Alpha's Secret Bride-Chapter 51: Fangs of Destiny

Emma slowly open the den door, ears twitching at the peculiar tap that resonated like a wolf’s claw on timber. She paused for a heartbeat, staring down at her den’s scattered bedding, fur bristling slightly from the tension. Her nostrils flared as a scent unfamiliar yet commanding drifted into the chamber. She froze, eyes widening, when she recognized the moon Princess approaching her den with her moonally, Brooklyn.

"Hi, Emma," the Moon Princess spoke, her voice melodic like a wolf-song at twilight, curling into an ally grin that shone even in the dim dawn light filtering through the window. Emma tried to match it with a smile, but surprise betrayed her, ears flattening slightly against her skull.

Her gaze fell to the flowing, perfectly fitted gown the Moon Princess wore—unbroken by seam or flaw. She could scarcely believe the figure before her was Moon Princess Elara, famed across the packs for her delicate poise, her haunting songs, and her dances that stirred the hearts of even the most stoic alphas.

Princess Elara stepped past Emma and settled gracefully upon the rough bedspread, scent of the royal den clinging faintly to her. Emma remained at the threshold, muscles tense, staring at her like a young she-wolf caught between fear and awe.

"Emma," Elara called again, laughter in her tone, gentle as the murmur of a creek over rocks. Emma did not laugh; the surprise rooted her firmly in place. The Moon Princess was a she-wolf of legend, her presence a milestone Emma had long cherished in dreams.

After several breaths, Emma stepped forward, paws light on the floor, moving coldly toward her own resting place.

"You are not dressed yet; why?" Elara asked, tilting her head, eyes sharp as a wolf tracking prey.

"I... I..." Emma stammered, throat tight, saliva thick as she swallowed nervously.

"You overslept, obviously," the Princess finished, a knowing flicker in her gaze.

"Yeah..." Emma muttered, fur bristling at the gentle reprimand.

"When are you going to celebrate your birth-moon, or did I miss it already?" the Princess pressed, curiosity in her golden gaze.

"You missed it. I celebrated last full moon cycle," Emma replied softly.

"Alright, I can still send my offering, right?" Elara smiled, regal and commanding, feet barely brushing the ground.

"No, don’t... worry," Emma murmured, head low, trying to hide the sudden flutter of excitement in her chest.

"I insist," the Princess countered, voice firm yet melodic.

"Okay," Emma whispered reluctantly.

"What would you desire?" Elara asked, eyes gleaming, scanning the gifts and trinkets Emma had barely imagined. She opened her mouth to speak, but the gifts she imagined in her mind evaporated like mist over the high plains. She couldn’t think of anything.

"Of what use is a gift to a she-wolf whose learning is denied?" Brooklyn’s voice cut through the tension like a hawk’s cry. She turned her snout, eyes sharp with reproach, and tossed her face aside in disdain.

"What? She has not been training in the pack’s academy?" Elara asked, astonishment rising in her voice.

"Brooklyn!" Emma hissed, ears flattening, trying to maintain composure.

"Emma, allow me to speak," Brooklyn pleaded, voice low and serious. "This is your future! Your path in the pack is being obstructed as we speak!"

"Well, I am content with father’s decree," Emma replied, tone calm yet tinged with resignation.

"You are not! You pretend, but deep in your pelt, you yearn to walk among the young she-wolves learning under the elders!"

"Why did your father withdraw you from the pack’s academy?" Elara pressed.

"He said he lacked the silver for her tuition, yet threw a grand celebration for his favored she-wolf," Brooklyn admitted, eyes downcast.

"Now, Brooklyn, you are vexing me," Emma snapped, fur bristling.

Moon Princess Elara shifted her gaze, piercing like a wolf tracking a shadow in moonlight. She held the stare long and deep, the room stilling under her presence.

"I hold an academy pack scholarship," Elara declared, breaking the quiet that had settled like dew. "I wish you to be part of it. All you must do is complete the rites—sign the forms, secure your passage scrolls—and the pack scholarship will open to you."

"Thank you," Emma whispered, joy rising in her chest like spring waters breaking the ice.

"I will take you to the High Realm," Elara continued.

"No, please," Emma muttered, shaking her head, instincts wary.

"Fine," the Princess replied with grace, "I will leave the forms with Lunara when she comes. You shall complete them and return them to me correctly."

"Hmm... I doubt Lunara will favor this," Emma murmured.

"This is my decree,""Elara shifted her weight slightly as she spoke, her fingers brushing lightly against the armrest, "I do not seek her approval. What is the name of your training den?"

"Silver Moon Fang Academy," Emma answered reluctantly.

"I shall speak to the Alpha Council on your behalf. Most younglings in my academy :Moon Shadow Pack Academy,hail from your den. I will host a moonlit banquet for all members of the academy, and I wish to see you there. Do not hesitate—complete the rites, and you will return to your training without delay."

Elara rose and embraced Emma, warmth and pride radiating like sun through mist, tears shimmering in her eyes.

"Are you weeping?" she asked gently. Emma returned the smile, tears running freely.

"Tears of joy," Emma whispered.

"I will speak to your pack-kins. We shall guide your path until you stand strong, we’re doing the same for Lunara as well," the Princess said. Emma marveled at Elara’s poise, speaking with maturity beyond her birth moons. Love and protection glimmered in her gaze.

"Thank you," Emma breathed, hand held firmly, spirit lifted.

"Moon Princess, is the Moon Prince with you?" Brooklyn asked, curiosity flickering like wildfire.

"No," Elara grinned, "He shuns such gatherings."

"Why?" Emma asked.

"He is of solitary nature. Crowds and glimmering eyes disturb him."

"Why?"

"He shuns mirrors and photographs, fearing flaws." Laughter echoed, rolling like soft thunder across the den.

"Is he flawed?" Emma tilted her head, voice a whisper.

"Merely slightly," Elara said, amusement glinting in her eyes. Both Brooklyn and Emma erupted in laughter, almost toppling onto the floor.

"He is not flawed," Brooklyn corrected.

"Have you glimpsed him?" Emma asked curiously, waiting for the tale her moonally would spin.

"Em... I..." Brooklyn stammered.

Suddenly, the den door opened. Their gaze locked on Lunara, "standing at the threshold, jaw tight, muscles coiled for action, expression guarded. It was obvious she did not wish Emma to interact with the royal blood.

"Moon Princess, I have scoured the pack for you," Lunara said, voice careful, masking annoyance.

"I will join you shortly," Elara replied, grinning, shoulders relaxed in self-assured ease.

"Hi, Brooklyn," Lunara waved faintly. Brooklyn waved back, disinterested, and Lunara departed, closing the door slowly.

"Is he at the High Realm now?" Brooklyn asked, tilting her head. Emma frowned slightly, sensing her friend’s curiosity about the Moon Prince.

"Alpha King Eldric sent him to the western lands last moon cycle," Elara replied.

"When will he return?"

"I don’t know. He excelled in the rites of his academy, and the alpha king secured him a passage to Alpha’s Crest Academy. Yet he refused, pursuing his own path. The alpha king sought to sway him, yet he persisted in his will. A grand chance arose for the alpha king, and he seized it immediately."

"He should have allowed him to follow his path," Emma murmured, ears flattening.

"The alpha king never coerces; he guides. Yet my he-wolf’s journey demands mastery of the healing alchemist path, excellence in every trial, and unwavering perseverance through six Winters or more," Elara said, her amber eyes glinting with a mix of pride and amusement. A gentle smile curved her lips as she spoke, yet her words carried the weight of expectation, the kind that could shape the destiny of even the strongest young wolves.

"Oh my Moon Goddess! This is harsh! Why did he consent?" Emma’s voice trembled, empathy soft as moss.

"My father ,the high alpha king wields something precious against him. Obedience ensures he may see his diamond again."

"The diamond must be priceless then," Emma whispered, eyes wide.

"Exceedingly precious and dear," the Princess chuckled,"...her eyes gleaming with quiet confidence."

"Can’t he acquire another?"

"Emma, you are naive," Elara grinned. " You perceived information as it comes. This diamond is singular, found only through trials."

"Oh..."

"Fear not. He shall prevail. Smarter than most, stronger than you know. By the time his trial ends, even Taylor Momsen would look fuller than him, He is going to skip meals, striving for perfection," Elara said, patting Emma’s shoulder.

"Some young wolves would never endure such trials," Emma murmured.

"He has no choice; the heir’s path is bound to the alpha king’s will. I am off to present a royal offering. I shall see you both again," Elara said, rising. Emma hurried to the door, heart thundering in her chest.

"I am truly glad to meet you, Emma," Elara smiled warmly.

"Me too," Emma whispered, "her eyes lighting up with excitement.

"Did you just receive a pack scholarship offer?" Brooklyn asked, voice high-pitched, palm pressed to her muzzle, still stunned.

"Thank you, Lunara!!!" Emma cried.

"For what?" Brooklyn asked.

"For inviting the Moon Princess to her birth-moon," Emma replied softly.

Brooklyn sighed, knowing more than Emma guessed.

"I have nothing to say. If she hadn’t invited her, would this blessing have reached me?" Emma murmured.

"Enough; do not spoil my joy. Why did you slumber?" Brooklyn frowned.

"I was weary and needed rest," Emma replied, her fingers curling around the sheets.

"Indeed... well, whatever, I am glad the blessing came. I cannot wait to see you in the training grounds again," Brooklyn said, ears perked. Both allies ran to the window as the sound of hooves and horns echoed across the pack.

Her eyes sparkled with awe as she observed the Moon Princess and her heavily armed guards.

"She is beautiful, disciplined, yet humble," Brooklyn said, her eyes brightened slightly.

"Is your father serving in the royal den now?" she asked, eyes wide.

"I think so," Emma replied, turning as the den door opened slowly.

Mother entered, carrying a box bound in silver ribbon, face alight with smiles. Emma’s heart leapt; mother had been quiet since returning from Springfield Territory.

"This is for you," she said, placing the box upon the bed. She turned, pausing at the door, eyes fixed on Emma with a questioning look, as if weighing her reaction to the gift.