Chapter 3

I was ready and waiting for my grandfather the next morning. I was apprehensive, but also excited. I had done my research on werewolves. There seemed to be a hierarchy system within the packs.

I had come to understand that Omega’s were the lowest ranked. And the Alpha was the highest. There were several others including Betas and Gammas. There would also be warrior wolves. It was all so interesting. I smiled at myself, I could remember the excitement from before. I was still excited. But it was for a completely different reason.

I was to turn myself into a Luna She-Wolf. From what I had read, the Luna She-Wolf ruled the pack with the Alpha. Where the Alpha would be the strongest of all the wolves, the Luna had to be the heart of the pack.

I could do this. I said to myself. I had to show my grandfather that I was old enough to look after myself. I need him to stop worrying about me.

“You look tired, my child.” Grandfather scolded me lightly.

“I had to do as much research as I could, Papi. I must know everything there is to being a werewolf. Otherwise, I would let you down.”

My eyes turned downcast, I didn’t want Papi to see the tears clinging to my lashes.

Papi gripped my chin, firm but not hurting me. He looked at me for a long time before he said, “you could never let me down, Phina. You are the only light in my life.”

In a reversal of yesterday when I had kissed the top of his head, he now did the same to me.

“Come, child. We must leave before any of the knights are aware.”

I climbed into a beautiful gilded carriage, it was led by two radiant opal horses.

Once we were all settled in the carriage, I asked why we were traveling like this.

After all, we could teleport through the different elements.

Papi said nothing for a while, I was about to ask again when he finally answered.

“Phina. We must appear to be mortals for their realm. To act any other way would raise suspicion. We are going to this other realm so you will be safe. That is why I am sending Axel and Lincoln with you. They will be your personal guard.”

I looked at Axel and Lincoln in turn. Both were hulking great men. I foresaw a problem. They have to be turned into women. I spoke up, quietly but firmly.

“Papi, I did research on werewolf pack hierarchy. I don’t think that she-wolves get bodyguards. I think I’m right in saying that the Luna would have protection from the pack as a whole.”

My grandfather thought about this for a while. Then he waved his hand almost lazily.

Although I already knew that they would be changed. I had to feign ignorance.

Where there was once an Axel and Lincoln. Now sat an Anna and Linda.

“Papi. Why have you done this? Don’t you think it’s a bit extreme?”

My grandfather waved one of his hands in a gesture I had never seen him use.

“I have not changed who they are. Fundamentally they are still your body guards. I just changed the way they look. It will make more sense in the mortal realm for you to have two hand-maidens. So that is now what they are.”

I felt the beginning of a laugh, and had to scrunch up my face to stop it coming out of me.

Axel and Lincoln stared at their reflections in the window. It was so dark outside that the surface looked more like a mirror than glass.

“I’m still the prettiest one.” The female formally known as Lincoln said.

That did it for me. I burst into raucous laughter at the craziness of it all.

The three others started laughing too.

“What a lovely sight you will all be, walking into the packhouse.”

My grandfather sounded so earnest that the three; Girls, started laughing again.

This was so absurd. It just might work.

The occupants of the carriage soon drifted off in sleep. My sleep did not come. I maybe dozed here and there. Nobody would say that was a good nights sleep.

I felt a drop in temperature, then a low rumble was heard above us. Where it had been black as night in our realm, the sun was just rising behind a beautiful snow capped mountain.

I felt my heart start to race, and my hands became clammy.

I thought he was still asleep. So when he touched my clasped hands I jumped.

“We have arrived in the other realm. It should not take us too much longer to get to the wolf pack I have chosen for you.”

Grandfather gave me a soft smile, that did nothing to hide the weariness in his eyes.

I know just how much my leaving would hurt this old man. But, leave I must. To stay safe. To be protected.

“Try to rest for this part of the journey, my child. You look exhausted. And we need to show those wolves that you are a special wolf amongst wolves.”

All I could do was nod, and lean back against the plump cushions. I closed my eyes. It only felt like five minutes, when I felt a feather light touch on the back of my hand.

My eyelids fluttered open. I expected to see my grandfather or one of my new hand maidens. But I saw none of them.

All I saw were blue eyes. His eyes. They seemed to sparkle. Then all I could see was the back of his head, as he bowed low in greeting.

“Lady Seraphina, it is an honour to finally meet you in person.”