Shadows And Strategy
1066 Words
As the days stretched into weeks, a sense of cautious calm began to settle over the Dam-Nighade Pack.
Alpha Theo was relentless in his efforts. Patrols were reinstated. Warriors began rigorous training at dawn. The sound of swords clashing, arrows slicing the wind, and barked orders filled the training fields like music after a long silence.
Yet despite the progress, a quiet void still lingered in the leadership structure.
The positions of Beta and Gamma remained empty—both critical roles in stabilizing the power within the pack.
Theo stood in the war room late one afternoon, reviewing reports under ray of sunlight, looking tired. His brows furrowed as he penned a letter directly to Alpha Damian:
>The pack is steadily recovering, but I must request guidance regarding the vacant roles of Beta and Gamma. The people look to me for direction, but these ranks require careful consideration—especially with the divided loyalties still lingering among those from your former command.
> Awaiting your counsel,
> – Your Loyal Servant, Theo.
---
The Response
The reply came faster than expected—delivered in person by one of Damian’s black-cloaked messengers.
Theo broke the seal, the edges of the scroll still damp with wax.
> Theo,
> You’re doing well—better than many expected. But don’t let your guard down. Loyalty is earned slowly, and lost swiftly.
> As for the Gamma—there should be someone with the bloodline already among you. Dig carefully. True Gammas bear certain instincts—sharp eyes, quick judgment, natural authority among warriors. Watch how they behave in chaos, not calm.
> Leave the Beta role to me. I’ve made my choice. We’ll arrive at the next full moon.
> – Alpha Damian.
Theo reread the letter twice, fingers tightening around the scroll.
Someone… with Gamma blood.
Among them?
He looked out the tall window toward the training grounds, where sweat-soaked warriors clashed under the rising sun. Somewhere in that crowd might be the Gamma—unaware of their hidden lineage.
He would find them.
---
Meanwhile, In The Shadows
Back in the slave quarters, Samantha’s grip on power was tightening.
With her occupying Benita's position, and Paula beginning to favor her more openly, she now had access to kitchen rotas, personal schedules, and servant reports sent to the main house. Every whisper passed through her hands first.
She used this knowledge well—spreading subtle gossip that turned trusted workers against each other, setting up conflicts only she could smooth over. To Paula, she appeared efficient. Loyal.
But secretly, Samantha’s gaze was fixed higher than the maid’s quarters.
She wanted to enter the main house... Tha Alpha's estate
To be seen.
Not just by anyone—but by Alpha Theo himself.
She had plans for him.
Big ones... Thinking of these plans, makes her secretly grin all the time. She wonders how Theo's face will look like on seeing her here..! The thought alone makes her feel like a shy bride waiting for her groom to come see her on the wedding night.
---
The Hidden Bloodline
The morning fog clung to the training fields like a ghost refusing to let go of the past.
Alpha Theo stood at the edge of the clearing, arms crossed, silently watching the young warriors spar. His gaze wasn’t drawn to the strongest or the fastest—no, he was searching for something deeper.
Instinct. Command. Composure under pressure... Just like Alpha Damian pointed out in his letter.
Because Damian’s words still echoed in his head.
> “True Gammas bear certain instincts—sharp eyes, quick judgment, natural authority among warriors. Watch how they behave in chaos, not calm.”
Theo called for a mock combat drill—team vs team, six against six, no strict rules, just one goal: dominate.
The warriors tensed in excitement and confusion. There had been no warning. No structure. Just his command.
Theo watched.
The moment chaos erupted, most fell into old habits—charging, shouting, overexerting.
But one stood out.
A young man named Jiho, quiet, lean, and not one of the more celebrated fighters. But while the others flailed, he observed. Then he moved—fast, precise, like he’d calculated the rhythm of the battle before he even joined it.
He barked orders, instinctively pulling teammates into tighter formation. He used distraction to trap stronger opponents. He didn’t just fight—he led.
When it was over, his team had won—barely scratched.
Theo narrowed his eyes. “That’s him,” he murmured under his breath.
---
Later That Day
Theo summoned Jiho privately to his study.
The young man entered, confused, afraid, while wiping sweat from his brow.
“You called for me, Alpha?”
Theo nodded and motioned for him to sit, but Jiho hesitated. “I’d prefer to stand, sir.”
Theo admired that. Respectful, yet firm.
“I’ve been watching the warriors closely,” Theo began, folding his hands. “And I’ve noticed something about you. You don’t follow chaos… you control it.”
Jiho looked startled. “I just… do what feels right. My father used to say I think too much.”
“Who was your father?” Theo asked.
“His name was Baek Min. He died in the battle.”
Theo's heart skipped. That name… it sounded familiar. He stood and walked to a nearby shelf, pulling out an old leather-bound book—the ancestral registry Damian had handed him.
He flipped through pages until he found it:
> Baek Min – Son of Baek Gun, direct descendant of the Southern Gamma line.
Theo closed the book slowly and looked up at Jiho, whose expression was puzzled.
“You’re not just skilled,” Theo said, voice low but firm. “You’re of Gamma blood.”
Jiho’s eyes widened in disbelief. “That can’t be… I was never told…”
“Then perhaps you were meant to find it the hard way.”
Theo stepped forward and placed a firm hand on his shoulder.
“If you accept this role, Jiho… it won’t be easy. You’ll be tested. Hated by some. Targeted by others. But you’ll have my full trust.”
Jiho nodded slowly, still in shock. “If you believe I can serve the pack, then I’ll do my best.”
Theo smiled faintly. “Good. Because soon… the real test will begin.”
- Writer
