The next morning, a cold silence covered the entire pack territory.
Dark clouds still hung in the sky as pack members slowly gathered near the forest clearing.
Today was the day of the Alpha's funeral.
A large wooden platform had been prepared in the center of the clearing. The body of the fallen Alpha lay peacefully on top of it, covered with a ceremonial cloth.
Every member of the pack stood quietly.
No one dared to speak.
Losing an Alpha was not just losing a leader.
It meant the entire pack had lost its protector.
Jayden stood beside his mother, Fiona. His face was calm, but inside his heart felt heavy.
Kayden stood on the other side, his fists tightly clenched.
He refused to show his emotions in front of everyone.
An elder of the pack stepped forward and began the ceremony.
"Our Alpha protected this pack for many years," the elder said with a deep voice. "Today we say goodbye to a great leader."
Several warriors lowered their heads in respect.
The wind moved through the trees as if the forest itself was mourning.
Fiona slowly stepped forward.
Her voice trembled as she spoke.
"He was not only our Alpha… he was also a father and a husband."
Tears rolled down her face.
Jayden gently held her arm to support her.
Kayden looked away, staring at the ground.
For the first time, he felt completely lost.
The ceremony continued as the pack prepared to send their Alpha on his final journey.
But everyone knew…
This funeral was only the beginning of a much bigger problem.
Because the pack now needed a new Alpha.
And there were only two possible heirs.
Jayden.
And Kayden.
As whispers began spreading among the pack members, tension slowly filled the air.
Soon, the pack court would make its decision.
And that decision would change everything.