Callisto del Amathea

The palace doors open for Callisto to enter the main hall. Even those who are already used to the sight are surprised to see it that way. His abs are completely stained with blood, as are his hands. There's even a bloodstain on his face, making those around him even more fearful.

Everyone has drooping shoulders and bowed heads because Callisto's eyes alone are extremely terrifying. The yellow that glows in the irises, even when untransformed, is enough to bring nightmares to the most sensitive ones. But the real problem is Callisto's pheromones, which prove that he has been taking lives a while ago.

“Callisto… could you stop those pheromones? You're scaring everyone.” Skôll calls out to him, arms crossed. His blue eyes also look as cold as glaciers.

Callisto cleans the blood stain on his face and controls the pheromones, eliciting relieved sighs from the others, who quickly leave the room to leave them alone.

“So… how are things in the far south?” Skôll studies him attentively, seeing Callisto's carefree posture, as he throws himself on the golden throne, which has the sculpture of a huge wolf's head and claws projecting out of the arms support.

“As I predicted… the beasts are getting more and more restless. They usually don't come to this region, as it's close to the Sacred Forest, but… a group of desert gargoyles appeared roaming the region…” Callisto says thoughtfully, stroking his chin and the small scar that cuts through it. “It would be a problem if they met up with the Apostles, but I took too long tracking and taking care of this… I assume my Luna has already arrived?”

Skôll sighs, pinching the top of his nose. “Yes, Rhea Calirianne has already been taken to her designated chambers, as you desired. And the Apostles have already retreated to the Sacred Forest. They were really upset that you didn't get it. I am certain that your attitude will have negative repercussions.”

Callisto gives a wicked smile. “I, personally, sent my beta to receive it. I’m a King… Am I not supposed to be very busy?”

Skôll narrows his eyes and crosses his arms. “It's extremely rude not to welcome them your own.”

“Of course, they're more concerned about how I am welcoming them than how I'll treat my mate, whom they have imposed on me. What did they expect? A feast of bestial meat and lots of wine?” Callisto mocks. “I really don't like these guys.”

Callisto notices Skôll's impatience, who's staring at the floor with a frown. They've known each other since they were just brats. Even though Callisto is two years older than Skôll, and they don't share the same blood, they're like brothers. Skôll was not born an alpha. In fact, he has devoted his entire life to serving Callisto and fulfilling the responsibility of being the now King's right-hand man. That's why their bond is strong to the point that Callisto knows when there's something bothering him.

“Spit it out, Skôll. What's it?”

“Watch your language, please. That way, you just make things harder for me.” Skôll sighs again. How many have they been? Something is definitely wrong. “As you asked me, I went to receive your mate. As expected of a Luna worthy of the Lycan King, she's truly stunning…”

“Oh-oh, really?” Callisto smirks. “So, what's the problem? Was she also upset that I didn’t welcome her?”

“Actually, it's almost like the opposite…” Skôll unbuttons his collar that suddenly feels suffocating. “She asked me to pass you a message.”

“A message?” Callisto raises an eyebrow.

“She said that don't intend to be a burden, and that she doesn't plan to take up too much of your time…” Skôll feels a shiver run through him because Callisto's eyes have tossed out their playful gleam and become sharper. He can even smell the King's discontent, but swallows hard and continues with the message, “She said she won't be bothered if she has to live a different path than yours.”

Callisto's pheromones become stronger. “Is she looking down on me?”

“Well… it seems to me that she doesn't mind you at all.” Skôll gives a reassuring smile. “That's good, right? You have no interest in that either. You were worried that the High Sanctity would use it to control you, weren't you? Honestly, I doubt that's the case. She didn't seem the least bit bothered by your absence…”

Callisto's pheromones state that he's clearly angry — which leaves Skôll confused. Callisto was clearly worried that the girl would pry out. Despite being against this marriage, he didn't dare to rebel because he knows that it would only bring trouble to his people. The reason Callisto did all this… Going against the High Sanctity would be a mistake. Callisto knows this better than anyone. Even if he hates werewolves… even if he hates the Lunas sent by the Oracle… He didn't protest. Wouldn't this be the best scenario, then?

“Where is she now?” Callisto asks, his golden eyes glinting dangerously.

Honestly, this guy… Skôll sighs again, knowing he's unable to convince him otherwise when something gets into his head. “In the quarters you have established.”

Callisto quickly rises from his throne, crossing the hall with such long strides that it's not long before he's heading to the opposite side of the palace, where the Lunas chosen by the Oracle are always placed. During these six hundred years, dozens of she-wolves have moved into this palace and lived miserable lives. Despite the luxury that's not lacking in any room in this place, there has always been something that was lacking in the forced relationship between the two kingdoms: love. And this cannot be bought with expensive fabrics and gold accessories.

“You can't… you can't be seriously thinking of going there like that…” Skôll quickly follows behind, trying to keep up with the King, who can already see the doors to his mate's chamber. “No, wait… Callisto!!!”

Callisto unceremoniously opens the door with a serious expression on his face. And as his eyes survey the room, searching for the woman who became his Luna, they glow fiercely. But then...... he finally found her.

Wait, she......

“Callisto!” Skôll enters the room panting and looks at the King, who's completely paralyzed.

Callisto’s body is rigid, and no pheromone is being released in an uncontrolled way anymore. In fact, his eyes are static and wide, staring so intently that they don't even blink.

When Skôll follows the King's gaze, he stiffens as well... Rhea is changing clothes!

Her bare back is capped only by her long black hair. But they can see the curve of her hips and butt, and the view of her naked body is almost exposed in front of these two unknown men. She's pulling up her long skirt and has stopped mid-hip in surprise at having her rooms intrude on so brusquely. She's also frozen. If she moves a single muscle, maybe her hair will stop covering her nipples and show all her breasts.

“FORGIVE ME!” Skôll covers his eyes and runs from the room, shouting in a thick, authoritative voice, “Callisto, you scum! Apologize… get out of there already!”

But Callisto is incapable of reason. All he can manage is to hold his gaze on that slender body, on the curves of the waist that seem so thin they might break if he holds them. Her skin… is as white as the moon itself. Rhea looks perfect… something that shouldn't belong in this world… While he looks like a bloodthirsty beast.

Of course, she didn't have to ask to know who’s the man that had barged into her room without any manners. It's obvious who owns this sculptural body, with eight packs on his abs, and whose muscles are so defined that it make the veins stand out against the tanned skin with tattoos and red stripes… and blood.

A lot of blood.

But what really catches her attention is the huge scar of claws on his chest… and the other several smaller scars — one on his chin and another on his left eye.

 For some reason, she didn't feel threatened by the yellow eyes that glowed brightly, taking their time to check on her body. Despite his completely apathetic expression, she knows Callisto is staring at her naked body. Maybe it's strange that her skin is so pale. Or perhaps her skinny body look too fragile for him, that certainly is at least 6'7 (2.01 m) tall.

Is he judging me for being a weak wolf? — She thinks with a frown.

Callisto sighs and grunts, taking a hand to his slightly long hair, which is held on by a golden headband. Like the other men, he's also wearing accessories, such as a long necklace filled with giant claws, golden bracelets, and gemstone rings.

He covers his face, but the yellow eyes shine through his fingers…

Rhea can smell his pheromone, but… what is it?

She finishes lifting her skirt to her hips and turns to face him, with her hair still covering her bare breasts. The heat of Callisto's gaze on her flat belly, along with the scent of this pheromone, is making her feel funny…

“My King, Callisto del Amathea… I'd like to say it's an honor to meet you, but… Don't you think it's a little too rude to enter a woman's chambers that way?” Rhea gives a subtle smile, which makes Callisto shiver. “I didn't think the Lycans were that savage.”

Callisto's eyes glint dangerously, and his pheromones intensify. Rhea falters, feeling a tickle on the inside of her belly… Why is she feeling this way? That smell… Isn't he feeling provoked?

“I’ll order them to come help you change.” Callisto lifts his chin, eyeing her intently. “They say Werewolves are good at currying themselves up like humans…why don't you show me if you live up to that reputation? I'll wait for you in the main hall, My Luna.”