CHAPTER 1
Morgana stood at the graveside, tears streaming down her face as she said her final goodbye to her beloved father. The weight of grief hung heavy in her heart, but she knew she had to be strong enough for her family. Her mother, still reeling from the loss, had recently remarried a man named Radulphus. Initially, Radulphus had appeared kind and caring to Morgana and her mother, offering support and comfort during their time of need.
But as time passed, Morgana couldn't shake off the growing suspicion that his intentions were not as genuine as they seemed.
After the funeral, life at the estate took an eerie turn. Radulphus became increasingly distant from Morgana and her family, spending long hours locked away in his study,
refusing to discuss his business dealings with them. His once warm and compassionate demeanor had given way to an air of secrecy and coldness that sent shivers down Morgana's spine.
As the days turned into weeks, Morgana's concern for her mother intensified. She noticed that Lady Eliza, once a vibrant and joyful woman, had become a mere shadow of her former self. It seemed as though the light within her had dimmed since Radulphus's arrival.
Unable to ignore her gut feeling any longer, Morgana decided to confide in her childhood friend, Arthur. Arthur had been a loyal companion since they were children, and they often sought solace in each other's company. Arthur was a sturdy, dependable young man with an adventurous spirit, and his presence always brought a sense of comfort to Morgana.
One evening, under the light of the full moon, Morgana finally poured her heart out to Arthur. She shared her suspicions about Radulphus and how she feared for her mother's well-being. Arthur listened intently, his eyes full of concern and compassion.
"You must tread carefully, Morgana," Arthur warned. "It's not wise to jump to conclusions without concrete evidence. But I promise you, I will help you uncover the truth, for your father's memory and your mother's sake."
Over the next few days, Arthur and Morgana discreetly began investigating Radulphus. They delved into his past, trying to find any clues that could shed light on his true intentions. What they uncovered sent chills down their spines. Rumors of Radulphus's involvement with a mysterious pack of werewolves surfaced, and there were whispers of his connection to ancient dark rituals.
As they continued their inquiries, Morgana couldn't shake off the feeling that someone was watching them. Shadows seemed to dance around corners, and the sounds of rustling leaves echoed through the night when they thought they were alone. Morgana's unease grew, and she began to question her own sanity.
One moonlit night, while snooping around Radulphus's study, Morgana stumbled upon an old leather-bound book hidden away in a drawer. Intrigued, she dusted it off and opened its pages. What she found inside were pages filled with cryptic symbols and references to the power of the full moon.
Terrified, Morgana took the book to Arthur, hoping he could make sense of its contents. Arthur recognized the markings as ancient runes associated with werewolf lore and dark magic.
"This can't be a coincidence," Arthur said, his voice trembling slightly. "We must confront Radulphus, but we have to be cautious. Werewolf curses and dark magic are not to be trifled with."
They decided to confront Radulphus together, seeking answers to the questions that had plagued Morgana's mind. As they approached his study, they could hear low growls and snarls from within. Morgana's heart pounded in her chest, and she held her breath as Arthur knocked on the door.
"Radulphus, we need to speak with you," Arthur called out, trying to keep his voice steady.
The door swung open, and Radulphus stood there, his eyes glowing with an unnatural intensity. "What business do you have snooping around in my study?" he demanded.
Morgana summoned all her courage. "We've discovered your secret, Radulphus. The book of werewolf curses hidden in your study. What are you planning?"
Radulphus's lips curled into a sinister smile. "Ah, so you've found out, have you? You meddlesome werewolves should know better than to interfere with forces beyond your comprehension."
Before he could say more, Lady Eliza appeared behind him, her eyes glinting with an otherworldly glow. Her transformation was undeniable – she, too, was a werewolf, under Radulphus's control.
Morgana and Arthur stepped back in shock, realizing the extent of the darkness that had taken hold of Radulphus and her mother.
They were entangled in a web of werewolf curses and dark magic, and there was no telling how far the sinister influence reached.
The tension in the room escalated, and the truth hung in the air, waiting to be unveiled. Morgana and Arthur knew that their lives would never be the same again.
Unbeknownst to Morgana, Radulphus was a close friend of Mohegan, the ferocious and cruel alpha king. Mohegan confided in Radulphus that he needed a slave girl to bear him an heir. The wicked plan took shape in Radulphus's mind as he considered offering Morgana to the alpha king.
One evening, Radulphus returned home with a letter in his hand, sealed with the royal insignia
As Morgana looked at him from the corner of the room, Radulphus eyes gleamed with a sinister excitement as he told her to come close
He handed the letter to Morgana, "what would be written in this letter"... She thought
"Why is he giving it to me"
Morgana's heart pounded in her chest as Radulphus turned towards her, a wicked smile etched across his face. "Morgana, my dear, the king himself has requested your presence," he said, his voice dripping with false sweetness. "He desires a wife, an heir to his throne, and you, my dear, are the perfect candidate and if you try to refuse my offer, you will be putting your mother to a great risk."
Fear coiled in Morgana's stomach, but she refused to let her stepfather's cruel intentions define her worth. She knew she had to protect her family, even if it meant sacrificing her own happiness.