Chapter two

              *** Many years later 

Leora stepped out of the car, her heels clicking against the cobblestone path as her gaze drifted upward. The massive iron gates of the kingdom stood before her, engraved with old runes that glistened faintly under the sun. She let out a long, tired sigh.

“Great,” she muttered, tugging her jacket tighter around herself. “Ten out of ten for creepy grandeur, zero for hospitality.”This already feels like the opening scene of a horror movie. All that’s missing is thunder and a creepy violin soundtrack.”

Beside her, a woman in her forties with sharp eyes and elegant grace stepped out of the car. Her aunt Zaria, brushed a strand of hair from her face, smirking at Leora’s comment.

“It’s not so bad, love,” Zaria said, looping her arm through hers. “Besides, this is your home now. You’ll be the ruler of this kingdom.”

Leora stopped mid-step and turned to stare at her aunt like she had said the unspeakable. “Ruler? Of this kingdom?” She gestured dramatically at the massive gate. “I don’t even know what this is, let alone how to rule it. Just last week, my biggest responsibility was keeping plants alive.”

Zaria chuckled softly, patting her niece’s hand. “Don’t worry about it. You have a lot to learn, yes, but you’ll have time. For now, just breathe.”

As if on cue, the gates creaked open with a deep groan, and Leora’s breath caught in her throat.

Beyond the iron bars stood several wolves, massive, coloured-furred beasts with eyes like molten gold. They stood guard, their bodies filled with power. The moment the gates opened fully, they lowered their heads in unison, bowing.

Leora blinked at them then let out a snort. “Oh wow,” she muttered under her breath. “Of course. Wolves at the gates. How very… cliché.”

Zaria elbowed her, stifling a laugh. “Show some respect. They’re greeting their ruler.”

Rolling her eyes, Leora followed her aunt past the wolves and into the kingdom. Her sneakers crunched against the stone as curious eyes followed her every step. People gathered on either side of the road, whispering among themselves.

“Is that her?”

“She’s so young.”

“She doesn’t look like a ruler.”

“I thought she’d be taller.”

“I thought the ruler would look… stronger.”

Leora tightened her jaw and muttered, “Fantastic. A whole kingdom of weird folks. Just what I needed.”

Zaria leaned closer. “Ignore them. Be excited, Leora. They’ve waited for you.”

Leora was about to snap back when someone suddenly bumped into her shoulder, hard enough to make her stumble back and almost fall.

“Hey!” she snapped, spinning around.

But the person didn’t stop. A tall figure with broad shoulders and black hair walked away without glancing back. Leora never caught his face, just a glimpse of his green eyes, the sharp line of his back and his worn out clothes that looked like that of a guard. The crowd seemed to instinctively part around him— is that what makes him so arrogant, Leora thought.

Her hands clenched into fists. “ Unbelievable. What the hell is wrong with that asshole? Can’t even say sorry? Hey! You!”

The man didn’t even slow down.

Zaria touched her arm, gently pulling her forward. “Don’t mind him. He probably doesn’t know who you are.” Her voice softened, almost amused. “Come. Let’s take you to the palace.”

Leora glared at the arrogant figure before huffing and turning back to face her aunt. “Yeah, well, he had better hope I never find out his name.”

The polished marble floors of the Crestwood Palace glistened beneath Leora’s steps, reflecting the glow of golden chandeliers that hung from the high ceiling. The walls were painted with silver and carved with the Crescent Moon’s symbol. 

The moment Leora stepped in, the guards bowed low, and servants curtsied, their voices rising together “Welcome back, my lady”.

 Cold chill ran down Leora’s spine as she admired the palace, it looked like those fantasy tales she read in novels. This was the first time she ever left the human kingdom and suddenly she is the Luna of an unknown place?. Her body shivered just at the thought of this.

Her aunt, Lady Zaria, walked firmly at her side, guiding her through the double doors into the Great Hall.“We must hurry, the elders have been waiting for far too long” 

Leora sighed, she wasn't ready to meet old judgemental people.

Inside the grand hall, a massive round table was placed in the center . Men and women with dark robes and stares sharper than swords ,sat in their seats. 

“Leora,” one of them said immediately, his voice ringing across the hall. “You’re back. About time.”

Others murmured their approval, while a few exchanged looks that made her chest tighten.

“Step forward, child,” another elder said warmly, her tone more welcoming.

Leora bowed slightly. “Greetings, Elders.”

But before Zaria could guide her further, a sharp voice cut through,cold. “Returned, yes but for what? She is untested. How do we know she carries her mother’s strength and not her father’s shadow?” He scoffed “A so called husband that couldn't protect her instead ran away…of what use is he?”

 Leora's face fell into a sad frown. Her aunt's grip tightened on Leora’s arm before she could speak. “Please mind your words,” she warned. “She has come back at great cost.”

Another elder, a woman cloaked in midnight blue, offered a small smile. “We are glad you’re here, Leora. The kingdom has been waiting.”

 An elder woman, her eyes cold and piercing, leaned forward.

“And what of your wolf abilities, child? Have you been able to unlock them?”

Leora froze. Her lips parted, but no answer came. Wolf abilities?

Zaria, stepped in swiftly, her voice steady but firm.

“According to …circumstances she will unlock them when she finds her mate.”

A murmur rippled across the table. The cold-eyed elder gave a thin, knowing smile.

“Then it is settled, finding Leora’s mate must be the first priority. Without that, she cannot be crowned as the Lunar of Crestwood Kingdom.”

“That will be all for today. My niece is tired from her journey.” Zaria claimed.

Without waiting for permission, her aunt led Leora out of the room and piercing stares of the Crestwood elders.

When they were out of the hall and in the quiet corridor, her aunt finally exhaled. She gave Leora a reassuring smile as she led her through the stone hallways.

“Come. Let me take you to your chambers.” Zaria said 

When they entered the room, Leora noticed how different it was from her life back home,it was enormous…maybe even too big for just her, silvery drapes fluttered in the breeze, and there was a faint scent of moon lilies. She sank onto the edge of the bed, feeling small against the weight of it all.

That night, Leora lay in her new chamber. It should have been comforting. Instead, it felt foreign, like she was a guest in a here 

She turned restlessly, staring at the ceiling. “Mate, wolf, ruler,” she muttered bitterly. “No pressure or anything.”

Her hand brushed the Moon Pendant at her throat and she let out a low sigh.

And then she heard it. A voice like wind through the trees. “Leora…”

She sat upright, eyes wide.

“Who is that?” She asked, goosebumps along her skin.

“Beware my child for the blade that took your mother's life may someday find you again” the voice said again.

She ran to the balcony and pulled the curtains open but no one was there.

Leora’s heart thundered. “What the hell was that?”

The voice lingered in her ears like an echo. And though the chamber was silent once again, she knew one thing was sure, someone had spoken to her.