Relinquish

Finally, it was time; the ceremony commenced. The large rectangular Castle Hall was lit with candles fixed into golden and bronze candelabras lighting up different angles of the hall, presenting magical views to the eyes.

 The large curtains hanging at the Oriels of the hall looked so magnificent, their embroidered golden stripes which slid from top to bottom gave the ancient castle an elaborate look. The floor of the Hall tiled with elegant designs in geometric pattern. Melodious music played in the background, the moon showering down rays of light down the hall.

 Werewolves were trooping in in their numbers. The tables set with wine vessels, goblets and enough animal flesh to go round. The Alpha was seated on his throne, staged above the dais with his son and Luna by his sides; the Beta and Gamma were also present. They were surrounded by the seven elders of the Lycan Pack.

Darius sat at a corner very close to the Alpha who seemed very eager to hand over to his son, forcefully smiling at each moment to be able to conceal the hatred and anger piling up in him.

Ramon seemed very contented where he sat; there was enough to eat and drink and the music playing in the background filled him with so much excitement. Darius took glances at interval at him trying to draw his attention but the Gamma seemed intoxicated and drowning in rhythms.

The time for the rites to be conducted arrived and Bruce was called upon to stand in-front of his father to receive the title.

 "I, Alpha William, forfeit my title to my heir, Bruce that he may watch over the Lycan Park, protecting it as I have. Alpha Bruce, may you reign long and soon find your mate and have healthy pups.", William said, eagerly renouncing his position to his son.

 There was loud uproar and excitement the moment the rites were said; the Werewolves howled in joy. Bruce was taken to the temple of Artemis the moon Goddess by the Elders of the Park to present him and seek her blessings upon him.

 Ultimately, Bruce had become the new Alpha to the annoyance of Darius who grudgingly followed the other Pack leaders to congratulate him and pay homage. He couldn't fathom the fact that he would be in the position of having to be commanded by Bruce.

"I should be the one seated on that throne, not him.", Darius said to himself sniffing in detest. He looked around as though he was in search of someone. 

"Ramon, I have a proposal for you; come with me.", Darius said dragging the Gamma to a corner "William clearly is not aware of the repercussions of his actions. He has grown so soft and that is why he decided to hand over to an unexperienced pup not minding the fact that it could make our Pack seem too weak and porous.", he said to Ramon.

The Gamma who seemed so exhilarated seemed not to be grasping the Beta's words and so in order to get his attention, Darius hit him on the head and he jerked up suddenly causing him to pull back into full consciousness.

"I need your allegiance, I want to take my rightful place as Alpha and I need you Ramon.", Darius said to the Gamma.

"But we have a new Alpha, Darius; the son of William.", Ramon responded.

"One that is underserving; he knows nothing about being Alpha. Pledge your support to me and you won't regret it.", Darius said to Ramon. This time, he seemed to be luring the Gamma in.

"What is in it for me? What do I stand to gain?", Ramon asked.

"Gold Ramon; enough to build an empire.", Darius replied the Gamma.

 Ramon considered the proposal for a while, the mention of gold made him lift his eyelids in excitement. The Pack had stored up massive stacks of gold in their treasury . Including other treasures acquired from their numerous battle feats, Ramon knew that there was more than enough gold in the treasury and the thought of laying his hands on them made his mouth watery.

"How do you intend to achieve this.", Ramon asked fully interested.

"Leave that to me; all I need is your unwavering support. Stand with me and I will make you prosperous. I am sure you like the sound of Beta of the Lycan Pack.", Darius added and then made his way to the table leaving Ramon to his thoughts. 

Ramon was fully on board with the plan, he was well aware that a lot of the other wolves eyed his position and becoming a Beta would give him upper advantage and he would gain more respect.

"Beta Ramon!", Ramon whispered to himself; the thought of it alone gave him so much delight, he looked around to be certain that no one heard his whisper then he returned to the table.

Bruce sat on the throne as new Alpha; his Pack members howling in excitement over his emergence as their new leader. The feeling of excitement suddenly engulfed him as he sat on the throne. Apparently, he was the youngest Alpha in the history of the Lycan Pack to ascend the throne.

He hoped that he would be able to do more than his father ever did. Bruce had so much admiration for his father and stepping in as new Alpha gave him a feeling that overburdened his shoulders,

"Felicitations my son! I am certain you will make a great Alpha.", William said to his son tapping him on the shoulders. "What is left is a mate; a Luna that would rule by your side and give you an heir.", William said again.

At that moment, Bruce sensed the sweet aroma in an instance; this time it was stronger and came unto him with great intensity but also went off as though a force blocked it off. Bruce tilted his head, rummaging through the hall to know where the scent came from but the crowd was large and the music was loud enough to cause so much distraction.

"What troubles you my son?", Tala asked when she noticed that the Alpha was scouring.

"Nothing mother, I am fine.", Bruce responded.

Elena noticed that Tala was looking at her direction following her observation of the Alpha's sudden scour. She immediately left the corner where she concealed herself to get a view of the occasion and made her way towards the courtyard.

Darius spent little time with the Wolf-leaders and then excused himself.

"Brother, I must leave.", Darius said to William as he got up and adjusted his red velvet doublets.

"Why leave so early? The party just started.", William asked.

"Worry not; weakness invades my bones. I think I am intolerant to the loud music also.", Darius responded.

He greeted the new Alpha and took a stare at Ramon who decoded his message, then he left the Hall.

Darius made his way to the gatehouse; the guards had all left for the hall and making sure that no one was nearby, the Beta slightly pulled the lever. The chains went up and raised the bars of the gate.

"Alpha Rudolf.", Darius said to the Werewolf whom he let in with three others.

They shook hands and Rudolf asked;

"My friend, everything is set?". Darius smiled and removing the hood which he used to cover his head he went back to close the gate.

Rudolf was the Alpha of the River Pack. A vile Alpha who ruled his Pack with iron fists. His appearance was brawny; with scars all over his body, souvenirs from his countless unprovoked brawls. A lone wolf who formed a Pack with other lone Wolves. He was ostracized from his Pack in the Oakwood lands for treason and settled in the banks of the river across the woods thus the name of his Pack.

Rudolf preferred to rule alone; no Beta, no Gamma. Just him alone, not even a Luna. He only took pleasure in getting the Omegas in his Pack to do his biddings.

"We attack at dawn.", Darius said to Rudolf, then looking around to be sure that no one was coming he continued;

"You shall wait for my signal and once we are certain that the Young Alpha is out of the way, the Chambers is yours.", Rudolf smiled to the utterances made by Darius.

The Werewolves of the River Pack then hurriedly moved towards the Courtyard where they hid.

Darius stood close to the tower anxiously waiting for the Gamma. After a while thinking that Ramon had changed his mind, Darius made a move to leave the scene but the Gamma appeared almost immediately. Ramon was panting; completely knackered as a result of running.

"I had to make sure no one was following me.", he said gasping for air.

Darius ignored the annoying sight of the stout Werewolf in front of him; his eyes fixed upon the mission he was eager to accomplish.

"Everything is set. Now we shall think of a way to get the lad to leave the Chambers.", Darius said.

After a while of thinking, the Gamma who had placed his two hands on his knees suddenly maintained a straight posture; an idea had struck him.

"Leave that to me; I shall handle it.", said the Gamma.

Darius was excited that the Gamma was fully onboard with him. They spoke for a while and then parted ways.

Ramon sneaked back into the Hall and then went close to Ethan who was few inches away from Bruce. He whispered some words to him. Suddenly gripped with anxiousness, Ethan looked at the Gamma making inquisitive signs with his eyes but the Gamma paid no attention to his gesture and left.

That same night, Ethan went off to the Tower to meet with the Gamma.

"What is so urgent that we have to meet this night? And why are we meeting in secrecy?", Ethan asked looking exhausted from the party.

"Easy young Wolf; you shall know in due time.", Ramon replied, then he cleared his throat twice and continued.

"You remember the young Wolf you murdered in the training ground.".

Instantly, Ethan's heartbeat was hiked; his heart tightening to the sudden sensation of dread. His discomposure however, made the Gamma smile malevolently.

"You said you were never going to mention it; you promised!", Ethan said to the Gamma completely thrown off balance. 

"Well that was because there was no need to bring it up. I have a small task for you.", Ramon said.

"What do you want?", Ethan replied.

"Quite simple; you will pay an early visit to the young Alpha tomorrow and lead him away from the chambers.", Ramon paused for a bit then he continued.

"You will wait for my signal, then you will make sure he returns to the chambers.", Ramon concluded.

Ethan thought about what the Gamma said for a while, he was engrossed in fear but he took a deep breath; looked disdainfully at Ramon and said;

"What if I refuse?".

"Oh I am sure you wouldn't. Imagine the look on the Alpha's face when he finds out that his best friend killed a fellow Lycan in training….".

"But that was a mistake, I didn't mean to hit him so hard.", Ethan cut him short immediately

"Well no one would be there to back up such claims.", Ramon replied. He moved closer to Ethan who was already fidgeting and rubbing his shoulders gently he said;

"You don't have to overthink it. I am sure you wouldn't want to be made to duel with three wolves as punishment for your offense.", Ramon pauses, withdraws his hand from Ethan's shoulders and adds;

"As early as the first sight of dawn Ethan; wait for my signal.". Ramon left Ethan and went away.