1_ the beginning

(Serena) when she's 7

"Come, Princess, allow me to show you something."

Serena was abruptly awakened that night by a celestial voice, seemingly appearing out of thin air and compelling her to approach the window with its powerful allure.

"Do you perceive that?" the angelic voice inquired, its tone inviting.

"The forest?" the innocent young princess questioned.

"Hmm, would you like to join me in a playful adventure there?" the beautiful voice asked once more.

"But isn't it already dark?" the little princess inquired.

"However, if we venture forth with the aid of some remaining light, it is highly likely that numerous individuals would spot you and impede your progress," the voice explained.

The princess pondered this proposition with her innocent mind. The angelic voice was correct - she would never obtain her father's approval if she were to ask for it. This was the only way she could pursue her desires.

"Alright, but promise me that we will return promptly before my father becomes aware," Serena agreed.

In the blink of an eye, Serena found herself in the heart of the forest, screaming as she ran after a few moments.

"Help! Is anyone there?" she sobbed loudly. Her feet were weary, and her entire body felt exhausted. She could feel the sting of numerous cuts and painful wounds all over her body.

She had no recollection of how she ended up here. Her only memory was of the mesmerizing voice of a girl beckoning her in her dream. Enthralled by the voice, she pursued it relentlessly.

Her eyes widened in fear as she heard a menacing "Roar!" from some kind of creature approaching her in the enveloping darkness. She was certain it was a formidable beast. Trembling, she fled for her life, fully aware that if she were caught, the monster would end her life in an instant.

Run! Despite her overwhelming despair, her instinct urged her to escape.

She could discern that if she held on just a little longer, the sun would rise and come to her aid. Although their location only allowed for a fleeting glimpse of the sun, she knew it would provide some assistance. However, she sank to the ground... and all hope was lost.

She was resigned to her fate. She would perish here.

Serena was still a young wolf pup, but she held the title of princess within the Crimson Blood Pack, a wolf pack that resided deep beneath the surface. The creatures in this realm had never laid eyes upon the sun, the moon, or the vast world beyond. Why? Because they dwelled millions of feet below the earth's surface.

Serena had always been curious about everything, but she lacked the freedom to explore as she desired.

Her entire childhood was spent confined within the walls of her fortress, never venturing outside. Her parents and maids had always cautioned her.

"Do not venture beyond these beautiful forests, for many dangerous creatures lurk there," she had been warned. However, on the seventh day of her life, someone whispered in her ear as she slumbered.

The celestial voice whispered in her ears, its enchanting melody captivating her completely.

"Everything you have ever yearned for awaits you there."

Her chamber, situated at the pinnacle of the castle, afforded her a panoramic view of the surroundings. Emboldened by her desires, she made the daring decision to escape. Despite her trepidation of venturing alone into the dark depths of the forest, she disregarded the pounding of her heart. Her mind was consumed by thoughts of the mysterious creatures that lurked among the trees, creatures that would surely alarm her parents. From her vantage point, she could observe a multitude of endearing beings, both human and animal, bustling with excitement as they attempted to enter the forest. She frequently caught sight of a lively group of children frolicking amidst the blossoms, while adults occasionally returned with majestic creatures draped across their shoulders.

"Mount my back, and I shall guide you to safety," he offered, his voice filled with reassurance.

As if by enchantment, a striking young man with golden eyes appeared before her. Like the other adults in their pack, he possessed the ability to transform into a wolf-like creature.

From his handsome human form, he metamorphosed into a magnificent raven-colored wolf, his captivating golden eyes never wavering.

She was captivated by his allure, particularly his appearance. She daydreamed about the day when she, too, would possess the ability to transform into a magnificent wolf like him.

With the wolf's assistance, she clambered onto his back.

They raced with unparalleled swiftness, surpassing any other member of their pack she had ever witnessed. As an observer of her pack from the heights of her castle room, she was well acquainted with their capabilities and knew who among them was the fastest. Yet, she had never encountered a wolf as fleet-footed as this one, not even the newest recruits.

As they sprinted, she gazed up at the myriad of stars twinkling above them. Then, she noticed the sun ascending to its zenith in the sky overhead. Despite her wounds and pain, she never ceased to smile while being carried by the wolf. She was certain that she had discovered her soulmate in the form of this young man, not solely due to his emotions, but because of the way he made her heart skip a beat and butterflies dance in her stomach.

They came to a halt near the dwelling of the Crimson Blood Pack.

Serena couldn't fathom why they would pause instead of pressing onward. After the young man gently placed her on the ground, she surveyed her surroundings.

We found ourselves in the most breathtaking location I had ever laid eyes upon. Countless flowers adorned the ground, encircling a cluster of trees. A nearby waterfall cascaded with grace, while a multitude of melodious birds soared overhead, their flight patterns tracing intricate paths through the sky. The sunlight filtered through a myriad of holes, infusing the area with a radiant energy. In that moment, Serena felt an undeniable sense of belonging, as if she were destined to be royalty.

"Are you feeling better now?" the young man inquired, though his demeanor betrayed a lack of concern. He appeared either bored or indifferent. However, as Serena gazed into his golden eyes, she detected a void of emotions.

Exhaustion washed over her in an instant, prompting her to briefly close her eyes before reopening them as the young man gently shook her.

"Hey, are you okay?" he asked, but something about his tone made her feel as though she were conversing with someone else entirely. Even his golden eyes seemed altered. Something was amiss...

It was the first time Serena had heard another person speak to her, and the sound was pleasing to her ears. It brought her a sense of comfort. She couldn't quite comprehend why she felt this way, but she decided to embrace it as long as it didn't cause her harm.