The Festival of the Moon took place across all the Kingdoms of Slora but during different seasons and times. This week-long ceremony honoured the concept of forming family ties.Throughout this period, the kingdom was immersed in a series of games and celebrations, as families united to establish agreements for the betterment of their realms.The highlights of the festivities included the Hunter Games and the Sacred Ball. It was believed that the full moon possessed a cosmic energy that drew fated bonds together. Young men and women who had come of age basked in its light, hoping to find an ideal mate at a special ballroom party organised in various parts of Damaris.Damaris celebrated its Moon Festival during the fall, once every three years. The ceremonies were often followed by an increase in newborns.***After a council meeting, Theoden retreated behind the curtains of his throne room. His sister followed, agreeing to chat for a while."I've noticed you've been less available la
"The King has spoken, and as a result, another chance has been given to anyone who wishes to compete for the King's Prize. Only one winner will emerge at the end of the tournament," announced the master of ceremonies after Theoden's speech.Roxanne couldn't hide her displeasure. Her brother's continued ignorance led her to slap the armrest of her seat. She stood in front of the King, consumed by a rage so great her height increased, and her hands grew a set of claws."You will talk to me, or I swear, Theoden, I will bring this building down!" Her teeth appeared as sharp spikes. Axel and Luca, recognizing the validity of her anger, did not attempt to calm her.Theoden looked at his sister, choosing his words carefully. The eyes of the entire Kingdom were on them, and any visible conflict within the royal family could damage his reputation. "Fine, let's talk."With the King's absence, the ceremony had to pause for other minor performances. Arlen couldn't muster the strength to shift dur
Confusion was inevitable as the Crown Prince joined the lineup. The host's gaze shifted to the King's camp, awaiting the final signal. The King himself was taken aback. His sister took charge, granting the green light. Perhaps this would impart a crucial lesson to her brother about respecting boundaries.Arlen felt a sense of numbness. Out in the open were two individuals who meant the world to him. Deep down, Arlen was at ease knowing that his brother was fighting for him. He had enough faith in Rufus' skills to cheer him on.However, Arlen's sentiments regarding Luca's participation remained ambiguous. Even if Damaris' Crown Prince emerged victorious, the King would likely reject their union. Still, Arlen found solace in the fact that he wouldn't be surrendered to a complete stranger. So he kept his fingers crossed, praying. As per the regulations, each competitor was entitled to a single weapon. Accomplished hunters among them wielded cosmos-enlightened blades and axes of their own
Rufus leaned on a wall, propping up his injured leg. "Why isn't this healing?" he muttered to himself. Other competitors found spots to rest, and some stayed silent as they thought about what they had just survived.A few looked at Luca, thinking he might be cheating. But they didn't approach him, not yet. Luca stood across from Rufus, hearing him complain about the small hole in his thigh. "Don't touch it," Luca broke the silence, getting Rufus's attention. "Everything in the arena is designed to kill. That arrow has poison on it. A normal beastman would have died within seconds. Your core must be fighting the poison to keep you alive. That's why the wound won't heal."Suddenly, a commotion came from behind. One of the hunters had collapsed. "He's not breathing," another said. They positioned him and started pressing on his chest to revive him."He's dead," a hunter with silver hair said. Luca's mind shook when they mentioned the dead man had been hurt by a similar arrow. It was a s
"'Rufus!... I forbid you!' The voice echoed like an endless loop swinging in my head. My eyes felt heavy, and my body resembled a lifeless tree awaiting the axe for the furnace. I didn't want to fail, but I was drained- a spent arrow. The venom of the poison that had struck me raced through my veins, poking at my lungs and heart. My core remained scorching. When it turns cold, it will mark the end. I was dying; I could sense it.Was Arlen watching? Did he witness my fall, my weakness?'Rufus!'Why did his voice feel so close, as if he stood right next to me?'Are you seriously going to let Luca defeat you? I knew it! You'll always be second best.'Whoever said that needs to shut up because Arlen wouldn't dare whisper that behind my back, let alone say it to my face.'Yes, I said it. You're weak, and Luca is stronger than you. He'll take care of me when you die!''No, he won't!' I retorted. 'No one can care for Arlen like I do. I'm the only one who knows his true self. I am the sun a
The Next Day...The royal family sat in the garden for breakfast with their would-be in-laws. Everyone quietly picked at their food, trying to regain their appetite after yesterday's horrific and one-of-a-kind Hunter Games.Luca was chastised by his father for undermining his plans by entering the tournament. Roxanne remained unbothered and unapologetic for getting back at her brother for being petty.After they dabbed their lips and finished breakfast, the floor was open for discussions. Faye drew closer to Roxanne, asking about Arlen.Faye: "I can only imagine how devastated he must be after the tournament."Roxanne: "Not at all. Julius is quite grateful for Crown Prince Rufus' intervention."Faye: "That..."Roxanne: "They are together as we speak. Julius wished to keep him company, and I saw no reason to object.""Oh, okay," Faye wore a downcast look, her shoulders slumping as she averted her eyes.Roxanne: "One more thing, Lady Faye. I understand you have my son's interest at hear
"Brother...wait," Arlen dragged his feet and pinched at the fingers clasped around his wrist. Rufus was undeterred and kept tugging until a spirit flame burned his hand. "I don't want to leave tonight, " Arlen cried. "What?" "A few more days. That's all I ask for," Arlen pleaded. "Are you out of your mind? How can you be so stubborn, Arlen? Look, I met the King yesterday and there is something fishy going on. I could tell by the way he spoke." "Okay, but let me have this night, please," Arlen said. "This is not up for debate!" The alpha didn't want to listen. But Arlen was not ready to let go of Luca. "Yes, it is! If I wanted to leave Damaris, don't you think I would have done it a long time ago? I am not that weak, Rufus, and there is just something I have to take care of." "It's Luca again, isn't it? That moth will never love you, Arlen, can't you see?" "..." Arlen said nothing. He slowly backed away until he could run. The look on Rufus' face poked fear into his heart,
Ingram Julius finally revealed himself when the King of Candor played along. Caesar had hoped to keep his brother around for a few more days, but Claude refused, citing urgent matters in Candor. "I'd like my son to get engaged to Rollo's daughter; it'll be easier to visit when that happens." "Hmm... It's a shame my Arlen isn't a flower. Not to make you uncomfortable, Claude, but I would have paired him with your son, Rufus." This was the first time Claude had heard of this. He briefly glanced at Julius before replying. "I had no idea you felt this way." "Never mind that. My boy is a beta. He wouldn't be able to perform his duty as the bride," Caesar laughed. "Arlen is still young; you never know when his true gender may manifest," Claude said. "But Father, Rufus and I grew up as siblings. It would be awkward sharing my life with him," Julius cut in. "That's not an issue at all; it's not like you have the same parents. I know I wanted a hot-blooded alpha for a son, but your mo
Axel barged into his father’s tent as the troops waited for orders to march. “Father, perhaps you should reconsider this war. I spoke to Lady Maren… It seems Luca is already in Ingram.” Theoden adjusted his outer robe. “And she knows this because?” “Luca came to her. He was with Rufus Loughty and David. We can’t proceed without considering their safety.” “You’re mistaken. This gives us even more reason to take down Ingram.” “Father, I beg you, let’s approach this with caution. What if my brother was right and the real culprit wasn’t Arlen? If the other kingdoms lose their heirs, all of this will have been for nothing.” “I forbid you from mentioning this to Zavian. Claude’s son has always been a rebel at heart-it’s not my concern if he gets caught in the fire.” “And Luca? Are you going to doom him as well?” “Think of the people who have died because King Caesar and his son are still alive! Your brother has been brainwashed, Axel. Once that family is dead, we’ll finally be
"Master David, your brother must be very proud of you," Zariah said, clearly impressed by David's wittiness. David chuckled. "Haha, thank you, General, but my brother thinks I’m a wimp." Zariah smiled at the alpha. "Clearly, he’s blind. Stick close to me for the time being. You might learn something new." Her eyes lingered on David for a moment before shifting to the couple in the room. "Arlen," she began, "You will help the citizens hide and use the dead to steer those armies as planned, but not away from the main city. Instead, toward it, closer to Kraken Mountain. If we can get through to the kings, we can offer them the real criminal who burned down their towns to appease them." Arlen’s heart clenched. "What?" Zariah continued as if she hadn’t noticed his distress. "Your father is meeting with the council as we speak. He’s waiting for me to give the final word because he trusts me, as you should. This is my decision. While your ghouls draw the armies towards the coastal
Arlen had summoned only Zariah to his quarters, but she arrived accompanied by Rufus, David, and Nathan. "They wanted to help," Zariah shrugged casually. Arlen glanced at the people now gathered around his table, silently calculating how to keep them safe when the time came. "This is insane, Arlen. You'll be outnumbered," Zariah said, shaking her head. Arlen met her gaze steadily. "The aim is to save as many lives as possible. By the time the clans reach the main city, I’ll have hidden our people. I need two-thirds of our men to make sure my father and uncle are well protected." "And then what?" Zariah asked sharply. "You’re setting us up to fail here." "With all due respect, General, let him finish," Luca interjected, squeezing Arlen's hand. The quiet gesture conveyed his unwavering support. Even if Luca didn’t fully agree with Arlen’s methods, he had no intention of abandoning him. Zariah exhaled silently, her arms folded as she studied the pair. With a slight nod, she
KelletTheoden sat among the circle of leaders, listening to their strategies for the upcoming war when the news arrived. Ingram's border was falling apart. The announcement shifted their battle plan entirely. Instead of laying siege to a fortified city, they would be strolling in with minimal resistance."I hear there are mortals within the walls. Do we evacuate them and deal with the undead?" someone asked.Theoden’s voice was firm. "No. Every man and creature within that place is no ally of ours. They are foes. We must wipe them out.""Are you certain about that?" Zavian interjected, raising a brow. "Wouldn’t it be wiser to focus on the main target - capture the nation as a whole, rather than burning it to the ground? Cut off the head, and the body will fall."Theoden’s gaze sharpened. "King Zavian, the first time we marched against Ingram, we underestimated its strength - its people. That misstep cost us dearly. And while we succeeded in bringing down Pandora, here we are again, c
"I didn’t do anything, Uncle. They left on their own," Arlen mumbled, pouting. Claude sighed heavily, the little one’s stubbornness wearing him thin. This wasn’t the first time Arlen had driven servants away - he had a habit of summoning ghouls to torment them. Just days ago, the previous batch of servants was found in a ditch full of rotting animals. Now, the castle staff lived in fear of the young prince, who acted as though every abandonment was their fault. Queen Basma was the only one capable of reining Arlen in. She had tried reasoning with him but her influence was fleeting; sooner or later, the next set of servants would meet unfortunate fates. One day, Claude returned home with a boy about a year older than Arlen. Julius had been rescued from a group of human traffickers. Julius was a broken soul. His body shrank away from the slightest touch. He spoke to no one and preferred hiding in corners to lying in a bed. It was clear he had endured unimaginable trauma. Claud
By the time Reed realized he had been used- again- it was too late. Julius gently set him on a shabby bed of hay, crouching beside him with an expression of childlike curiosity. "Are you feeling better?" he asked, patting Reed’s head."What happened? What time is it?" Reed groaned, pressing a hand to his throbbing temple. He tried to get up but found his legs numb and unwilling."Wait, don’t try to move. You're still recovering," Julius said, pressing him back down."How could I sleep so deeply? My men… the carriage…" Reed’s voice was dazed, his words scattered.Julius dismissed Reed’s fragmented concerns, believing him to be rambling. "It’s alright, Owen. This will be the last time I take your energy, I promise." He leaned in, brushing a gentle kiss across Reed’s lips.Reed’s brow furrowed as he pulled away. "What did you do, Julius?"Julius’ smile faded. "What are you implying?""What did you need my energy for?"Julius’ face hardened. "If you must know, I collapsed the fog at the b
"Did you miss me?" Arlen asked as Luca thrust into him for what felt like the hundredth time."Every hour, every minute… every second," Luca replied, voice thick with longing."Then kiss me harder. Show me the depth of your despair," Arlen cooed.Luca held Arlen close as if he could disappear at any moment. The memory felt lucid, almost unreal. It was harder for him not to bury himself deeper. It was in an alpha's nature to bite and knot his cherished omega, and Luca was nearly numb with excitement as Arlen wrapped around him like a vine, making desperate, teasing sounds that ignited every instinct within him."Arlen, if we keep going like this, I might fall into a rut.""That's not... fair," Arlen murmured between breaths.Luca lifted his gaze to meet Arlen’s. "Is this not to your liking?""No, that's not what I meant. I have to claim you, Luca.” Arlen averted his eyes, his voice dropping to a whisper. “What if you woke up and changed your mind?"With a steady rhythm, Luca pressed g
Arlen led David to the guest quarters, leaving him in the care of capable servants. He then continued along a different path, Luca close behind. Every now and then, Arlen glanced back with a smile, ensuring that Luca stayed close. As they neared a large compound, Luca presumed the inevitable meeting with his father-in-law was approaching. He braced himself. It was unlikely to be a pleasant encounter given their family history, but it had to happen. The structures of this place felt different from the cold, mechanical landscape of Damaris. The statues here were immense, fearsome, and far removed from the serene ones back home. Guards stood at every corner, their expressions stern and lacking any warmth. For Luca, walking side by side with ‘the’ Arlen Braddock still felt surreal, and yet his heart was overwhelmed with love. When they entered a large room, the doors shut behind them with a quiet snap. Luca turned at the sound, only to notice a faint blue hue glowing over the ex
For a moment, Arlen studied Luca’s face as if caught in a daydream, focusing on all the features he longed to touch- his eyes, ears, cheeks, lips. Luca, however, stood motionless, like an old tree rooted in place.But Arlen dropped to his knees. Luca clenched his fists as he struggled to find a way to redeem himself. The sight of Arlen touching his feet, as though a lowly servant, made Luca feel like the monster Rufus had always claimed he was. It was a sharp reminder of the blind hatred he’d harboured for over a decade before their paths had crossed. “I should’ve told you the truth. I tried, but…” Arlen’s voice was frail. Somehow he couldn’t shake the fear that Luca had come to end his life. His heart sank further when Luca hesitantly pulled his feet away. However, Luca had other other plans. Arlen watched, confused, as the alpha knelt, lowering himself until their eyes were level. His breath caught when Luca’s forehead dipped to touch the hem of his robe. “Forgive me, Your Highn