The Task

Over the towering cliffs was a decrepit, respected, and antique castle-like structure with four square towers, each with azure coated top, distributed in a seemingly random pattern, built-in for an ideal defense and bound by strengthened, vast walls made of grey stone and a sizeable gate with thick wooden doors.

Within the Castle training yard, stood a fair maiden with long curly pitch-black hair, peering at the target with her dull pitch-black orbs. Her bow and arrow aimed at the target, she drew back her bow and let the arrow loose, and it drilled the target.

A man with a huge build long pitch-black hair and sharp hazel eyes, in black leather armor and black leather boots with a blood stain Claymore, walked into the training yard. All the guards present there bowed and said, “Greetings, your highness Alpha King Theon”.

Amaria rolled her eyes, took another arrow from her quiver, aimed at the target once again, drew the bow back, and let the arrow loose, but this time she missed the target.

“ Shit! I missed” She cursed under her breath.

“ Amaria, I want to speak to you,” He said, Amaria sighed and turned to face him. The man waved his hands indicating that the guards should leave, and they all left.

“ What is the issue? Uncle Theon” Amaria asked, Theon furrowed his eyebrows and said,“ do not address me like that, this isn't the first time, I'm warning you if you call me your uncle again I swear on … ” Amaria scoffed and interrupted him,“ I understand your highness, so what's the issue? ”, Theon's nose flared as he glared daggers at Amaria.

“ I have a task for you,” He said,

“ How wonderful! I thought I wasn't allowed to go on missions. After all, I'm a disgrace to the pack and the entire Ashmael empire” Amaria retorted.

“ If you complete this task, It will mean you are worthy of being a member of the Moonstone pack,” He said, ignoring her remark.

Amaria sighed and stared at him for a moment,“ what is this task? ” she asked sharply. ' This is a great opportunity to show my worth, I mustn't lose it' she thought.

“ Level two daemon boars are terrorizing a small town named Symar located on the east side of the city of Evall,” He started,

' level two? I have never fought a level two daemon before,' Amaria thought as she pursed her lips.

“ I want you to retrieve the head of one of the daemon boars.”

“Of course, you won't go alone, I have sent word to three other packs, and each has agreed to bring out one of their best young warriors. These warriors will accompany you, you must leave by dawn, tomorrow” He explained.

“ I understand I will do as you say your highness” Amaria replied, and he walked away.

Amaria stayed at the training yard until evening, training with all her might,

' I must prove myself worthy and become a member of the Moonstone pack,' she thought.

After training, she walked back to her room and lay on her small, shabby mattress. Just when she was about to sleep, she heard a knock on her door. She stood up, walked towards the door, and opened it, To reveal one of the Luna Queen's maids.

“ Amaria, the Queen has requested an audience with you,” The maid said, staring at her with a contemptuous look.

“ It's' Lady Amaria', not Amaria and don't look at me like that, you're just a maid so act like one” Amaria replied angrily as she walked out of the room. The maid nodded slowly with a tiny glint of anger in her eyes as she watched Amaria walk away,' hmph! You think you will last in this castle, just wait and watch' The maid thought.

Amaria stopped in her tracks and turned to look at the maid,“ Aren't you going to take me to where she is? Or are you going to stand there glaring at me? ”

The maid nodded and walked past her, so she could lead the way, and Amaria followed.

Amaria walked into the castle and stared at it in awe, she has never seen anything like this before, this was her first time being in the castle. Amaria and the maid walked down the hallway and stopped in front of a huge wooden door that led to the dining room.

The maid bowed and said,“ she is waiting for you inside, I shall take my leave” and left.

Amaria pushed the door open gently and saw a woman sitting at the end of a very long table. ' Diana, Luna of The Moonstone pack, and Queen of Ashmael Empire is sitting in front of me, this is such a great honor,' Amaria thought trying to hide how excited she was.

The queen had a cunning smile on her face as she stared at Amaria with her shrewd Amethyst eyes,“ Lady Amaria, please have a sit”

Amaria smiled and nodded slowly as she sits at the other end of the table. Diana shook her head and asked,“ Lady Amaria come sit here, why are you sitting over there? ” using the hand fan to point at a seat close to her.

“ I dare not sit beside your highness,” Amaria said.

“ You are my husband's niece, you have every right to sit beside me” Diana replied, Amaria gulped and nodded slowly as she walked towards the seat and sat on it.

“ I heard The King gave you a task, I'm glad he finally recognized you. I have watched you train nonstop over the years, you are even skilled in handling all kinds of weaponry,” Diana said, praising Amaria.

“ Thank you, your highness,” Amaria replied with an upset look.

“Amaria, the only reason your uncle didn't give you a chance was that you were unable to transform into your werewolf form, and you also have no skill in magic,” Diana said again, she signaled one of her maids to bring the jewelry box in her hand, The maid bowed and placed the box beside Diana, bowed again and left.

Diana opened the box and brought out a magnificent silver necklace with a bright blue crystal.

“ This is for you, It is made from the moon crystal, it's like a good luck charm” Diana beamed as she handed it to Amaria. But Amaria refused,“ pardon me your highness but I don't think I deserve such a beautiful gift”

Diana sighed and placed the necklace into Amaria's hands,

“ it is a crime to refuse a gift from The Queen,” Diana said sternly, Amaria's eyes widened and stuttered,“ I'm sorry… ”

Diana chuckled softly and said,“ I was joking, but please take this gift, think of it as a gift given by a mother to her dearest child”

Amaria smiled and said, “thank you, your highness”

“ You're welcome, now dear get some rest,” Diana said, Amaria bowed and said,“ I shall take my leave, have a good rest your highness” and she walked out of the dining room.

The Next Morning, at dawn…

Amaria stared at her reflection in the mirror as she wore the necklace The Queen gave to her; she felt a slight sting on her neck, she massaged her neck, shrugged, and walked out of her room.