Cally Melek - Queen of the Wolves

"Adrown, brother, tell me -- did you find Sebastian?"

Adrown Melek - Cally's Brother and Beta

"No, sister. I tracked them all the way to the cliff, but I lost their scent trail and--"

Cally collapsed to the ground, sobbing uncontrollably, cutting her brother off before he could finish.

"No, no... Goddess, please. Don't let anything happen to my daughter. Please."

Adrown went to his sister and held her. She looked up at him, her eyes swimming with tears.

"You need to be strong, Cally. I'm so sorry."

They held each other and Cally wept without consolation. She had lost her one-year-old daughter and her husband. What would become of her now?

Cally Melek had been married to Sebastian Work. Together, they had become King and Queen of the Wolves -- born of royal bloodlines and raised to claim the throne over all the packs. Cally and Sebastian were wed in a ceremony under the Blood Moon. They were like the moon and the sun; every pack and every village adored its King and Queen and was well cared for under their rule. But on a night of terrible storms, Cally discovered in the cruelest possible way that she could not bear children. It was the couple's ruin. They begged the Moon Goddess to grant them a miracle -- after all, in the eyes of their people, a throne without an heir was a weak throne. For a long time, Cally and Sebastian searched far and wide -- sorcerers, witches, mages, fairies, elders -- anyone who might help them. Until one day, Cally became pregnant with a girl. The entire kingdom rejoiced. Cally and Sebastian had finally had their prayers answered. A witch named Cassandra Gusmao helped Cally throughout her pregnancy, right up to the day the princess came into the world. A fierce storm was raging, and Cally suffered terrible pain, unable to bring her daughter forth. Sebastian was desperate, watching his wife suffer like that. Cassandra did everything she could to help, and at last, at the break of dawn, after much suffering, Sephora was born -- a beautiful baby girl with eyes as blue as the sky and hair as golden as her mother's. Joy reigned in that room and throughout the kingdom. Cally and Sebastian finally held their daughter in their arms.

Time passed, and little Sephora grew up healthy and beautiful, loved by everyone around her. Sebastian and Cally visited the packs so they could meet the Wolf Princess, the heir to the Alpha throne. Sephora received gift after gift and was praised wherever she went.

Sebastian Work - King of the Wolves

Sephora Melek Work

But their happiness was numbered. A battle between good and evil broke out across the region. Sebastian was struck by dark forces, and the kingdom fell into danger. Cally tried to hide with Sephora, but it was no use. On a cold night, Sebastian was chained in the dungeon, thrashing like a wild beast. Every elder and mage in the kingdom was summoned to help the King, but nothing worked. Cally's heart was shattered -- who would do this to her love, her King?

"My love, please -- you have to be strong. Come back to us, Sebastian, please."

But the only sounds that came from him were uncontrollable roars and howls. Cally left with her heart in pieces and went to her daughter's room. She cradled the baby, nursed her, and cried as she held her close.

"Daddy is going to be fine, sweetheart. I promise."

But the worst was yet to come. Cally placed Sephora in her crib and ended up falling asleep. Sebastian broke free and tore through the castle like a madman, searching for the child -- and he found her. Cally woke with a start when she heard her daughter crying. Sebastian was standing at the window, holding the baby between his jaws, still wrapped in the blanket she'd been sleeping in.

"Sebastian, please, my love -- don't do this."

In that moment, Cally was certain he would throw the child from the window. He made no sound, and Cally kept trying to talk to him -- until he leaped and carried the girl deep into the forest. Cally, frantic, summoned every guard and her brother Adrown, and they plunged into the woods after Sebastian. But they found nothing. Adrown could only track the scent trail as far as the cliff, where a massive waterfall thundered below. He could only imagine that Sebastian had jumped with little Sephora, and that the great fall had killed them both.

Cally was inconsolable. For days, she begged her brother to lead search parties, but they found nothing. Until one day, she gave up and accepted the end of her great love and her beautiful little girl. All that remained were photos and memories of her family. Cally was devastated and broken. The years passed, and she led the wolves alone, with her brother by her side.

"Sister, I need to go to the Southern Pack for a meeting with their Alpha. Will you come with me?"

"I'm not up for it, Adrown. Make whatever decisions need to be made -- I trust you. You're doing a wonderful job."

"You know you don't need to thank me."

They said their goodbyes and Adrown set off. That night, Cally lay awake once again, thinking about her daughter. She remembered those little eyes and wept into her pillow, aching for her great love. Eventually, sleep took her.

Cally dreamed of a beautiful young woman dressed in blue, walking toward her. Her golden hair danced in the wind; she looked like an angel. She played with butterflies and smelled roses in a garden, then turned toward Cally and smiled. Cally looked deep into her eyes, and her heart began to race.

"Sephora?"

Tears filled her eyes, but the young woman kept walking and smiling. Her smile brought Cally a deep sense of peace. A gust of wind swept through both their hair, and Cally smiled. She felt it in her heart -- this was her little girl, all grown up now, a stunning young woman. The young woman turned to Cally and spoke.

"We finally found each other, Mama."

Cally woke with a gasp, her chest heaving. Could it have been real? Could her daughter still be alive?

Hi everyone, I'm Allya Sullivan. Today is my eighteenth birthday, and I'm so excited -- I've been waiting for this moment for ages. The day I'll finally have my transformation and meet my wolf.

I'm the daughter of Samia Sullivan and Gregory Sullivan. My parents found me in the forest when I was one year old. To this day, they haven't told me exactly what happened or whether they know anything about my real story, but they never hid the fact that I was adopted. I have two siblings -- Analia Sullivan and Jorge Sullivan. Analia is already mated and expecting her first pup. Jorge... well, my brother is the classic wolf who hooks up with every girl in the pack. He's the Beta to Alpha Derek Northwest. I've never actually met Derek -- in fact, nobody meets the Alpha until they turn eighteen. It's only after the Moon Ritual that we transform. Today is going to be a great day. My friends and I will go through the ritual and have our first transformation. I've dreamed of this day my whole life -- and also of finding my mate. Everyone says the bond is something beyond words. Analia tells me about the mate bond she felt with Brendo, and I wonder if I'll ever feel it too. Here in the pack, everyone takes part in the heat cycles starting at sixteen, even before transforming -- instinct is instinct, after all. But I've saved myself for my mate all this time. It's hard, but I've never felt the desire to be with anyone during the heats.

I wake up early, get out of bed, and take a shower. Then I get dressed and head downstairs for breakfast -- everyone's already here.

"Good morning, family."

"Good morning! Happy birthday!"

My mom comes over and hugs me.

"Oh, sweetheart, I'm glad you're up! Happy birthday, my little wolf. May the Goddess always bless you."

Samia Sullivan

"Thanks, Mom."

She hugs me and hands me a present. I open it to find a beautiful moonstone necklace.

"Mom, it's gorgeous!"

"To protect you today and always, my love."

She fastens the necklace around my neck, and then my dad comes over.

"Happy birthday, my little girl."

Gregory Sullivan

"Thanks, Dad."

"It feels like just yesterday I watched you take your first steps. Tonight we'll watch you transform into your wolf. I love you so much, sweetheart."

My dad hugs me, and now it's my sister's turn.

"Oh my God, I'm getting all emotional! You're finally going to transform!"

Analia Sullivan Jacob

"Analia, come on -- weren't we up all night getting everything ready for today's ceremony?"

"Still! You know how I am. Your present? I'll only give it to you after the transformation."

"She hasn't bought anything yet, sis-in-law," Brendo teased.

Brendo Jacob

"Brendo, you're going to pay for that!"

Brendo hugs me, Analia smacks his arm, and we all laugh at the two of them. Now it's my brother's turn.

"Happy birthday, little sis. Unlike Analia, I actually bought your present -- but I left it at the pack house. I'll go grab it now."

Jorge Sullivan

"Yeah, sure. Tell us another one!"

"Here, smartass -- I really did buy it."

Jorge shows me a photo of a dress he ordered online, and we sit down for breakfast. Everything is perfect with my family around me, until my phone buzzes. It's a notification from the group chat I have with my friends Erika, Lince, Amanda, and Joshua. I open the messages and crack up laughing.

Erika: Ahhh you guys, happy birthday to us!!

Amanda: I can't believe this day is finally here.

Lince: I've been training all week for the hunt. I want a position at the pack house already.

Joshua: Same here.

Allya: Good morning everyone! I'm so hyped, I can't wait for tonight!

I keep chatting with my friends as everyone starts heading out. Jorge and Brendo leave for the pack house -- the Alpha already called them in. My dad is one of the elders; despite his relatively young age, he managed to become one. My mom is a doctor and helps at the pack hospital. Analia is staying with me to help me get ready for the ritual, and I can honestly say I'm super nervous.

"Lia, what was your first transformation like?"

"It was perfect, Allya. I dreamed about my transformation my whole life. I felt a lot of pain, like I told you, but once Rari transformed, everything was incredible."

Rari is the name of Analia's wolf. Every wolf has a name.

"I'm so nervous. Do you think I'll do well in the hunt?"

I ask while putting the dishes in the sink, and Analia comes over and kisses the top of my head.

"Don't worry, Allya. Just let your wolf take control and trust her. I promise everything will be fine."

We're distracted when the doorbell rings. Analia goes to the door and comes back smiling with a package in her hands.

"The ceremony outfit arrived."

We sit on the couch and I open it -- it's a dress for the ceremony. The pack house sends outfits to everyone who's participating.

"Come on, we need to get you ready for later."

"Why bother with all this if I'm just going to look like a mess after the transformation?"

"Allya, stop it! It's your day, your moment -- you have to look perfect."

I sigh, and we head upstairs to my room. Analia helps me get ready -- hair, makeup, the ritual baths I need to take.

"Lia, do you think I'll find my mate soon?"

"Absolutely. Beautiful as you are, you're going to turn every head tonight. And before you know it, you'll be mated."

"I want to feel the same things you told me you felt when you first saw Brendo."

We spend the whole afternoon chatting until we glance at the clock and it's already six in the evening. We didn't even notice the time fly by. Analia goes to shower and get dressed, and my parents are getting ready too. Jorge and Brendo got ready at the pack house since they had a long day working with the Alpha. I come downstairs and everyone is waiting for me in the living room.

"You look beautiful, princess."

"Let's go -- we don't want to be late."

We pile into the car and head to the ceremony venue. I am beyond excited.

Allya's Dress

Hey, everyone. I'm Derek Northwest, current Alpha of the Northern Pack. I'm twenty-eight. I've been Alpha since I was nineteen, when my father died in a car accident, leaving me, my mother, and my sister Ketilyn. Since then, I've taken on the responsibility of caring for the pack and my family. I'm well respected across every pack -- not just here. Someday I want to meet the Alpha Queen of the Wolves. They say she had a daughter, but that the girl died along with the Alpha King. My grandfather was an elder; he always told me that my mate was special, but I still haven't found her -- and at this point, I'm starting to think I never will. I've been through many heat cycles, and I'm never alone during any of them -- obviously, an Alpha needs to be accompanied to show strength -- but I've never been serious with anyone, and I've never felt anything close to the mate bond.

I have two best friends I've known since we were kids. We went through the Moon Ceremony together, and now they're both my Betas -- Jorge and Brendo. Jorge is like me: a lone wolf, doesn't get attached to anyone. Brendo is more of a homebody; he always wanted to find his mate, and he already has -- Jorge's sister. She really is very beautiful. Jorge also has another sister whose name I don't even know yet. I'll see her tonight at the Moon Ceremony -- she'll be taking part in the ritual. Today, the pack house is absolute chaos. Every Moon Ritual is a massive undertaking. Jorge and Brendo are here helping me, along with everyone else who works here. The clearing is being decorated, and a small stage where I'll stand with my Betas has already been set up.

"Go get ready, man. Everything's all set here."

"Yeah, I'm heading up. You guys are getting ready here, right? People are starting to arrive."

"Yeah. My parents are coming with Analia and my sister," Jorge said.

"All right. Be right back."

I walked inside and found my mother coming down the stairs with Ketilyn.

Penelope Northwest

"My son, you're still not ready?"

"I was making sure everything was in order, Mom. I'm going now."

"You're the star of the show, little brother -- you should've been ready already!"

Ketilyn Northwest

"Shut up, Ket."

I headed upstairs to get ready. I took a long shower and prepared for the hunt with the new wolves -- I accompany them on their first hunt. I got dressed and checked myself in the mirror, pulled my hair back, and ran a hand over my beard.

"Looking presentable."

I came downstairs, and Jorge let me know everyone had arrived.

Derek's Outfit

We headed outside to where everything had been set up. The clearing was well lit, and everyone was chatting excitedly. I scanned the crowd without really focusing on anyone in particular and made my way to my spot.

"The new members are waiting for your address."

"Good. A few more minutes and we'll begin."

I looked up at the moon. It wasn't at its peak yet. I had drinks and snacks served to the guests, and a few came over to talk to me.

"Alpha, the celebration is beautiful as always. My congratulations."

"Thank you, Elder Gregory. Your younger daughter is taking part in the ritual tonight, isn't she?"

"Yes, we're all very excited for the transformation."

He greeted me and stepped away. I spotted Jorge already chatting up some girls. I sipped a whiskey -- I wasn't in the mood to be with anyone tonight. I noticed a few women eyeing me and trying to flirt, but I looked away. My mother was talking with some people while Ketilyn -- I wasn't even sure she was still here.

"Shall we start?"

I looked up at the moon. It was in the perfect position to begin the ritual. The music stopped, and all eyes turned to me. I stood and picked up the microphone.

"Good evening, everyone. It is with great joy that we begin another Moon Ritual to welcome the wolves of our pack's newest members. As you all know, today is a very important day for these young men and women who will transform for the first time and meet their wolves. I want to thank everyone for being here. Let us begin."

I looked toward the candlelit path leading to the clearing, and the young men and women began to file in -- thirty in total, all wearing the ceremonial outfits we had made for them. As they arrived, they formed rows and faced me.

"It is a great honor to welcome each and every one of you. I hope that from this day forward, you will each contribute to our pack and fight by my side for our people. May the Goddess bless you all."

I handed the microphone to Brendo, sat down, and watched. The lights went out, leaving only the candlelight. The moon illuminated the clearing, and the first signs of transformation began to appear. I watched everyone carefully -- until my eyes landed on a beautiful young woman in a blue dress with golden hair. I could see she was feeling the first wave of her transformation. Something strange stirred inside me. Petrus, my wolf, was restless. My head throbbed with agitation, and I didn't understand what was happening. I called Jorge and Brendo over and asked them to check the radio for any disturbances around the village -- but there was nothing. And once again, my gaze drifted back to her. My chest felt like it was going to explode. I tried to calm Petrus, but it was useless. Some had already transformed. I took a deep breath and tried to steady myself.

"What's wrong, man?"

"I don't know. Petrus is agitated."

And then we heard a howl -- loud and piercing -- that seized everyone's attention. I looked toward the newly transformed wolves, and a white she-wolf caught my eye. Who was she? Without thinking, Petrus seized control, shifted, and let out a thundering howl. My heart was hammering; he was panting.

"What's going on, boy?"

Petrus

"Her."

He stared at the white she-wolf as she howled once more, drawing every eye. And for the first time in my life, I watched Petrus lower his head to another wolf.

"What the hell, Petrus?"

He didn't answer, but I could feel him coiling to charge into the forest and follow the wolves on the hunt. Jorge stepped in and gave the signal to start the hunt, since I was already in wolf form.