Prologue: The Birch Moon

The year begins,

With a new chance at life

The wounds heal,

And new doors open up

As paths come into focus.

A stiff tension surrounded the clearing where the pack meetings were usually held, now occupied by only a few people. It was clear that there was a divide and neither of the two parties arguing in the clearing had any intention of backing down. The arguments were pouring forth like cannons on two sides of a battlefield. This was no less of a battlefield, what with the pride of two alphas on the line.

“I think, I’ve made it clear that I am not mating the omega…..He isn’t my mate…” A clench in the jaw. “-Father.” Kyungsoo says, reigning back the intense emotions surging through him.

The older Alpha stands tall before him, flanked by the rest of the pack. Given the situation, it was only natural that they side with Kyungsoo’s father. With a cynical smirk, Kyungsoo notices how he is standing alone, fighting a losing battle against his own father.

His own father, who is looking at him through eyes filled with ruthless determination and authority. A gaze Kyungsoo had seen many a times from childhood, usually directed at pack members he wants to see yield before him. Kyungsoo’s resolve wavers, just slightly, but this was regarding his life. He is an Alpha too, so submit he won’t. Not without a fight.

“ I haven’t raised you to be ridiculous, Kyungsoo.” The older Alpha says, and Kyungsoo detects the disappointment in his voice. ‘’I expected you to be more mature about this. Is this even a matter that should be discussed?’’

Kyungsoo exhales loudly before replying. “I do not intend to force some poor Omega into a bond with no feelings!” His voice steadily rose. His father’s scowl only deepened, before he nods.

Kyungsoo only has time to let the sound of footsteps approaching him from behind register, before he is entrapped from head to toe by thick ropes, making him succumb down onto his knees due to the bulk of his detainers. He struggles but feels the ropes tighten around him in response.

‘’Father!’’ he growls at the older man who is now standing right before him, watching his son struggling at his feet, with a calmness that only furthers Kyungsoo’s anger

“Do not raise your voice at me, son.” He says quietly, the authority in his tone assertive enough to make the pack shudder at its sheer dominance. But, Kyungsoo ignores the Alpha as he struggles viciously against the human binds.

“I have promised Alpha Jung that you will marry his son by the next Birch Moon.’’ Alpha Do continues, tutting in distaste at the sight of his stubborn son, still trying to free himself from the bonds.

‘’I am not heartless. I will give you an year to find a mate of your choice, or the pack is going to be handed over to any competent Alpha who wins in the duel against you.” Alpha Do says, the mere thought of that making his mood sour further.

“But father-”

Alpha Do raised his hand, looking away and the binds tightened even further, finally the fight out of Kyungsoo who slumps onto his knees panting.

“I am not letting you make any mistakes here. This is the most I can stall before potential Alpha’s start sniffing your position with their fangs bared.”

His father walked away to the side with a stern countenance. “My decision is final and the word of law.” He turns his back to Kyungsoo, walking away, befo