The Bride of the Lost Village

Assembling the Pack

The morning sun was just beginning to rise over the vast estate of the Stormriders. Alvin stood outside his family's mansion, the crisp air carrying with it the scent of pine and earth. Today was the day. Today, he would begin the journey that would change his life, the journey to find his destined bride in the Lost Village.

The estate had always been Alvin's sanctuary, with its sprawling gardens, towering oaks, and wide driveways. His Bentley sat parked nearby, gleaming in the sunlight, but this journey wasn't one for luxury. He needed strength, loyalty, and the unwavering dedication of his pack. His father, Leonard, had made it clear: no Lycan ever ventured out alone for something as significant as this.

Alvin needed to assemble his pack. He stood with his hands on his hips, staring at the group of Lycans gathered before him. Some were old friends, others he had only met in passing, but all were here for the same reason—to help him fulfil his destiny and, perhaps, find their own.

"I'm not going to sugarcoat this," Alvin began, his deep voice carrying across the field. "This journey isn't going to be easy. We're headed into uncharted territory, and we don't know what we're up against. The Lost Village is hidden for a reason, and the sorceresses there don't reveal themselves to just anyone. But I can promise you this: those who come with me may also find their destiny."

There was a murmur among the group, the Lycans exchanging glances. Alvin's words carried more weight than they initially realized. This wasn't just about him finding his bride. There was a possibility that others among them could find their imprinting partner—another Lycan or even a sorceress from the village. For Lycans, imprinting was a rare and powerful bond, and those who hadn't found their mate yet couldn't ignore the potential of this journey.

Alvin continued, "Those who join me might find their imprinting partner along the way. If the stars align, it's possible. But you need to be prepared. This isn't some casual hunt or expedition. We're talking about life and death here. Trials await us, and if we fail, none of us will return the same."

A tall, burly Lycan named Thorne Blackwood stepped forward. Thorne had been Alvin's closest friend since childhood. His loyalty was unquestionable, and his strength was unmatched. "You know I've got your back, Alvin. Always," Thorne said, his voice rough but steady. "Wherever you go, I go."

Alvin nodded at Thorne, a small smile playing on his lips. "I wouldn't expect anything less from you, Thorne."

Next to Thorne, a slender but fierce-looking woman stepped forward. Her name was Raven Hale, one of the most skilled trackers in the pack. With her sharp instincts and keen sense of direction, Raven was a vital asset for any journey into unknown lands.

"I'll join you too," Raven said confidently. "Besides, I'm tired of sitting around waiting for something to happen. I'd rather face the unknown than let life pass me by."

There was a ripple of agreement from the others. One by one, more stepped forward, ready to stand by Alvin's side. A few Lycans voiced their hopes of finding their destiny, speaking of the possibility of imprinting, of finally meeting the one who would complete them.

A lean, younger Lycan named Kade, who had only recently joined the pack, raised his hand. "You think there's a chance we could find our partners on this journey?" he asked, his voice filled with uncertainty but also hope. "I mean, what if we find our destined mate out there in the Lost Village? Could it happen?"

Alvin looked at him, understanding the weight of the question. Many in the pack had yet to find their imprinting partner, and for a Lycan, that bond was everything. It completed them, strengthened them, and gave them a deeper connection to their primal nature.

"It's possible, Kade," Alvin replied. "The Lost Village is home to powerful sorceresses. They're linked to the stars, just like we are. If it's meant to happen, it will. But you can't go in expecting it. You'll know when it's right. Imprinting isn't something you force—it happens because it's written in the stars."

Thorne grinned and clapped Kade on the back. "Kid, if you find yourself a sorceress bride, you'll be the envy of the entire pack. But don't get your hopes up too high. Focus on the journey first."Kade chuckled nervously but nodded, excitement and nerves running through him.

Alvin turned to address the entire group. "We leave at dawn tomorrow. Make sure you're ready. Pack light, but bring enough supplies for the journey. Once we enter the forest, there's no telling how long we'll be gone. And remember, this isn't just about me finding my bride. This is about all of us—our pack, our legacy, our future."

The pack members exchanged determined looks, their resolve firming. They understood the importance of this mission. It wasn't just about Alvin's journey—it was about preserving the future of the Stormrider family and the pack as a whole. The stakes were high, but the rewards were even greater.

As the group began to disperse to prepare for the journey, Alvin felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned to see his father, Leonard, standing beside him.

"You did well, son," Leonard said, his voice filled with pride. "You're taking your first steps toward leadership, and the pack can see it. They're following you not just because you're next in line, but because they believe in you."

Alvin gave a small nod. "Thanks, Dad. I just hope I'm ready for this."

"You are," Leonard assured him. "You were born ready. But remember, this journey isn't just about strength. It's about the heart. Be sincere in everything you do, and the stars will guide you."

Alvin looked out at the horizon, his amber eyes filled with determination. The weight of the Alpha legacy sat heavily on his shoulders, but he was ready. The pack was assembled, and the journey to find his destined bride in the Lost Village would begin at dawn.