Elara

Lyra's Point of View 

Thalia took another sip of tea then started to narrate what I told her the day before, to Xander who was curious about what she had read in the book.

“You know.” She started. “I read somewhere that not many people know about werewolves. But Orin Darkhowl was a master at it. He knew many things about us, he even came up with several theories about our origin. And the Midnight Howl was the book that contained all his life's discoveries. I haven't read much though I only got the book yesterday after all. I am still in the first two chapters. But from what I read in chapter one, Orin Darkhowl was basically trying to educate his readers on the history of the moon. He spoke about the different theories and mythologies about the gods and goddesses of the moon.

And chapter two, is about the true identity of the moon and its significance to werewolves.” Thalia said. She let out a deep breath, then smiled sheepishly.

“Hm.” Was the only thing Xander said then continued to sip his tea.

“I have been meaning to ask. I am here to meet your parents and your siblings as well. Are they not around?” She asked, obviously trying to change the topic.

“They left on the same day you came. We had an event to attend some days ago at the royal palace. The King of Joaska personally invited the Blackstorm's. But I couldn't leave as you were arriving the same day.” He explained.

“Oh.” Thalia said, trying to hide her shy smile.

“Although they should have arrived the very next day, they decided to stay back after they got the message about your health.” He explained further.

“That's fair.” Thalia said.

“How hysterical, I was actually about to inform you that my parents will be coming back today alongside my younger brother Havoc, my elder sister Calista and her daughter Elara.” Xander revealed.

“What a coincidence!” Thalia exclaimed.

“Do you know much about the territorialization of the werewolf Clan?” Xander asked.

“Not really.” Thalia replied.

“Well you should get the book the next time you go to the library. You will enjoy it.” He assured her.

“What's the title?” She asked.

‘Clan vs Clans.’ I replied in my head, I have already read that book a trillion times. I just read the latest edition some weeks ago.

“Clan vs Clans by Sable Stormbringer.” He replied.

“So Thalia, if I am permitted to call your name?” He asked and Thalia nodded her head in response. “Okay then, I will be taking my leave. I have something important to handle. You should get back to your room.”

“Sure.” Thalia replied while bowing her head.

“I would escort you back but it would cost me a lot of time. I promise to do so next time.” He reassured her.

“That’s fine.” Thalia replied with a beaming smile.

They both stood up and exchanged their bows. Before Xander left he said. “We will have dinner in the hall tonight. Not in our respective rooms.” Then he left the garden.

“How do you feel?” I asked Thalia the moment Xander left the garden.

“He actually stayed back for me. He declined the King's invitation for me. I have never felt so happy in my life.”

“I am happy that you are happy Milady.” I said. “Let's get you back to the room and pick out clothes for your dinner with the Blackstorm's tonight.”

Xander's parents, siblings and niece had already arrived hours ago. Thalia was fast asleep, dinner was not until two hours later.

I laid down comfortably on my bed and brought out Orin’s book. I glanced around to see if any of the maids that were present were awake.

For the past few days I have been sleeping alone. Because every personal maid escorted their mistress to the King's event.

Right now Queen Celeste and Princess Calista’s personal maids were present in the room.

When I confirmed that they were in a deep sleep.

I covered myself with a duvet and turned on my medium-sized lantern.

I was planning on starting from chapter two because I only skimmed through it without giving myself enough time to comprehend Orin's theories.

I was walking through the corridors on my way to Thalia's room to prepare her for dinner. When I felt the presence of someone behind me. I turned around and pointed my lantern towards the direction but saw no one. So I continued walking, I was about to take a turn when I felt the presence again.

I took the turn and hid at a corner waiting to see if someone would pass.

“Ahhhhh!” A little girl screamed then fell to the ground.

I looked down at her. “Were you the one following me?” I asked her.

But she just kept on staring at me, I crouched down and took her legs into my arms.

“Did you sprain your ankle?” I asked why giving her ankles a light rub.

“You are uncle's wife right?” She asked.

“Uncle?” I asked in confusion. “What's your name child?” I asked.

“Elara.” She replied with a sheepish smile.

‘So she thinks that I am Thalia.’

“What are you doing here?” I asked.

“I couldn't sleep.” She replied.

“Why?”

“Because my mom is not with me. She keeps saying that I am a grown child and that I don't need her to be by my side to fall asleep.”

“Do you need her by your side to fall asleep?”

“I guess so.”

“Okay then, come with me. Why don't I introduce you to your aunty.”

I grabbed her by the arms and pulled her up.

“You are not my aunty?”

“No, I am just her maid.” I replied as I guided her steps through the corridor.

“I wish you were.” She said, with her lips pouted.

“You will love your aunty once you meet her. She is the sweetest.”

“Sweeter than you?”

“Yes Elara, she is sweeter than I am.”

I was occupied with selecting the best cloth Thalia could wear for dinner. The goal was to create a good first impression on her soon to be in-laws.

While, Thalia and Elara were engaging in a deep conversation.

“Do you love my uncle?” Elara asked.

“Yes I do.” Thalia replied.

“Do you know that he loves only one person in this world?”

“And who could that be?”

“Me. But I will let you have a place in his heart on one condition.”

“What's that?”

“If you beg my mom not to take me back to Croscov.” She replied.

“Is that where you are from?” Thalia asked.

“That's where my dad said I am from.” Elara replied.

“Why don't you want to go back home?” Thalia asked.

“Dad hates me.” Elara replied, causing me and Thalia to stare at each other.