Chapter 2 : New Age, New Life

The Mandaya pack was a tribe known for their strength and wits. They were brave. Strong-minded. Warriors. They were the most dominant in the South continent. Feared by their overwhelming strength, they lived above others. But being on a pedestal was a double-edged sword that kept the Mandaya pack from moving forward.

They were convinced that so long as their lineage continued, so should their title as the strongest pack. Hence, they became heartless. With a corrupted belief, the Mandaya pack considered everyone their enemy, including their own.

After the Tribrid's execution, the Mandaya pack continued to live the way they did before the incident. They maintained their standing and reputation, by using the horrible judgement they bestowed on the Siagu family as an example that no creature could ever surpass them. The Alpha, Alon, and his wolves in that era disseminated their legacy.

But as time went by, even after they refused it, change eventually came penetrating their fixed and oversimplified credence.

Seasons changed. Alon's generation had ended. The story of the Tribrid that once lived became a folklore that passed down from time to time to scare children.

And in such a way, Mayari had failed to be reincarnated in time to avenge herself and her family just like she promised. The horde of wolves she abhorred died of old age. Time carried on with its purpose. But Hecate never turned her back to any of her witches' pleas.

Two thousand years later, a high-ranked married couple was blessed with a child in their seventh year. A girl whose eyes were blue. Hair as gorgeous as that of a Princess. Skin as white as the snow in the winter. The girl was named Hanan.

The word spread about the young girl from the Urduja family. A miracle baby who suddenly sprouted inside the infertile wolf's womb. Rumor had it that she was Marikit's blessing. Not knowing she was a promised life from a distant past.

It was Hecate's gift to Mayari.

After hearing her plea, Hecate accepted Mayari's bargain. But she was not willing to be a tool for the Tribrid's revenge. Thus, she reincarnated Mayari at a time when the wolves she hated were long gone. And to make sure she would not back out from their contract, Hecate also reincarnated her parents, as leverage.

But it was not only for her entertainment, but to also provoke Marikit, who deeply loved the wolves she created.

Now, Mayari, who was reincarnated as Hanan. Had a mission to fulfill in exchange for her granted wish to be reborn. To slaughter the Mandaya pack, whether or not they were part of Mayari's hatred. It was her purpose in her new life. But that'll be after she regained her memory.

Years later, Hanan lived as the only daughter of the Urduja family. But though she shared the same blood as her present life's mother and father, her identity remained the same. A tribrid.

Hanan turned out to be a fine lady. With her up-turned eyes, button nose, and downturned lips, suitors from other high-ranked families would line up to give her their letters and offerings. She would often receive presents and invitations from different clans. She was renowned. More so, after she joined the Warriors' Assembly and earned the other nobles' recognition and appreciation.

She became the Mandaya's warrior. A woman who had the qualities some female wolves would die to have. Her second life became perfect…. but not for long.

"Hanan, if you accept the Alpha's invitation, you will have to live in the Palace starting at the effective date." Mayumi's eyes reflected toned-down agitation while looking at her daughter, Hanan. "You'll be away from us."

It had been two years since Hanan joined the Pack's Warriors Assembly, one of the five groups that was established a year after the new Alpha was crowned as the new King of the Kingdom. It was a group responsible for every direct combat, war, and expedition of the Kingdom of the Southern Vale. For most of the nobles, it was a group far from their level. But that didn't seem to be the case for Hanan.

"Mama, the Governor General is the highest position. If I accept the Alpha's proffer, I would come closer to what I wanted to be." Hanan's eyes gleamed with hope. "This is an opportunity that comes one in a million years, even for us, Nobles."

Two days ago, Hanan was summoned by the Council. The Alpha's trusted advisers, who were known to be the ones approving every wolves' application to their chosen group. They were the second most important figures in the Kingdom. To her surprise, she was given an offer.

"What is it that you want to achieve, Hanan?" Mayumi asked, fearing her daughter's life on the path she wanted to pave. "You said you wanted to be a warrior, so I allowed you to join the Warriors Assembly. What more are you aiming for?"

Power.

Though Hanan was already a high-ranked wolf, she wanted a position in the government that could help her attain power, not just in strength, but also in authority. She knew it was what she wanted, even before she joined the Warriors Assembly. Her heart ached for it.

Even as a child, she was deeply interested in the structure of their government. She was enticed by their civilization. Like an empty cup that she used to be, she wanted to be filled. Except she wanted to choose what essence to consume.

Eventually, Hanan came of age. She grew up, and acquired the capacity to understand more about the world she lived in. Her gorgeous hair grew longer. Her arms and limbs stretched. But Hanan's interest in a placement did not waver. Rather, it became intense. Specific.

"Mama, I'll visit once in a while." Hanan discreetly avoided her mother's eyes, not answering her question. "I'll contact you. We will still communicate."

"Hanan…"

Mayumi sighed, tilting her head. Her heart had always pounded for her daughter's happiness, but what she wanted to happen was a different story.

Hanan had always been a determined girl. She knew what she wanted, and she would always prove herself worthy of it. It was how Hanan won her, and her husband, Lakandula's heart. It was how Hanan got them to say yes to her decision to join the Warriors Assembly. Now, she was on it again.

But how could she possibly refuse that pair of blue eyes that gave them hope when they thought the Godess, Marikit, had turned her back on them?

Mayumi, as one who did not really have the heart to fail her only daughter, slowly nodded, accepting an utter defeat. She closed her eyes, before she pulled Hanan for a hug. It was a headache that her daughter had to be a hard-headed smart girl who knew what she was doing. But though unwilling, Mayumi felt happy about supporting Hanan to her ambition.

"I will not fail you, Mama."

The same day, Hanan packed her things and shared her one last meal with her parents, before she departed. The unforeseen occurrences in Hanan's life proliferated even before its announcement. Her name spread across the Kingdom. That Hanan Urduja, the miracle child, who became a high-ranked in the Warrior Assembly in her first year, was elected as the fourth Governor General of the Southern Vale.

The news received a lot of criticism. Hearsay and biased opinions engulfed every nook and cranny of the Kingdom.. But even then, the Alpha and the Council showed no remorse.

"I have set the schedule for your inauguration, Hanan." One of the Council, Sultan, spoke with precision and formality.

There were three of them. Sultan. Sumakwel, and Marikudo. The backbone of the Mandaya pack. The King's advisers. The founder of the five groups that existed to maintain the peace and status of the Kingdom.

They stood above the Governor General. Which was why Hanan had always wanted to meet them in person. The power they hold. Their standing. Their ability to provide for better choices for the Kingdom. Hanan could not contain her admiration as she looked back at Sultan.

"It's my honor, Council." Hanan curled her right hand to a fist, before she put it above the left side of her chest as a salutation. She bowed down her head a little, to further express her reverence. "Would that be all?"

"Why did you join the Warriors Assembly?"

Hanan's brows creased. It was another voice.

Hanan stood straight, before she put down her hand. She looked at Marikudo, beside Sultan, who was thoroughly skimming her with evident curiosity and dubiety. It was a straight forward question Hanan did not see coming.

Though, it wasn't bad considering she wanted to interest them.

"I wanted power." A blunt answer to a blunt question. Hanan did not fear Marikudo's reaction.

Rather, she wanted to know how he would take it.

Hanan's answer was the most common among her generation. Whilst there were still some who truly cared about the country and its peace, the number of wolves who covet power was extreme. But, so as long as it would benefit the Kingdom, the Council turned a blind eye to something they deemed irrelevant.

Until they heard of Hanan.

"Where would you use the power for? You're already a high-ranked wolf." Marikudo asked another simple question. "Or is there still something you want to achieve through a high position in this government?"

Hanan was a mysterious girl.

For the three Councils, she was a double-edged sword. Hanan was exceptionally smart. She was strong. Her abilities and strength were nothing close to all the wolves that had attended before. She was beyond ordinary, that it was threatening.

Thus, after she was promoted to a high-ranked Warrior in the Warrior Assembly, the Council watched her closely. They reserved her, to make sure she would not fall on the wrong path. Until the fourth General died from the last expedition.

One had to step up. And Hanan's time had come. She was the perfect candidate, not to mention, they could keenly observe her if she were to stay in the Palace. It became a unanimous decision.

"I clearly—"

Hanan's words hung mid air when the door creaked. Her lips pursed, before she looked over her shoulder to see who it was that suddenly came in without permission.

"Forgive me for my sudden intrusion, Council. But my father asked me to summon you."