be," Azure replied with a faint smirk as she gathered her things with fluid, efficient movements.

Odesse followed the lady out of the solar and into the vaulted gallery that led toward the palace’s inner gates. The rhythmic click of their heels echoed in the vast space, creating a stark contrast to the morning’s intimidating silence.

At the threshold of the palace, Azure stopped and offered a bow that was deeper and more sincere than her first. Just as she was about to leave, a voice called out to Odesse. It was Eryx, who ran up to her with a smile, brightening Odesse’s face. Azure’s eyes widened as she looked at Eryx and said, "Have you no respect for Her Highness that you call her by her name?"