Chapter 3 RELINQUISH I
Finally, it was time; the ceremony commenced. The large rectangular Castle Hall was lit with candles fixed into golden and bronze candelabras lighting up different angles of the hall, presenting magical views to the eyes.
The large curtains hanging at the Oriels of the hall looked so magnificent, their embroidered golden stripes which slid from top to bottom gave the ancient castle an elaborate look. The floor of the Hall tiled with elegant designs in geometric pattern. Melodious music played in the background, the moon showering down rays of light down the hall.
Werewolves were trooping in in their numbers. The tables set with wine vessels, goblets and enough animal flesh to go round. The Alpha was seated on his throne, staged above the dais with his son and Luna by his sides; the Beta and Gamma were also present. They were surrounded by the seven elders of the Lycan Pack.
Darius sat at a corner very close to the Alpha who seemed very eager to hand over to his son, forcefully smiling at each moment to be able to conceal the hatred and anger piling up in him.
Ramon seemed very contented where he sat; there was enough to eat and drink and the music playing in the background filled him with so much excitement. Darius took glances at interval at him trying to draw his attention but the Gamma seemed intoxicated and drowning in rhythms.
The time for the rites to be conducted arrived and Bruce was called upon to stand in-front of his father to receive the title.
"I, Alpha William, forfeit my title to my heir, Bruce that he may watch over the Lycan Park, protecting it as I have. Alpha Bruce, may you reign long and soon find your mate and have healthy pups." William said, eagerly renouncing his position to his son.
There was loud uproar and excitement the moment the rites were said; the Werewolves howled in joy. Bruce was taken to the temple of Artemis the moon Goddess by the Elders of the Park to present him and seek her blessings upon him.
Ultimately, Bruce had become the new Alpha to the annoyance of Darius who grudgingly followed the other Pack leaders to congratulate him and pay homage. He couldn't fathom the fact that he would be in the position of having to be commanded by Bruce.
"I should be the one seated on that throne, not him." Darius said to himself sniffing in detest. He looked around as though he was in search of someone.
"Ramon, I have a proposal for you; come with me." Darius said dragging the Gamma to a corner.
"William clearly is not aware of the repercussions of his actions. He has grown so soft and that is why he decided to hand over to an unexperienced pup not minding the fact that it could make our Pack seem too weak and porous." he said to Ramon.
The Gamma who seemed so exhilarated seemed not to be grasping the Beta's words and so in order to get his attention, Darius hit him on the head and he jerked up suddenly causing him to pull back into full consciousness.
"I need your allegiance, I want to take my rightful place as Alpha and I need you Ramon." Darius said to the Gamma.
"But we have a new Alpha, Darius; the son of William." Ramon responded.
"One that is underserving; he knows nothing about being Alpha. Pledge your support to me and you won't regret it." Darius said to Ramon. This time, he seemed to be luring the Gamma in.
"What is in it for me? What do I stand to gain?" Ramon asked.
"Gold Ramon; enough to build an empire." Darius replied the Gamma.
Ramon considered the proposal for a while, the mention of gold made him lift his eyelids in excitement. The Pack had stored up massive stacks of gold in their treasury . Including other treasures acquired from their numerous battle feats, Ramon knew that there was more than enough gold in the treasury and the thought of laying his hands on them made his mouth watery.
"How do you intend to achieve this." Ramon asked fully interested.
"Leave that to me; all I need is your unwavering support. Stand with me and I will make you prosperous. I am sure you like the sound of Beta of the Lycan Pack." Darius added and then made his way to the table leaving Ramon to his thoughts.
Ramon was fully on board with the plan, he was well aware that a lot of the other wolves eyed his position and becoming a Beta would give him upper advantage and he would gain more respect.
"Beta Ramon!" Ramon whispered to himself; the thought of it alone gave him so much delight, he looked around to be certain that no one heard his whisper then he returned to the table.
Bruce sat on the throne as new Alpha; his Pack members howling in excitement over his emergence as their new leader. The feeling of excitement suddenly engulfed him as he sat on the throne. Apparently, he was the youngest Alpha in the history of the Lycan Pack to ascend the throne.
He hoped that he would be able to do more than his father ever did. Bruce had so much admiration for his father and stepping in as new Alpha gave him a feeling that overburdened his shoulders,
"Felicitations my son! I am certain you will make a great Alpha." William said to his son tapping him on the shoulders. "What is left is a mate; a Luna that would rule by your side and give you an heir." William said again.