The Mond’s Past

Chapter 28
News of Kahn’s death spread throughout Mond territory like wildfire, sparking shock and fear among the werewolves.

Kahn, the alpha and son of the previous alpha, Darric, was the strongest among them, surpassing even his father’s strength and wisdom.

His lifeless body was found in the middle of the Forest, causing an uproar throughout the pack.

Bertold, the healer, carefully examined Kahn’s body. There Were no visible wounds, but traces of a rare and deadly poison were found in his stomach. It was clear that Kahn had been poisoned, although how the poison entered his body was still a mystery.

Lorelei, Kahn’s mate, refused to believe that the poison entered Kahn’s body by accident.

She believed someone had poisoned him on purpose, but she had no clues or evidence pointing to the culprit.

Meanwhile, the urgency to select a new alpha became a new concern for the Monds.

Without a leader, their territorial defenses would be vulnerable to attack.

The pack was hoping that Karyan, Kahn’s son, would take over the leadership.

Traditionally, alphas were chosen through combat, and young wolves from Kahn’s bloodline always emerged victorious.

However, Karyan was still a boy, only fourteen years old, but known to be born with a gift.

“We must find another worthy candidate,” Arald said with a voice filled with both sadness and heaviness. He was deeply affected by the death of Kahn, who had been friends since childhood.

As the elders and advisors deliberated, a werewolf stepped forward. “I propose to compete for the position of alpha, Advisor Arald.”

Arald looked up to see Deegon, Kahn’s right-hand wolf. Deegon was a formidable figure, a large black werewolf with white stripes at the tip of his tail.

Despite his reputation for strength and cunning, there were doubts about his ability to match Kahn’s prowess.

Nonetheless, Deegon was allowed to compete. In the ensuing battles, he defeated his opponents with ease, proving his dominance.

He was crowned the new alpha of Mond.
Deegon’s reign began amidst doubts and hopes.

He had been living quietly with his daughter, Karina, since Karina’s mother died of illness. But now, an unexpected desire burnt within him. Deegon seeked to acquire Lorelei, Kahn’s widow, as his mate.

Lorelei, a she-wolf with fae blood, had been using her magic to protect Mond, even though the Monds lost their magic half a century ago.

Lorelei stood at the edge of the forest, her eyes staring into the distance, lost in thought. The air felt very tense and uncertain. Deegon approached her, his presence was like a thick fog, but wary. “Lorelei,” he said, “Mond needs your strength now more than ever.”

She turned to face him, “What Mond needs is an alpha who can lead with wisdom and courage,” she replied.

“And that’s what I want to do. But I can’t do it alone. I need you by my side.”

Lorelei’s heart ached at the thought of Kahn. The thought of standing beside another alpha, especially one who had suddenly risen to power, filled her with anger and sadness. “Deegon, you must understand, my loyalty is to Kahn. He was my mate, my husband. His death is still hunting in my heart.”

“I understand your pain,” Deegon said. “But I’m not asking you to forget. I’m asking you to help me lead our people. To use your wisdom and strength to guide us through these dark times.”

Lorelei looked into his eyes, searching for sincerity. Deegon had always been a loyal and trustworthy wolf, but his sudden ambition made her suspicious. “I will consider your request,” she said finally. “But know this, Deegon. My first loyalty is to Mond. If you prove yourself worthy of leading, I will support you. But if you falter, I will not hesitate to challenge you.”
***

In the natural order of wolves, mating for life was a firm rule. This was also true for werewolves. However, as part of being human, taking a new mate if the previous mate dies was not forbidden, although this was not celebrated.

Deegon’s desire to make Lorelei his mate was strongly opposed by his elders and advisors.

They did not believe his reasoning-that it was for the strength of their pack. Not when Lorelei was such a beautiful woman.

Her midnight-blue hair, and the faint pentagram-shaped fairy mark on her forehead added to her ethereal allure.

She was graceful and gentle, her voice soothing like a gentle spring breeze rustling through the branches of a rose.

Her magic was a gentle force of beauty and tranquility, yet as powerful as any fortress. Since its birth, rumors that Mond’s magic has disappeared have been lies in the outside world.

Mond’s visitors still felt the enchantment of the land and considered it almost impenetrable.

The werewolves of Mond were sure Lorelei would reject Deegon’s proposal.

They knew how deep her love for Kahn was.

Moreover, there was Karyan, Kahn’s son. A werewolf's child was always his father’s child, and Lorelei had an obligation to protect Karyan from Deegon’s influence.

But their hopes were shattered when Lorelei decided to accept Dragon's proposal.

Her decision hinted at an underlying reason, but she kept that reason a secret for now.

Lorelei stood before the council quietly. “I have decided to accept Deegon’s proposal,” she said. The room fell silent, they were stunned.

Arald, Kahn’s oldest and closest friend, was the first to speak. “Lorelei, we cannot interfere with your personal decision. But We know how deeply Kahn loved you, and how devoted you were to him during his lifetime. Why have you chosen this path?”
Lorelei looked at Arald. His smile seemed cold and calculating. “I’m doing this for Mond,” she replied. “For Karyan, and for the future of our pack. Deegon has proven his strength, and with him I can continue to serve Mond.”

The elders exchanged uneasy glances, murmurs of discontent running through them.

Deegon, who stood beside Lorelei, looked at her with a feeling of triumph and respect. He had won the battle for leadership, but he knew the real challenge lay ahead-proving himself worthy of Lorelei’s acceptance and the group’s trust.

But Deegon was not as strong as Kahn. He was ambitious and self-centered, similar to an Inverno wolf raised in warfare.

If not for Lorelei, Mond’s pack would not have respected their new alpha. In contrast to her cold attitude towards Deegon, Lorelei was very fond of Karina, who grew up with Karyan.

Karina adored Lorelei, and they were often seen together in Lorelei’s garden, tending to the flowers.

Six years had passed, and a new chapter began in Mond. Lorelei approached Bertold at the stone building where he lived. Her face was grim.

“Bertold,” she began. “About Kahn’s murder, I have proof now.”
***