Howl of Destiny: Alpha Lira's Legend novel Chapter 5

Lira's POV:

"Lily! Left, now!" I hissed the command in my mind.

Lily reacted instantly, shifting my body sideways. Alexander's claws whistled past, inches from my face.

For the next few moves, I let Lily stay in control. Her energy was weaker, slower. I let Alexander think I was tiring. I let my attacks grow sloppy.

The moment I saw his focus slip, I made the switch.

"Victoria. Now."

Power surged through my veins. Victoria's raw force shot out from my palm. It hit Alexander square in the chest, sending him sprawling onto the dirt.

In three years, I'd learned to switch between Lily and Victoria as easily as breathing.

"Sorry!" I hurried over and offered Alexander a hand up, wincing.

He took it, grinning as he brushed himself off. "I'm fine. You're something else, Lira. Truly worthy of being our Alpha. No one here can touch you anymore."

I smiled, about to reply.

"Lira, break time."

Enid's warm voice carried from the side of the training ground. She stood there, holding a waterskin.

"Elder Krom." I jogged over, took the skin, and drank deeply. The water was cool and good.

She watched me, her eyes full of a quiet pride.

"These last three years... you've grown beyond anything I hoped. Your combat skills are sharp. Your healing knowledge is deep. You understand how to lead. And your control over your two spirits... it's perfect. The werewolves here have long sincerely trusted you."

She paused, her tone shifting, becoming more formal. "In a few months, you turn 18. I intend to hold a ceremony. To name you the first official Alpha of the Hidmoon Pack."

Around us, the sounds of training stopped. The other warriors looked over. Their faces broke into smiles. A few whooped and cheered. "Yes! Lira for Alpha!"

My fingers tightened around the waterskin. A warm, heavy feeling settled in my chest.

"Alright. Healing the Luna... it might open doors. It might help you find the man you seek."

She reached out and patted my hand. Her voice was gentle, but firm. "When you return, we will hold the ceremony. You will be our Alpha.

"Remember this, Lira. An Alpha needs strength. But she also needs a warm heart. Don't let old hatreds harden yours. Remember to live for yourself, too."

My eyes stung. I nodded, the words stuck in my throat. "I will. I'll finish what I need to do. Then I'll come home. To guard this place. To guard everyone here."

"Go, then." Enid smiled. She turned and walked to her hut. She came back with a worn leather pack. "Inside are antidotes for wolfsbane and other poisons, as well as medical tools and some money.

"Be careful out there. Look after yourself."

I took the pack and hugged it close. I bowed deeply to her. Then I turned and raised a hand to the gathered pack. "Wait for me. I'll be back."

"Safe journey, Lira!" Their voices called out together, full of hope and care.

I blinked back the heat in my eyes, turned, and started walking. The path led away from the Hidmoon Pack, out into the world.