Violet

Standing at the edge of the Moonlight camp I watched the sun begin to rise from the tops of the trees. The camp was quiet and the air around me was still as everyone lay sleeping in their tents. Nothing could be heard except for the early birds tweeting to one another. The sky was tinted with colours of red and orange. A premonition of the day to come I was sure of it. I looked down towards my upturned palms. To this day, with these hands, I had not taken many lives but all of that was about to change. I would be forever changed because of it. My chest constricted and I placed my hand upon my chest to calm myself. I could feel it, I didn't have much time and today would either end in success or failure.

"No matter what happens today Mother, I will try to make you proud. I promise".

I placed my hand above my stomach.

"I had thought that I was not ready to become a mother, but I know I have it in me to do good. To be a mother you could look up too. I just hope we get the chance to meet one another little one". I whispered.

It was true, every word of it. I did not fear the battle ahead, I feared the outcome. Would I live to be a mother, would I live to reconcile with my mate, would I protect my family and my pack?

A pack who had shunned me, a pack who despised me. It was ironic that I was now their only hope at salvation. Their only chance at freedom. Not a single part of me reveled in that thought. For there was no satisfaction to be had in taking the lives I would take today.

And there would be many of them.

I closed my eyes and tilted my head towards the red morning sky. I let out a stifling breath...

"I forgive you" I said.

"I forgive all of you".

My pack's ignorance, my mates betrayal and also the hatred I had harboured all these years. It felt like a great weight had been lifted from my shoulders and I could breathe for the first time. The prominent buzzing in my stomach ceased entirely and I smiled.

"So that was the key".. I said to myself.

....

"A White Wolf was gifted with the ability to feel and love others greatly...

I turned to the soothing voice behind me.

"But also to feel hatred greatly too. It was always your choice as to whether you perused one over the other. I just gave you the free will to choose. Now you have chosen to forgive and to love, you will suppress the darkness in you".

I smiled towards the Goddess as she finished.

"What will today bring Mother"? I asked.

She sighed.

"Today will bring much pain and death. But there will also be freedom and unity".

"Not exactly the answer I was hoping for" I sighed and looked down towards my stomach again.

I felt her place a soothing palm upon my shoulder and I lifted my head up to meet her eyes. She looked sorrowful and my face turned mournful.

"Will I save them"?

"That depends on you. I gave you the tools and my power to succeed. But I cannot give you your confidence or drive to defeat your enemy. Many White Wolves have had an uneasy path to walk. Yours will be no different. But I implore you to remember this. You are loved by many and you are worthy of being a Luna".

A tear escaped from my eye and I closed them momentarily to stop the flow of water there, when I opened them again I looked directly into the eyes of my mother..

My real mother.

I choked. Completely floored by seeing her again.

Her long chestnut hair flowed around her and her grey eyes were kind and full of love.

I tried to speak but nothing came out. I had expected to see the Goddess, not the one woman I had pinned for my entire life.

She smiled encouragingly.

"I am proud of you Violet. Always remember that".

After her praise, her image started to fade and I instinctively reached out in the space between us, clawing desperately at the space she had inhabited not moments ago.

I was alone in the clearing again. Both of my mothers had left me.

"Thank you"

I said to the Goddess. She had given me one last memory of my mother and I was eternally grateful to her for it. Seeing her again gave me the strength that I needed for the day ahead.

"Could not sleep Luna"?

I turned sharply towards the new voice and smiled when I saw Trevor.

I shook my head.

"I just wanted to say a few words to you, if I may?"

"Ofcourse"

"There is no other Luna who could lead us to victory. You must have faith in yourself before others can place their faith in you. You were sent here by the Goddess for this reason and I will follow you wherever you may go. You will always have my allegiance and utmost respect".

My eyes glossed over and I struggled to reply. I was so touched by his words of courage and support.

"And you will always have my friendship" I said in response.

He gave me a small smile and I returned it.

"Luna"

We both turned to the new voice which had spoken.

It was Beta Eric.

He kneeled before me and bowed.

"I too wish to offer my support. Your father and brother would be proud of you. But I request only one thing of you".

"Then speak it" I said.

He raised his head to look at me and my heart stopped. He looked so sad.

"Do not risk yourself unnecessarily. Your father and brother would never forgive me if you perished. I am already letting them down by letting you go today. For their sake, I beg you to come home to Moonlight Pack safely".

I paused and thought my answer through. It now seemed so simple to me. Squaring my shoulders I made me voice firm and resolute when I responded.

"RedFang Pack is my home. And it was time I returned to it".

Both Gamma Trevor and Beta Eric looked to one another in surprise by my statement. I too was surprised at how easily those words flowed off my tongue. It was true. RedFang raised me, I had known pain and suffering but I had also learnt friendship and love there. It was the one place which held the most memories of my mother. My pack, even though they were misguided, they were in need of a Luna and strong Alpha and it was time their Luna returned to them. Whether they wanted me there or not. It was a Luna's duty to protect her pack. No matter the cost.

Walking away from the two wolves I made my way back to my tent. The sun had risen a little more since my conversation with the Goddess and as I walked back towards my tent, I noticed the early morning stirrings of Moonlight warriors who exited their tents in preparation for the battle ahead.

A few of them smiled, some bowed but mostly they stopped and waited for me to say or do something. When a hefty crowd had gathered I decided it was time to say a few words.

"Today, we protect our species no matter what the ending might be. We protect our freedoms no matter the cost. We fight with courage and we fight with honor. Your Alpha and future Alpha are all residing within RedFang. We cannot fail. Each and every one of you has the power to tip the scale between victory and defeat. I know we will triumph and I can only say these words to you... be true to yourself and your pack and justice will prevail".

I had noticed during my speech that a few of the women from Bloodstone pack had left their tents to hear my speech and I nodded towards them in respect. They joined the other wolves who all kneeled before me.

I noticed Ella who had remained standing. She looked towards me with awe and admiration and I returned it to her. She was strong and she was now reliant in herself for her own protection. Two women who had mutual respect for the other. I sent her a message within my stare.

I would avenge our fallen sister.. our friend.

Anya.

Nothing and no one would stop me from doing that.

When she understood my silent message she bowed to me herself.

Liam, Anya, Noah and Peggy. All of them deserved justice and justice was coming I thought.

"Luna.."!

I turned towards Brad who was signalling to the large gathering at the front of the camp. I remained where I was as I watched around 250 warriors approached our camp.

Beta Felix of WhiteFang, Beta Silar of IronThorn and Beta Luke of Clawthaw Pack all approached me. All three bowed as their respective warriors behind them followed suit.

Beta Luke of Clawthaw spoke first.

"What is your plan my Luna".

"I will attend today's trial and around midday all of your packs will attack the borders of RedFang. Your duty will be to destroy the Rogues guarding the borders".

Beta Silar of Ironthorn spoke next.

"What then Luna...".

"Once you have taken them by surprise and defeated their resistance you will join us in the training field of RedFang. It is situated on the western side of the pack. That is where I believe the trial will take place today".

"And what then..."? Added Beta Felix of WhiteFang.

"Then... you will lead your Alpha's and the women and children away from the territory and back here. You will create a safe haven for them and defend them from this outpost".

"But what of you Luna"? Asked Beta Eric.

"I will cover for you and ensure you are not followed. I will defend your retreat from the remaining rogues and the Rogue King himself".

"This is a great sacrifice Luna.. how can you be sure you will succeed? It will be difficult for us to protect the hostages, plus defend ourselves during a retreat". Said Eric.

"No one will follow you. You have my word".

The Beta's looked to one another completely uncertain by my plan and not yet convinced by my words.

"Beta's you will all be responsible for the safety of your own Alpha's. Eric, you will ensure the survival of Alpha Kiron and my Brother. Gamma Trevor, you are tasked with procuring the safety of Alpha Dimitri. I want your promise that you will not fail me. No matter what happens, you will defend him above all others, even myself".

His eyes resembled his shock at my words but he nodded in compliance.

"You have my word Luna. No harm will come to your mate".

I turned towards the Beta's..

"Have your wolves ready by noon. They may set up here today".

I began to turn but Beta Eric caught my arm.

"When will you go"? His voice was fearful.

"I will leave within the hour".

The other Beta's looked uncomfortable at the prospect of a Luna, no matter which pack she belonged too, putting herself in harm's way. I ignored their expressions and returned to my tent.

Without further ado I proceeded to dress for the Trial. Luna Skylar had provided me with a warriors outfit.

I wore a brown leather top which showed my midriff and abs perfectly and a pair of high rise brown leather tight fitted bottoms. The leather included straps and holsters for me to secure my weapons into. I removed my fathers dagger from the top draw of my cabinet and placed it in its sheath behind my back. I then proceeded to secure a rope to my hip and other smaller knives which I tucked into my ankles and breast pockets. The outfit fitted like a second skin and I felt powerful in it. Ready to take on my enemy.

Breathing out a heavy sigh I looked into the mirror next to my vanity. I looked like a warrior and I was proud of it. I schooled my face into stone and wrapped my hair into a high pony tail. My chestnut locks fell behind my neck.

I was ready for the day ahead.

Whatever the outcome, I would be strong and I would never give in, no matter what was thrown my way.

I exited the tent and looked towards the direction of my home. It was like a magnet was drawing me in. Pulling me to it and I found myself not wanting to retreat but to get there as fast as I could.

It's time I faced the music and returned.

Within a few moments I found myself flanked by two werewolves. One was a light grey and the other was grey with four black paws. We remained in silence as we began our journey to the border of RedFang. The journey would take up to an hour and even though I did not feel like talking, it was nice to have the support and company of Trevor and Eric but I couldn't help but feel like someone was missing.

Alec.

I wished we could have said goodbye properly and I wished we could have continued our friendship.

But I must put all of that aside for today.

My mission was simple.

Whatever trial they set.. I had to stall for time until the Beta's defeated the Rogue King's warriors and I must at all cost..

Win.

******

Without warning the cells doors were opened harshly with a BANG. The sounds of the bars hitting the stone walls startled little Peggy and I saw Kieron jumped to attack anyone who would dare to take her from him.

However, only the cell doors to the Alpha's were opened and we were all led one by one outside. Peggy was left in the cells alone and Kieron fought earnestly to stay with her. Terrified of leaving her in that cold and dark place all alone.

Silver chains were locked around our wrists preventing our wolves from surfacing and we all looked to one another waiting on someone to explain.

Beta Richard showed himself and Alpha Kiron growled fiercely.

"You rat, how dare you show your face to us. Your a traitor and I cannot believe you would in all earnest agree or comply with that monsters request. To bow and scrape at his beck and call. You're no wolf of honor and you have shamed our family line. From this day forward you are no brother to me". Spat Alpha Kiron.

Beta Richard however, who had once held such a confident face a few days beforehand appeared to be quite hurt at his brother's words. He seemed to be a fraction of the man he had once been. Maybe his conscience was finally wearing him down. I sneered, I had no sympathy for him. The first opportunity I had would be to end his life, followed by the Rogue king's.

"Where is my mate, what have you done to her"! Asked Alpha Byrant

"She is well... for now. But that all depends on Violet"

His voice was low and quiet. If I had not been a wolf I swear I would not have heard it.

"What do you mean"!? I demanded

My voice was desperate and I struggled against the chains which bound me.

Beta Richard's shoulders dropped even lower.

"She is coming".

I looked towards Kieron and his eyes made contact with mine. The message which passed between us was clear.

"Richard, whatever grudge you hold against me..

Alpha Kiron held his chained hands out towards Richard.

"Take your pound of flesh and kill me and let that be the end of it. But she is your niece, you cannot stand by and watch her be slaughtered by him. Have you no shred of humanity left in you that you would do this to your own kin"! Screamed Alpha kiron.

We all looked to Richard pleading him with our eyes. Richard looked torn and remorseful. He refused to meet our gaze when he said

"It's already too late Kiron. I am to bring you all to the training grounds of RedFang. Her trial will begin shortly. Besides, nothing I do today could ever match what I have already done to her".

"Richard" I said

He looked towards me unwillingly.

"Think of her mother. You loved her once". I tried to reason with him.

His eyes hardened with that.

He looked to Kiron with well contained rage.

"I did love her, but she couldn't see it. She couldn't see anything but YOU. Even after you abandoned her she still chose you over me".

Kiron looked taken a back by his brother's directed hatred towards him. Richard's behaviour surprised even me.

"What did you do to her"? Ask Kiron.

We all waited for his response which never came.

"Bring them to the training grounds and tie them to the posts"! Commanded Richard.

We all fought with the Rogues which surrounded and grabbed a hold of us.

We were dragged towards the field and I spotted my pack members were already waiting for us.

"NO"

I shouted.

I looked towards Milly who held her new born pup in her arms.

"You opened the door"? I asked in disbelief.

"I had too" she admitted as she cried.

The women and children were all bound in silver and huddled together. The men who remained most loyal to me, almost 60 wolves were also bound in silver next to them, I spotted my third in command Gamma Gareth and saw how beaten he was. My face held rage and they bowed their heads as I was dragged passed them all.

I lost awareness of everything else as I looked hurriedly around the clearing searching for Violet.

Where is she?

I spotted Luna Farah who was seated on a podium next to the "Rogue King".

They were positioned on the other side of the field, separated from the rest of us. Only a training matt between us. Standing around Luna Farah was Adam, Will, Miriam and Matthew. I spotted Matthew sporting his new eye colour and sent a malicious grin of my own. They all scowled towards us and Kieron growled towards Matthew.

"Patience" I said to him quietly.

"You'll get your chance".

There were pires of fire situated at the four corners of the matt and the Rogue King's minions encircled my pack members from behind. There must have been more than 150 plus wolves guarding the clearing. Not to mention those who managed the borders of my territory.

There were six wooden pilars which had been placed into the ground. All of us Alpha's were each in turn chained to the base of them. Separated at the one side of the clearing.

Silence fell once we were chained and I looked towards Byrant who was bound to the pilar next to mine. He was looking directly into the eyes of Farah who was seated next to the Rogue King. Her eyes sending nothing but love and compassion.

"I envy you brother" I said to him.

His head turned to me, his face not understanding me.

"Many a wolf would kill to have their mate look at them the way Farah looks at you. She would give her life for you. You have been blessed by the Goddess for sure. She will be fine and we will get out of this... I'm sure we will". I said reassuringly.

He gave me a friendly but defeated smile.

"Thank you brother".

"What happens now"? Said Alpha Julian as the silence only progressed.

"We wait". Confirmed the Rogue King.

He was relaxed wearing his usual mask and black long leather duster. He wore leather breeches underneath but his hairy chest was bare. I could have vomited.

"Waiting for what asshole"! Demanded Alpha Cain.

The Rogue King grinned

"For the arrival of our Queen of course".

My heart stilled.

Violet!

"In the mean time, I fancy some entertainment. Will, Adam, Matthew... will you do the honors"?

All three of them nodded as they made their way towards us.

They beat us black and blue and the only thing I kept thinking about was how I would love to see Violet's face one more time. But another part of me begged for her not to come here.