Rise Of The Forsaken Luna

Rasmud walked past the corridor. He paused, hearing the muffled chatter of the kitchen workers.

“What in the world happened two days ago?”

“I know, right?”

“I can't get over it.”

“Same.”

“Yeah, me too. I'm still recovering from shock.”

“I tell you. She was a snake in Luna's fur.”

“Maybe that's why the Goddess cursed her with barrenness.”

“Yes. Because she saw and heard conversations we weren't part of.”

“Shh, keep your voices down. I'm afraid someone may overhear us,” the head chef warned.

Just as her words had it, Rasmud walked in, his presence commanding a mix of fear and regret. “What happened? Why did you stop?” he asked with a shocking calm. “After all, it’s the only thing you're all good at.”

They swallowed hard, their expressions apologetic.

“Tell me, what club is this? A debate club? Honestly, I won't mind joining.”

“No, Beta,” the head chef replied, and the rest of them apologized, dropping their heads.

“You better be sorry,” he grimaced. “Think before you open your mouths to spew out rubbish. The next time I hear you say things that are untrue without getting your facts right, I won't take it kindly.”

“Yes, Beta.” The head chef nodded, replying again on their behalf. “Understood.”

“Thickheads,” he cussed, leaving. Rasmud didn't walk a distance before hearing—

“Have you noticed the way he always defends her whenever there's a slight chance?”

“Like his life depends on it.” Another of them added, followed by a chuckle.

“Didn’t you hear? People say she was his first love before the Alpha took interest in her.”

“Everyone knows that.”

Rasmud took a step back, but stopped himself. There was no point reprimanding them a second time. It was obvious their ears were only for decoration. “Gosh.”

A week later.

Hans pulled to a stop in the small frame one-family house of a normal Pack member.

He glanced at his watch. 22:07. The usual time he left home for his misdeeds.

Suddenly, his phone rang. The caller ID displayed RASMUD. Hans dismissed the call, slipping the phone back into his trouser pocket.

He was about to knock on the wooden front door when an old man came out. “Alpha Hans,” the man greeted, bowing his head. “Welcome to my home.”

“We meet again, Corinth,” Hans said as they shared a knowing glance.

His wife stepped out too, dropping down in a curtsy. “We are humbled by your presence, Alpha. What can I offer you?”

“Skip the pleasantries. You know why I'm here.”

“I do,” Corinth replied before turning to his wife. “Get back inside.”

She nodded in submission, obeying him.

“Follow me,” Hans ordered, leading the way to his car. They settled in the front seats.

He pulled out a pack of cigarette, lighting a stick. “I haven't got all night. What is it that you want in return?”

Corinth pasted a wide smile, glad the Alpha kept his word.

He was one of the people Hans had contracted to bear false witness against Ashleigh in front of the assembly of elders. He lived on the outskirt of town, and near the hotel Hans frequented almost every night with Giselle.

“Th-there is um…” Corinth began, his voice taking a subservient tone. “There is an abandoned plot of land located near the market. I want to take full ownership of it.”

That land belonged to an orphaned son of a legendary farmer. It was the last asset the man left behind and the only asset the boy had to his name. Sadly, Corinth wasn't the first to eye it.

Hans remained silent, his face expressionless. It was hard to tell what went through his mind at that moment.

“How do you sleep at night?” Hans finally spoke, exhaling smoke from his nostrils.

Corinth scoffed inwardly. Pot calling kettle black, his mind screamed. “I didn't mean to offend you, Alpha.” He smiled weakly.

“If I heard right, you called that land ‘abandoned’. Really?”

“Pardon my choice of word, Alpha. What I wanted to say is—”

“Well, if you must know,” Hans said, cutting him off. “I’m not in the business of oppressing my subordinates, especially not for a petty fav… obligation. So, whatever you said or wanted to say doesn't matter.”

“But y-you owe me,” Corinth quickly replied, trying to salvage the deal.

“It seems you're forgetting something.” He gazed at the old man sitting nervously beside him. “I am Alpha, and with that title comes great privileges. I can do and undo just anything. Henceforth, keep that mind.”

Corinth dipped his head. “My apologies.”

“You’re lucky I'm in a good mood. You have one last chance to make this conversation worth the while.”

“Well, I-I and my wife would really appreciate if you could give us a living quarter in your mansion. It's not safe out here for me and my family.”

The car fell silent once more, his words settling in the air.

“I’ll get back to you.”

“May I know when exactly?” Corinth asked impulsively, and the Alpha's glare landed on him.

“Have you lost it?” Hans growled. “Get out. Now!”

“Please, forgive me. I’m so sorry,” he apologized a second time, hurrying out.

“Your ambition precedes you,” Hans commented in annoyance before driving off.

He normally came out to town without the formality of an escort or chauffeur for obvious reasons.

The time read 23:22. Hans drove to a stop in the long driveway where he normally parked.

Rasmud stood at the main entrance, clearly awaiting his return.

“It seems you'll be more useful as a watchman,” Hans sneered.

“I called your phone but you didn't pick up. Where were you?”

“Who am I to you, Rasmud?”

“I don't understand.”

“Do I look like you're wife, or rather, a pup? I’m curious.”

“As your Beta, I’m accountable for you, Hans. I wouldn't be intruding if you weren't so sneaky.”

“In that case, it's about time I get you replaced,” Hans said walking past him.

In no time, he reached his bedroom, stopping just by the door inside.

“No one saw when you left. Where were you?” Giselle interrogated, standing in his way.

“At the woods. What’s the worst that could happen?”

He took off his watch, placing it on the nightstand with a soft click.

“I was worried sick.”

“As what? My Luna?” Hans snapped, startling her. He went to door and held it open, rubbing his forehead. “Goodnight.”

Giselle stomped out, and he slammed the door behind her.