"Mother! A soldier is at the door!" the little one yelled at the top of her voice before rushing off with her sibling, giggling and laughing as they did.
Their mother, a young woman named Lala, made her way out of the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron as she moved towards the front door. An Alpha's messenger stood there, rigid and imposing. He was not a common soldier, but a special guard tasked with delivering commands from the Alpha himself.
Lala's eyes widened in surprise and a flicker of fear. "How may I help you?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.
Her husband, a craftsman, was still at work. Had he done something? Was he in trouble?
"You must come to the main grounds now," the messenger instructed, his tone leaving no room for question. "You have three minutes to gather your children and come with me."
Lala felt her gut grow weak. "I don't understand," she stammered. "I haven't done anything wrong, I promise you. And I am certain that my husband—"
