5_ past

(A few years ago), the day Killian and Kyzer were born.

The door to the Alpha's chamber was slightly ajar. Kevin, the pack's Zeta, hurried off to inform the Alpha that a large group of rebellious residents had gathered for a rally. They were suggesting that we find a way to escape from our current situation. The reason behind this was that our country was slowly deteriorating, and if we didn't find a way to revive it, our future generations would suffer from starvation. Our main source of food was diminishing. Kevin was determined to inform the Alpha.

However, he paused when he overheard someone speaking. It wasn't in his nature to eavesdrop on conversations, but this was an exception.

"Luna, what is the meaning of this? Don't deceive me. I am not foolish. I can clearly see that this is a map for escaping from this place. It shows the route, instructions, and how to survive on the surface. Why have you kept this information from me?" Luna confronted the Alpha.

"Because I made a promise to my late father that no one would know about the way to the surface. It was meant to be a secret only for our family's legacy. I couldn't reveal the existence of life below the surface, as it ensured the longevity of our family's heritage. Unlike if we were to ascend to the surface, my ancestors believed that the beings above were far more powerful than us," the Alpha explained.

Kevin took a step back as he observed the slightly open door, but the Alpha turned and noticed his Zeta. Fear filled the Alpha's widened eyes. The Zeta shook his head, conveying his desperation. He didn't know what to do. He wanted to flee and inform the others about what he had heard, despite being a Zeta. He vowed to listen and ensure that everything he said and did was authorized by his Alpha.

"Kevin, stay where you are," the Alpha commanded.

Hearing his Alpha's words, the Zeta swallowed hard. However, he couldn't simply stand still. If he did, it might be his last day on earth.

He shook his head, indicating his refusal to comply.

"I'm sorry, Alpha," he apologized before swiftly turning and fleeing.

The Alpha, with a mix of irritation in his green eyes, looked at his wife.

"We'll discuss this later," the Alpha remarked as he left her room.

With his trusted Zeta gone, the Alpha wasted no time in gathering his warriors.

Meanwhile, Kevin entered his mansion and informed his wife, Zoe, that they needed to escape. He also included his younger brother, Colton, and their identical twin sons, Killian and Kyzer.

"What's wrong, Kevin?" Zoe asked, concerned.

"Please, don't speak. I'll explain, but for now, just follow my instructions. The Alpha will surely eliminate all of us. We need to leave this place immediately, or else we'll die," Kevin urgently replied.

Kevin glanced at his twin sons. It pained him that his wife had given birth just last night, and now they were faced with this situation.

"What are you saying?" Zoe asked, bewildered.

"I mean, stop talking and gather whatever you can!" Kevin emphasized, determined to protect his family.

Kevin's wife couldn't hold back her tears as she followed her husband's commands without questioning further. The entire family quickened their pace, sensing the urgency of the situation.

In a hushed voice, Kevin shared what he had witnessed earlier, and his wife listened intently, though she didn't fully grasp the gravity of the situation. What she understood was that there was a way to reach the surface.

Zoe, on the other hand, remained silent and focused on packing their belongings.

"Enter through the back entrance and walk swiftly," Kevin instructed. He carried everything they owned, while Zoe held their son, Kyzer, and supported Kevin's brother, Killian.

As they fled, the sound of approaching soldiers grew louder. Kevin realized they needed to split up and take different paths to confuse their pursuers. His only thoughts were on survival and protecting his family. He was willing to sacrifice his own life for their sake.

"Colton, go straight ahead to the right. Zoe, go straight ahead to the left," Kevin directed, his voice filled with urgency. "Promise me you'll do whatever it takes to survive. Please, live for me."

Zoe's tears, which had only just begun to flow the previous night when their twins were born, continued to stream down her face. She hadn't realized that every smile and laugh had come at a cost. Now, they had to pay that price.

Reluctant to leave, Zoe soon discovered that an arrow had pierced through Kevin's back.

"No, Kevin! Please, no," she pleaded.

"Zoe, please go," Kevin urged.

"No, I won't leave you!"

"Yes, you must, for the sake of our sons!"

Taking a deep breath, Zoe steeled herself. She was prepared to die that night, but her son had to survive.

As another volley of arrows flew towards them, Zoe's eyes widened in horror. She quickly closed her eyes, bracing herself for the impact. In that moment, she felt her husband's embrace, shielding her from the deadly projectiles. The arrows found their mark, piercing Kevin's body, and Zoe could feel the warm, sticky blood on her skin. They were both drenched in crimson.

She couldn't comprehend the pain she felt, unsure if it was from the arrow or the branches that obstructed their path earlier. Her mind screamed in denial as she desperately tried to fight back.

"God," she whispered, her voice filled with anguish.

"Kevin, please, no!" Zoe pleaded, her voice trembling.

"Please, Zoe, you have to go," Kevin urged, his voice weak but determined. "Remember how you always wanted to reach the surface? What if there's a way to make it happen?"

Confusion clouded Zoe's mind. "What are you saying?"

"The Alpha, Zoe, he has a hidden map," Kevin revealed, his voice fading. "He kept it from us."

Kevin's last word before collapsing to the ground was a plea for her to go.

Before leaving, Zoe leaned down to give her husband one final kiss. She looked at her son, Kyzer, and silently prayed for the safety of his twin.

"I promise, my love, we will be reunited," Zoe whispered into the air, her voice muffled by her grief.

As she ran through the forest, Zoe's gaze fixated on the openings above, hoping for a way to the surface. The moon seemed to mock her with its smile, and she couldn't help but despise its indifference.

"There must be a way to reach the top," she repeated to herself, a mantra of determination echoing in her mind.