CHAPTER 7: ZATHKANAN PALACE AND ITS ALPHA.

Deep beneath the surface of the Northside Silverwood, the fabled Zathkanan Palace unfolded like a hidden gem, where wolves made their elegant abode. Picture an underground city with an air of sophistication, a place where tranquility and enchantment coexisted seamlessly.

The city's architecture was a testament to nature's grandeur intertwined with wolfish creativity. Crystal formations, reminiscent of frozen waterfalls, adorned the cavern walls. These radiant crystals illuminated cobblestone streets, smoothed by countless furry paws, meandering through the city's heart. Zathkanan Palace, a masterpiece of both strength and grace, rose majestically from the living rock. Its spires almost grazed the cavern's glowing lichen-draped ceiling.

Inside, the palace was a symphony of luxury and culture. Silken tapestries celebrated the storied history of wolf packs, while crystal chandeliers bathed chambers in a soft, enchanting glow. At its core lay a magnificent throne room, where the alpha, a wolf of cold and unwavering demeanor, ruled with an air of regal indifference.

Yet beneath this veneer of opulence lay an unspoken truth – Zathkanan was a city of decorum and discipline. Its inhabitants, wolves of noble bearing, moved with a graceful poise. Their fur was impeccably groomed, and their vigilant eyes bespoke a quiet authority. A strict code of honor governed their actions, for the alpha, with eyes as frigid as the cavern's depths, enforced law and order with unwavering resolve. The alpha in question was no other than Ethan Blackwood, the king of all wolf packs in Silverwood. He was often referred to as the wolf lord.

Wandering through the streets of Zathkanan Palace, one could feel a sense of serenity. But it was a calm born not just from peace, but from the knowledge that every step must respect the pack's traditions and the unwavering authority of the alpha. In this enchanting yet uncompromising realm, Zathkanan was a city where beauty and discipline walked hand in paw, where wolves reigned supreme, and where the atmosphere shimmered with an aura of both enchantment and unyielding authority.

In the walls of the Alpha’s residence in Zathkanan Palace lay their one and only alpha, the king of the wolves, the pride of Zathkanan Palace, Ethan Blackwood. He was nothing short of awe-inspiring. From the moment he succeeded as alpha at a very young age, a palpable shift in the narrative occurred. He was loved by many and hated by most. Some looked at him with jealousy for having ascending the throne and ruling at such a young age, accomplishing what older generations of alphas couldn’t even dream of accomplishing. Ethan Blackwood was a man of few words, but each of those words carried the weight of authority and consequence.

Ethan, a figure of intelligence and cunning, moved with the precision of a well-honed blade. His presence commanded attention, not through grandiose gestures, but through an aura of undeniable power that radiated from his very being. He was a young man, yet his eyes held the wisdom of ages, their icy depths revealing a mind sharp as a wolf’s fang. He had also managed to achieve power and transformation beyond imagination.

He cared deeply for his people, his pack, and their welfare was his unwavering concern. Yet, beneath this façade of compassion, lurked a merciless streak that sent shivers down the spines of those who dared to cross him. He was a ruler who knew the delicate balance between benevolence and brutality, and he wielded that knowledge with a chilling grace.

Ethan’s reputation extended far beyond the borders of his pack. He was feared not only by his own, but by everyone who had heard tales of his unyielding resolve. His name carried a weight that hung heavy in the air, a name whispered in hushed tones in the darkest corners of the world.

As he made his entrance into Zathkanan Palace, his eyes, cold as the steel of a sword, surveyed the world around him with a keen, calculating gaze. He was a man of action, and his every move was deliberate, leaving no room for doubt or hesitation. In his presence or absence alike, everyone could feel the gravity of his authority, an authority that brooked no dissent.

Ethan was a force to be reckoned with, a character whose presence left an indelible mark on everyone. In a world where power and intelligence reigned supreme, he stood at the apex, a young man of few words, but with an aura of power and authority that was nothing short of incredible.

Ethan had being gone for a few days, but when he came back, though his face still unchanged, he looked like a lot was going through his mind. No one else could notice, but of course his brother, Alrond did. 

Alrond was the only one Ethan was close to, so much that their relationship was known within the four packs, witches, and immortals throughout Silverwood. They were both called the twin flames of the wolves. Alrond understood Ethan better than anyone. He knew always what hide inside that cold and mean expression of Ethan. Seeing him storm into Zathkanan Palace and into the Alpha Residence, he quickly went to check on him. 

“What happened to Lady Jane?” Alrond asked.

Ethan gave a deep sigh before recalling what he had experienced in Westside Silverwood and he brought about Amara Morgan.

Alrond furrowed his eyebrows, “She will bring your downfall? If you have such a weakness why not kill her?”

Ethan sighed again, he knew Alorond would suggest this but calmly replied, “Killing her would be too rash and irresponsible, especially when the person who let out such a great power is after her. He even used her to me…” he placed his hand on his chin, “…I need to find out who she is exactly.” 

“She is a mortal detective, what more do you want to know?” Alrond asked worriedly, he did not like the sound of that. An unknown man with such power able to kill thousands of mortals even Lady Jane was no joke and the sound of a mortal being his downfall was quite disturbing. It was best he left the matter and kill such obstacle, but he knew his brother. Ethan had found his match, someone powerful enough to at least duel with him. Many wolves have tried, but lost miserably, some even found dueling him as a way to commit suicide. So this mysterious man in the shadows was even more interesting. Ethan wanted to find out the holes missing in this mess and Alrond knew he won’t stop until he does. 

Lady Jane was dead, now an unknown mortal is troubling his brother’s mind. He could only sigh and let Ethan do his thing. Ethan was after all the ruler of Zathkanan Palace, was far better and smarter than him in instances like this. 

“A mortal would have died after such powerful infiltration in their mind, this one survive with nothing but a fever and migraine. She even saw him, the mysterious man in a vision. She saw him around me and I couldn’t sense him. Isn’t that interesting?” Ethan said and Alrond’s heart dropped.

Ethan would chase what he found interesting, so most things he chased were often to dangerous for even someone like Lady Jane to handle, but had conquered all easily. This mortal detective was quite something, though he had not seen her before, he knew she would only cause trouble. He sighed, having no choice.

“Do what you feel is best then,” he said and Ethan smiled, a gesture that thousands of people would kill to even get a glimpse. 

“You are always on my side, and will make a great successor,” Ethan said patting him on his shoulders. Alrond smiled back, his heart filled with warmth.

“Just be careful,” Alrond said, his voice low. Ethan threw his head back in laughter. Alrond didn’t find this funny at all so he just stood there staring at Ethan. As Ethan realized this he became quiet, but the smile still there.

“I will,” he said.

Alrond brightened up and turned to take his leave, then hesitated and walked back to Ethan, “Ethan, knowing that your mood might not be bright tonight, I made preparation for a beauty to keep you company,” he said.

“A beauty?”

“Yes,” Alrond nodded, “she is definitely going brighten your mood.”

Alrond knew his brother loved the most beautiful of women, so he had brought one to the alpha residence Incase he came back with a grim mood.

Ethan nodded appreciatively and Alrond turned to take his leave.