Chapter 2 Sub-Alpha

TWENTY THREE YEARS AGO

A sudden pain shot through the woman, and she grasped her stomach. The baby was shifting uneasily. She tried to stand, groaning. The baby wasn't due yet, and it would be unhealthy to deliver it too soon in the current situation.

She couldn't afford to hire a witch because she was the only person living there. The members of her clan have left for their employment for the day. Her face was drenched with sweat. She made it to the ill-equipped restroom. She felt her vagina while squatting and supporting herself with the door frame. She was broader than usual. Despite her lack of knowledge about childbirth, she was overcome by the constant impulse to push. As she forced the baby out, she twisted her face in agony. As she pushed the baby out, blood gathered at her feet. The baby slipped out into her waiting arms as she let out a loud cry and gave it one last push. Babe on the chilly floor, she fell to the ground. She was too weak and struggled to get to the infant. She hoped the neighbors would notice the baby's loud cries. She prayed for the baby's survival to the deity.

She mumbled "My Elpida" right before she passed out.

******************************** Our living room sat in silence as we contemplated what the coming day would hold.

The yearly remembrance has arrived. Fifteen halfbreeds were sent annually to the capital in the North from the South, East, and West. Loyalty to the King of the Alphas was demonstrated by this action.

Alcius Deratus is the Alpha King.

In essence, he was a god, unrivaled in wisdom and strength. A direct descendent of the goddess of the moon. Lycan.

He destroyed the pack system more than a thousand years ago, some time after he attained Alpha status.

There were more than a thousand packs at that time. Their alphas were despots, and some of them were distant.

Poverty and persecution resulted from the pack system. As a result, the territorial system was implemented and all packs were destroyed.

Betas were in control of the sections, while sub-alphas oversaw each region.

Each territory has a capital and a total of fifteen sections.

The capital was home to the sub-alpha, his family, and advisors.

Each section's welfare was managed by the betas, who reported to the sub-alpha, who then reported to the monarch.

Although they lacked a sub-alpha, the north was likewise covered by this scheme.

The royal beta received reports from the northern betas before reporting to the monarch.

The sub-alphas and betas in the north had a party every year following the arrival of half-breeds.

Alpha Alcius hated us to his core.

Werewolves and lycans started finding mates in half-breeds after he once said we should be murdered. Since killing them would eliminate possible mates, the ruling was overturned. Our purpose was to serve as slaves.

At the age of 20, all halfbreeds were either sent to the north or to the territory capital. Despite the fact that we were mistreated in the territory capital, a greater faith was undoubtedly in store for those that visited.

At the central capital, we were informed that both werewolves and lycans would treat us like scum.

***

"Esme... You recall all that was taught to you, correct? I gave a nod.

"You must ensure you follow all the rules and most importantly stay away from the alpha"

"Ma, I heard you. Don't stress yourself. I'm going to be fine." Dusting my skirts, I muttered as I made my way to the door.

I was from Section 3. I was unlucky enough to be chosen, as our sub-alpha had chosen from each area.

Together with my parents, I was scheduled to travel to the East Capital, where the other females from the other parts would follow. In two days we were to depart for the central capital.

I followed the well-traveled route to the stream. my zone of comfort. I didn't have many pals when I was little. I was a shy person who tended to isolate herself. I took a particular brew for my weak vision since I became sick very quickly. In addition, I healed more slowly and wounded more readily than a typical halfbreed. I was feeble. I came here to hide and cry every time I was harassed by halfbreeds or werewolves. How will I make it through the north?