I was about to continue following Klaus, but an idea suddenly flashed in my mind.
I immediately retraced my steps toward Night. I didn't find him in his office or in the room.
"Where the hell did he go?"
I searched for him everywhere like crazy, to no avail.
I saw Arin heading to his suite, so I stopped him, asking about that fool. He gave me that usual
"I don't know" look I cursed him several times under my breath as I bypassed Arin in anger.
"Where in the name of the gods did you go, Night?"
I tried to link with him, but with no significant result.
"Do I have to kill myself for you to show up or what?"
I said with suppressed anger.
I headed outside toward the palace gate guards and asked them in a commanding tone:
"Did Night go out?"
But they didn't answer me; instead, they looked at each other with clear tension.
I clenched my hand tightly, my fist turning to stone.
"Ah, I see. You want the hard way."
I raised my aura in a frantic way that terrified them, pressing down on them with it until they knelt on the ground.
My eyes glowed a fiery red, evidence of Seran's exploding anger. I said in a commanding tone that brooked no discussion, a blunt tone of threat:
"I won't ask my question a second time."
One of them said in fear:
"He left... an hour ago."
I lowered my aura and stepped back, staring at him coldly I looked up and saw Night coming from afar.
He furrowed his brows in surprise at my presence here and the sight of the guards kneeling on the ground.
I said in a sarcastic voice, full of spite:
"Finally, his highness graces us with his presence."
Night approached us with sharp features, questioning in a tone carrying some sharpness and anger as he stared at the guards who stood up with difficulty due to my impact on them:
"What is going on here?"
I answered mockingly:
"Nothing, they just underwent an investigation."
Then I continued with rising anger:
"Where the hell did you go?"
He stepped toward me, grabbing my arm firmly, questioning seriously:
"What is it, Sera?"
I pushed his hand away from me in annoyance; I was still deeply angry with him for leaving me and for his current fake concern. I stepped forward and said sternly:
"We will talk in the office, Mr. Night."
I deliberately addressed him formally, making sure I was angry enough to deliver my message.
He followed me, knitting his brows in annoyance and bewilderment at my angry and sudden behavior.
Here I am, sitting on the chair in the office, while Night is in front of me, crossing his arms in clear confusion at my matter and sudden actions.
His gaze was a mixture of usual curiosity and silent embarrassment. I didn't waste time and said to him in a serious and direct tone:
"Summon Klaus now."
I saw his surprised and questioning looks at my strange request, but he didn't argue. It seemed my tone left no room for refusal.
It didn't take long for someone to knock on the door and enter. Klaus approached us in bewilderment, shifting his gaze between me and Night, who returned the same puzzled looks.
I said to Night in a commanding tone again, ignoring their looks:
"Give me the list of names of people at the age of shifting."
He furrowed his brow in greater confusion, but he said nothing; instead, he stood up, brought the required file, and gave it to me.
It seemed he decided to observe my madness in silence.
I started flipping through the pages quickly, searching for my goal, completely ignoring their piercing gazes following my every move.
My hands were trembling slightly from excitement and anticipation. I finally stopped...
I read what was written in large handwriting:
"Rare Cases."
It consisted of names of people who hadn't shifted into their wolves or whose wolves hadn't appeared after reaching the age of twenty, which is rare for several reasons.
I saw four names, most of them males except for one girl's name.
"Could it be her?"
My smile widened involuntarily, and my excitement intensified to the point that my heart began to beat strongly. I had found the thread!
I closed the file quickly and looked up at Klaus and Night, who were watching me with increasing surprise and bewilderment.
I said to Night with mock seriousness and some playfulness:
"This fool in front of you thinks he doesn't have a mate."
I saw the slight annoyance on Klaus's face at my describing him as a "fool," while Night looked at him with a silent question:
"And what does that have to do with me?"
I continued speaking, directing my words directly to Klaus in a confident tone:
"And he doesn't know that she simply hasn't passed the age of maturity yet, or rather, she has passed it but hasn't shown her wolf for the shift yet, thus there is no visible bond between you."
I saw his features change immediately to great shock and surprise. His eyes widened, and he seemed unable to believe what I was saying.
"Minerva confirmed this, she is never wrong,"
I added firmly.
He said in clear disbelief, his eyes fixed on me:
"Are you sure?"
I nodded to him with a playful smile confirming every word I said.
At that, the question marks finally vanished from above Night's head, and he sighed with clear relief, leaning back in his chair, finally understanding the reason for my sudden madness.
Joy returned to Klaus's face, and I saw his excitement which he tried hard to suppress. A wide smile spread across his lips, despite his attempt to appear composed.
I chuckled at his appearance; he looked like a child who had gotten his favorite toy. He is a good man, and he deserves to rejoice a little.
I said to him with seriousness mixed with warmth:
"Don't worry, I will find her. That's a promise from me."
The next day, I woke up with overwhelming activity, a renewed energy filling my body.
A smile was naturally drawn on my lips because I would finally have my first session as a mentor.
This goal alone made me overcome the usual morning laziness. I had spent the entire night arguing with Night about handing me the training of those
"rare cases."
My facial features shifted between complete seriousness when explaining the risks:
"Their shift will not be easy at all like others, in addition to the pain and complications like fractures and bleeding."
And clear insistence as I assured him that I was the most capable of handling them thanks to my previous experience in my pack.
The persistence was long, until I felt my throat had gone dry, but I didn't allow my features to waver from their resolve.
The matter truly annoyed me! Even though I fully realized he wanted to protect me and keep me from harm—which gave me a warm sense of security.
However, the way he did it was exaggerated. I pouted with distress and furrowed my brows in annoyance as I imagined the situation.
Everyone would think I am a weak, trivial "Luna" who cannot protect herself.
I huffed audibly at his decision and raised my eyes to the ceiling in helplessness.
But I agreed despite everything, for the gain was greater: I would finally go out and see new places other than this palace that had begun to feel cramped.
For a moment, I looked out the window with grumbling features, wishing for its collapse from the sheer boredom of being trapped in it.
I ate my breakfast quickly with an excitement I couldn't hide. I was extremely excited to go out and start training.
While I was busy with my food, Night began watching me with a raised eyebrow, a silent look of skepticism at my childish behavior.
I stared at him with a wide smile and stood up, approaching him with a quick and playful movement.
I raised my hand and messed up his carefully styled hair. I saw his immediate annoyance and his vexed features which he tried to suppress.
His gaze shot small arrows of funny threat.
I hurried to flee while laughing loudly at his messy appearance that I had created with my own hands.
I said between my laughs, waving my hand to him in farewell:
"See you later, Night!"
At that, something I completely didn't expect happened. Instead of shouting or grumbling, he smiled faintly. It was a charming and calm smile, a strange look of satisfaction.
He swept his hair back in a very charming and skillful way, as if he were showing off his attractiveness.
I felt a slight sting in my heart and some shyness from his quick effect on me, but I continued my way with a renewed smile.
I headed outside, the smile still on my face after my little prank on Night.
A group of guards met me at the gate.
They had massive and imposing physiques, wearing elegant formal suits that made them look like mountains.
I said with spontaneous cheer:
"Let's go, men!"
But soon my mood changed.
I stopped suddenly, pouted with distress, and stared at them with sharp looks and stern features:
"Don't be annoying.... keep a distance between us. Is that understood?"
My voice carried a clear tone of command that left no room for discussion.
They all bowed with complete obedience and exaggerated respect.
"Damn, I hate this excessive respect,"
I muttered to myself in suppressed distress. Complete compliance annoyed me as much as the restrictions themselves.
I continued my walk while this massive group of guards surrounded me.
My God, they are truly annoying! I felt suffocated by their exaggerated proximity.
I was receiving curious looks from the passing people because I had, quite simply, almost disappeared due to these giant bodies.
Their gazes shifted between the massive guards and the small space I was walking in, wanting to know who they were protecting with all this bulk.
I felt a mixture of mockery at the situation and distress at being the center of attention.
We finally arrived at our destination.
I was about to enter, but they—curse of curses—followed me! I turned suddenly and looked at them with sharpness and anger; my facial features were grim and tight with clear annoyance. I raised my finger warningly:
"No one dares to enter!"
One of the guards answered in a polite but tense tone:
"Luna, but..."
I interrupted him immediately, gritting my teeth in rising spite:
"There is no 'but'! Keep your places outside, that's an order!"
My voice was sharp and firm, leaving no room for discussion.
They stopped in their places with military pride and complete obedience, but I felt some frustration at their blind obedience.
I exhaled my breath loudly, trying to calm my rising anger.
"I'm going to lose my temper because of you, Night!"
I muttered to myself with a veiled threat.
I headed to the hall designated for them, and distress still controlled me because of the guards.
As soon as I entered, all eyes turned to me like a magnet. I felt some slight tension at being the center of attention, but I pretended to be confident.
A man approached who was, to say the least, handsome; he screamed handsomeness and masculinity in every sense of the word.
His hair was chestnut and his hazel eyes were stern, reflecting the seriousness of his work.
He wore a tight athletic outfit that looked as if it would tear at any moment due to the bulk of his toned body and prominent muscles.
He said with a polite and formal smile:
"Welcome, Your Majesty."
I replied to him with total annoyance and distress, and pouted with grumbling features:
"I don't like these titles. Please, no 'Luna' or 'Your Majesty'. Just Sera, Sera."
He chuckled softly at my direct reply, and the smile seemed to increase his handsomeness and attractiveness.
He extended his hand for a handshake, saying in a friendlier tone:
"Fine, Sera. I am Gino, nice to meet you."
I shook his hand with a slight, polite smile while we headed toward the trainees who were watching us with intense curiosity.
I feel a mixture of tension mixed with excitement to start my new mission.
We stopped in front of them; the trainees were staring at us with curiosity and anxiety.
Gino said with all sternness, his hazel eyes fixing the trainees one by one:
"This is your new mentor, specialized in cases similar to yours, so I ask you to show her respect and appreciation."
They cheered in one organized voice:
"Your order, Mr. Gino!"
I saw the sign of satisfaction on his stern features, then he turned to me with a smile before leaving and said:
"Good luck."
Leaving me alone with them, they were staring at me with looks of tension, and some of them had fear visible on their faces.
I took a more open stance and smiled at them with affection and slight tenderness, in an attempt to calm the atmosphere. I said in a warm voice:
"My name is Sera, and I have the honor of training you."
This friendly introduction helped to remove the tension a little from them, and their features began to relax.
After breaking the ice, it was time for work. My tone and stance changed, and I raised my voice slightly in a leadership tone:
"Our first training is running. You must train your bodies to run long distances, and do not exceed the specified time I will set for you. We will not move to the next step until you master it, even if it takes days. Is that understood?"
My looks were stern and serious now; no room for play. They answered in a loud and unified voice:
"Understooood!"
I smiled a slight smile of satisfaction and announced excitedly:
"Let's begin!"
Their performance was not bad; in fact, it was very good. They were trying with noticeable effort to complete ten laps in one minute.
I was watching them with intense focus, a slight smile gracing my face every now and then when I saw their persistence.
This exercise enhances the awakening of their wolves' speed, and if they master it, the next step will be much easier.
Suddenly, the girl tripped and fell to the ground, panting.
My features immediately turned to concern. I asked them to rest in a loud voice and hurried toward her.
I knelt beside her and said in a tender tone:
"Are you okay?"
She nodded to me with her head, while her rapid breathing due to the running cut off the words in her throat.
I helped her stand up and gave her the water bottle from my hand.
I said to her with an encouraging smile:
"Rest for a bit, then continue the training."
She smiled at me calmly with clear gratitude in her eyes.
We continued the entire day in this manner, until I decided that this was enough. I said in a loud voice:
"Enough for today!"
I heard cheers of joy and relief throughout the hall, and shouts of "Finally!" filled the place. I laughed at them softly; they don't know what tomorrow holds for them.
I said while handing them papers:
"You must follow this diet to prepare your bodies for the shift; it will be difficult."
My features were completely serious now, drawing a picture of the coming seriousness.
They nodded to me with similar seriousness, holding the papers with scrutiny and slight anxiety about the new system.
We continued on the same training for three consecutive days. I saw disappointment and frustration on their faces when they failed to achieve the specified time, and their features would wither and lose the spark of excitement.
But I would intervene immediately; I encouraged them and increased their enthusiasm by participating with them in the training.
I run with them, unleashing my speed to motivate them.
They began to compete with intense enthusiasm, signs of challenge drawn on their faces, racing to see who would catch up with me first.
Their looks were full of determination and will. This method bore fruit, to the point that their speed increased significantly, and small smiles of victory were drawn on their faces when they improved.
I felt great pride as I watched their development, realizing that my training method was effective. I said to them in a loud and enthusiastic voice:
"After the rest, you will undergo a test of who is the fastest, and whoever arrives within the specified time will get a reward! Come on, show me your amazing abilities!"
My facial features were serious but encouraging.
They cheered with enthusiasm and loud shouting, and their faces showed expressions of readiness to provide better results.
The atmosphere was charged with positive energy.
I saw him standing there, watching the situation from afar with curiosity.
He approached me as soon as I finished speaking. He stared at the trainees with clear surprise, his eyes widened slightly.
He said in a tone carrying admiration:
"I have never seen them this enthusiastic before. You have truly amazed me!"
I smiled at him calmly and confidently, crossing my arms over my chest in a position suggesting control. I said in a calm tone:
"I have my own ways, Mr. Gino."
He hummed faintly, surprise still drawn on his face, to reply:
"I see that."
I stared at him seriously, pointing with my eyes toward the trainees:
"Just watch and count."
I was feeling some pride mixed with complete confidence in my abilities and theirs now.
I said in a loud and firm voice:
"Now, get ready!"
They stood in order, coming forward one by one. To my surprise, they started running at normal speed first, but soon it increased in a frantic way!
My gaze was focused on them, watching the sudden surge of energy. Even some of them couldn't control it and hit the wall with stumbling.
I saw that girl among them, running and screaming because she couldn't control her speed, the look of terror on her face very clear. She circled the entire hall with lightning speed.
I intervened with my speed and caught her before she threw herself out the window. She clung to me with intense fear and said in a trembling voice dripping with terror:
"My God, I almost died!"
I stood to support her and reassure her with a quick smile.
At this point, I saw Gino staring at us in complete shock, his eyes widened to their fullest, and his mouth slightly open in absolute amazement.
He hadn't expected this rapid success. He said in surprise, his tone carrying a mixture of astonishment and admiration:
"This is unbelievable!"
Then his features suddenly changed and he burst out laughing loudly, a laugh of real joy and deep relief. He said jubilantly:
"You succeeded, Sera!"
His facial expression was a perfect mix of appreciation and joy for the success of the trainees and for me personally.
I felt an overwhelming joy flooding me, and my smile widened until it almost tore my face.
I shook hands with Gino playfully and shouted with overwhelming joy at their success:
"You are all winners! I am truly proud of you!"
My features were shining with real happiness and satisfaction.
The trainees were in disbelief that they had awakened their wolves' speed.
They approached me with loud shouting and hugging me tightly, showing their spontaneous joy, their faces sparkling with glee. I did the same, jumping with them in cheer and happiness.
They moved away from me after a while with clear shyness from their spontaneous act, their features carrying a silent apology, regretting their haste.
I didn't care about their shyness; instead, I laughed again and said enthusiastically:
"Come on guys, we have to celebrate this great achievement!"
Joy and pure glee returned to cover their faces immediately. Gino looked at me with deep gratitude; his looks were full of sincere appreciation for what I had done.
He said with clear sincerity and a warm tone:
"I truly thank you for your intervention and training them."
I patted his shoulder cordially and said to him with a warm and reassuring smile:
"This is my duty, Gino. I must take care of everyone."
He nodded to me with complete understanding and satisfaction, staring at the trainees who had already begun celebrating, while a calm and relaxed smile was drawn on his lips.