Who Was That Girl?

Chapter 5

Tristan's POV:

I sat at my high throne that stood majestically in the grand hall, its presence commanding reverence and awe. Carved from a single block of polished ebony, it absorbed the light around it, radiating an aura of power and sophistication. Intricate patterns of gold and silver adorned its surface, depicting scenes of mythical creatures and celestial bodies. The armrests were shaped like lions' heads, their mouths open in a fierce roar, while the legs were designed to resemble serpents, coiled and ready to strike.

As one approached the throne, they couldn't help but feel a sense of grandeur and majesty. It seemed to whisper tales of ancient kingdoms, forgotten wars, and legendary rulers. The throne's design exuded an air of regality, as it had witnessed the rise and fall of empires. Soft, velvety cushions in a deep, rich black adorned the seat. The throne's backrest rose high, supporting my stature and bearing, symbolising my authority and dominance.

"Speak." I said to one of my elders that sat on both sides of the hall, as he lifted a finger up.

"Heard there has been an invasion in moon glow pack, extending to other packs in Moon Shadow clan."

"I did too. And it's rapid. I suggest we up our security." Another elder said.

"We already have maximum security. I suggest we attack instead of defend so they don't get to us at all." The third elder said.

"Security cannot be too much. And we can't launch an attack at them just because they are killing themselves in their empire. These are two different empires, so launching an attack would mean, starting a war."

"Guards." I called under my breath making it come out gruffly.

"My lord." The errand guard at my left hand side answered, his head bowed.

"Get the head guard to mobilise the slaves. They should be sent to all the borders of Shadow Fang pack to heighten the security measures. All entrance to the pack should have an security alert. And a message should be sent to other packs and clans in Blood Moon Empire to do the same. The invasion happening in Moon Glow pack, and Moon born empire in general shouldn't come close." I dished out my instructions.

"Yes Lord Lycan." The errand guard bowed again and took fast strides out.

Dismissing the elders, I stepped out of the Palace, wanting to go see my mum. Haven't really been a while seen we last saw, but in times like this when I feel off, she's the one I go to as she's closer to me than enough my best friend.

All of a sudden, the sharp wail of the security alarm split the quiet night, echoing through the pack ring like a death knell.

I froze mid-step, my head snapping toward the second entrance of the pack where the alarm sounded from. The wind shifted—a foreign scent, that was different from my pack, indicating that it was not safe. A low growl rumbled in my chest. My muscles tensed, instincts surging to the surface like wildfire. My Amber eyes burned gold, my pupils narrowing to slits. The world slowed down around me as rage and duty collided in my chest.

I shape-shifted; My spine arching violently, my bones snapping with wet cracks as they restructured. My flesh rippled, and my veins glowed faintly beneath the surface. My hands curled, my fingernails lengthening into deadly black claws. Fur erupted across my skin in a storm of pain and power. My jaw unhinged, my skull reshaping with a sickening crunch into a long, snarling snout. A roar tore from my throat. Half-man, half-beast—a warning to whatever dared breach my territory. Within seconds, the man was gone. In his place stood a towering Lycan— eight feet of raw fury and primal strength, muscles coiled, senses sharp. Saliva dripped from my bared fangs as I lunged toward the forest.

The hunt had begun. But the night was still— too still.

I stood atop the rocky ridge, narrowing my eyes as my senses sharpened. Then came the scent— foreign, human-like…... and female. Not from my pack. Not marked. Not supposed to be here. A trespasser!

The growl rumbled low in my throat as I leapt from the ridge, silent as shadow. My massive paws hit the forest floor with barely a sound, and I began my hunt. Through the trees, I saw her—small, fast, panicked. Her heartbeat thundered in my ears, the scent of fear thick in the air. She was running blind, crashing through branches like a prey. My lips curled back in a snarl, my teeth bared as I closed in. Her scent drove something ancient and territorial through my veins. She didn’t belong here, and no one intruder entered without consequence.

Suddenly, she darted left— straight toward the trap zone. I lunged to catch her before she got hurt, but it was too late. With a sharp snap, the net shot up, cocooning her mid-air.

I skidded to a halt, my chest heaving as my nostrils flared. She dangled in front of me, wide-eyed and trembling. My growl deepened as I stepped closer, inches from her face. Not to kill, but to observe.

Who is she? What is she doing here?

The hunter’s fury simmered just beneath my skin… but so did curiosity. This wasn’t just a trespasser. This was something else. I stared at her for a moment longer, watching how her chest rose and fell in ragged panic. Her scent—wild and soft, laced with fear—clung to the air around them. She was young, clearly not a warrior. But she had crossed my border and that alone demanded answers.

Without a word, I turned and let out a sharp, commanding howl. Within seconds, the pack's security guards rushed in from all corners dropping to one knee. And by the time I turned back to her, I could see the fear in her eyes has trippled.

"Take her," I growled, my voice low and dangerous. "To the palace cold vault. No chains… yet."

The guards obeyed, cutting her from the net and dragging her quickly but firmly behind them. She didn’t speak—just stared, wide-eyed, silent. Why didn't she say anything? Is she deformed?

I watched her until she vanished into the forest path toward the palace. Only then did I turn, sprinting through the trees, back towards the palace, taking a quicker path. When I reached my fortress— a towering stone palace carved into the mountain, I entered without pause. Through the great hall, past the flickering lights and cold marble walls, up into my chambers. I stood in the centre of my room, my chest heaving.

Then I began shape-shifting again; My bones cracked, my fur retracting. My skin stretched and smoothened. I exhaled sharply as the beast gave way to the man—tall, broad, bare-chested, with scars tracing the story of every battle I’d ever fought. I stepped toward the window, my golden eyes now dulled to their human hue.

Who was that girl? And why is her scent lingering in my mind??