A strong wind blew through the room, and then a woman appeared in a dark robe.
She was very beautiful, but the sight of her made everyone uncomfortable. She did not seem like a normal person. She looked mysterious.
Her purple eyes glowed softly, as if she could see right into a person's soul.
Alpha Thane muttered a prayer under his breath.
Queen Maravelle's face tightened, clearly displeased by the unannounced entrance.
"You were summoned, not crowned."
Ninzu met her gaze calmly but said nothing.
"Ninzu," Thornak greeted, remaining standing. "Thank you for coming."
"Speak your truth, King of Lycans. I will see if it rings hollow or whole." She said smoothly.
Thornak stepped forward, lifting the scorched voodoo doll in both hands before laying it back on the table.
Ninzu's eyes fixed on it, and her voice dropped to a reverent murmur. "Blood of the goddess."
She reached out her hand, letting her fingers hover right above the doll without touching it. A quiet hum filled the room. The cloth began to glow beneath her hand, reacting to her presence. The dark symbols burned a deep blood-red.
"This cloth was used in a spell to find someone hidden by old magic," she said quietly.
Suddenly, her eyes turned completely white, as if her mind had entered another world.
"Impossible," she whispered.
For the first time, Ninzu looked shaken. Her head tilted slightly, as if listening to a voice no one else could hear. Her hand lifted slightly, as if drawn by something unseen.
Thornak folded his hands on the table.
"Can you trace who made it?" he asked.
Ninzu slowly shook her head.
"Whoever cast this spell was careful. They left no magical signature behind."
She looked directly at Thornak.
"Someone is practicing forbidden rituals on this land."
She looked directly at Thornak.
"Someone is practicing forbidden rituals on the land."
A murmur spread through the chamber.
Maravelle broke the silence with a dismissive wave of her hand.
"Superstition," she said coolly. "More likely someone trying to frighten us."
Ninzu turned to face the queen.
"This is no superstition, Your Highness."
She pointed to the blackened doll.
"I can still feel the magic lingering on it. Whoever performed this ritual knew exactly what they were doing."
Maravelle remained unconvinced.
"And yet you cannot tell us who it was."
"No," Ninzu admitted, her eyes turning violet once more.
Thornak's eyes settled on the doll. "I have seen him," he said quietly.
The room fell silent.
Edrion leaned forward. "You've seen the one responsible?"
Thornak nodded.
"Not his face. He wore a gray cloak with the hood pulled low over his face. He called himself a messenger."
Ninzu's expression darkened. "What did he say?"
Thornak's jaw tightened. "He said a war is coming. And that we are far from ready."
"Why is he not in the dungeon?" Maravelle asked coldly. "Or better yet... dead?"
"Because he disappeared."
Maravelle's brows drew together. "Surely you can trace any scent..."
"He disappeared mother. Literally vanished right in front of us."
A murmur rippled through the council chamber.
"He must be a powerful sorcerer then," Ninzu said.
"If my suspicions are correct," Thornak said, "he is the one controlling the rogues."
Several councilors exchanged uneasy glances.
"The rogues have never attacked with this kind of coordination before," he continued. "Someone is directing them."
More murmurs.
"What do you suggest we do Ninzu," Thornak asked her.
She bowed her head slightly.
"I will study the signs and consult the stars," she said. "They may reveal what is hidden from us. Once I learn more, I will report my findings to you."
Ninzu's gaze swept the room. "The ancient texts speak of a ritual, one meant to purify the land. But it demands great power… and sacrifice. It may be the only way to restore balance."
She paused, then added, "I've studied the shifting magic across the kingdom. If I am able to trace the source of the darkness, I believe I can forge a spell strong enough to counter its influence, and drive the rogues back, at least temporarily."
Thornak's jaw tightened, the burden settling heavier on his shoulders.
"Do what you must, you will have all you need. I will not let this kingdom fall into shadow, not while I am king."
....
It was late.
Lara had just untied her hair and was preparing for bed when a knock came at the door.
She frowned.
"Who could that be at this hour?"
"I'll see," Mira said, hurrying to answer it.
When she opened the door, a young palace maid stood outside with her head bowed.
"My Lady," the maid said politely. "Her Highness, Queen Maravelle, requests your presence in her chambers."
Lara's brows knitted together.
"The Queen?"
She exchanged a quick glance with Mira.
A strange feeling settled in the pit of her stomach.
"Tell Her Highness I'll be there shortly."
A few minutes later, Lara followed the maid through the quiet palace corridors.
The halls were almost empty.
Only the flickering wall lamps and the echo of their footsteps broke the silence.
The maid stopped before a tall wooden door and knocked twice.
"Your Highness, Lady Lara has arrived."
"Send her in."
The doors opened and Lara stepped inside.
The room was grand, lit by dozens of candles.
Queen Maravelle sat calmly in a velvet chair, a cup of tea resting beside her.
Selene stood silently beside her.
Lara lowered herself into a respectful curtsy. "Your Highness."
For a long moment...
No one spoke.
The silence stretched until it became uncomfortable.
Lara slowly lifted her head.
Maravelle was already on her feet walking towards her.
Before she could realize what was happening, Maravelle strode across the room, without saying a word and slapped her hard across the face.
The force from the blow sent her stumbling to the floor.