Chapter 2
1128 Words
THIRD PERSON POV
In the Moonveil Kingdom, where power lies, the massive iron gate is marked with the crescent emblem of the Moonveil pack. It is guarded by two enormous wolf statues carved from black obsidian.
Their glowing sapphire eyes followed every movement, enchanted to awaken should danger ever approach. Beyond the gates, a winding stone path stretched, lit by floating lanterns suspended by ancient magic, casting silver light across the fog-covered ground. The castle itself was breathtaking, with grand balconies draped with midnight blue banners, crystal windows glowing warmly against the darkness of the forest, elegant arches carved with symbols of wolves, moons, and forgotten prophecies. Waterfalls flowed from the cliffs behind the fortress into a shimmering lake surrounding part of the castle, reflecting the castle like a dream upon black glass.
It was not merely a castle.
Now, earlier, in the Moonveil throne room, the throne was carved from dark silver stone, illuminated by towering chandeliers and the pale glow of moonlight pouring through the massive windows.
At the center of the room sat the Alpha Lucien NightBane upon the enormous throne, his presence powerful enough to silence the air itself, beside him stood an elderly woman, Olenna the veiled one draped in dark robes, her silver hair cascading down her back and though age rested upon her features she still carried wisdom and power that burned within her, she was a healer and seer feared and respected and said to see beyond fate itself.
And there stood Nikolai Ravencrest, the alpha’s Beta and right-hand, and also Talia Evermere. Lucien trusted a few people, and Talia was one of them. She was loyal, smart, kind, strong, beautiful, and also friendly. Lucien’s late mom had rescued her when she was little, when there was war in their kingdom where her parents were killed, and ever since then she had been in the castle.
“So who is she and why must I be the one to pick her up?” Nikolai asked
“I don't know yet, hurry, the girl is scared and alone, and I fear the rogues are soon to join her company,” Olenna said
“Are you scared of a little human girl, Nikolai?” Talia joked
“I'm not scared, just that the task is too easy,” he smirked
” Oh dear,” Talia sighed
“Talia, go tell the maids to prepare a room. I have a feeling she will be here for quite a while ” Olenna said
“Sure,” Talia replied and left
ARIA’s POV
“Thank you for helping me, but who are you?” I asked, still shaken
” Just hop on my back, let's go,” he said, not ready to repeat it twice, so I gently stood up and climbed onto him. I was so tired and had lost track of time.
The massive black wolf burst through the forest with terrifying speed. I clung tightly to his back, the cold wind whipping through my hair while towering trees blurred around us.
And as we emerged from the depths of the woods, a castle rose before us like a living shadow beneath the moon. Guards stationed at the massive gates immediately lowered their heads as the enormous wolf approached. We reached the gate, and it was opened to let us pass. I was in awe that the castle was so beautiful that I didn't know what words to use to describe it. We entered inside, and luxury and power were at their peak. Marble floors reflected the glow of massive chandeliers forged from enchanted crystal.
“Where are we?” I asked
“Moonveil Castle,” he replied
“You can come down now,” he said, and I quietly stepped down. He led me to what they call the throne room. As I stepped in, my eyes landed on the throne, where a man with one arm resting lazily against the carved silver armrest, yet the power radiating from him was enough to silence the air itself.
His dark hair fell silently over his sharp eyes, the color of midnight, cold, unreadable, and dangerously intense. The dim midnight, tracing through the towering windows, traced along the perfect line of his jaw, sculpted and ruthless, while his black fabric stretched across his broad shoulders, making him appear more intimidating.
He was devastatingly handsome in the most dangerous way possible, the type who looked capable of protecting and destroying kingdoms. He looked less like a predator born to rule.
“Well, is she dumb?” his voice rumbled,
deep and smooth, commanding and impossible to ignore.
LUCIEN'S POV
She was a fragile human, yet there was something strangely captivating about her,
Perhaps the defiance hidden within those wide eyes or the way she tried to mask her fear despite trembling. I had seen countless women kneel before me, but she looked at me like she wasn't sure whether to run or survive.
She was breathtaking in a way that felt almost lethal, long waves of golden blonde hair, soft pale skin, and amber eyes. She carried a natural beauty that didn't need effort, full lips, delicate features, and softness that contrasted sharply against the brutal world surrounding her. Her body was beautifully curved, feminine, with a narrowing waist flowing into rounded hips. There was no denying how attractive she was, but it wasn't her beauty that caught attention; it was the way quiet strength somehow existed within her at the same time.
What was I thinking? I suddenly jolted out of my thoughts.
THIRD PERSON POV
“Lucien, you are scaring her. Hi, dear, my name is Talia. This is Olenna, this is Nikolai, who helped you, and you can call him Nico, and this is Lucien. Why not introduce yourself? Talia said
“Am……... I… my name is Aria. I am 19 years old, and I don't know how I got here.
Suddenly, Olenna looked straight into Aria's eyes and muttered
“Nyra……….nyra,” as if in disbelief of what she had just discovered
“No, ma’ma, it's actually aria,” I said
“If Olenna says it, Nyra, then it is,” Nikolai, who had turned back to human form, said, and that was when Aria looked at him, surprised
“You were a wolf just now, how…………how are you human?” Aria was confused
“Don’t worry, dear, you must be so tired; let’s go to your room,” Talia said and gestured to Aria, and they both walked out
“Did you see something?” Lucien asked
“I must consult the oracle”. Olenna said, then picked up her staff and left
“Any news from the spy?” Lucien asked
“Not yet”. Nikolai replied.
- Writer
