The stench of rot filled the air. Blood seeped from the cave walls, thick drops splattering onto the stone. The torches hissed, their flames casting shadows that moved like tortured souls.
At the center stood a lone figure, unmoving, his eyes fixed on the storm of energy swirling before him, a wild, twisting mix of fire and smoke.
"Is it ready?" a voice called from behind.
The figure did not turn. His gaze stayed locked on the vortex.
"Almost," he murmured. "Just a little more…"
"My patience wears thin, Sorcerer."
He knew that voice, Lord Vorlag, the iron-fisted warlord, now reduced to a lingering shadow.
"Power requires precision, Lord Vorlag," the sorcerer whispered. "To rush this would risk unleashing something even we cannot control."
Vorlag scoffed, his voice booming through the cave.
"Control is for the weak. I desire only results. Open the gate, Sorcerer. Let loose whatever lies beyond, and let it crush my enemies."
"It cannot be done, not yet. The girl is not ready. Her blood must ripen with the moon, or the gate will devour us both."
A low growl reverberated through the cavern. "Excuses."
"No, my lord. A warning," the sorcerer hissed. "Without her, the gate will shatter. And from its cracks will spill things that do not bow to masters, not even you."
The shadow withdrew, fading into the dark.
....
The warm sunlight streaming through the chamber windows lit the small breakfast table where Thornak and Lara sat together.
Soft bread, roasted duck, fresh berries and steaming tea filled the air with delicious scents.
He fed her a piece of bread and murmured, "I'm starting to think you're trying to steal all my food."
Lara laughed, shaking her head. "But you keep feeding it to me."
He smirked, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face. "Maybe I don't mind sharing..."
A sudden knock at the door cut him off. He stepped outside to meet grim faces.
"Speak," he demanded, deliberately keeping his voice low to prevent Lara from overhearing, he then motioned the men to follow as he stepped forward.
"The council has invoked their Right of Inquiry." Kael said. "They insist that Lara appear before them… and that you escort her."
"Rumors have spread," Ruvan added. "Some council members are questioning whether your loyalties lie with the kingdom or with… personal sentiment. There's already dissent among the lords. They might act independently if you refuse."
Dain added, "It's not just protocol, Your Majesty. It's a threat to your authority. If you stay away, you risk the council moving against you and the kingdom falling into chaos."
Thornak's eyes narrowed. "This is Mother's doing," he said flatly. "You all know what must be done."
Kael nodded. "Everything is already arranged."
"Good." Now this gets interesting.
Thornak turned from his men and
walked back toward the chamber.
Suddenly, a bubbly, red haired girl rushed into Ruvan's arms, her laughter ringing through the yard. "Where have you been all morning?" she asked, her eyes full of mischief.
Ruvan looked taken aback, gently steadying her. She wore a light blue dress covered in flour. The hem swayed around her ankles as she bounced in excitement, and her hair tumbled in loose waves over her shoulders.
Kael crossed his arms, raising an eyebrow.
Ruvan shook his head, trying to look stern but failing. "I... It's not what it looks like."
"Of course it's not." Kael said walking away. Dain chuckled as well and followed Kael, leaving the pair.
"Missing me, were you? I can see it in your plotting eyes." Ruvan leaned in, trying to steal a kiss.
She giggled, pushing him back, pretending to look offended. "I wasn't plotting!"
"Ah, but the way you ran straight to me says otherwise," he teased, reaching for her again.
With a mischievous grin, she run toward the farm road. "Come on, then, you'll have to catch me first."
Ruvan smiled and run after her.
Later that day, Lara sat outside with a group of toddlers, telling them a story of brave wolves. Seralyn, a young orphan who had grown so fond of her, followed her everywhere. She was dark skinned and had dark hair, her beauty was beyond words. Today, she knelt quietly behind Lara, carefully braiding her hair in a traditional style, humming softly as she worked.
One little girl tugged at Lara's sleeve. "Tell us what happens next! Do the wolves win?"
Lara laughed, brushing his messy hair from his face. "Patience, little one. The wolves have a plan, but it's a secret."
Seralyn chuckled. "She's only quiet because she's planning mischief," she whispered with a grin.
Lara leaned closer, whispering back, "Do you hear that? Even she's in on the mystery."
The children burst into giggles, imagining the little one plotting some secret trick.
Suddenly, Lara felt the air grow cold, and the village disappeared. Out of nowhere, flames roared around her and the sky turned red like blood. Then her eyes widened as she saw Thornak locked in battle with a dark figure in black robes. In his lycan form he forced the man back, but suddenly an arrow flew from somewhere unseen, striking his side. It was a woman but she couldn't see her face.
Lara reached out, but only smoke and heat met her hands. Fear filled her. Then all at once the familiar village returned, yet her body trembled with adrenaline, as if the fire had scorched her body.
She saw the children's surprised faces looking at her.
"Are… are you okay my lady?" Seralyn asked.
Lara forced a small, shaky smile and nodded. Her heart was still pounding.
Without another word, she stood and hurried toward her chambers.
Inside, Lara leaned against the door, trying to steady her breathing, the vision still burning in her mind. She could feel her knees weaken as she sank to the ground, sweat slicking her palms.
Then she heard a voice, faint but clear, whispering in a strange, otherworldly tongue.
Ai re thyiu hyaba…
Solan vekir thal'raen…
The words though she didn't understand them sent shivers down her spine.