Fangs Of Rebellion.

CHAPTER TWO.

XANDER'S P.O.V.

       As the cool morning air filled my nostrils and lungs, I let out a triumphant howl and reveled in the independence and relief that only being in my lupine form afforded me. The cool air whipped against my fur, invigorating my senses and reminding me of my wild origins. My heightened senses caught every rustle of leaves, every distant melody of the singing birds, and the fragrance of the forest that permeated my nostrils. The morning's sun slipped through the branches of the trees, and cast its bright rays on my sleek black fur; this illuminated my fur, causing it to glow and shine as I made my way through the grounds.

   Alongside Marcus, who kept pace beside me in his own brown coat of fur, I sprinted through the dense forest. Our paws pounded against the earth as we strode through the familiar trails of the forest, and while we did so, we fully embraced the freedom that our wolf forms granted us. As we ran side by side, our movements, which were in sync, hinted at the strength of the bond between the both of us. 

     As was our routine every morning, we took our time to exercise our limbs and bodies while also patrolling the palace grounds. Soon we were done with our early morning activities and headed back towards the palace. As we reached the hidden spot where we would transform back into our human forms, we slowed our pace. The process of transformation was always a dizzying experience but it was one that I had grown accustomed to over the years. The transition was both familiar and peculiar- a sensation that I was used to but never fully understood. 

     "Ah, what a run that was," Marcus muttered, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction as he shook off the last remnants of his wolfish energy. I gave a terse nod in reply as I had the same reaction. My cheeks were flushed from running around, sweat glistened on my chest, dripping down my brows in tiny droplets, and my shoulders heaved as I panted, my breath leaving my lips raggedly. All of this was as a result of the morning's activities.

   Our run had truly been as invigorating as it had been a temporary relief from the weight of responsibility that awaited the both of us at the palace. A group of male servants standing in a straight line with their heads bowed respectfully awaited us; each one of them was holding a bundle of clothing in their arms. 

    "Thank you, gentlemen," Marcus said as we both plucked the neatly folded garments from their hands. 

    As I threw on my clothes, I was suddenly reminded of the heavy burden that had forced me out of the palace grounds in the first place; my impending marriage to a princess from a distant kingdom. It was an arrangement forged by the King- an arrangement that I was not at all keen on.

   I clearly recalled the day that the King had broken the horrific news to me; how it had felt like I had been doused with a bucket of cold water. I recalled how much I had hitched to wipe off the smug look that he'd had on his face. I could not believe that he could plan such an arrangement- not especially given the fact that he was fully aware of the circumstances which prevented me from being involved with such an alliance.

   "I despise these political games," I muttered, my voice filled with frustration as I tugged on the last item of my clothing.

       As we walked towards the grand entrance of the palace, I continued to air out my grievances to my only friend.

   "Marriage to a princess I've never met? It's preposterous! Marcus, can you believe this? The King really expects me to forsake everything- all that I hold dear all for a political alliance. I refuse to be a pawn in his game." I growled, my voice dripping with resentment. 

   Marcus turned to me, his voice filled with concern. 

   "Xander, you need to approach this situation with caution. Our kingdom relies on your leadership as much as it does the King's. I fear that your impulsive actions could have severe consequences."