When the warm rays of sun peeked through my windows, I got up and went to take a hurried bath. I wore my leather clothing, which was made by my grandma with magic, so I could shift in my wolf without bothering about my clothes ripping.
I gathered my cloak and my weapons and went out. Father was sitting at the table frowning, staring at nothing in particular. I walked in front of him and stood on my knees, holding his hands. I looked up in his eyes as he smiled at me. "Now you should go, Sera. You might get late." I nodded and walked outside the front door."Tell your grandma that I said hello." Father called from inside waving at me."I shall do, father." I smiled and waved him back. With that, I shifted into my wolf and took off into the forest. ~×~×~×~×~×~×~×~×~×~×~×~×~×~×~My wolf was soaring through the trees and branches like the wild wind. Soft crunching of dries leaves and twigs were heard every time paws hit on the ground.I loved shifting into my wolf. It felt like this was how resting must feel. I would just be laying in a corner watching around while she does everything. My soul detached from my body but still remain intact, however.After a long run, I was inevitably thirsty and fortunately the sound of trickling of water could be heard somewhere along. I trotted to the left and came across a small stream in hiding behind a cluster if bushes.I kneeled at its edge and swallowed large gulps of the cool water. After satisfying my thirst I started looking at the view surrounding me. Everytime a leaf dropped from a tree and into the stream, thw water rippled in tosoft waves around it.Another sound reached to my wolf ears and I listened keenly to it. Footsteps, at least twelve, weapons clinking to each other, and faint chatter. They are not even a half mile away. I ran again through the forest silently towards the herd of men.I hid behind a tree, and peeked from the side. They were the king's soldiers, much to my fun. At home, I didn't have anyone who could be my opponent I could spar with so, every once in a while I would sneak into the castle to just pick a fight. Yes, they would freak out but I think they know by now that I don't mean any serious harm.Because they never came back looking for a masked female fighter in the village as they did back then.I shifted back and pulled down the hiid of my cloak to hide my face. I stepped around and stood behind the men. They all turned around at once, alarmed."Who are you? Show your face!" One said. Who I assumed was the head of the men by the way all the others stood behind him. "I said show your face!" He yelled in anger when I didn't obliged."I think she is the female who attacks our soldiers in the castle." Someone added."Then I shall enjoy breaking her ribs and dragging her to my king." He snarled, drawing his sword and marching over to me. I stood calm watching his footing. That's what I was waiting for. I wouldn't attack first, I'll let them initiate.He swung his sword straight to my throat but I ducked at the right time and kicked his legs. He lost his balance and fell backwards. I put my leg on his chest and put pressure just as much so he wouldn't get up. Watching their comrade at my mercy, they all roared and charged towards me with their swords.I pulled both my swords and too ran towards them. They all striked together at me and I blocked their attack with my swords. I pushed them all and looked in their eyes.They again lunged for me and I slashed their flesh with my swords, spinning on my heels. They all moved away looking for any flaw in my movements while I showed them some tricks, twirling swords above my head, at my front and back.I was aiming for a man's leg after kicking in his ribs when hot stinging pain shot through my right hip. Blood was oozing out of the wound and the gash was so deep that it couldn't heal in seconds, it would take some time.I looked up and saw the supposed leader was smirking in triumphant. He thought that he had won over me and hw would wish that if only he knew how wrong he was. I summoned a large portion of my magic and willed for all of their weapons to coil into useless metal.They looked wide-eyed around each other, astonished at what had happened. "Magic! Is she a witch?!" They screeched among themselves. I didn't give them more time to react as I sheathed my swords back and ran for them. They alarmingly started to kick and throw punches in any and every direction. I took advantage of their uncoordinated state and kicked each soldiers in their ribs, nose, legs and in any part I could get.I didn't injure anyone that seriously, I just hit with the force which would be enough to make them unconscious. I kicked each of the men's butt and looked for the one I've spared for the final hit.The leader was trying to sneak behind a tree with fear. His eyes widened when they caught mine. Before he could run I pulled back my fist and hit him right in the face. He fell out cold at the impact.I smirked in victory and backed away from the spot running in the woods continuing the rest of my journey. ×~×~×~×~×~×~×~×~×~×~×~×~×~×~×~After a while, when I was still in human form, the black stone building came into my view. The building was a like a miniature caslte with its three floors totally made of black brick. Grandma always said that the black colour gives a calm atmosphere to concentrate while practicing a spell.I stood in front of it and the huge oak double doors opened by itself, sensing my presence. Those doors were under a spell that could recognise a person's aura. If someone was a resident or came with friendly intentions, it will open itself. But if some ill-willed being tried to enter, it will block them out.I stepped into the foyer and looked around. "Oh my...Sera is it you? Come inside, darling!" Linda beamed and came running to where I was. She was one of the oldest witch in the oven. She liked to cook delicious food, hence, she wad always found busy in the kitchen."Hello Linda, how have you been? Where is everyone else?" I asked as she released me from her tight embrace."Oh, I'm good dear. Everyone is inside. Come on in, you must be hungry. I've made your favourite pineapple pie!" She cheered and ushered me in.We entered the huge common room which was furnished with couches, different herbs hanging from ceiling and potted on windows, carpets and a wall filled with thick worn books. My grandma was sitting on the couch sipping her tea when she heard us coming and stood up to welcome me.She smiled at me but her smile fell when she noticed something on my hip. "Oh dear, what happened to you. Who did that to you?" She asked worriedly and started worrying over hrw dried blood. "it is nothing grandma. I just stopped for a little fun in the woods. It will heal. You don't have to worry." I smiled and in return her eyes narrowed."Seraphina is here. Loren, come!" Fiona squealed from the top of the stairs and rushed towards me followed by a much excited Loren. They both jumped and attacked me with their hugs, making me stumble with the force.The whole place resounded with our joyous laughter. More people came to greet me and I acknowledged them all with a small and genuine smile.This coven was like a second home to me and its people were a big family. We ate together, talked together and laughed together. I love living with my father but being surrounded by people is a different feeling. Everyone came to hug me and went but onw person never came. "Where is Melisa?" I inquired. "She found her mate Sera She doesn't live with us anymore." Loren smiled. "Mate?" I blinked. "But she is a witch. How could she possibly have a mate?" I asked settling on the couch."Your mother was also a witch but still she got her mate. Actually, they both happened to be a werewolf's mate. Moon goddess made them a pair." Grandma answered."Oh. So where is she now. Where does she live?" I asked. Melisa was the closest friend of mine and her leaving like this made me a little sour. If I had known before, I would have came sooner so I could meet with her before her departure."She lives the city. Near thw royal castle." I nodded and dismissed the matter. "Sera Fiona piped in sitting in the space between me and Loren."Seraphina, darling. Here is your special pine apple pie." Linda came and handed me a plate that I gladly accepted.The pie was as delicious as everything she makes. I swear she had divine in her hands. I was listening to everyone's chatter, licking my fingertips when I felt grandma's intent gaze on me. Surely, she had something to tell me."What is it grandma?" I asked her. She let out a heavy sigh and nodded to herself. Then she looked me in the eye and said,"There is something you must know Seraphina. Come with me."With that she stood and retreated to the dark hallway in the back of the room.I followed grandma in a dark room lit by only some candles. She sat on a couch at the right corner of the room and waved at me to sit across her. I obliged and traced the fabric on the couch. "I recently got ahold on a piece of information which is of a great importance for us. Or should I say for you." She said tilting her head at me.I knew where this was steering. But I wanted to hear it first, before I made any assumptions. "So, let's hear it then." I exhaled. She picked up a thick brown book from the side table and flicked through its pages. She angled the book on the table so that I could read, too, and put her finger along the lines."According to the legends of exiled, around 900 years ago. There was a supernatural race, unbeknown to the current races, which held animosity towards the werewolves. Blinded by the hatred they had killed the then princess of werewolves hence, the wolves declared war." I just nodded along."Thousands of innocent souls were slaughter. The hell and he
Hidden between the thick branches of a big tree, I assessed the ground in front of me. The dungeons, where I needed to be, were to the south. At the back of the castle and under the ground. There were at least forty guards, twenty guarding the border walls and twenty on the ground. And goddess knows how many were inside the actual dungeons.I climbed down the tree silently and steadily. And now the question was, how could I enter the dungeons without anyone noticing me? How? How? H-I noted a movement in my peripheral vision and looked in its direction. A guard was walking towards a tree in other direction a few feet away. Maybe for his personal business. I smiled to myself. The opportunity came itself to my door.Walking on my toes, I stood behind the man and waited for him to notice me. His ears perked up and he turned to me. But before he could react, I gripped his throat and put pressure on the side on a particular spot until he fell unconscious.Some tricks were very useful at tim
ALPHA KING ELRICKMate.Something I have wished for more than anything else. Something I couldn't ever have. 21 years back, to be exact, I made a decision. A decision which shed all of my hopes and expectations.Yes, I was disappointed. In myself, in my faiths and the goddesses. Because that decision was going to tear me apart. The decision, being that I shall kill my mate the very moment I meet her. Isn't it just ironic and quite cruel? To kill the one you have that you are supposed to love and live for.I know it is not something that someone would be proud of, but in our ancestry, promises come first of all. And I promised my father and his father and his father, that despite all of the circumstances, I will protect my kingdom, my throne. And she is a threat to all of those promises I need to keep.From the day I was born to the day of the prophecy, I saved my love, my attention and my body for the one and only female it was meant for. But in the past years, I slept around with num
Panting, running and stumbling a few times, I was sprinting through the forest. I didn't know where I was going I just wanted to get away. Get away from the nightmare that just turned into a living reality for me.I didn't want to meet him. I didn't want him. How did I ended up in his choke hold while on a rescue mission? What was he even doing there? Does he live there? Who is he?Putting my thoughts and body on hold, I crouched low, putting my hands on my knees. I took deep breaths closing my eyes to calm my rapid breathing. But even when I was thinking of absolutely nothing, an image of dark chocolate brown eyes flashed before my eyes and they snapped open.I couldnvividly remember, as if happening right now, his piercing gaze on my face. I could nfeel his calloused hands holding my wrists as pleasurable tingles shot up my hands to all the way to the end of my spine. I could smell his heavenly scent of pine and sandalwood on myself.But what I couldn't feel, that everyone else expe
"Where were you the whole day?" The loud voice of my friend caused my ears ring when she opened the door before I could knock."Well, I can tell if you would let me in." I said. She pursed her lips but stepped aside for me to enter. The aroma of delicious food was heavy in the air and there were meals served for two at the dining table. "Who is here?" I asked in confusion. "David came home today. He has got leave for a few days." Ah! David. Her mate was assigned for patrolling at town's border. He came home in every few days. So, tonight I was to meet him, at last."Go and get freshed. I am serving dinner and then we have some thing to discuss about." I raised a brow in question. She just shrugged and went in the kitchen and I headed to guest room.Dinner was not as awkward as I thought it would be. David was a young mascular man with golden hair with grey pair of eyes. He was a person who could do all the talking alone without making it awkward. I was just answering his small questi
Princess's guard. Who the hell was she? "Who are you?" I voiced my question. The three looked at each other and then dragged me into a lonely corner. "Do not shout alright? I am…," she looked around us. "The princess of Zyrenia." Oh. I stayed quiet and her expressions told me that she expected me to scream or react in some way.I had never came across a royalty before, so, I didn't know how would they want me to behave. Should I bow? Father says never to bow before anyone except the goddesses but, I couldn't afford to raise suspicion on me. I stiffly bowed my head as if asking if I am doing it right. "No, no don't do that in the public eye." She said motioning me to stand up. "So what do you say?" She asked. What do I say? "Pardon me, your…highness….but, don't you have about thousands of soldiers guarding the castle? Why would you want me to guard you?" I inquired. "Yes," she huffed. "But they are not my soldiers they are my brother's. They only follow his commands, they won't let
I kept my hands steadily folded behind my back to hide them from the observing eyes of my doubtful mate. My hands were clenched tightly from the anxiety and even a small movement from me could reveal my real identity to him. His dark gaze never left me, as he was scrutinized my every feature from the tip of my hair to the sole of my foot.I told everyone that I came from a village far away, to meet a friend here, but the suspicion in the Alpha King's eyes never subsided. The princess was fidgeting impatiently beside me. "So what do you say, brother?" The princess asked and her brother's eyes finally moved from me. "I don't think it is a wise decision, Princess. She is a female herself, how will she protect you from the danger when she herself need protection?" The King gave his opinion and I was offended. "If you think that being a female makes someone a wekaer or lesser of a being, then you are in denial." Some gasps sounded at my comment and I looked around myself. Everyone was l
The blood oath was a bond among people, who swear their loyalty and confraternity to each other, connecting them through their blood. The bond allowed the tied ones to communicate through the mental conversations. I was going to be tied to the bond that all the soldiers, and guards share with the royal family.I was given a new uniform which was made of brown leather, suitable for carrying weapons around and comfortable moving. We were on our way to the temple at the heart of the town to perform the ritual. A mini parade was prepared to accompany us to our destination. Four groups of armoured soldiers was at our sides, led by the King and his men.The commoners were standing on the sides of the broad way and peeped through their windows to look at the royal party. Children were screaming in excitement while their mothers pulled them back and hushed them. We arrived at our destination and the group ahead of us split into two to make way for us to ascend the steps of the pristine templ