Helena, Stephen, and Damien stepped into a moonlit forest clearing high on Silverpeak Ridge, where shafts of silvery light filtered through towering pines and the scent of pine resin mingled with damp earth.
Frost-laced grass crackled beneath their boots as a lantern's glow from a semi-circular stone dais revealed Marcus standing tall and muscular, his long silver hair catching the moonbeams like spun metal.
Helena's eyes scanned the moonlit clearing, taking in the towering pines and the silver glint of Marcus's hair under the moon. She noticed his tall, muscular frame and the semi-circular stone dais where he stood.
Marcus lifted a hand in greeting, his voice deep enough to stir the night air as he stated, "I am Marcus, Alpha of the Moonwalker Pack," and gestured to the three pack-less newcomers, suggesting they forge an alliance under the pack's banner.
A soft breeze stirred the pines' needles, carrying distant owl calls and the faint hum of nighttime insects as Marcus introduced his daughter Nina—her red hair glowing against her dark leather tunic and her green eyes discerning and proud—then proposed that one of the brothers wed Nina to seal their entry into the pack.
Damien straightened, stepped forward until his boot crunched on the frozen grass, and accepted Marcus's terms without hesitation, his voice steady as he agreed to marry Nina. Stephen's jaw dropped and Helena's breath caught, her gaze flicking between Damien's resolute profile and Marcus's approving nod, while internally Helena realized she wanted Damien all to herself and clenched her fists against her pack jacket.
The clearing fell into a suspended silence broken only by Marcus's quiet words, "Welcome to the Moonwalker Pack," leaving Helena and Stephen frozen under the silver light.
Helena's blood thrummed with mingled disbelief and hurt. The moon hung like a watchful eye above the clearing, silvering Damien's sharp features as he exchanged nods with Marcus. The frost crunched beneath her boots when she shifted her weight, but Damien didn't look back at her. His attention had settled fully on Marcus and Nina, on the promise he'd made in one decisive breath, as if it cost him nothing.
Stephen's stunned silence drew Helena's gaze. His lips parted, but no words came. Even the forest seemed to hold its breath, the only movement Nina's measured step down from the dais. She approached with her chin lifted, red hair rippling like a banner in the lunar glow. Her expression was solemn, almost regal, but tinged with calculation.
Marcus's approval radiated from the dais. "You show wisdom, Damien," he intoned. "Nina is strong, and through her you will know the pack's loyalty."
**
The next day. Lockwood College.
"He what?!" Priya exclaimed.
The walls of the hallway were lined with lockers, some adorned with vibrant stickers and others scratched with initials. Brightly colored posters and flyers covered the bulletin boards, advertising various clubs and events. She, Helena, and Ray walked in a close-knit group, their expressions a mix of confusion, shock, and excitement as they discussed the previous night's events.
"Yes, he agreed to marry Nina." Helena explained then drew a long sigh.
"Nina must be pretty hot then." Ray said.
"Shut up!" Both of the girls said in unison.
Just then, Stephen showed up.
Priya nudged Ray on the shoulder.
"We'll see you guys in class." She said and the two friends left the couple alone.
Helena and Stephen walked side by side, their body language tense and their eyes fixed straight ahead. They both had furrowed brows and their lips pressed into thin lines, lost in their own thoughts.
Stephen broke the silence. "I can't let Damien just go through with this."
Helena nodded. "Yes, it's a lifelong decision."
Stephen agreed then they both stepped into the classroom.
**
Back at the family mansion.
Damien was trying out outfits for the wedding which was to take place after a week. The butler Alfred was shocked at Damien's enthusiasm seeing that he had just met the girl last night.
Damien tried on a tuxedo and glanced at the mirror. "How do I look, Alfred?"
Alfred was brought out of his thoughts. "Like a million dollars, Sir."
Damien shook his head. "Nah, I need something perfect."
Alfred took out a blue-colored suit and held it against Damien's shoulders. "Maybe this will do."
The suit felt smooth and soft against Damien's skin, each button and cuff carefully placed for maximum comfort. Alfred's hands were firm yet gentle as he adjusted the suit on Damien's frame.
"Okay, this is great!" Damien announced. "Thanks Alfred. As always."
"Sir, maybe you should reconsider-"
Damien raised a hand to cut the butler off. "It's my final decision, Alfred. We need a pack if we are going to up again the Original Brothers."
Alfred opened his mouth to speak but no words came out. He knew it was hopeless to try to change Damien's mind. That too, in this 21st century.