Chapter four

“Claw…use your claws” Theron ordered. “They are the only defense you have in wolf form”

The clang of fists against flesh, the growl of wolves locked in combat, and the thud of bodies hitting the dirt filled the training grounds. Dust swirled with every strike, the sharp scent of sweat and earth thick in the air.

“Focus! You call that a hit?” one of the older warriors barked, shoving his opponent back.

Growls and snarls rippled across the field as wolves lunged at one another, silver fangs glinting in the sun. They tore at the ground with their claws, testing strength, speed, and instincts.

Suddenly, a loud voice cut through the chaos.

“Enough!”

The command rolled like thunder. Instantly, the warriors broke apart. One by one, their forms shifted—bones snapping, teeth retracting, muscles twisting until skin replaced furs . In seconds, the field was filled with men and women in simple training clothes, standing tall and breathless.

At the middle of the training grounds stood a man in his early fifties—Captain Aldric, broad-shouldered, scar running from his left ear down to his jaw…a reminder of the war that broke out twenty years ago , his sharp gaze scanning the face of every of the fighters.

“All of you, stand in line!” he ordered.

The warriors scrambled, forming neat rows, their heads bowed in respect.

The Captain’s voice carried, low but firm.

“The Luna of Crestwood has arrived.”

A hush fell over the field. Every warrior stiffened, exchanging quick glances, their excitement and curiosity very visible.

Captain Aldric’s gaze swept over his warriors.

He continued, “She is young. She is untrained. And she will need protection until she finds her strength. One of you will be chosen to serve as her personal guard.”

Murmurs broke out.

“Her personal guard?”

“Imagine the honor…”

“Or the burden.”

Ardric lifted a hand and silence fell again. 

“The Luna is to be protected above all else. Only the best among you will take this role.”

A ripple of anticipation moved through the warriors. Some straightened, others clenched fists, silently hoping to be picked.

Then Aldric turned ,eyes narrowing . Hppis gaze settled on one man standing in the front line, .He turned toward the front line, eyes narrowing at one figure.

“Theron.”

“Theron.”

A figure stepped forward. Tall,broad-chested with abs lining every part of his damp cloth, his dark hair stuck to his face with sweat from training. Even standing still,his majestic aura was undeniable. His sharp green eyes flicked toward his captain.

“Yes, Captain,” Theron answered, his voice steady.

You are the strongest of them all,” Arden said firmly. “The Luna needs more than strength…she needs loyalty, focus, and restraint. You will be her shadow.You will serve as her personal guard.”

A few mutters rose among the other warriors some envy, admiration, grudging respect. No one argued though, they all knew Theron was the strongest among them all.

Theron’s jaw tightened. He lowered his head respectfully.

“Yes, Captain.I will not fail you,” he said simply, bowing.

Captain Aldric gave a firm nod. “Then it’s decided. Theron will guard the Luna. The rest of you, back to training.”

The warriors bowed in unison, but as they turned back to the grounds, more than a few stole glances at Theron—the Luna protector.

    Meanwhile in Leora's chambers…

Leora sat on the edge of her bed, twirling a loose thread from the silvery curtains absentmindedly. Her aunt Zaria entered, carrying a folded bundle of parchment.

“You’re quiet,” Zaria said softly.

Leora looked up. “Just… trying to adjust.”

Zaria gave her a small smile before sitting beside her.

“There’s something you need to know.”

Leora tilted her head. “That tone never means anything good.”

Zaria laughed lightly. “This time, it’s not bad. Tomorrow, you’ll begin at the Wolf College.”

Leora blinked. “College? As in… books, lectures, math equations, and boring professors?”

Zaria shook her head. “Not quite. Wolf College is not like human schools. They don’t care about algebra or physics. It’s a place where young wolves learn to master what they are. You will learn our traditions shifting control, energy wielding, even strategies of war. It’s where you will become more than just the girl who came home—it’s where you will become Luna.”

Leora frowned. “So you’re saying they’re going to throw me into battle training?”

“Not throw,” Zaria corrected, “guide. You’ll have teachers, mentors, and… one personal guard assigned to you. Someone who will protect you until you can protect yourself.”

Leora raised a brow. “A babysitter? Great.”

Zaria smirked. “You’ll meet him soon enough.”

              Later…

Leora hurried down the hall, muttering under her breath. Her aunt followed behind.

“Babysitter, really? As if I can’t handle myself—”

She rounded the corner and slammed right into a broad chest. She staggered back, rubbing her forehead.

“Watch where you’re—” Her words froze.

The man before her was tall, powerful, his hair damp with sweat as though he’d just left training. But it was his eyes that stole her breath—an impossible, brilliant green.

They locked onto hers, steady and unreadable.

Leora’s pulse quickened. Those eyes… why do they feel so familiar?

“Who…” Leora whispered.

“Leora, this is the warrior assigned to you. His name is Theron” Aunt Zaria said.

His lips twitched as though he recognized her too but he only bowed slightly, his hands behind his back. Theron cursed under his breath,he should have known since she was with Lady Zaria but then again she looked so plain so he didn't think much of it.

“My lady.” he finally spoke 

Leora’s lips parted before she could stop herself.

“You—”

Theron blinked, he remained in his position, head bowed.

“My Luna… forgive me. Earlier, I—” He paused, searching her face. “I did not mean to startle you.”

Leora’s brows arched, a faint smirk tugging her lips.

“Startle me? You practically knocked me off my feet and left without apologizing.” she exaggerated, rolling her eyes.

Theron chuckled softly, he raised his head and gave her the best smile he could offer — not like it was actually a smile, it was more like a mocking smirk.

“Then I owe you twice the apology.” His green eyes glistened, bright yet unreadable. “I’ll be more careful from now on.”

Leora crossed her arms, tilting her head and observing him. The boldness in her voice was sharp, but her heart thundered from shyness . 

“See that you are. I wouldn’t want my so-called protector flattening me before anyone else gets the chance.”

She had to be brave if she wanted to be a ruler, according to her aunt— any weakness seen in her would be used against her and joepardize her rule.

Theron nodded .

“Understood.” he got on one knee and bowed his head towards Leora.

She looked at him, confused.

Her aunt Zaria cleared her throat, leaned in gently to whisper into Leora's ear. “Acknowledge him, child.”

Leora swallowed and lifted her chin.

“Rise, Theron. If you are to be my guard, then… I’ll trust you.”

“Your grace is immeasurable, Luna” he said and got off his knee.

Leora simply nodded a ‘whatever’

“ Great and also…his room is just before yours” Aunt Zaria said walking away.

“Wait…what?” Leora yelled

She was still watching her aunt walk away but Theron's gaze was fixed at the pendant round her neck. “Finally, it is here” he thought to himself.

And suddenly from nowhere, a cold shiver ran down Leora's spine.