Serena sat quietly at the long wooden table, the contract folded carefully beside her. She had hardly slept, the weight of the decision pressing down on her chest like a heavy stone.
Ada and Rose sat nearby, their faces drawn and tired.
They had stayed by her side through the night, discussing every possibility, every risk. But now, with the first light of day, the reality felt even sharper.
Serena reached for a cup of tea Rose had made for her, the warmth soothing her cold hands.
She took a slow sip, eyes fixed on the fire that kept flickering. It was strange to feel so alone when she was being surrounded by friends. She wondered how things had gotten so complicated.
"You don't have to do this," Rose said softly, breaking the silence. "There has to be another way. I really don't like this idea"
Serena looked up, meeting her friend's worried eyes. "There isn't. Not anymore. Without this, the pack will fall. We can't fight the Rogue's power alone."
Ada nodded. "He's right about one thing. Your people are vulnerable. And if you refuse the alliance, it won't just be your pack at risk. It could spark a war that destroys us all."
Serena swallowed hard. The idea of war terrified her — the loss, the pain. But the thought of surrendering everything her parents had fought for felt just as cruel.
"I never wanted this either," she said quietly. "But Father made me Alpha. I have to protect the last of my line. I need to show them I can be trusted as an alpha."
Rose reached across the table and held tightly on to her hand. "We'll stand with you. Whatever you decide."
The words brought a small comfort, but Serena knew the road ahead would be lonely. She pushed back the fear and doubt. If she was to sign the contract, she needed to understand exactly what she was getting into.
She had to get revenge for her pack. She had a duty as both lawyer and alpha. And to fulfill all that she needed Dominic's power and influence.
Later that day, she summoned her closest advisors to the estate's study. The room was filled with maps, letters, and old documents — remnants of the Vale pack's history. Serena laid the contract on the large oak desk.
"I want to understand everything," she said firmly. "The terms, the risks, the benefits. If we are to unite with the Reign pack, I need to know what that truly means."
Ada stepped forward, her sharp eyes scanning the pages. "The contract binds your pack to the Reign. Resources will be shared, and your leadership will merge. But, and this is important, Dominic expects more than just business. He wants to mate you."
Serena felt a chill run down her spine. "A mate," she repeated. "That's personal. Can this really be just about survival? Do I need to bear children? Do I give up being alpha and become his Luna?"
Rose sighed. "In this world, marriage is power. It's how alliances are made and broken. If Dominic wanted peace, this is his way. You definitely will be our Alpha. But to his pack, you are his Luna."
Serena nodded slowly, the reality settling deep inside her. She let out a deep sigh. "I can't let my pride get in the way of my people's future. But this is it I guess."
Ada gave a small, approving smile. "You have strength, Serena. That's why he wants you."
Serena looked away, remembering the brief meeting with Dominic. His golden eyes had held something unreadable — power, certainly, but also a strange respect.
"Tomorrow, I'll send the messenger," she said quietly. "I'll agree to the alliance — for now. But I will never forget what is truly at stake."
The evening brought cold winds that rattled the windows. Serena sat alone in her chambers, the folder from Dominic resting on her desk. She traced the edges with her fingers, feeling the weight of the paper and everything it represented.
Her mind wandered back to the day her parents had died. The grief was still raw and fresh, like a wound that refused to heal. She buried her face in her hands and sobbed. Remembering all the memories and loving moments spent with her parents. They would have known what to do in such a situation.
She pressed her palm to her chest, feeling the steady beat of her heart. It was a reminder — she had to be strong, not just for herself, but for the pack.
A soft knock came at her door. It was Aeron, her trusted wolf friend who had stood by her side through every hardship.
"Serena," he said quietly, stepping inside. "I heard the news. The alliance... you really mean to go through with it?"
She nodded, not trusting her voice. "I don't see another choice."
Aeron paced slowly. "The Reign pack is powerful, yes. But they are not our friends. You must be careful. Dominic plays a long game."
Serena looked up, meeting his sharp gaze. "I know. But if we can buy time, if we can rebuild..."
Aeron stopped and crossed his arms. "Then we must be ready for the cost. Not all of us will survive this."
Serena swallowed, feeling the bitter truth in his words. "I will do whatever it takes."
The next morning, a rider arrived at the estate. His carriage was beautifully made with gold straps around it.
Serena met him at the gates, her heart pounding with a mixture of hope and dread.
"Have you come from the Reign estate?" she asked.
The rider nodded, handing her a sealed letter. "From Alpha Dominic himself."
Serena broke the seal carefully and unfolded the letter. The words inside were formal, cold, yet not without a touch of respect.
Serena Vale,
Your decision honors your pack and shows wisdom beyond your years. I look forward to meeting you again soon.
Until then, trust that this alliance will bring us strength.
Dominic Reign
She read the letter twice, then folded it slowly. Something in his words both reassured and unsettled her.
Rose and Ada gathered around as Serena shared the news.
"He sounds almost… respectful?" Rose said, surprised.
Ada nodded slowly. "It could be the first step toward peace."
Serena sighed. "I'm not sure what to believe anymore."
Days passed with little word from Dominic. Serena kept busy, meeting with her council, checking on the welfare of her people, and preparing the pack for whatever was coming.
One afternoon, Ada brought news from the scouts.
"Strange movements near the border," she said. "Not from our enemies, but... someone else."
Serena frowned. "Could it be the Reign pack?"
Ada shook her head. "No. Too cautious for that. But it's a warning."
Serena's mind raced. If Dominic wanted peace, why the secret movements? Was there something he wasn't telling her?
She decided to visit the border herself. Accompanied by Aeron and two guards, she rode out into the dense forest that marked the edge of their territory.
The air was cool and damp, the trees towering overhead. Serena's senses were alert — every crack of a twig, every rustle in the leaves.
They reached a clearing and paused. The ground was disturbed, fresh footprints and broken branches marking recent passage.
Aeron knelt to examine the prints. "Not our pack. These are too large, too heavy."
Serena's heart quickened. "Then who?"
Before Aeron could answer, a figure stepped from the shadows.
It was a man, tall and strong, dressed in dark clothing that blended with the forest. His eyes were sharp and steady, his presence commanding.
"Serena Vale," he said with a slow smile. "You've been expecting me."
The stranger introduced himself as Kaden, a scout from the Reign pack sent to watch over the border and report on any threats.
Serena studied him carefully. "Why send a scout now? After the alliance was agreed?"
Kaden's gaze was steady. "Alpha Dominic wants to show you he is serious. But he also wants to be cautious. There are dangers even within his own pack."
Serena's eyes narrowed. "What kind of dangers?"
Kaden's smile faded. "Power struggles. Enemies waiting for a chance to strike. Dominic can't afford a war on two fronts."
Serena nodded slowly. "Then we have more in common than I thought."
Kaden looked at her with something unreadable in his eyes. "The alliance isn't just a contract. It's a fragile promise. One we both must protect."
Serena felt a spark of something she hadn't expected — a flicker of trust.
"Thank you for the warning," she said quietly.
Kaden bowed his head. "I will remain nearby, watching. For your pack's safety and mine."
Serena had returned home. She thought of Dominic.
She thought of the pack — her peop
le counting on her to lead them through the darkness.
And she thought of the alliance — fragile, dangerous, and perhaps the only hope they had.