Alpha's Shadow

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I will die on my beloved sister’s birthday. She took my family, my mate, and everything I ever had. So when our pack needed a sacrifice for the Abyss, I volunteered. “Will you regret it?” I asked my mate. He frowned impatiently. “What are you talking about? Are you making a big deal out of nothing again?” I looked at him and quietly shook my head.“Nothing.” After all, I only had thirty days left to live. --- “This can't be right! Miss, are you really sure you want to register as the human sacrifice?” The Gamma in charge of the registry stared at me as if I had spoken nonsense. His hand hovered over the form, trembling slightly. “You are the member of the Alpha family. How could they possibly bear to watch you jump off the cliff?” “Yes,” I said calmly with a small smile. “I’m willing to die.” The Gamma’s face was completely drained of color. He looked at me again, carefully this time, as if hoping he had somehow mistaken my identity. But there was no mistake. I stood there, calm as a dove, like this was the easiest thing I have ever done, waiting for him to file my application. According to the legends, once in every hundred years, a chaotic dark energy stirred from the northern cliff. Every living being it came in contact with, be it human or animal was instantly drained of its life force. For several centuries, human sacrifices have been made to stabilise the chaos and bring peace. There were volunteers from each pack across the entire Northern mountains. This time, the chaos had grown even more restless and stronger from being restrained for so long and unfortunately, I was the only volunteer across the region because no one wanted to give up their precious life for "others". “The preparations and thirty days of cleansing will proceed immediately. You have one month,” the gamma said hoarsely. “Once the ritual is complete, you will die. There is no backing out from this if I file this.” My chest squeezed painfully. My stomach twisted in fear, the thought of dying... I clenched my fists tightly, fighting the fear creeping through my veins. I made it this far already. I couldn't just change my mind. “I understand.” He swallowed, still unwilling to accept my reckless decision. “Your brothers adore you, Miss Lenora. The Alpha and Luna raised you as their own for many years. You even have a sorting fiance who can't live without you. Surely...” “That was in the past,” I interrupted quietly, my own words cutting through my heart like a blade. A familiar sting blurred through my vision but I blinked it away. It was simply pointless. His mouth closed at my words. Confusion etched across his face, but I didn't bother to explain any further. He couldn't possibly understand how he11ish these past few years have been for me. No one did. The dotting fiance he talked about... Right from the moment it was discovered that I was wolfless, no one mentioned the engagement again. At sixteen, which was ideal for a girl as exceptionally talented as I was to get her wolf, my wolf never awakened. By the time I turned eighteen, the whispers had already spread through the pack. I was tagged wolfless. Useless. Shameful. Before the Gamma could speak again, a powerful voice echoed through the room, and the pack. “Dear members, of Starline Pack,” my father’s voice announced, steady and proud. “While we are still waiting for a volunteer to step forward for the sacrificial ritual…” there was a pause, then his tone softened. “you are all invited to celebrate my lovely daughter and your beloved princess, Eleanor's birthday. A grand banquet will be held in her honor in three days. All are welcome.” My heart shattered all over again and a painful smile formed on my lips. Eleanor's birthday, huh? My brothers took over from him almost immediately, instructing servants and pack members to prepare gifts, decorations, and rare delicacies for the celebration. Their words were so warm and loving. Even my mother was happy to broadcast her all over, talking about all her achievements in the past year. No one remembered that my birthday would be in a few days too. The broadcast ended. The office felt painfully silent. The Gamma finally exhaled. He stopped trying to persuade me. Instead, he pulled out a sealed document and slid it across the desk. “This is the certificate of sacrifice,” he said slowly. “From today onward, you are under ritual protection. No one may harm you before the ceremony.” I accepted it with both hands. He stood up and bowed to me, deeply. “Thank you, Miss Lenora. With your selfless sacrifice, the dark energy will be sealed for good. The pack will be safe again.” I nodded, despite the emptiness I felt inside and left the office. The streets were lively. People were smiling, talking about the Alpha’s announcement, about the coming birthday banquet. But when they saw me, their expressions changed and the topics immediately shifted. “That’s her, right?” “The wolfless one.” “What a disgrace to the Alpha family. I don't even know what she does around here.” They didn't even try to whisper anymore. They said it to my face, knowing I could do nothing. By pack law, wolfless wolves were meant to be expelled at the age of twenty. They became rogues. Alone and unwanted. Over the years, I have seen what happened to female rogues. I wasn't just going to wait for it to happen to me too. I would rather die with meaning. On my own terms. By the time I returned home, the mansion was quiet. No servant in sight. I turned a corner of the corridors and nearly collided with Eleanor. She stopped, her blue eyes narrowing instantly on me, taking in everything with disdain before landing on the box in my hand. “What’s that?” She asked. “None of your business,” I replied and made to walk past her, but she blocked me. She reached for the box, but I pulled back. Her eyes darkened with irritation and she angrily shoved me. "I said give it to me, you pig!" She seethed. I staggered from the push, losing my balance. I hit the floor with a thud and the box hit the floor, spilling its contents. "What is wrong with you?" I fired. She was about to snap back when she stopped suddenly. A cruel smile played on her lips and she let out a scream instead, catching me off guard. “Help! She pushed me! She wants to kill me.” She cried, falling to the ground. Footsteps rushed toward us and in no time, my brothers appeared with panicked expressions. ###CHAPTER 2 Eleanor was already crying, pointing at me accusingly. “I was just trying to hug her but she pushed me and then tried to frame me by falling on purpose so you will all pity her.” Davis, the eldest of my brothers, glared at me. “You! How could you bully her again? What did she ever do to you?” As expected they didn't even bother to ask me what happened, they just jumped right to her defense. "Eleanor is your sister for goddess sake! How could we have such a vicious sister like you?" Vincent barked. Pain seared through my body from where I had fallen. My palm stung. My knee burned against the cold floor. “I didn’t push her,” I said, forcing myself to speak. “She tried to take my things and when I refused, she pushed me! And then she fell and started screaming...” Eleanor sobbed even harder, “It's all my fault. I just wanted to see what she was holding, I'm so sorry. Please don't blame her..." That was all it took for my words to dissolve completely in their ears. They turned angrily to me. “You're seriously lying to us again, Lenora?" I looked at their faces. There was no doubt in them. No hesitation. Whatever Eleanor did or said, they believed her without questions. In their eyes, I would always be the evil bully. I stopped trying to explain, deciding to just pick my things. At that same moment, footsteps echoed again. My father and mother arrived together. Behind them was someone I hadn’t expected to see so soon. Eric? For a brief second, my heart forgot how to beat. I blinked rapidly to make sure it was actually him. My Eric. What was he doing here? Was he... here to see me? His eyes locked with mine and he walked over to me immediately. My chest bloomed with joy as he offered me his hand. How long has it been since I felt this way? “You should be more careful.” He said with a gentle smile that instantly melted my heart. I nodded, unable to utter a word. Then he walked over to my father's side. My parents barely spared me a glance. Their attention was on Eleanor, who was still crying softly. “Darling, what happened?” My mother asked gently, lowering herself to Eleanor. “Lenora bullied her again,” Davis responded almost immediately. I rolled my eyes in disbelief. I was sick of watching the same act over and over again. My father frowned, disappointment clear on his face as he turned to me. “I thought we made things clear long ago. Eleanor is the real princess of Starline Pack, what gives you the right to lay a finger on her?” I stood there, silent as they all turned their attention to her, trying to console her in the best way possible. I was simply ignored like I wasn’t even part of the room. My mother’s expression changed suddenly, turning bright. “Oh, right. We almost forgot. We were just about to share some good news.” She took Eleanor's hand affectionately. “Something wonderful.” I felt a strange unease settle in my chest. “At the upcoming birthday banquet,” she announced proudly, “Eleanor and Eric will officially announce your engagement!” ###Chapter 3 Engagement? I stared at them, unable to understand what I was hearing. How could... How could Eric possibly be engaged to Eleanor? What... What about me? I looked at him, hoping he would debunk it immediately. Say he was in love with me and wouldn't marry anyone else, anything. He didn't. Instead, he offered his hand, just like he had done for me earlier and Eleanor gleefully took it. My chest tightened painfully. "Eric..." I muttered. How... How could this be? Is that why he hasn't come to see me all this time? He didn't want me anymore? As if that was not enough, Eleanor threw her hands over his shoulders, standing on her tiptoes. He held her waist to steady her and right before me, she kissed him. He didn’t step back.He didn’t refuse the kiss. My head spun. Then claps and happy cheers followed. From my brothers. My parents. So they all knew. Everyone knew. Only I didn’t. "I got you something," Eric said softly. His eyes were so full of love as he presented a box to her. "What is it?" Eleanor asked eagerly as she opened it. My breath caught instantly. It was the necklace. The one I have wanted it since forever. "Oh Goddess," Eleanor gasped with shining eyes. "This is so beautiful. I love ittttt!!!" "I'm glad you like it," Eric smiled and it felt like cold water was dumped on me. How could this happen? First my parents, then my brothers, and now my fiance? My brothers surrounded her, congratulating her, teasing her, promising gifts. "Eric..." I finally gathered the courage to call his name. Everyone turned to me. "Can... Can we talk?" My voice shook even as I said the words. He stared at me for a few seconds before nodding. We stepped aside. “What is this?” I demanded quietly. “You're getting engaged to my sister? When were you going to tell me?” He looked rather uncomfortable. “This isn’t the time for this, Lenora.” “Then when is the time?” I asked in disbelief. “After the announcement?” He sighed. “Look, Eleanor is your sister. What difference does it make?" Seriously? That was all he had to say? "And you should apologize to Eleanor first before questioning me. You hurt her today.” I laughed softly. “That’s what you're more concerned about? We were together for years, we loved each other and then one day, you just ghosted me and now this?” “You're taking this the wrong way, Nora,” he sighed. “My family has always planned for me to marry the Alpha’s daughter. You know that.” “No.” My voice broke with all the hurt I felt inside. “I didn’t.” “Look, It’s not that I don’t love you,” he said, taking my hand. “I’ll make it up to you, okay? Six months from now, I'll give you the one thing you've always wanted. At the feast, right in front of everyone.” Six months. I have just one month! I chuckled at the irony. This man before me seemed like an absolute stranger. "There's no need," I smiled. "Let's just end it here. Nothing you do will ever make up for this betrayal." He frowned. “Why are you being like this? Are you jealous?” “Jealous?” I repeated. “Eleanor is kind and pure,” he said firmly. “You should reflect on yourself. You were never like this. Have you really become as vicious as they say?” That was the moment something in me snapped. I smiled. “You know I always thought you had poor taste in women since you chose to be with me. Turns out your taste is even poorer than I imagined” I said lightly. “And your hypocrisy is even more impressive.” His face darkened. “Enough! I won't stand here and listen to any more of your nonsense!” I turned to leave. I could feel their eyes boring holes into my skin. My words must have carried, because the air was thick with disdain. “Ungrateful wrench!" My mother muttered. “Even in front of us, she's still trying to ruin her sister's engagement,” Vincent spat. “Such a wolfless disgrace doesn't even deserve to be in the same room as Eleanor.” Their disgust pressed down on me from all sides. As I walked away, a cruel, triumphant voice gloated in my head through the mindlink "I guess I won, sister." My grip on the box tightened. Without a wolf, I couldn’t respond to her. I couldn’t even block her out either. The pain in my chest spread until it was choking. For a second, it felt like my lungs were closing up on me. Just then, a guard rushed in, breathless and panting. “Alpha!” he shouted. “Someone has volunteered to be the sacrifice!” ... Relief swept through the pack. The Alpha smiled. The Luna praised the volunteer’s courage. No one asked for a name. No one thought to check. The next few days blurred into preparations for Eleanor’s birthday. Flowers. Gifts. Laughter. No one noticed Lenora’s silence. No one noticed she was already gone. ###CHAPTER 4 Davies Eleanor’s birthday celebration went on until late into the night. I smiled as I handed the empty champagne glass to the server. Already guests had mostly filed out. Eleanor still stood under the spotlights, the glow of the chandeliers around illuminating her figure. Her face, which bore more resemblance to our mother's, was shining with a soft smile as she leaned against Eric. “Thank you for coming,” she told one of the elders who was about to leave. It was a long time coming, I thought, exhaling as I turned to greet another exciting guest. Eleanor hadn't had a gathering of this magnitude before now, not since we welcomed her back to our family. This was what we needed to do for her. I found myself observing Eric, wondering how they fit so well together. After all, he had been engaged to Lenora once. I couldn’t help my mind drifting to my other sister. Though she was adopted I saw her as my sister, and though she sometimes acted out, I couldn’t help but worry for her. Upon thinking that, I realized that she wasn’t in the hall. My brows furrowed. Where was she? Where had she gone? I frowned slightly, looking again with more attention, noting the absence of her familiar figure along the edges of the room where she usually stayed during gatherings like this, never fully participating but never completely absent either. “What’s up?” Vincent jostled my side with his elbow, chuckling as he finally bade his friends goodbye. “Where’s Lenora?” I asked, and he suddenly scowled, his mood souring. “What, are you worried she’ll cause trouble?” He crossed his arms, leaning back. “If you ask me, Lenora’s been acting like she owns the place. Better that she doesn’t stay.” “She probably left early,” I remarked, more to myself than anyone else, though my voice carried enough for our father to hear. He barely glanced at me, his expression unchanged as he said, in that tone of his that denoted authority, “If she did, then she is sulking again. That girl refuses to understand her place.” Vincent nodded emphatically. “Exactly, father. She should have learned by now,” he continued, his tone calm but firm. “Eleanor is your true daughter. There is a difference in status, whether she likes it or not” Regarding my brother and our Alpha father, I gave a small nod, though something in my chest shifted faintly, looking away. For a brief moment, I thought of Lenora as she used to be, not the version of her that existed now but the one from years ago. She had filled the halls with laughter, running through the mansion with reckless energy while trying to keep up with us. She had always been determined, always insisting that she could match anything we did, and more often than not she proved it with a stubbornness that was impossible to ignore. “Watch me,” she used to say, her eyes bright with excitement. And she always did. I exhaled quietly, the memory fading as quickly as it had come, replaced by the reality of who she had become over the years. Things had changed after Eleanor returned, and although that was inevitable, Lenora had not adapted in the way I expected her to. It had been a slow process. At first she seemed to accept it, but over time her demeanor shifted, her warmth fading into something colder. And each time, she directed that attitude towards Eleanor without reason. When it was revealed that she was wolfless, that change only deepened, and I had long since stopped trying to understand it, convincing myself that she simply did not handle things well. “Davies.” Vincent’s voice broke through my thoughts, pulling my attention back to the present as I turned to face him. “You’ve been quiet,” he observed, studying me closely. “Are you alright?” I held his gaze for a moment before nodding. “I’m fine.” He did not look entirely convinced, but he accepted the answer with a slight shrug. “Then stop standing here like a statue. Father wants you to handle the talks with Elder Gavin.” I groaned lightly, my mind returning fully to the hall. Elder Gavin talked too much, always trying to pull Father into conversations. And now that I had grown enough to handle my own, Father used me as a shield. I inhaled slowly, before striding towards Elder Gavin who was already trying and failing to engage. By the time we returned to the mansion, it was late at night and I was absolutely exhausted. The entire house was silent with only the night shift guards and a few maids on duty. They bleed to me as I walk. “My Lord,” a maid greeted. “Have you seen Lenora?” I inquired, loosening my tie. The maid paused and then shook her head. “No, my lord. Lady Lenora didn't come down for dinner.” I frowned slightly. So she was likely hungry. Was this another play at getting our attention? I strode with determination, prepared to confront my wayward little sister once more, when I heard a voice behind me. “Davies.” I turned to find Eleanor standing a short distance away, her expression gentle, though there was a faint hesitation in her eyes as she stepped closer, still dressed in her gown from the party. “I wouldn’t disturb Lenora tonight, brother,” she spoke softly. “We don’t want to upset her.” My brows furrowed as a wave of frustration hit. Eleanor was trying to be kind but I had no desire for it. “Upset her? Is she so fragile?” I inquired with a scoff. “I didn’t want things to happen like this,” she murmured, her voice softer now. I frowned. “What do you mean?” She hesitated before continuing, her words coming slower this time. “Eric breaking off his engagement with her… to be with me. I never wanted to hurt her. She likely has been acting out because of that, and we both know how she can be, so… please, for tonight, don't disturb her. I don't want things to get worse.” Tears gathered in her eyes, and she lifted her hand slightly as if to wipe them away, though her fingers trembled before they could reach her face. “I feel like I’ve taken everything from her,” she whispered. Something in my chest tightened at the sight, and without thinking, I stepped forward and pulled her into my arms. “You haven’t,” I murmured, resting a hand against her head as I patted it gently. “You didn’t do anything wrong.” “But she hates me. Davies, I don't know how to fix things,” Eleanor’s voice broke slightly as she leaned into me. “She’s just not handling things well,” I replied, though the words felt heavier than I expected. “You can’t blame yourself for that.” I closed my eyes for a brief moment, her words settling deeper than I anticipated, and when I opened them again, my gaze drifted past her shoulder toward the door I had been about to knock on. Lenora’s door remained closed. I wondered idly if she had heard us, or if she was pretending to be asleep. Likely the latter. I exhaled softly and shook my head, pushing the thought aside as I guided Eleanor away from it. “She’ll calm down,” I assured her. “We’ll deal with it later.” She nodded against me, and I led her down the corridor without looking back again, convincing myself that I would check on Lenora later when things had settled. But the following morning, that peace I had longed for was shattered again. “My jewelry!” My mother, the Luna of the pack, raised her voice. “My gold jewelry is gone!” ### Chapter 5 Davies In a rush I left my study and stepped into the main area just as Vincent arrived, both of us meeting our parents as the tension thickened almost instantly. The clicking of heels soon followed and I turned, seeing a pale looking Eleanor that held a book in her hand. She quivered upon stopping, and I had to use a hand to steady her. ‘Don’t run,” I chided her quietly. “Mother, what happened?” Vincent demanded bringing the matter back into focus. Several maids already knelt before us, tears in their eyes as they shivered under the weight of our gazes. “The jewelry I wore for yesterday’s celebration has disappeared. I left it on my dresser, and now it’s gone,” Mother’s gaze settled on the maid in front of her, who was her personal maid, Daria. “This has never happened before.” Daria bowed, knocking her head against the marble tiled floor. “My Luna,” she spoke in a low, pleading tone. “I saw the jewelry last night on the dresser. I didn't touch it, I swear on my life.” “Then tell me where it could have gone,” Mother growled. “You were the last one to see it yesterday. It is an heirloom set. Do you think it so easy to steal from us?” The more she spoke, the more that Father’s gaze hardened. “Guards,” he called sharply. “Seal the estate. No one leaves.” “Yes, Alpha.” “Every maid who serves Luna will be questioned,” he continued, his voice cold with authority. “Search every room if necessary.” Suddenly, Eleanor spoke, her voice low and confused. “b-But Mother,” She began. “Didnt you speak with Lenora last night? i … I think I saw her go into your room? I thought–” She cut herself off, her eyes darting to the ground, her shoulders hunched as everyone stopped, turning to look at her. I could see the fear in her eyes, and a faint unease stirred in my chest. “That doesn’t mean anything,” I replied quickly, though the certainty in my voice felt thinner than I intended. Eleanor looked up again, her expression uncertain. “I hope it doesn’t,” she murmured, then hesitated before continuing. “But she’s been so upset lately…” My jaw tightened. “Eleanor.” “I did not want to say anything,” she pressed softly, her voice trembling. “But what if she took it?” Silence followed her words. “No,” I spoke immediately, more firmly this time, though the doubt had already begun to take shape in the back of my mind. Eleanor lowered her gaze again. “I hope I am wrong.” “Where is Lenora?” Father then demanded and the maids all shrank back. Slowly one of them spoke. “I checked her room, and she isn't there, Alpha,” the maid that spoke bowed her head low, afraid to look up. “Plese spare us, we had no idea.” The implication was more and more clear. Lenora had stolen from us, and worse, she had taken an heirloom piece. The consequences of doing that were heavier, tantamount to treason. “Davies,” Father’s tone became more commanding. I straightened. “Yes, Father.” “You will oversee the search,” he ordered. “Send guards to the borders. No one leaves the territory.” “…Understood.” I stepped forward, about to order the guards when the front doors opened, and someone walked in, bowing. “Alpha, Luna,” I recognized him to be a Gamma of the pack. I frowned slightly. Has Lenora’s treachery already been discovered? “Gamma Franklin, what brings you here?” Father asked, waving a hand at me to get things moving. The maids were dismissed, but the mansion still stayed sealed. I hesitated, pursing my lips as I listened to Father’s conversation with the Gamma, and it seemed everyone else wanted to as well. After all, Gamma Franklin was one of those in charge of relaying messages on behalf of our pack’s priestesses and Elders. The Gamma hesitated briefly, his gaze shifting before settling again. “I am simply here to inform you that the ritual is complete. The sacrifice has been made,” he paused. “And, it is my duty to give this to you.” Then he unfurled a package and held out a bundle of folded clothes with both hands, atop which lay a token. My hand twitched. That token… wasn't it meant for the families of those that underwent the sacrifice?...