I - Os Dois Lados da Lua | I - Two Sides of the Moon

THE CIRCLE OF WOLVES BENDS

POV HOPE

That Saturday afternoon would have been much better if Marco hadn't come back with not so good news. Apparently, after Saul died, the part of the North East Atlantic wolves that followed Lucius had become traceable. Marco, who had left the school to monitor his brother's footsteps, swept the territory next to me and it was official: they were coming. I didn't know Lucius, but from what Marco told me, as well as the battle reports I heard from Paul, he was good. A family reunion wasn't in my plans right now, let alone one that wouldn't be the most peaceful. But if this was to be put to an end, in this cold war that was about to heat up, it was time to take on responsibilities I had been avoiding.

M: - They should be here tomorrow, at full moon. He's missing the ring, so it's his chance to attack.

P: - We will bring the Crescents that are closest, we will be at a disadvantage, but...

H: - But you won't need it.

J: - What do you mean, Hope?

H: - He wants an alpha challenge, he's going to have one. It is the safest exit so that no one gets hurt.

M: - Yeah, there's just a little problem, you're not alpha.

H: - This is easy to solve.

P: - What do you mean?

H: - Exactly what you are thinking. Inform the wolves in New Orleans, I'm taking my place today.

I knew it was a big step. I never wanted to be alpha, but no wolf, Crescent or not, would get hurt if I could help it. Everyone was too surprised by my decision, but there was no time to discuss it. Lucius feared I would claim my place in the North East Atlantic and be alpha of the Crescents, well, his fear was well founded.

Paul wrote the message and I sent it with magic to Aunt Freya, she would know what to do. Then he and Julio left to gather the Crescents from the camp. It was a simple ceremony, but the more witnesses the better. We met at the old mill where he had everything ready. By all I mean wolves and a sharp knife. I left Dr. Saltzman, the twins, and Finch behind and gathered next to the wolves. Julio came to me cautiously:

J: - Are you sure about that?

H: - It's what has to be done.

P: - We're ready, Hope.

I went to the center of the semicircle formed by the 8 crescent wolves on their knees and joined Paul. Marco and the others looked further away. Paul cut his hand and said:

P: - I, Paul Carter, Alpha Crescent, decline in favor of Hope Andrea Mikaelson. I swear on behalf of the Crescents, you will always have our loyalty, our strength and our fangs in whatever battle you choose to fight.

Then he made a quick cut into my palm and held it, making our blood mix.

H: - I, Hope Andrea Mikaelson, last Labonair, accept your decline and take my rightful place. I swear in the name of my blood, which is now yours as well, that every Crescent wolf now has my loyalty, and that I will guide you in any battle worth fighting in the name of our honor.

Then I felt a little heat in my hand and our eyes, of all the Crescent wolves that were present, turned golden. That was it, the Crescent pack had a new Alpha. Paul then released my hand and knelt like the others before speaking:

P: - Hail Hope Mikaelson, the new Crescent alpha.

The wolves bowed their heads in respect and I insisted that this be over soon. Being alpha is still going, but this nonsense of reverence was too much.

H: - Right, you can now get up and stop that bowing. - He said smiling.

P: - I know it wasn't what I wanted, but I also know that your mother would be proud. She was the best alpha we've ever had, but something tells me I'll see you become the Greatest.