Chapter 90: Chapter 90

Adelie

The pack was on edge, waiting for the selection as if it was a harbinger of doom. It was as if they were in mourning.

The Omegas, however, seemed unfazed. I suppose they had nothing to lose, being at the bottom of the pack hierarchy.

Could it be that they were the only ones who stood to gain from this?

Yesterday, I felt eyes on me all day. I should have been used to it by now.

But after Kairos revealed his illness to me, I understood why he had left me to face the pack’s judgment alone.

He was grooming me to lead alone. He was doing everything he could to prepare me. And he wasn’t wasting any time.

I realized he was bracing me for failure—not that he wanted it, but he wanted me to be ready.

He didn’t know how much time he had left, but he was determined to train me to be the new pack leader.

The fear hasn’t left me since he told me. The thought of waiting for him to fade away was unbearable. And I was the only one who knew. I was alone in this wait.

I never realized how hard it would be to wait for someone to die.

I saw John, our doctor, struggling with a load of supplies for the hospital. I rushed over to help him, but he blanched when he saw me.

“Oh, Luna, it's okay. I’m just in a hurry,” he said, quickening his pace.

He was avoiding me because I was still his Luna. And he would have to answer if I asked about Kairos. He couldn’t defy a Luna’s orders.

“Kairos told me,” I said. He turned to me slowly, doubt in his eyes.

“Told you what?”

“That he’s dying,” I said. Finally, he let me help him. I took a few sacks of supplies from him. “He says there’s nothing you can do, but…”

“Luna, I’ve explored every possible option. I’ve reached out to everyone I could think of. If there was a solution, I would have found a lead.

“But for your sake and the pack’s, I’m still searching. I’ve made Kairos try everything, but nothing is working,” he explained without me even asking.

“And if you had to guess?” I asked.

He just shrugged. “I’ve never seen anything like this. I can’t make any predictions.”

***

The day of the selection seemed to drag on forever.

I spent the day devising the selection plan to determine who was worthy of their status. I set up my table outside by the large clearing, with a few Omegas assisting me.

I felt a gentle breeze behind me and turned to see Death. He came over to examine my plan. “Risky, don’t you think?” he asked.

“I’m trying to make a difference,” I replied, careful not to appear as if I was talking to thin air. It wasn’t a secret, but it might look odd.

Before I could finish, Kairos came up behind me, wrapping his arms around me and resting his hands on my stomach.

“I think we should try a few dozen more times to get pregnant, for good measure,” he suggested.

I stared blankly into the distance. “My father is here,” I said, and Kairos quickly released me.

“Sometimes I’m glad I can’t see him while I’m alive. Just ask him to go easy on me when I die.”

“I would if I knew he never touched you.

“Should I be upset about what I overheard, or thrilled at the prospect of grandkids?” Death pondered, as Kairos stood by my side, scrutinizing my plan.

“Kid, singular, if you’re lucky. And just so you’re aware, Kairos is on his deathbed,” I informed him, my voice devoid of emotion. The ease with which the words slipped out startled even me. Kairos’s gaze flickered to me.

“What’s going on?” Death demanded instantly.

“He’s ill,” I replied.

“If he were dying, I’d sense it,” he countered.

“The doctor said Kairos’s condition is deteriorating. They…they confirmed it,” I attempted to clarify. “So if you can’t sense it…does that mean he’s not dying?”

Death’s gaze shifted to Kairos, but my father’s expression did nothing to soothe my nerves. “I’ll come see you soon,” he said before departing.

“What’s happening?” Kairos inquired.

“He can’t sense your impending death.”

“Perhaps he doesn’t sense everything. I know how I feel, Adelie,” he stated, making me question if he was concealing the extent of his pain.

After a tender kiss, Kairos left. Maeve approached me shortly after. “We’ve set up a clear fighting ring, with chairs arranged all around.

“Just so you know, I’ve spotted a few people training for the fights,” she added.

“Unnecessary,” I muttered, but she didn’t respond.

“Aren’t you going to inform the pack about the selection process?” she queried.

I shrugged. “I doubt there’s anything they could learn in a day that they haven’t over the years. And I’ve already made my predictions.”

“Yes, I have some guesses about your thoughts too, but not everyone will concur.”

“I’m aware of that. But I believe the best ones will.” I offered her a smile. Maeve fell silent for a moment, and my smile faded. “What’s the matter?”

“Where do you plan on placing me?” she asked.

Her directness took me by surprise. Did she think I’d rank her higher because she asked? I had already planned to, given her proven abilities.

“Maeve, we may be friends. But if you think I’m considering the selection from that angle, you’re mistaken.”

“I understand that. But as your friend, I’m asking you to let me remain an Omega.”

“What?” I asked, hoping I’d misunderstood.

“I’m pleading with you, Adelie.”

Had she reverted to believing she wasn’t deserving of a higher rank?

“I think you should realize that this is my decision.”

“Don’t we get a say?” she asked. Now I was caught in my own promises.

“Is that how quickly you disregard our friendship? Or the fact that I am your Luna? What about all those declarations of serving your Alpha. Where’s the loyalty?

“I intend to place you mid-rank and from there, you can decide whether you want to be a fighter or work within the pack.”

“I’m still loyal but I refuse to go mid-rank,” she declared. “Promise me you won’t place me mid-rank.”

I pondered for a moment. She truly detested the idea, and I never wanted to break my promises. “I won’t place you mid-rank. I promise.”

She nodded, then retreated to her house.

I didn’t want this for her. She was destined to be stronger. What could I do if I didn't place her mid-rank?

***

Selection day arrived sooner than anticipated. I couldn’t sleep a wink. My mind was too preoccupied. And while I was awake, I heard Kairos muttering something in his sleep.

I spent the entire night mulling over the selection process and Maeve’s words. Was it even feasible for me to evaluate each one of them? Some seemed resistant to change.

I resolved to kick off the selection as soon as possible, and Kairos did just that, adhering to my wishes.

The pack was gathered in the clearing, awaiting their leaders. Nathan was already present. As we approached, they all rose to their feet. I noticed they were all dressed in their training gear, prepared for combat.

A grand table and two chairs for Kairos and me were set up in the distance, but we halted right in the center of their semi-circle.

“Night walkers’ pack,” I began, surveying them all, “we are gathered here to assess your worthiness of your rank.

“I see many of you are geared up for a fight or some sort of challenge. But that’s not my objective today.”

I was aware this would arouse their suspicions about me. All they knew was combat, having always fought to prove their worth. But they had already proven themselves.

“From this moment, if anyone wishes to downgrade their status, I will honor that request. The Alpha and I will assume the higher position.

If you have a justification for your promotion, feel free to step forward.

“But let me caution you that this decision is not final, and there will be a probationary period of a month for the decision to sink in.”

“I’ve been observing you all, and in my plan, I have already made my adjustments.” I heard gasps around me. I had already envisioned where each of them would fit.

All their preparations from yesterday were in vain.

Even Kairos glanced at me. He was aware of this, having seen my list earlier. But he was also prepared for the pack to rebel against me.

“However, you are all more than welcome to prove me wrong. Especially those whom I consider demoting. Please do. Show me that you deserve your current standing.”

“The Beta is tasked with escorting each of you to a discussion with the Alpha and me. But first, I would like to acknowledge those I believe should retain their positions.

“Those called out, please rise,” I instructed as Nathan handed me my list.

Kairos whispered to me, “How did you manage to evaluate every pack member?”

“I may not have been here long, but I observe. Their actions, their failures.”

I began to read out names from the list, causing more than half of the pack to rise. “For those standing, I deem you suitable for your current role.

“But as I mentioned, you have the right to challenge my opinion. Those of you content with your role, you are dismissed for the day. Those who wish to discuss your position, step forward.”

The mid-ranks were the first to depart since they were already at their peak. Many Omegas left, including Maeve. Some were still weighing their decision.

I noticed eleven Omegas step forward. But what took me by surprise was a young mid-rank man stepping forward. He was competent, I had observed.

I gestured for him to follow me, but he responded, “I have no shame in my decision and I don’t need to converse privately. You said you will grant a lower rank, so please do.

“I would be much happier leading a simpler life,” he explained. I glanced at Kairos, who approached me to explain.

“He has proven to be useful. One of the best fighters.”

“I promised them they’d have a choice. What good are the fighters we have if they are not content protecting the pack?”

He smirked at me. “This is your pack, Adelie. It’s your call.”

“Is there any mid-rank still seated who shares the same sentiment?” One person rose.

“You are free to leave.” I glanced at Nathan to ensure he noted the names.

I surveyed the eleven Omegas, and only three of them showed promise. I separated them and took the remaining eight with me for a private discussion.

“I don’t believe you are fit for a higher rank. I haven’t seen you demonstrate capability for more.”

“You’re Omegas now. But every training session is an opportunity to prove yourselves. I’ll be watching. Give it your all, and then we’ll talk.”

I had them spar one-on-one. Some bouts resulted in both fighters moving up in rank, some resulted in both moving down, and some ended with a clear victor.

Kairos was at my side, assessing their skills and calling a halt to the fights when their abilities were clear.

Those who were promoted were put on probation, as ranks are skill-based. If their attitudes didn’t match their roles, adjustments could be made.

Some of the mid-rank wolves I demoted were angry. I let them demonstrate their abilities to Kairos, and he agreed that they weren’t as skilled as some of the Omegas. Their arrogance was evident.

When the selection process ended, they all went home with new ranks. I suspected that the promoted Omegas would continue to live as they always had.

The demoted mid-ranks who were now Omegas would enjoy a slightly more affluent lifestyle. But my goal was to eventually establish equality among all.

“Nathan,” I called, “please have the Omegas clean this up. Don’t hesitate to call on the new Omegas as well.”

“Actually, Luna…” He looked at me nervously. “You said anyone could request a demotion. I respect my role as your Beta, but I’d like to step down.”

“You want to return to mid-rank?” He nodded. I’d never been certain that Nathan was suited to the role of Beta, but we didn’t have anyone else. No one could fill Raphael’s shoes.

I wasn’t sure how to respond, but thankfully Kairos stepped in. “Thank you, Nathan, for everything. You’re released from your duties,” he said. He didn’t look pleased as he watched Nathan walk away.

“I’ll find you a better Beta,” I promised, regretting the additional complications.

“I know he wasn’t the best but…I want you to have a Beta. Someone like I had…someone who helped me improve. Make better decisions.

“The pack’s Beta should be like a second Alpha. I just realized too late that an Alpha and a Beta are essentially the same.

“I want that for you…but…I don’t even have that in this pack.”

“I know someone who deserves to be Beta, someone who’s proven their worth. Do you trust me?” I asked him.

“I let you do all this,” he shrugged. “People are angry because you’ve defied centuries of werewolf tradition and lineage.

“So, create the pack you want to live in,” he said, and I took off.

I arrived at a particular house and knocked, forgetting all protocol and the sense of betrayal I would feel after my announcement.

As the door opened, I looked into the eyes of the new Beta, someone who deserved even more. “I promised not to make you mid-rank, and I didn’t.

“But I have no choice but to make you Beta. Congratulations, Maeve.”