Riven's POV
I swung the high wooden door open and entered the council room. My mother was walking behind me, silent and calm, with her Luna face already in position.
Elder Magnus stood slightly and greeted us with the word Prince Riven. "Luna Selene. We thank you for coming."
I nodded politely. "Elders."
They all bowed briefly and resumed their seats.
We have a word to say before we start, Magnus, said, that we wish our future Alpha a happy adulthood. Eighteen years is not a minor achievement.
"Thank you," I said quietly.
Then the voice of my mother-- calm, yet with the authority which only a Luna could have. Why are we having this meeting, Elder Magnus? You asked for us so urgently."
Magnus looked at the other people. "Indeed, Luna Selene. We wanted to talk of things of leadership and of the future of this pack.
Mother tightened her face, and did not say anything.
Magnus clasped his hands together on the table. As you are aware, Luna, the Silver Crest Pack has been under your watch since the death of Alpha Darian. You have been loyal, wise and gracious and because of that we thank you.
Her head was tilted. I was just doing what I had to--doing it on account of the pack and my son.
He nodded. "Yes. And now that your son is grown up, we feel that it is time that the cold alpha throne of Silver Crest should be warmed again.
I could feel my mother stiffening behind me. "Explain," she said evenly.
Magnus leaned back slightly. It is our tradition--that when an heir has grown up he must have Alpha training before he can be crowned. The young Alpha will have to go to the Academy, where he/she will be instructed by the finest of our kind, strategy, combat, leadership, pack law, and tradition. One year studying with their peers before they go back home to be in charge.
The room was silent with the exception of my heartbeat that I could hear in my ears.
Magnus went on, Prince Riven is now eighteen. It is time that he took the same route as his father used to take.
I didn't speak. I simply stared at the table. My throat felt dry.
The Academy.
I would not be able to spend a week there without being discovered. The showers, the dorms, the training... there would be no means of hiding the truth. Not a bit of binding and perfuming could envelop me twenty four hours a day.
Mother was the first to break the silence. Elders, she thought, you see Riven has only just to acclimatize himself to his duties here. We must have things to learn in our own lands before--
This is not a thing, with respect, Luna, that can be left till later. It is our law. As soon as an heir reaches eighteen years of age, he or she has to spend a year at the Academy prior to assuming the Alpha crown.
Her jaw clenched. And what should I say, he is not ready yet?
Then the pack would ask why, said another elder, Elder Rowan.
I was able to sense how frustrated my mother was. She took a step forward. My son has done all he is supposed to do. He has trained, studied and led his people where necessary. Why force this now?"
The voice of Magnus changed a little. Since the pack must be known of its future Alpha by the realm. In case Prince Riven does not show up, it will be suspicious and the council cannot afford that. The legacy of his father should not die in silence.
Mother went silent. Her fists were clenched together.
Finally, I spoke. I know what the Academy is about, I said to myself. "But this is a big decision. I do but beg leave to think it over a little.
Magnus gazed at me in patient calmness. There is nothing to consider, young Alpha. It is not a choice. All the Alpha that have gone before you have trod this way. You will do the same."
I gulped, and had to look at him. Nevertheless, I would like to speak to my mother alone, before we make a final decision.
The elders looked at each other. I even thought they would decline.
Magnus sighed. "Very well. You may have until dawn. However, the admission to the Academy is closed in several days. You will lose your position in case you procrastinate. And that would be considered... disobedience.
Disobedience. A threatening phrase in a pack where loyalty was the highest value.
No one could utter another word when there was a gentle knock at the door. One of the guards came in, bowing down.
Apologies, Elders, I am sorry to interrupt you, the guard said, but here is an envelope that has a red wax seal. A message has just come--urgent, at the outer gates.
Magnus raised an eyebrow. "Bring it here."
The guard went over the room and gave him the envelope, then withdrew and left.
Magnus picked up the envelope between his fingers, and his eyebrows raised a little as he looked at the seal, which was the head of a black wolf with a silver crown round it.
The Alpha Academy symbol.
He smiled and looked at me. It appears, the Moon herself is leading this scene.
He gave me the envelope. "Go on, Prince Riven. It's addressed to you."
My hands were heavy and I reached out and grabbed it. I knew the seal all right--the one that was used on all the official academy documents.
My mother came nearer, her breath trembling.
Open it, Elder Rowan, opened his eyes. "Let's hear the good news."
I was indecisive with my thumb on the seal.
I unscrewed the seal gradually and opened the parchment. The lyrics were inscribed in black handwriting.
My heart had thudded once, then twice, as I read the lines aloud.
Riven Blackwood of Silver Crest Pack,
Congratulations, you have been accepted to Dravenhold Academy of Alphas.