A few hours earlier.Clara stood in front of Cassius, Kaitlyn, and Nickolas, looking at them in confusion. - Do not be scared, child. - The witch gave her a reassuring smile. - We would like to know how you got to the mountains unnoticed. This information may be essential and crucial for all of us. - We came through a tunnel, my lady. - The girl replied, shrugging her arms. - Your daughter told us what to do and where to go. I followed her directions. - Tunnel? What tunnel?- Nickolas gave Cassius a puzzled look, but the Dragon Prince only shook his head. He had no idea what this girl was talking about. If there was some sort of secret passage to the mountains, he was not aware of that. - Can you show us where exactly you came in here?- Kaitlyn glanced at Clara again, and the girl nodded. - It was in the cave where the warriors found us. I did not dare to move any further. The witch looked at her companions. They had only one choice. They needed to go back to this cave and invest
Lucius stood in the middle of a coronation room. For ages, kings and queens were officially presented to their people here at the beginning of their reign. He closed his eyes, remembering his celebration. People were cheering while his parents were beaming with pride. He was supposed to be a great king—the greatest of them all. And he fulfilled that. There was no one above him. His people loved him. The one who did not- learned to fear him instead. - What are you doing here?- Lucius asked, not taking his eyes off the massive throne under the wall. As children, he and Cassius loved to watch their father sitting there during his meetings. - I was worried about you.- Demetria said, coming closer. She was here, before him, but Lucius decided to ignore her presence. - Were you? Is there a reason to be worried about me?- The Dragon King finally looked at his daughter. She looked exactly like her mother. Kaitlyn was the only woman who managed to warm up his cold heart—a woman who betra
Demetria's body was shaking as her magic was flowing through her veins. Her wings were flapping gently behind her back. She checked on her shield, and the barrier was stable. That was a good thing, as she doubted she could defeat her father and Callista at the same time. ~Believe in yourself. We are strong, and we can finish it all.~ Elena spoke calmly in her mind. - There is no coming back anyway.- The girl replied, not taking her eyes off her father. Callista was shouting behind the barrier, but the sound was muffled. ~ No, there is no coming back. The rebels are here. They followed you, even without knowing you. We cannot disappoint them.~ Her dragon said with confidence. - They followed freedom. And I want to offer it to them. I want to give freedom to the whole land.- Demetria replied, balling her fists. The flames on them shone with a new power. - It looks like you fooled all of us.- The girl shivered when she heard Luciu's voice. - I did not listen to what Callista was sa
Kaitlyn and Cassius watched Demetria with concern. It had been hours since the fight was over, and the girl was still shaken. The Dragon Prince joined both women as soon as the battle was over, and Luciu's warriors were defeated. Some of them sadly died, but those who surrounded themselves were spared. Rebels tried to avoid killing, but it was not always possible. The royals who lived in the castle were captured and locked. Their future depended on their decisions. Kaitlyn wished for them to make a Blood Promise to the new ruler. Prisoners from dungeons who disobeyed Luciu's will were now released and could reunite with their families. Messengers were sent to spread the information about the Dragon King's death. The days of his tyranny were over. - Demetria, child, say something.- Cassius came closer and put his hand on the girl's arm, but she only shook her head. Kaitlyn pulled herself a chair and sat in front of her daughter. - Tell us what is going on, and we will try to help
Eighteen birthday. Kaitlyn stood in the middle of the street. The pouring rain was washing off the tears from her face. Her hair stuck to the neck, water dripping from the strands. ~ I look like a scarecrow. ~ She thought to herself, squeezing her necklace in her hand. ~ There must be some shelter nearby. I can not stay here all night. She pulled her bag close to her chest and started walking. Inside, she had some dry clothes. That was all Kaitlyn had grabbed before she left the place that had been her home for the last eighteen years. No matter how painful it was, she could not stay here anymore, not after today. Kaitlyn turned North. Next to the pack borders should be the old barn, forgotten by everyone. It would be an excellent place to stay, at least until it's raining. The girl reached her destination an hour later. The door was slightly open, wide enough so the petit girl like her could squeeze herself in. Inside was dry; that was the success itself. Kaitlyn took off her
- Do you think she will like it?- Shioban looked at her husband, passing him a small long box. The man opened it to find a gold bracelet with a small figurine attached to it. He smiled, looking at the creature it was representing. - I think it is perfect. You made a great choice. It is very accurate on this occasion. This night will be memorable for all of us.- Felix closed the box and gave it back to his Luna. - I am sure Kaitlyn will be thrilled. - I am a little scared of how she will handle the news. - Me too, but we cannot wait any longer. She will find out one way or another. Hopefully, it will be easier with a family by her side. - Felix nodded. - Maybe this will fix her relationship with Kylan. Those two are smart enough to pretend everything was fine, but I caught Kylan eying her when he thought no one was looking. This boy has something against her, but whenever I try to talk to him, he denies everything. We need to put an end to this. - Shioban said with concern, squeezin
Kaitlyn could not conceal her excitement. She had a wolf. They were all wrong, so wrong. She was not wolfless. Unfortunately, there was no one to see her little victory. ~Oh, sweetheart, I am not a wolf.~ The voice in her mind said in amusement. - What do you mean by that? Am I not the werewolf? - Kaitlyn was confused. She remembered all the stories her mother, Shioban, told her about the first shift. In the beginning, you would hear your wolf's voice in your mind; then you would turn into it. So far, everything has been correct, except for the fact she has not shifted yet. Kaitlyn was not in a rush since it was a painful experience, from what she had heard from her mother. ~ You are adorable, thinking I am a little, fluffy pup. ~ Her beast chuckled while Kaitlyn was stunned. In her pack, all werewolves were enormous creatures with teeth and claws that could top you apart in a matter of seconds. Calling them fluffy pups sounded like a bad joke. - I am sorry, but I do not follow.
Shioban wasted no time before shifting. Felix called her, and Luna could still hear the worry in his voice. She knew him well enough to understand that the situation had to be serious. ~ I am on my way. I will be there shortly. ~ Shioban briefly mind-linked her husband, speeding through a forest. - Good, but hurry up. Katlyn's beast is awakened. ~ Felix replied with tension in his voice. Luna almost tripped hearing this. She was correct; the situation was severe. Shioban's heart ached. Her daughter was going through such a hard time, and she was all alone, without her family. Luna increased her speed, pushed by fear. Soon, she noticed the old building, which could be nothing else than a barn, as described by her husband. His faint scent was already lingering in the air. Shioban was in the right place. ~ Almost there. ~ She told Felix. Shioban shifted back, putting her clothes on in a rush. Soon, Luna was ready to enter the barn and face whatever awaited her. The woman came in