The conference hall was abuzz with the soft hum of conversation and the occasional tap of fingers on keyboards. The room was filled with an assortment of guests; amongst them scientists with laptops open, businesspeople typing away on their iPads, and academics looking about them excitedly, in their wire-rimmed glasses and cardigans. The hall itself was a masterpiece of modern design, with sleek lines and minimalist decor. The walls were painted a crisp white, and the floor was made of polished dark wood. A 200 inch flat-screen TV dominated the podium, casting a pale glow over the assembled guests.Dr. Peterson Ganner, with a contented smile on his face, stood at the back of the hall, surveying the crowd with a keen eye. He nodded to the security guards stationed at the doors, their imposing presence a subtle reminder of the importance of the event.As the guests settled in, a sense of anticipation descended over the hall. The moderator, a tall young man in his early thirties, exudin
When the reactions from the audience had died down and the hall was quiet once more, Justine continued with his lecture, his voice much more firm and resolute. "I know this may be hard for some of you to take in. In fact, I understand that despite the gruesome experience that I've shared with you, some of you may still think werewolves are mere myths, legends created to scare children into behaving. But I assure you, they are as real as you and I, and even though they exist in a realm far away from our cities, that doesn't mean they can't reach us whenever they decide to."He paused, surveying the room once more, his gaze intense and mesmerising. The audience was transfixed, their faces etched with a mix of fascination and alarm."My wife is dead. As painful as that sounds, I have taught myself to accept the reality that she won't come back. However, I won't sit idly by and wait until the werewolves decide that they don't want humans on this earth anymore. Make no mistake: a human, no
In the solitude of his room, Thane stood before the mirror, his eyes scanning his reflection as he buttoned up his crisp white shirt, the soft fabric rustling beneath his fingers. He'd had to buy a few more clothes, especially sweatshirts, to combat the chilly winter air that seeped into his bones. Lunarville's climate was much milder, and all his life, he had never encountered the biting cold he experienced in New York City.Thane sighed. The thought of the weather had taken his mind back to Lunarville. He wondered how Councillor Gallum and Chief Candar were managing, especially without the presence of a direct Beta to assume responsibility in the Alpha's absence. His brow furrowed. What about Villapaw? They must have learnt of his absence by now. Were they keeping the peace, or had they broken the agreement and resorted to their usual raids? He thought about Omah and Shinkana, wondering what they had been up to since he left. Omah retains the title of Luna, and ever since Shinkana
Vinnie led Thane into her office, a cozy space with a desk, two chairs, and a bookshelf filled with novels and travel guides. She motioned for him to take a seat, and he did, his eyes scanning the room. "I hope everything is to your satisfaction, Mr. Thane?" Vinnie asked, her brow furrowed in concern. "Are you enjoying your stay with us?"Thane smiled. "Of course, it's been a pleasant stay so far. I'm actually here on a more personal matter.Vinnie's expression changed from concern to curiosity. "Oh? Shoot. What can I do for you?"Thane leaned forward, his eyes locking onto Vinnie's. "I was actually wondering if you could help me look into something... You see, I'm looking for someone. A woman. Her name is Lylah. It's a very long story, but she's the main reason I'm in New York. She came here sometime ago, and... I've been trying to find her. There's an urgent matter that requires her attention, and things could get really bad if I don't find her soon enough."Vinnie was looking at h
Thane paced back and forth in his room, his mind a maelstrom of thoughts. He had been in New York for almost a year, yet he was no closer to fulfilling his mission. The restlessness had been building up for weeks, exacerbated with Vinnie telling him, time and again, that she hadn't been able to get any information about Lylah. He recalled the last visit to Vinnie's office, earlier in the morning. "I'm starting to lose hope," he'd said, his voice laced with desperation. "It's been months...yet nothing."Vinnie had leaned back in her chair, a sympathetic expression on her face. "I understand your frustration, Mr. Thane. But don't give up just yet. I'll keep asking around, one way or the other, something might surface."But her words had offered Thane no solace. "But how?" He'd pressed. "You said that even the name sounded strange to those you sent it to." Vinnie had cocked her head to one side. "Yes. The name turned out to be a um...unique, so to say. The names that came close, say Li
Kael lay sprawled on the lush green lawn, his fingers dancing amidst the roots of the flowers as he poked at the insects hiding there. His bright blue eyes sparkled with fascination, but his usual carefree smile was noticeably absent.Justine emerged from the mansion's front door, his footsteps crunching on the gravel path as he approached the lawn. On spotting Kael, a warm smile spread across his face, and he called out, "Hey, buddy! What are you up to?" Kael's response was a mere grunt, his gaze still fixed on the flowers. Justine's smile faltered, and he quickened his pace, his concern growing with each step. He knelt down beside Kael, his voice low and gentle. "Hey Kael, what's wrong? Are you alright?"Kael nodded, then his eyes slowly lifted, the corners of his mouth drooping downward. His bright blue eyes had lost their sparkle, and his eyebrows furrowed, creasing his forehead in a map of worry.Justine's heart skipped a beat as he took in Kael's troubled features, his mind rac
BROOKSTONE CLAN The evening air was cool and calm in the Alphahold of Brookstone, where the seven Alphas of the Realm had convened. The air was think with tension as they all sat around a large, ornate table, their faces illuminated by the soft glow of lanterns. Alpha Cochram of Brookstone, the moderator of the Alpha Convention, sat at the head of the table, his dark brown eyes surveying the gathering."The matter that has brings us all here this evening, is one of great importance." Alpha Cochram began, his deep voice commanding attention. "The ongoing war between Villapaw and Lunarville has reached a critical point. As guardians of this Realm, it is imperative we find a solution to this crisis, and put a stop to this senseless bloodshed."Alpha Thane of Lunarville shifted in his seat. His brown hair was mussed, and his piercing blue eyes appeared weary. The two-year-long war had evidently taken its toll, etching deep lines on his forehead and around his eyes. Yet, despite the exha
As Thane stood outside, feeling the darkness descend on the courtyard, his mind reeled with the thoughts of the war that he had declared immediately he came back from New York. Part of him felt very grateful for this convention, even though the other part of him didn't really want to end the war without totally wiping Villapaw out. However, many of the Alphas had shown their staunch support for him, against Villapaw, and for that, he was deeply grateful. The war had to end. Many of his fighters were dead, even though the number of their dead was nothing compared to that of Villapaw. But the war had to end, Thane knew that. So when a short while later they were invited back into the courtyard, his mind was already made up to accept whatever peace settlements the convention would have drawn up. "Alpha Thane," Alpha Cochram began. "On behalf of all the Alphas of the Realm, we implore you to halt the hostilities against Villapaw. While you may have valid reasons to continue this war, t
The sight of Justine's figure in the open doorway made Lylah's heart sink, her alarm turning into terror as she realized that with this intrusion all her effort to convince Kael and make him see reason - which seemed to be working - might just be washed down the drain with Justine's sudden appearance. Justine took a few steps inside, his eyes scanning the room with an air of authority. Lylah stood up abruptly, a cold sweat breaking out on her forehead as Justine's gaze settled on her."What have you two been discussing?" Justine asked, his voice cold and detached.Lylah tried to brace herself, her voice firm despite the fear that threatened to overwhelm her. "What I discuss with my son is none of your business, Justine."Justine's smile was a thin, cruel line. "As long as you're in my house, it's very much my business.""Ha!" Lylah exclaimed, her eyes flashing with anger. "Your house?" She shrieked. "Like I asked to be locked up in this glorified prison! Why don't you call your guards
Lylah stood outside Kael's room, her hand hovering over the door handle as she gathered her thoughts. She still felt groggy and tired from the uneasy sleep she'd had the night before, however her conversation with Angela had sparked a determination within her. She took a deep breath, her resolve solidifying, and knocked on the door.The door swung open, and Kael stood before her in a bathrobe, wiping his damp hair with a towel. A warm smile spread across his face as he caught sight of her. "Mom." He beamed, "How are you? I stopped by your room last night to check on you, but there was no answer when I knocked."Lylah forced a smile. "Everything's fine, sweetheart. I was just out for a walk in the yard."Kael's eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze piercing as he searched her face. Despite her reassurance, the tension in her shoulders and the faint crease between her eyebrows betrayed her true emotions. "You look a bit troubled," he said, his voice gentle. "Do you want to come in and sit do
The sky above had darkened to a deep shade of indigo as Lylah spoke, and stars were beginning to twinkle like diamonds scattered across the canvas of the universe. The air had grown cooler, bringing back the scent of damp earth and the distant hint of rain. Angela stood facing Lylah, taking in the outlines of her face in the bright lights surrounding them, a lot of questions on her mind. She reached out and took Lylah's hand. It was soft and tender. Angela squeezed it gently, as though trying to convey her support and understanding without words."Well, what happened then? How did you manage?" She asked, keeping her voice as soft and encouraging as possible. "It wasn't easy at all," Lylah said, gazing down at her feet which was beginning to hurt. "Naturally my parents were summoned. It was a very uncomfortable scene. My mother was disappointed, yes, but wanted me to just say the truth so that she could find a way to help me. My father on the other hand, well, I think his anger was m
The pale sun was now dipping below the horizon, transforming the lawn into a warm, golden oasis. Sharp lights flickered to life all over the mansion, casting a gentle glow over the lush greenery and the delicate flowers waving up into the sky.Lylah stood watching them, her hands folded over her chest, and her eyes fixed on Angela's face as she pondered whether she could trust her. The fading light danced across Angela's features, illuminating her hazel eyes and bold smile. Lylah's heart swelled with a mix of emotions - fear, uncertainty, yet a deep longing for connection."My life has been a series of events that I never could have imagined," she began, blinking at the dahlias which were swaying lightly in the evening breeze. "You must know by now that I grew up among my kin, werewolves, that is?" She asked, turning to look intently at Angela, who nodded vigorously. "Well," she continued, averting her gaze once more, "I had only heard of other humans who weren't werewolves in storie
The heavy rain that had been falling for most of the day had stopped at late afternoon, leaving behind a faint scent of wet earth and a sky that was slowly clearing. A weak sun had appeared in the sky, casting a pale glow over the mansion's lawn, where droplets of water clung to the blades of grass like tiny diamonds. The automated gate swung open to receive Angela as she walked in, stepping gingerly on the gravel path. As she approached the lawn, she spotted Lylah standing at the far end, strands of her long hair being blown into her face by the soft breeze that followed the rain. Lylah was gazing out absent-mindedly at the flowers that bloomed in soft hues of pink and yellow. There was a distant expression on her face as she looked at the flowers, as though she wasn't seeing them at all. Angela's heart swelled with a mix of curiosity and empathy as she drew closer to her. Her thoughts had been reeling from the conversation she had with Kael, all the while contemplating what he sai
Kael's expression was guarded, his eyes narrowing slightly as he shifted uncomfortably on the bed. The way the visit was unfolding was definitely different from the picture he'd had in his mind all day. He felt like he'd rather not talk about his mother, but Angela's expectant stare and the resolute twist of her lips conveyed to him that he had no choice. He heaved a sigh, and started. "My mom has her issues. Thing is, she can be a bit paranoid sometimes, most of the time, really," he said, his voice low and hesitant.Angela's gaze remained steady, her eyes locked on his. "Paranoid?" she repeated, her voice neutral. "In what way?" Kael looked up at the white ceiling, squinting his eyes at the lights becoming more pronounced in the room now that the rays of the sun was dying away. "Has to do with her history, and the circumstances surrounding my birth, I think. She's always been a bit...overprotective, I guess. And Father...Justine, he's just trying to keep us safe."He looked down t
NEW YORK The large laboratory on the second floor had seen increased activity over the course of the months. It had actually been converted into a state-of-the-art research facility, its sleek workstations and cutting-edge equipment a testament to Justine's commitment to his mission. The soft glow of the overhead lights lit up the place, though it was nothing compared to the brightness of the morning light filtering unobscured through the large large glass windows. Serious-faced technicians in white lab coats moved around the expanse of the room, each focused on his task. At the far end of the room, behind a small table sat Justine, his gaze steady on the laptop in front of him. Beside him sat Kael, eyes glued on the screen as well, taking in all he was doing. Occasionally Justine would explain and point out some things, while Kael would nod, his face set in the most intense concentration. This intense focus, however, was ruffled when towards midday the door opened and a petite-lo
"Roughly eighteen years ago, my brother, Ryker, the Alpha of Lunarville, died." Thane began, his voice echoing through the great hall. "Surely many of you sent your condolences when this happened, and some even came to console me in person. But the fact remains that most of you have been running with the narrative that he died from a horrible accident while hunting." Thane chuckled slightly, a dry, mirthful sound. Then he stretched out his right hand and picked up one of the silver bullets sitting idly in the tray in front of him and held it up. The room was silent, the Alphas' eyes fixed on the bullet as if mesmerized."It was this bullet that killed my brother," he said, his voice low and measured, "Ryker met his death at this hands of this little object in my hand." The room erupted into a cacophony of shocked gasps, horrified whispers, and stunned silence.Alpha Asher's eyes widened in horror, his face pale. "How on earth did someone deep in the werewolf realm come to be shot wi
LUNARVILLE CLAN The warm rays of sunlight filtered through the large open windows of the great hall in Lunarville, illuminating the long table and chairs that had been arranged for the Alpha Convention. Thane, the host Alpha, sat at the head of the table, discussing in low tones with Alpha Billam who was sitting beside him, their voices barely audible as they waited for the other Alphas standing around in discussion and personal greetings to take their seats. Alpha Asher of Ravenhurst, much more advanced in age, walked slowly towards the table. His frail body was supported by Cormac, his son and Ravenhurst's next Alpha. His silver hair was thinning, and his eyes didn't appear as sharp as it used to be. He nodded briefly at Thane and Billam, who returned the gesture respectfully. Cormac didn't spare Thane as much as a glance; he just helped his father into a seat, then turned and left the hall. Next to sit was Alpha Walter of Waterville, who, immediately he sat, started asking Alpha