Wolves of Fate: Eclipsed by Love

It was my father’s birthday, an important day for the pack. He stood in front of the birthday cake, eyes closed as he made a wish under the moonlit sky. The soft flicker of candlelight lit up his weathered face, and his silver-streaked hair shimmered under the pale glow of the moon. The pack stood quietly around him, waiting.

My mother leaned in close, her face calm under the moonlight. She whispered something into his ear, something meant to stay between them.

But whatever she said hit him hard.

My father, Alpha Hugo, known for his strength and steady leadership, suddenly stiffened. His eyes, which had been gazing at the stars, darkened. His mouth opened slightly, but no sound came out. Then his gaze dropped to the ground, his expression grim.

“Dad?” I whispered.

And then it happened.

His legs gave out beneath him. He collapsed hard, the sound of his body hitting the ground cutting through the silence like a knife.

“Alpha!” someone shouted.

I ran to him, falling to my knees. My hands shook as I cradled his face. His skin was cold, his breath shallow.

“Dad! Stay with me!” My voice cracked, tears burning my eyes.

His golden eyes, once so sharp and clear, dimmed as they met mine.

“Protect…” His voice was weak, barely a breath. Then his body went still in my hands.

He was gone.

A scream tore through the air, raw and broken. I didn’t even realize it was coming from me.

After that night, rumors spread fast. The pack wanted answers. They wanted to know what my mother had said to him, and what had killed our alpha.

Some wolves begged her to speak. Others threatened her. Some even offered money to learn the truth.

But my mother said nothing.

The pack grew angry, turning against her. Suspicion poisoned the bond we all shared. Wolves circled her, demanding answers.

“What did you say?”

“What curse did you put on him?”

My mother stood tall in the center of the pack’s circle. Her silver hair fell in soft waves down her back. Her face was cold, her eyes sharp.

“Hugo was worn out of the fight,” she said flatly. “It had nothing to do with me.”

A low growl rumbled through the crowd.

“He was the strongest of us,” Beta Graham said. “He wouldn’t have fallen unless you made him.”

The council didn’t waste time. They accused her of causing my father’s death and banished her for three moons.

She didn’t fight it. She didn’t argue. She just walked past the border without looking back.

Once everything had calmed down, my thoughts were consumed by the situation, so I went to find her.

It was deep winter when I reached the woods. Snow crunched under my boots, and the cold burned my cheeks. The old cabin sat at the edge of the forest, smoke curling weakly from the chimney.

Through the frosted glass, I saw her sitting by the fire, her face lit by the dying glow of the flames.

I pushed open the door. “Mom.”

She looked up slowly. “Willow.”

I crossed the room and dropped to my knees in front of her. My hands curled into fists.

“What did you say to Dad?” I demanded. “Why did he die like that?”

Her face stayed blank.

“He was tired,” she said. “It wasn’t because of me.”

“No,” I shook my head. “That’s not true. He was strong. He would never give up. He would’ve fought for us!” My voice cracked. “Why would he let go?”

Her gaze sharpened. “Because strength comes at a price,” she said quietly. “And he paid for it.”

My heart twisted painfully. “What price?”

Her eyes darkened. “Don’t ask questions you’re not ready to hear the answers to,” she said.

“Tell me!”

“No.” Her voice was sharp. “You don’t want the truth.”

“You owe me the truth!” I yelled, tears stinging my eyes. “He was my father!”

Her gaze didn’t soften. “And now he’s gone. Let him rest.”

I stumbled to my feet, my breath shaky.

At the door, I looked back at her. “Whatever you said to him… it killed him.”

There was a long silence. Then, “I know.”

My breath caught. Her voice was so quiet I almost didn’t hear it.

She knew, and she didn’t stop it!

I walked out into the night, the cold air cutting into my lungs. Behind me, the light from the cabin faded into darkness.