ALPHA BURDEN

POV: Darrell Williams

My mind racing, I paced my office. It had been three days since Ivory, Hardin, and Jenna vanished from sight. The group was afraid, and I was powerless.

My thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. I beckoned them inside.

Grim-faced, Elder Rovin came in. "Alpha, we need to talk." Knowing this wouldn't be good, I let out a sigh. "What is it, Elder?"

With creaking old bones, he sat down. "The group is agitated. Regarding the missing members, they seek explanations." "It's true," I replied while stroking my hair. "But I don't have any answers to give them."

Rovin the Elder bent forward. "Then perhaps it's time to consider... other options." I became motionless. "What do you mean?" "The old ways," he muttered to himself. "There are rituals that could help us find them." I gave a headshake. "Not at all. Those customs carry a risk. We must not take a chance." "Can we risk not doing it?" Elder Rovin posed a question. "Every day they're gone, the pack grows more