It was a darkened period as Tyler, Sophia, Jasper, Bella, James, and Henry stood solemnly at the graves of Alex and Connor. The sky wept with them, a light rain falling steadily, broken only by flashes of lightning and the deep rumble of thunder. They were drenched, but none moved. Each was lost in a storm of their own.
Sophia knelt, her body shaking as sobs wracked her chest. Bella crouched beside her, gently wrapping an arm around her shoulders, her own eyes red with silent grief. Jasper stood still, his face carved in anguish, eyes locked on the cold stone as if willing it to speak. James and Henry were motionless, frozen like statues, the pain on their faces deeper than words could convey.
Tyler stood slightly apart, hands buried in the pockets of his jacket, raindrops washing down his face like tears he refused to shed. His heart was heavy, his mind replaying every moment. Just yesterday, Connor had smiled. Alex had teased them. And now two stones, heavy and unfeeling, marked their end.
Thunder cracked again above them.
"I'll make them pay," James growled through clenched teeth.
"Every one of those bloodsuckers," Henry added, his fists trembling with rage. "They'll die for this."
Bella turned toward them, her voice quiet but firm, still holding Sophia close. "Then we train harder. We fight smarter. We win. We won't let what happened break us."
Tyler looked up, his gaze meeting hers. He reached out and gently took her hand, nodding once. His silence spoke volumes.
The previous day had torn through them like a blade. News of Alex and Connor's deaths had spread like wildfire. Mrs. Anna had received a vision wolves could send messages through the bond, some said. A rescue party had been dispatched after Connor reached out. But it was too late. The vampires had vanished, leaving behind what little remained of two brave warriors.
Connor who had lost both eyes before the end.
Alex whose body was torn, limbs missing, as if he'd been ripped apart.
Tyler had shuddered when he heard it. He should've gone with them, he'd thought. Would he have survived? He doubted it. If Connor strong, fierce Connor had been devoured, what chance did he have?
The memories surged. Connor holding Jasper protectively. The way he smiled. The way he stood between them and danger. The warmth in Alex's wild grin.
Tyler clenched his fists. The storm above mirrored the storm inside him.
Lightning slashed the sky again, and for a moment, it lit all their faces six broken hearts, vowing silently on that dark, rain-swept hill: This war isn't over.
The atmosphere inside the council chamber was heavy with grief and quiet tension. The flickering torchlight cast long shadows on the stone walls, mirroring the sorrow carved onto the young faces of Tyler, Bella, Sophia, James, Henry, and Jasper. They stood in a straight line before the council, the weight of their recent loss still fresh in their eyes.
"I know how you all must be feeling, losing the pack leader," Mr. Jack said solemnly, his gaze sweeping across their faces. His voice was calm, but filled with sorrow. "Connor and Alex were brave warriors. They fought with valor, carrying the legacy of our forefathers on their shoulders. Now… they go to live among them."
The room remained still. No one spoke. The silence echoed with mourning.
"But the world doesn't pause for our pain," Mr. Jack continued, standing tall. "With Connor and Alex gone, your pack has no leader. So, the council has come to an agreement."
Every heart in the room skipped. A shared breath was held.
"Sophia," he said, fixing his eyes on her, "you will be leading the pack line from now on."
"What? Me?" Sophia's voice cracked with disbelief. She took a step back, shaking her head gently. "I can't… I'm not fit enough for such a duty."
"And who said so?" Mr. Jack asked, his voice laced with gentle challenge.
From the side, Henry let out a low chuckle barely audible, but not quiet enough.
Sophia turned to him with a sharp glare. "And what exactly are you laughing at?"
"Oh, nothing," Henry said, waving a hand and coughing into it. "Just… something caught in my throat."
"Oh come on, Henry," James said flatly. "Everyone can see you're lying."
"Can you guys keep it down?" Bella said firmly, shooting them all a look. "Mr. Jack is talking."
"It was Hen..."
"Enough," Mr. Jack interrupted, his voice booming through the hall like a clap of thunder. Silence fell instantly.
"Sophia," he said more calmly now, "you won't be alone. I didn't say you should throw yourself at every vampire because you're the leader. You're not expected to carry this burden by yourself. You're all accountable for each other."
Tyler shifted uncomfortably, lowering his gaze as Mr. Jack's eyes lingered on him.
"You're all young. Inexperienced. But if you can lead yourselves, you can lead others." He paused. "Tyler will be your second-in-command. Your support."
Tyler's head shot up. "What? Me?" he said, surprised.
"Yes, you, Tyler," Mr. Jack said without hesitation. "When Sophia isn't around, you take charge. It's that simple."
The rest of the group turned to look at him, their expressions unreadable.
"Any questions?" Mr. Jack asked, scanning the room.
Not a single hand was raised.
"That's good," he said. "Tonight, your pack is scheduled for patrol. Stay close. Guard one another. The emergence of vampires in broad daylight is a growing threat, one we still don't understand. They're becoming more rogue, more unpredictable."
He leaned forward slightly. "I need you all in the right shape. Mentally and physically. Be vigilant out there."
The group turned and began filing out slowly, whispering among themselves in hushed tones. Mr. Jack's voice called again before they reached the doors.
"Sophia. Tyler."
They turned.
"I'm counting on you two."
Sophia gave a solemn nod. Tyler followed, nodding quietly, though the weight of responsibility had just begun to settle over him like a storm cloud.