1 Regina Nox

My name is literally translated as the Queen of Night. My parents thought it was fitting as they were the Alpha and Luna of Clan Solis. We are known by others as the Sun Pack. An ironic name since our kind worship the night. Who am I to judge now that they're gone? Just your average 20 year old Alpha of Clan Solis.

That's right. I'm a female Alpha. Well, the only ever female Alpha known to history. It wasn't easy, believe me. The trials nearly took my life.

First, there was the sleep deprivation with physical conditioning. Definitely not my favorite experience. Then there was this nauseating concoction you had to drink. It causes you to see a vision with possible futures. The goal? Besides to torture you and make you want to throw up… Well, I guess so you can prove worthy to lead by choosing the correct path. Finally, there was the maze. In the maze you utilize wit and strength to navigate your way safely to the center. There a competitor awaits you and you fight to the death. The competitor is a dead Alpha reincarnated for the sole purpose of initiating the new Alpha. Even if I had lost, the old Alpha would've perished once the initiation process had ended. Luckily, the Alpha I faced wasn't my father.

I twirl my crystallized moon rock necklace in my fingers. A habit I've picked up when I'm deep in thought.

This year, I've been invited to the annual Alpha's tournament. Alpha's from different packs all over our region gather to challenge one another to a duel. The rules are simple. You lose or surrender, the Alpha who wins inherits part of your pack or land or whatever you bargain for. You die, the Alpha who won inherits all of your pack and land. You win, vice versa plus status. My father always said it was like earning your stripes. I don't know what I'd need stripes for, I'm not a zebra.

My brows knits together as I think about the actual rules. I know you must be 21 to participate. Apparently there is a lot of alcohol involved. Luckily my birthday is the day before the tournament.

I was warned that your first time in attendance you cannot challenge others. You must be challenged to participate. You can deny a challenge but your reputation could be tarnished.

Only three Alphas can challenge the same Alpha in one tournament. That seems fair enough. Especially since so much is at stake. I could decline the invitation to the tournament. Except that means I could have 3 challenges at any time throughout the year. It also means I can't make alliances with any other pack. Our pack is medium sized. Alliances are crucial to our survival and growth.

When my parents died, the old alliances agreed to keep their promise to us until I was of age. Well, of age to participate in the tournament.

There isn't a day that goes by where I don't recall a moment we shared together. My mother, father, sister, and I were inseparable. I was sixteen when they left our world to join the Moon Goddess. I can still remember the entire waking day of their departure.

I clench the stone tightly in my fist and thank the Moon Goddess for this gift. This is no ordinary crystallized moon necklace. It's an actual stone from the moon, verified by NASA, and sold for an exuberant amount of money online. It was gifted to me by a witch when I was very young. It has certain properties that make me an extremely effective leader.

"Gin, are you ready yet?" My little sister Stella Lux knocks on my door impatiently.

"Yeah, come in." I look down at my athletic pants and tank. This is as ready as I'll ever be.

Her mouth dropped open in horror. "You know we are going to a movie with my mate and his brother, right?"

"And my armored guard." I remind her. Not like I need them but it makes the elders of the pack feel more comfortable. "This isn't a double date. I have to put that on record."

Her bottom lip juts out slightly at my candor. "But he's so handsome and -"

I growl softly as a warning. Since I've become Alpha, I've never had to give an Alpha order. Those are the ones you must follow without any free will to rebel. My people respect me and trust me. They abide by my rules and we all get along peacefully.

"Hmpf!" She storms out of the room in her wedges. Her high ponytail swishes like a horses tail.

"Be down in 5." I look at my reflection in the mirror. Long brown hair, light green eyes, and tanned skin stare back at me, unwavering. I sigh loudly and proceed down to where our chariot awaits us.