Emily At An All Boys Werewolf Academy!

In sorrow.

Emily’s pov

The entire household is in mourning. Black banners drape the walls and courtyard, signaling our grief to all. The maids wear long black gowns instead of their usual uniforms; even the butler’s customary white gloves are gone, leaving his hands bare. I make my way to the living room, where my mother, father, the Alpha King, and other guests wait, all cloaked in sorrow.

I won’t tell them about the cryptic note my brother sent me before his death. That note is why I believe he was murdered—and the real reason I called this meeting.

The announcer calls my presence. As the doors open, waves of wails and muffled sobs hit me, heavy as a storm. I take a steadying breath. I cannot waver; I cannot show weakness. I will get what I want: justice for my brother.

“Emily greets Father, Mother, and the Alpha King,” I say, bowing with a controlled politeness, my eyes facing forward rather than downward, a small act of defiance.

“Rise, rise, my child,” the Alpha King responds. In this room, he holds the highest power—even above my parents. They must wait for his permission to speak.

I stand, lifting my chin just a little higher, a silent sign of my resolve. The King gestures for me to sit with my parents. As I turn, I catch sight of my mother’s tear-streaked face, her eyes swollen from grief. This loss hit her the hardest. My father and I have kept our composure, if only for her sake.

“Sir Taylor, it brings me great sadness that we’ve lost such a promising young man,” the Alpha King says. “Your son was destined to be our next great scholar, a fierce fighter, and a symbol of pride for our land.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” my father says in a low voice, barely audible. The Alpha King is practically sovereign over the lands of Scotland, with his family reigning as royalty. The aristocrats follow, and though there are only ten families, ours ranks the lowest. My brother’s achievements had brought us recognition, but now that he’s gone, I suspect the others are already circling like vultures.

“Ahem, Your Majesty…” Mr. Harris, from the sixth-ranking family, steps forward.

“Ah, yes… Unfortunately, Brother James,” the Alpha King continues, turning back to my father, “with your son’s passing, there is no one left to hold your household’s titles. Therefore—”

“Your Majesty, please have mercy,” my father interrupts, his voice trembling as he kneels on one knee. “Do not strip us of our possessions. How will my wife and daughter survive? This is their home. I beg you.”

I knew it. This is what they were after: the lands, the resources, everything my brother had won for our family. Could it be that one of them orchestrated his death?

The Alpha King shakes his head. “Brother James, you put me in a difficult position. Who will lead the household? You?”

“His Majesty is correct,” chimes in an elder. “In these troubled times, we need young blood to hold family titles. You, Brother James, have been unable to fight since the rogues disabled you years ago.”

I nearly scoff. They’d praised him for his bravery when he protected the Alpha King, but now they turn his sacrifice against him.

My father’s gaze drops to the floor, defeated. I see my opening. I called this meeting, yet they’re directing it. It’s time I took control.

I kneel beside my father.

“Little Emily, what are you doing?” The Alpha King’s voice softens, using the nickname he gave me before he was crowned. Back then, he was a regular Alpha, and my father, his best friend and Beta. When my father was demoted, his friend ascended to Alpha King.

“Permission to speak, Your Majesty,” I say, keeping my gaze fixed on the base of the green plant beside his chair. I dare not meet his eyes—he might see the glare in mine.