Lycan Realm

The carriage swung over a root of an old, centuries-old oak tree, making Rhea jump uncomfortably inside. It's been a few hours since she left the High Dome, which is in the center of the Sacred Forest, considered neutral territory.

The south beyond the Sacred Forest is called the Bestiary Continent — where all the most feared creatures exist. And after the War, when the Lycans were banished to the south because of their extremely violent behavior and for denying their origins, they had to rebuild their territory in those arid lands, almost abandoned by the Goddess.

Now, Rhea is passing through the Sacred Forest, heading south, where she will live for the rest of her days. She has never visited the Bestiary Continent because the rumors about it are terrifying. In fact, Rhea was barely able to visit her own land, as she was locked in her chambers most of her life. She's a cursed child, after all.

As the carriage passes past the centuries-old oak trees, an intense sunlight shines through the small window. Rhea's blue eyes light up and sparkle with the scenery gradually unfolding before her. She leans over, sticking her head out of the carriage, feeling a warm breeze hit her face and ruffle her black hair. This place… this is the most beautiful place she has ever seen in her entire life, even through paintings and pictures in books.

There are barren mountains that seem to glow in the sunlight. Despite the sandy soil and rocks that make the carriage shake, there are so many green plants on its sides… so different from the colorful flowers of her kingdom. Somehow, the simplicity of these beings, which grow and resist in this chaotic scenario, made them more beautiful than the flowers in the north.

As they advance, Rhea notices that, from one of the mountains, a heavy amount of water drains. A waterfall, hidden between rocks and succulents, is bathing the dry land. And it's not long before the first buildings of the Lycan Kingdom appear in front of her, and the waters that fall from the waterfalls can also be seen piling up in a deep turquoise lake, sheltered by the great mountains.

Ah… this is a real oasis.

Soon, the carriage stops in front of the vast gates of a fortress. The walls, built of clay, are huge and seem protected by this part of the lake, and the mountains that surround the Lycan Kingdom. Rhea looks up, seeing the grand palace that appears to be held by the mountain itself.

So, this is where I'll live from today… Rhea thinks, feeling something strange in her chest… a tickle in her stomach and anxiety bubbling up inside her veins. She can't help but wonder what Callisto looks like too, since all everyone says about him is that he's brutal, bloodthirsty, and a cold bastard. But there are no rumors about his appearance…

“Your new Queen from the Werewolf Realm has arrived. Open the gates!” Shouts one of the Goddess's Apostles, who has been guiding her there safely. Although the Sacred Forest is a neutral territory and protected against beasts, lately there have been incidents of creatures causing trouble there.

After a moment of silence, what appeared to be gates became a bridge, which comes down slowly and crosses the lake, turning into a path for the following. And again, the carriage starts moving, taking Rhea to her new home.

Her eyes sparkle again as she sees the square houses made of clay, and the streets lined with coconut trees. There are no doors, as the entrances are made with arches, and there are also many pilasters. Houses of two, three floors, close to each other.

Women are walking the streets wearing plenty of golden accessories, such as bracelets, wristbands, necklaces, and earrings. The hair has different hairstyles, but they always have accessories on it, such as hairbands and barrettes. The men, on the other hand, wear wide pants and bare chests, displaying colorful tattoos and equally golden accessories. Their skin is tanned by the intense sun that hits this region… Unlike Rhea, whose skin is so pale that it looks like paper… well, there's nothing to be done, since where she lived is wet, and it rains a lot, and she hardly went outside.

Unlike the Werewolf Kingdom, where there was a clear distinction between nobles and commoners, she doesn't see that much difference in the Lycan Realm. Here, they're trustworthy to their packs and each alpha answers directly to the King. There's no caste based on blood. All individuals in a pack are treated equally, and all respect their alpha, who's chosen through strength. The stronger it is, the more it will be respected. Even with the King it's no different. Pack leader alphas just respect and follow the King because he's strong enough to defeat them all.

Somehow… Rhea likes the atmosphere of this place. It's so different from her land… Because she was born into a noble lineage and was unable to shift, her life was a genuine hell. But here… blood is nothing.

Stop being foolish, Rhea… Lycans prey by force. You're incapable of shifting… how could they accept an outsider who's incapable of shifting? — She thinks, suddenly crumbling.

As the carriage passes through the cobbled streets, people begin to gather, hoping to catch a glimpse of the new Queen. Rhea turns away from the window, fearing that her very different appearance will make the Lycans uncomfortable. Furthermore, the Lycans' contempt for werewolves is well known.

The carriage finally stops in front of the palace gates. It's really a magnificent place. There are several tall towers with vaulted ceilings. And behind the palace, there are small waterfalls, which, despite not having the same strength as the big waterfall seen earlier, it refreshes the place and turns the palace into something as beautiful as a jewel.

Rhea, despite being dazzled, couldn't help feeling curious about how the water could not have evaporated due to the almost unbearable heat in this region. She has barely left the carriage and already feels sweat trickling through the heavy dress she's wearing.

“Rhea Calirianne, chosen by the Oracle of the Goddess to be our King Callisto's mate, has arrived.” Announces the Lycan that accompanied them there. He has a spear in hand, and he has tattoos that look like red stripes across his body, ranging from his shoulders to his hips, both on back and front. Rhea will later find out that these stripes are signs that he’s a good soldier.

  The palace gates open for the small following to enter. Some employees are there to welcome her. Their outfits are a little more modest in terms of accessories, and the surrounding soldiers, also with red stripes and exposed abdomens, analyze the situation with rigid expressions on their faces. It's hard to imagine what was going through their minds at that moment.

Rhea came down from the carriage, lifting her voluminous dress so it doesn't get in her way. She can see that the rigid expressions falter for a brief moment. Of course, she's aware of this reaction. Despite being a cursed child, a nickname that has haunted her since she was ten years old, Rhea's appearance is truly charming.

Her facial features are delicate, but her lips are big and naturally pink, as are her cheeks — which contrasts with her pale skin. The long black hair only enhances the beauty of the light blue eyes, as crystalline as the waters flowing from the waterfalls. Rhea is insanely beautiful. A beauty so different from what Lycans are used to, yet they're unable to deny it.

It's like they're looking at the Moon Goddess herself.

“It's a pleasure to meet you, my Queen.” A man bows, drawing Rhea's eyes to him. Unlike the others, who seem ordinary to the crowd, this man… He's different.

His skin alone is much darker than the others, but his hair, eyebrows, and even eyelashes are snow-white. His eyes are also blue, but turquoise. And his clothing, unlike the others who are only wearing pants, shows a certain elegance expected of royalty. He's wearing an overcoat with a high-closed collar, and his accessories are just very long earrings and a hoop on his lower lip. Like most other men, his hair it's cut short — traditional for the Lycans, as Rhea could notice. The difference is that this man has two small braids on his long bangs.

“Welcome to the Lycan Realm.” The man lifts his head and looks directly at her. “My name is Skôll, and I'll receive you in my King's place. I apologize on his behalf as there was a small unforeseen incident that he had to deal with.”

A little unforeseen incident? He's trying so hard when the King himself doesn't care to pay attention to his mate… Well, it's not like I expected to see him, either. It's best that we go on separate paths, anyway — Rhea thinks, then she gives a soft smile and the typical Werewolf Kingdom's bow.

“It's a pleasure to meet you, Skôll. Don't worry, I don't mean to be a burden to your King. I may have been chosen by the Oracle, but I don't intend to be an annoyance. Please notify him of it.”