Chapter 2

'Nina, you and the rest of your pack members can return with us to Moon Crest Castle and stay the night. We will have a ship ready to take you to Emerald Island tomorrow,' Maia says.

'Thank you,' I smile.

Magnus and I hug Flint, Josie, Ryker, Astrid and my parents goodbye while Yiselda creates a star in a circle on the ground and places stones on each peak.

'When we reach Emerald Island, I will create another one there so that, Maia, you can come to Wolfwell straight away without travelling across the sea by ship,' Yiselda says.

'Thanks, Yiselda!' I say, hugging her.

Reaper and Alec are conversing under a tree while I finish my goodbyes to everyone else.

Magnus shifts, and instead of climbing onto his back, I shift as well. Maia, Damon, Sir Hugo and the rest of her people admire my black wolf with the white star on my forehead. Maia can't help herself and gives me a cuddle and a pat.

We follow Sir Hugo on his horse and Maia, who rides upon Damon's back for a few hours until we reach Moon Crest Castle.

The castle was built on high ground with clear views of the surrounding land. There are six towers with battlements that connect with long thick stone walls. Ornate windows are scattered around the walls in symmetrical patterns. The portcullis opens, allowing us to enter inside the castle walls. A large fish pond with a fountain is in the middle of the courtyard. Through an open stone doorway on the right are lush orchards and vineyards and a garden that supplies vegetables and herbs. Through the large open arched stone doorway, a well-kept garden with fragrant flowers and gorgeous trees on the left. Many people walk through the courtyards carrying baskets of freshly baked bread, fruit, vegetables and herbs. Children laugh and run across the cobblestone paths trying to catch each other. It's like a little village with workshops, gardens, and stables inside the castle walls.

Next, we approach the grand stairs that lead into the castle itself.

We follow Maia and Damon and enter inside. We enter a magnificent hall with a large open space for people to dance in the centre and two mahogany tables for dining and socialising. The two tables are so long you could probably sit a hundred people at each. There is another table that faces the two long ones. It's shorter and would only seat roughly twelve people. There are two throne chairs at the smaller table where Damon and Maia would sit. On the opposite side of the hall is a massive fireplace. Five chandeliers with candles hang above the tables. The walls are decorated with purple and black banners and beautiful paintings in thick gold frames.

We walk up a plethora of stairs and are shown the chambers we will be residing in for the night. The room Damon and I are given is very cozy. There are two armchairs facing the small fireplace and a large soft bed. Maia looks at Alec and frowns at me, confused.

'Don't worry yourself with chambers for me. I don't sleep,' Alec says as if reading her mind.

'Oh! Okay then. I wondered how you three would work that part out, but if you never sleep, that makes things much easier,' Maia giggles and blushes. 'I look forward to you all joining us for dinner in the grand hall,' she smiles before exiting the room.

Reaper flies from Alec's shoulder rests on the stone window sill, and stretches his wings.

'We will see you then,' I nod.

Maia leaves the room, and Alec sits in the armchair by the fireplace. I walk over to the window where Reaper is and look out at the beautiful view. But, as stunning as it is, I can't help but feel depressed thinking that Shadow Crest is gone. The place that has always been my home. I let out a heavy sigh.

'What's wrong, Nina?' Alec and Magnus say at the same time. I turn and force a smile at them.

'It's nothing either of you needs to worry about,' I say.

'Nina, we are your mates. We know you're not okay,' Magnus says, placing his hand on my shoulder.

Alec also now stands in front of me with a flash of speed.

'Magnus is right. I know… we know that you have gone through a lot recently. You were kidnapped and held captive by the wolf council, and you witnessed your home, Shadow Crest, turn into a war field of death and destruction. We have left all we have known and come into the world of Mysteria for a new life and new beginning. Everything here is all new to us, to you. I'm sure you are feeling overwhelmed with sadness, worry and uncertainty. But, it's okay to talk to us about it, about everything and anything,' Alec says.

Magnus folds his arms and nods in agreeance with Alec's words.

My heart warms at how much Magnus and Alec both truly care for me.

'You're right. A lot has happened, and I'm saddened that we will never see Shadow Crest again. I'm heartbroken we lost many loved ones. I'm worried about what will happen now. I'm worried about what our future holds for us,' I say, wiping a rogue tear from my cheek.

Magnus pulls me into his chest and strokes his fingers through my hair to comfort me as I cry. I can feel the warm sparks from Alec's hand rubbing my back.

'We are here together. No matter what happens, good or bad, we will conquer it together, Nina,' Magnus reassures me.

There is a knock at the door. Alec opens it to find Sir Hugo holding folded clothes.

'Queen Maia thought you might appreciate some fresh clothes,' Alec accepts the clothes.

'Thank you, Sir Hugo,' I say over Alec's shoulder.

'You're welcome,' he mumbles and walks away.

Alec places the clothes on the bed. I pick up a padded cream shirt, a pair of brown trousers, a chainmail shirt and a brown leather armoured vest and belt.

'These must be for you,' I say to Magnus.

He takes them from my hands and nods in approval.

Next, I pick up a black linen tunic with silver embroidery along the collar, a pair of black trousers, and a long gambeson coat lined with matching silver embroidery. As I hand them to Alec, I spot a leather baldric falling from the clothes pile. I pick it up and pass it to Alec.

'These are very fine clothing,' Alec says.

'How do I look?' Magnus asks. I turn around to see he has already changed into his new clothes. 'I'm getting some Robin Hood vibes from you,' I giggle.

Magnus approaches with a grin and links his arm with mine.

'Well then, perhaps we shall go on a date to steal from the rich and give to the poor then?'

Alec rolls his eyes at Magnus, but I can't help but continue to laugh into hysterics. Alec and Magnus smile at me.

'I've never heard you laugh like that before,' Alec smiles, 'It's nice to hear it,' he says.

'Hopefully, with our new lives here in Mysteria, it is something we will hear frequently,' Magnus grins.

Composing myself after my fit of laughter, I hold the beautiful emerald blue dress against my body. It has stunning gold embroidery along the neckline that meets in the middle and continues halfway down the dress. The embroidery continues around the hem of the dress. The back laces up, and the dress has a built-in corset under the soft fabric.

'I'll send May in to help you lace up the dress,' Magnus says and leaves the room. Alec follows him out. I begin undressing and step into the dress and pull my arms through. May knocks and enters. She wears a dress like mine but burgundy.

'Wow, May, you look so pretty,' I say.

She pulls the laces and ties them up nice and firm for me. I spin around.

'And you look just as pretty,' May smiles.

May begins brushing my hair and puts it into a long thick French braid.

'Thank you, May,' I beam.

'Anytime,' she smiles.

She leaves the room, and Alec returns in his new attire. My breath hitches as I take him in.

'I must say it's like those clothes were made just for you. You look incredibly handsome, Alec.'

'Do I not remind you of Robin Hood too?' he raises an eyebrow in question.

'No, you look just like a King!' I respond.

'On the contrary, I am a King, but I should add how elegant you look, as befits a Queen,' he winks, making me feel giddy.