Naria's Wolves

Chapter Two-Episode Five

Suddenly, a holographic grizzly bear slid to a halt directly in front of the six Ashwood’s. It rose on its hind legs, towering over them, and let out a bone-shaking roar. Inara jumped, letting out a breathless laugh as the bear dropped back to all fours and sauntered away, chuffing softly as it followed its programmed path.

“If I wasn’t awake before, I certainly am now,” Scarlett muttered, pressing a hand to her chest. Her composure remained perfect, but Inara could see the slight tremor in her fingers—a reflection of Inara’s own racing heart.

“Stupid bears,” Silas hissed from behind them. Inara glanced back to see her brother’s silver eyes dilated with lingering surprise.

“If I didn’t know any better, Silas, I’d say you were scared,” Rowan mused. It was a rare, quiet taunt from the usually silent brother.

“I am not scared,” Silas snapped, his voice a low vibration. He adjusted his suit jacket, trying to regain his "warden" persona in front of the crowds. “Just taken by surprise, is all.”

“Scaredy cat,” Rowan whispered, so low that Inara barely caught it.

She had to stifle a giggle, the sound nearly lost in the festival noise. She cleared her throat, forcing her focus back to the Science Tower ahead. The playful bickering of her brothers was a small comfort, but the closer they got to the Tower, the more the metaphorical crown felt like it was beginning to tighten around her brow.

Inara and her family cut through the throng of people, their expensive jewels catching the artificial daylight in sharp, brilliant flashes. All eyes were on them as they approached the base of the Science Tower. There, the rest of the Grey collective—the Silvermists, the Greybourn’s, and the heads of Stonelark—waited on the massive landing of the great stairs, turning the architecture into a royal platform.

A podium stood at the center. As Inara’s father stepped forward to address the sea of expectant faces, her nerves began to jitter. His voice, amplified by the Tower’s broadcast system, boomed over the plaza.

“Centuries ago, humanity was dying on the harsh surface of the world, driven down here by the brutal ice age that wiped the surface clean with its frozen claws. Today, we are the architects of our own evolution. The great city of Naria stands not because of luck, but because of the strength preserved in our very bones to persevere—through the strength in our bloodlines.”

Her mother stepped up next, her golden gaze sweeping over the citizens with a practiced, regal smile.

“Our legacy grows and adapts, even to this day. Today, as we celebrate our Day of Reckoning, we also celebrate our future. We have decided that the time has come for a new perspective to guide us. One that understands the beauty of Naria as well as its strength.” Her mother turned, a manicured hand reaching out for Inara to step forward.

The crowd fell into a hushed, breathless silence. They were about to be just as blindsided as Inara had been two weeks ago. Her throat felt like sandpaper, the heavy pearl at her neck weighing her down along with every expectation of her lineage. She thought about the polished, empty words her mother had scripted for her, and in that moment, she chose her own.

“I’ve spent my life looking at the city of Naria through the lens of an artist. I saw the colors of our sky and the strength of our stone,” her voice rang out, stronger than she had dared to hope. She didn't falter. “Today, I see something else. I see the responsibility of the air you breathe, and the water and food that sustain us.”

She paused, the weight of the moment shifting. For the first time, she felt like she could inhabit this role without fear.

“I wasn’t born to lead an army or manage the grid that keeps Naria on its feet. But I was born an Ashwood. And I promise you this: I will look at our world with eyes that are open. I will seek the truth in our foundation, and I will ensure that our evolution isn’t just a history lesson, but a promise for our future.”

The silence held for a heartbeat as the crowd soaked in her words, realizing the magnitude of the change. Then, they erupted. Applause, whistles, and shouts of the Ashwood name filled the air, fists raised in a display of collective glory. It was a better outcome than she’d ever imagined.

As the cheers crested, Rowan and Scarlett stepped forward to flank her, with Silas standing like a silent warden behind her.

“The Ashwood industries—our transport, our expansion—stand behind this transition. We move forward in this endeavor as one,” Rowan’s deep, commanding voice added.

“Naria has always been a grand masterpiece in progress. Today, we add a new light to that canvas. Join us in celebrating the dawn of a new era for Naria!” Scarlett added, and the crowd cheered anew.

“Tomorrow, join us at our annual gala, where we celebrate as one,” her father concluded, his booming voice signaling the end of the address.

The relief that flooded Inara was physical. She felt refreshed, as if the speech had acted as a purge of her anxieties. As they filtered off the landing and moved through the crowd like a unified school of fish, she caught sight of Celeste. With a quick nod of approval from Inara, Celeste flounced toward her friend with a suppressed, joyful squeal.

“If that wasn’t the speech of a queen, I don’t know what is,” she whispered into Inara’s ear.

Inara couldn't help but laugh. The mask was on, the public was won over, and the "Queen" was officially in play.

Kade materialized out of the crowd as if he’d simply shifted his colors to match the festival decorations, falling into step beside Inara and Celeste. He offered a charming, practiced wave to a few people in the still-cheering crowd, leaning in close to Inara so only they could hear.

“That speech was great,” he breathed, his olive skin glowing with excitement. “Was it rehearsed? Because the ‘truth in stone’ bit was a hell of a touch.”

“Nope,” Inara said, a genuine smile tugging at her lips. She nodded politely to a passing group of citizens, playing the part of the gracious heiress as they moved through the plaza.

“f*****g brilliant,” Kade whispered. He leaned down and planted a quick, affectionate kiss on the top of her head. “I knew you could do it, babe. You had them eating out of your hand.”

“Now,” Celeste added, hooking her arm firmly through Inara’s and pulling her away from the looming shadow of the Science Tower. “We go and enjoy the festival! Tomorrow is going to be brutal, so we’re making the most of the sun while it’s still up.”

“Thanks for the reminder,” Inara hissed playfully.

Guided by her friends, she allowed herself to be swept away from the politics and the heavy expectations of the Greys. For the rest of Evolution Day, she wasn't a queen or a corporate figurehead. She was just a nineteen-year-old wolf girl with silver hair and golden eyes, lost in a world of sweets, laughter, and holographic wonders.

But even as she laughed at Celeste’s jokes and shared pastries with Kade, her mind kept drifting back to the Gala. Tomorrow, the "sharks" would be waiting, and she knew her newfound refreshed spirit was about to be put to its ultimate test.