It had been a fortnight since the Zuganites began constructing their walls—swiftly and efficiently, just as the Grand Alpha had instructed. Two passageways had been carved through the great boundary toward the Blackwood Forest: one for cargos and horses, the other for pedestrians. Security had been tightened, and order restored… at least on the surface.
Now, in the heart of the Kanujagu territory, joy took precedence.
The wedding of Azaba, sister to Kazili, had arrived—a momentous celebration held in the glorious ceremonial hall of the Great Kanujagu Pack. Nobles from every corner of Horgara were in attendance. After all, this was no ordinary union—it was the wedding of a royal, and such events were rare, binding, and politically significant.
Even the Grand Alpha, though too ill to attend in person, had sent a high-ranking delegate in his stead, lending weight to the occasion. The halls were resplendent with gold-threaded banners, woven tapestries from distant regions, and floral arrangements that spilled their perfume into the air. The ambiance was warm and inviting, echoing with laughter, song, and heartfelt toasts.
Sairus and Vesairus stood among the guests, their formal cloaks catching the glint of the fire-lit chandeliers. Not far from them were the twins, Jago and Jaho, and the ever-enchanting Kaliana.
It was the kind of celebration that stirred even the weariest of hearts.
The food, laid out in glorious excess, spanned every traditional dish imaginable—smoked venison from Kanujagu, spiced yam porridge from Zuganis, and mountain fruits from Raxedeos, among others. The music soared, carried by harmonious pipes and the deep, ancestral rhythm of the drums. Laughter, clinking goblets, and bursts of dance filled the space.
And through it all, Vesairus's eyes found her—Kaliana.
There she stood, radiant, her laughter weaving into the music around her as she caught up with her kin from Kanujagu. Her smile glowed beneath the soft lantern light, and the subtle sway of her gown made her seem untouchable. Gracious, regal… breathtaking.
He could hardly tear his gaze away.
A soft nudge to his shoulder disrupted the trance.
"You know you can go talk to her, right?" a familiar voice whispered with a smirk.
Vesairus turned to find Jaho beside him, a glass of wine in hand and mischief in his eyes.
"I see the way you look at my sister," Jaho added as Jago joined them with a grin. "You like her."
Vesairus froze, tongue tied. He hadn't thought anyone had noticed his quiet obsession with Kaliana—his attempts to mask it with indifference clearly hadn't worked. But how could such affection remain hidden? Obsession like his, especially one blooming under the light of longing, was hard to conceal.
"It's fine," Jago said, his tone more assuring than teasing. "You're a good man, Vesairus. I've spent enough time with you to know that."
Finally finding his voice, Vesairus asked, "Do you think she's noticed me?"
Jaho shrugged, smiling. "We've hunted together, faced danger side by side. I doubt you're someone she'd forget easily."
"But… not like that," Vesairus muttered. "I mean—do you think she likes me?"
Jago laughed, not mockingly but warmly. "I wouldn't know, brother. That's something only she can answer. But if you ask me, now seems like a good time to find out."
Vesairus hesitated. "I… I can't."
Jaho leaned closer, arching a brow. "You've never spoken to a woman before, have you?"
The silence that followed was answer enough.
And then, Jago burst into laughter, clapping him on the back.
"By the gods, Vesairus, it's just a conversation! Go talk to her. Don't overthink it. Don't fumble either," he said with a wink. "And don't worry—Kaliana may not be fond of strangers, but I like to believe she no longer sees you as one."
With a final nudge, Jago reached for his wine. "Good luck."
Left alone with his racing thoughts, Vesairus swallowed hard, then took a deep breath. Despite the weight of his legs and the anxiety churning in his chest, he walked—one trembling step after another—toward Kaliana.
He stopped just two feet away.
"Kaliana," he said gently.
She turned, her eyes meeting his. For a moment she stared, taking in his tall frame, the soft angles of his jaw, the depth in his gaze. Her breath caught slightly before she blinked and smiled.
"Vesairus, you look weary. Is something wrong? Have you eaten?"
"Umm… no, not yet," he replied. "Actually, I was hoping to talk to you. If you have the time?"
She chuckled lightly. "It's a wedding. I've got nothing but time."
He nearly pinched himself to confirm he wasn't dreaming.
"I haven't eaten yet," he continued, "but I wouldn't mind joining you for whatever you're having."
She glanced over him again, noting the stateliness of his cloak, the quiet strength in his posture. Her smile deepened.
"Sure. Join me."
They moved toward an empty table, side by side, something new blooming between them.
At the high table, the nobles dined with fine silverware and calculated conversation. Blakizo, the eldest among the leaders of the Seven Great Packs, sat with quiet command. Some said he was a man of ancient wisdom. Others whispered he was a schemer, hiding dark intentions behind charming eyes.
He leaned back, surveying the room before turning to the man beside him.
"A fine wedding, wouldn't you say?" Blakizo remarked as he passed a skin of wine toward Kimboku.
"I can pour my own wine, Blakizo," Kimboku said coolly.
"Just a kind gesture, old friend," Blakizo replied, eyes glinting. "Besides, my pack's wine is the finest in all of Horgara. I take it everywhere I go. Wouldn't want to settle for anything lesser."
He pulled a plate of steaming meat closer.
"The food is something else though, isn't it? A wine of this caliber would complement it perfectly."
Kimboku shrugged. "Sometimes perfection is best complemented by imperfection."
Blakizo raised his goblet with a sly grin. "Then here's a toast—to perfection and imperfection."
Kimboku clinked his glass reluctantly. "What do you want, Blakizo?"
"We had unfinished business, remember? The last time we spoke, I said I'd see you in a fortnight."
"Hard to forget, considering your tone then," Kimboku muttered. "Well, here we are."
Blakizo's gaze shifted around, sharp but discreet.
"Not here," he murmured. "Let us drink and enjoy the night. I'll join you on your journey home. There, we'll speak of what needs clearing."
The celebration swelled around them, drums beating louder.
From a distance, a chant rose: "Drink! Drink!! Drink!!"
The twins were at it again—engaged in a drinking contest, to the delight of those around them. For over an hour, they had matched each other goblet for goblet, their faces red, their eyes glassy, but neither willing to concede defeat. The men around them roared with laughter.
Outside the hall, Kaliana and Vesairus leaned near the open window, watching the chaos with quiet amusement.
"They're ridiculous," Kaliana said through a giggle.
"They've been at it for hours," Vesairus replied, laughing along.
The earlier tension between them had melted into something lighter. Their conversation flowed with ease now, no longer strained by uncertainty.
"You know," Kaliana said suddenly, turning to him, "I never asked you—why did you take that different path during the hunt? To draw off the bear? That was reckless, Vesairus."
He paused, weighing his words carefully. "Some instincts can't be explained. In that moment… I just felt it was the right thing to do."
"Still careless," she replied, shaking her head.
"I thought this was supposed to be an appreciation," he teased.
"My appreciation goes to your father, boy," she retorted playfully. "That recklessness nearly got you killed."
"At least it kept you safe," he said softly. "Which means you still owe me."
They both laughed, their smiles lingering.
...
The night moved on—alive with joy, shadowed with secrets, and threaded with new beginnings.
In lands where wolves in silence tread,
Through shadowed woods where myths have bled,
Seven great packs, in lore entwined,
Hold secrets sharp as blades refined.
Each leader bears a burden vast—
A kingdom shaped by ancient past.
From hills of flame to forest deep,
They guard the vows their fathers keep.
Kazili, first with eyes of storm,
A shield where duty takes its form.
And Vesairus, the thoughtful flame,
Whose silent heart now speaks a name.
The moonlight bows to Kimboku's gaze,
A mind like night in shifting haze.
While Blakizo sits with age and guile,
His quiet smile conceals his trial.
The twins, wild fire and rolling wave,
Breathe laughter into bonds they crave.
And Sairus—sharp and precise,
Moves with the calm of thinning ice.
At center sits the Grand Alpha still,
His voice a force, his will the will.
He holds the tethered threads of fate,
Though age may bend, he guards the gate.
A father not by blood, but vow,
To guide the packs through dark and now.
Yet deeper still beneath the skin,
A storm brews cold, a war within.
The Dark Ones stir in forest breath,
Their silence whispering of death.
And as the wedding drums resound,
Not all in peace is truly sound.
Eyes that smile may yet deceive,
And hearts in joy may still grieve.
O my friend, step with measured pace,
Through honor, blood, and veiled disgrace.
For in these lands where wolves still reign,
The path of truth is carved in pain.
And only those who dare to see,
Will glimpse what lies beneath decree.