The Truth of the Able

III

Ⅲ •

He heard the whispering of his father and an Elder, coming out in anguished breaths of air and frustrated sighs. The conversation was obviously one that was serious, one that he should probably not be eavesdropping on but he didn't care. He had left Zeke and Oliver in his living room, having heard something odd coming from his father's office. He felt as the soon to be alpha, he should be allowed to know these things. He tiptoed around the corner, trying his best to silence his movements knowing that the elder could hear much better than any normal wolf could ever dream of. The power came with age, and great wisdom. The elders became immortal once they reached a certain level of wisdom. This didn't occur with many wolves, only those who the Goddess chooses, and out of those who the Goddess chooses, only the ones who complete any challenge that She gives.

"You know what will come because of this discovery." the elder stated, a sense of power in his tone.

"Yes, my king. I–"

"Come in, alpha child." the elder spoke, a breeze of cold air touching the follicles on Josiah's skin. Shit, he thought to himself, slowly turning the corner and uncovering his hiding spot. "Was there something you needed?"

"Uh, no. I just– no." Josiah stuttered, laughing nervously.

"You dare lie to an elder?" the elder smiled, slowly prancing towards Josiah.

"I just... I wanted to know what you guys were talking about, that's all." Josiah could hear his father let out an exasperated sigh in the back, rubbing his temples.

"Josiah, it is none of your business. Don't you have homework to go do?" His father snapped, obviously upset that he was embarrassed in front of one of the most respected elders on the council.

"No, I did it all." Josiah lied, "I think I should be allowed to know things like this. I'm going to be alpha soon, dad. Once I mate with my luna! I don't think you want a clueless alpha destroying the pack you worked so hard to build?" Josiah tried to convince him, his voice coming out in squeaks to the end of his rant.

"Josiah–"

"The boys right," the elder interrupted, his long white robe brushing the wooden floor majestically, "you may tell him. As long as the alpha child promises not to speak of the things we discuss in this room with anyone else. Not even his mate. This is sacred. If anyone finds out, the werewolves will face great destruction."

"I'm not sure I wanna know anymore." Josiah laughed, although he was dead serious. He didn't trust himself – he knew he would end up blabbing it to someone soon. And, if not, it would eat him up inside until he finally exploded.

"Sit." his father commanded, following his own instructions. Josiah obeyed, taking a seat on the brown loveseat across from his father and the elder.

"Trouble is coming," the elder wheezed, hands hidden behind the long sleeves of his robe, fingers held tightly together on his lap. There wasn't a breeze in the room, but the elders pitch black hair still danced as if there were. "to your pack, specifically."

"What kind of trouble?" Josiah stuttered.

"There will be a decision, alpha child, that you must make. Life, or death. The goddess is testing you, but remember; the goddess does not make mistakes. Anything she puts you through in the next couple of months is meant to happen, and your decision will affect the lives of everyone. Think through it carefully, my child. The fate of your pack, and future packs after you, depends on you."

"That sounds like a lot of pressure." Josiah laughed nervously, stopping once he catches sight of his father's glare.

"This is not a joke, child. Bad things are headed your way, and your father's way as well. Once you find your luna and take over his position, everything falls on you. You must protect your pack. You must protect your mate. You must win the battle that is headed your way." the elder snapped, slamming his hands roughly on the glass coffee table, causing shards to pile onto the floor from the force. Because of the elders power, there was a momentary pause in time, the lights adorning the walls flickering. It only lasted a couple of milliseconds, but it was enough to startle the whole pack. Someone must've felt it in their home, in their bones, a man-made earthquake erupting the peaceful serenity of their packs neighborhood – someone must've felt it, because soon the red alarm was flashing, beeping loudly in Josiah's ear.