Author's POV:
Many Years Ago
The weather had turned cold without a warning.
Winter was arriving earlier than expected, and the alphas planned to celebrate it in the way they preferred.
The ground sat in the center of the open field.
Rows of cushioned seats circled it, rising upward in wide curves.
These seats were restricted to the alphas, royal betas, higher-ranked gammas, their families, and the council members.
The sky was cloudy, but daylight still fell across the field in pale patches.
Every alpha and luna from the North, South, East, and West had taken their places in the front rows.
Behind them sat the royal betas with their families, and behind them were the royal gammas with theirs.
On the far side, the warriors' gate opened. A line of orphans walked out.
Their clothes were loose and old.
They tried to keep their pace steady, but their legs trembled as they stepped onto the dirt.
Each carried a sword. The months of training showed in their tired faces.
