My Warrior Luna

Chapter 8 ( Light Crown Tournament )

"Amelia.....eyy... are you still with us?" Issac's voice grabbed my attention from the headline.

I glanced towards the table and the ever-concerned eyes were fixed on me. It's good to know that everyone is worried, but there's nothing to worry about. It's just me - the one who's always getting caught in the wrong place at the wrong time.

"I'm here, I'm fine." The corner of my lips turned up at the look of concern on Issac's face.

"What are you ordering or are you hungry?" Issac's gaze softened a little.

"Sushi and a cup of coffee would be fine, I think." Without much thought the answer left my lips.

The rest took their turns ordering our food and drinks. I didn't notice when the waitress appeared, still deep in thought. After a few minutes she left our table and then the conversation resumed.

"Amelia, what are you going to wear tonight?" Leah's inquisitive gaze fixed on me.

"Does it matter?" My eyebrow rose at the sight of Leah.

"Of course it matters, you are a Goddess." Eliana rolled her eyes and smiled broadly.

"None of the students know or will know so what's the difference." I shrugged and rolled my eyes.

"Well I think we are a big enough reason to dress up." Madeline's frustrated dig pierced my body.

" Well, I think I'll find something in my closet." I rolled my eyes, laughing out loud.

"I hope you know the colour theme for tonight is light blue?" Eliana raised her eyebrows, and a few frowns creased her forehead.

"Why blue?" My gaze swept past everyone sitting in front of me.

"You really didn't hear the conversation." Blake crossed her arms over her chest.

" Blue - because the name of the werewolf college is Blue Moon. For that reason, students and elders will be required to wear blue on the first night. Light or dark doesn't make much difference." Issac filling me in on what I had missed.

The waitress interjected into our conversation by serving our food and drink. Following the whole table fell into a comfortable silence until everyone's bellies were full and only coffee or juice remained in their hands. My thoughts wandered towards this evening, circling around as if in anticipation. The table was once again buzzing with talk of the forthcoming event, and my gaze turned to the sun, which had already reached its highest point. It is hard to believe how quickly the rain is passing. In a few hours we will have to hurry to get ready for the evening, and then the grand opening of the Crown of Light Tournament.

"I want to thank you all for staying so close and warm over such a long period of time. It's great to see you all at the peak of your bloom, confident and with big smiles on your faces." Issac looked at his friends at the table with a broad smile.

"I think with these wonderful words we should stand out. Only until tonight, of course. I think each race has its own pre-event rituals." Blake grinned broadly as he dipped an eye to Issac.

"I want to thank the one person who kept us all connected. It's you Alpha Issac. It is only because of your iron character that we have found a place that will always be our home. You took us in when the world was in darkness and pain. It is only because of you that we now smile and find our true path in life." Jasper's calm voice echoed through the café.

"Thank you, Jasper. It's so good to hear from you. You have always been the most problematic and unexpected of our circle of friends and the Association. But there is no need to thank me. Each one of you is amazing in your power, intelligence and strength." Issac's gaze lingered on me for a moment.

"Well, then, that's all said and done. We will all meet at the Crown of Light Tournament." Madeline smiled broadly.

Slowly, the table emptied and I looked out the window without rushing anywhere. My thoughts returned to the newspaper on the table with the strange headline still on it. I glanced at a picture of the streets of a familiar city - my home town. I know every corner of it well, so it was easy to recognise the buildings and colours. Has anyone been killed in my city?

"Are you coming?" Issac's voice dispelled my thoughts.

With a light movement, I pushed myself out of the chair and gave Issac my hand. We walked slowly towards the exit, and all the friends had already dispersed. A strange warmth filled my chest - it felt so good to be back in the circle of people who care. I had Issac, Brook, Sawyer, Lucian by my side all that time. But these faces that I hadn't seen for a long time made me happy in a completely different way. It was like having relatives I hadn't seen in a long time - that childlike joy and happiness sent ripples through my body. Every story they told me, their experiences, adventures, disasters, dangers and follies drew a bigger and bigger smile on my face. I now understand that family is not the people who brought you up, but the people with whom you feel at home.

Issac opened the door of the café and a slight warm breeze blew in my face and ruffled my blonde hair. I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear, and then with my usual jingle, I headed for the car. When the door opened, I took my seat and fastened my seatbelt. A few minutes later, the engine roared to life, and Issac pressed the accelerator to move the car out of the way. As the streets flew by through the car window, silence reigned all around.

"Did Madeline help you understand what was going on?" Isssac's hand slipped low on my thigh.

My gaze drifted to Issac's worried face, and his touch sent little shivers running down my body. I understand why Issac is worried. Strange things keep happening to me even though the darkness will recede for a while. It's probably only a matter of time before Lorenzo shows up and I have to fight for the fate of the earth again. However the mark on my collarbone so far has had no strange or bad effects.

"No but, she has promised to look up the information in the library." The corner of my lips turned up in an effort to calm Issac's worried face.

"I think we'll be one step closer by tonight. Madeline isn't the only one who doesn’t shy away from the truth when she has a question, that's how witches are." Issac's gaze returned to the woods that flew past the windshield.

The car turned to the left and then we were on the familiar narrow path leading to our home. After such a hearty lunch, I feel a little tired. Although I don't have time for that, I need to figure out what I'm going to wear tonight. I hope I have at least one blue dress and a black pair of high heels in my closet. I don't even want to think about having to walk around in those heels again. I cannot slack on my appearance as the deputy director. Almost all my comfortable clothes have disappeared from my wardrobe. Just a few pairs of trench coats and jeans remain, but that's it.

The car was soon in the garage. I got out with the last of my energy and my feet carried me out onto the terrace step leading to the house. Issac only a few steps behind me, with the jingle of a key, opened the door wide. I took off my shoes and put them on the mat. I feel lethargic, first thing I want to do is take a shower and relax my muscles. My feet carried me towards the staircase leading to the second floor and Issac stayed in the kitchen.

I lugged myself up through the bright corridor, a door and finally a cupboard with all the right things for a shower, a towel and clean underwear. I undressed, leaving the dirty clothes in a bag by the wardrobe. Barefoot, I found my way to the bathroom. A few moments later, warm drops of water rolled down my body, relaxing my muscles. Soaping up my skin and my thoughts got lost in the details of the day.

Does the mark on my collarbone really represent the Moon Goddess? If so, Shamuel and Gabriel would probably know about it. Did my mother have a mark like mine? The only thing to do is to ask them, but how do I get in touch with them. I'll probably have to leave all that for tomorrow. My evening is too busy tonight with Blue Moon College stuff. I'm hopeful Madeline will be able to find something in the library for me later.

I turned off the water and then dried my body with a towel. I walked back to the bedroom with my wet feet that left small footprints on the corridor floor. As I looked towards the wardrobe, my feet found their own way forward. A minute later I looked at all the dresses hanging in my closet. Suddenly I felt warm hand grazing on the skin of my back, which sent shivers through my body. Soft lips touched my shoulder and a sweet smell spread around.

"Amelia Luna Folks, may I ask you to dance?" Issac’s1 low voice whispered right into my ear.

Issac's hand slid down my almost naked body towards my waist, squeezing it tightly and pulling it closer to him. Issac's warm body pressed against mine and soft kisses traveled down my neck, bringing a wide smile to my face. I turned around and my body leaned against Issac's firm body. He reached out his hand to interlock our fingers, and his other hand slid down my side to my waist. His blue shirt was soaked through exposing his tattooed chest and toned body. Looking lower and lower, his trousers are left unbuttoned, revealing black underwear. The next second our naked bodies were moving to the rhythm of the waltz in the silent room. My head rested on Issac's firm shoulder, and a silent melody of a song came from his lips. The smell that made me feel strangely intoxicated wafted from Issac into all my thoughts, causing me to lose myself for a moment and to stop worrying. I closed my eyes, savouring the moment, because I don't know when I will feel so calm and safe again.

I took a deep breath as I opened my eyes. Even though I know that there is still plenty of time to prepare for the feast of the tournament. I lifted my head from Issac's shoulder and then rewarded his lips with a sweet kiss. The corner of Issac's lips lifted to break our kiss. I turned to return my attention to the wardrobe. My gaze drifted to the light blue dress. Without much thought, I grabbed this option from the closet.

The whole dress was glistening with light blue sequins that shone in the light in purple and white. The long sleeves reached my wrists and its length reached my knees. Squatting down, I saw a pair of white high heels from the bottom of the wardrobe that should have matched this glittering dress. Probably black is not the best option for such a bright event and first day. I light move pur dress on me, but I couldn't reach the zipper in the back.

"Issac, would you mind?" My gaze went over my shoulder towards Issac.

His blue gaze fell on my naked back. Then he closed the distance between himself and me by a few steps. Carefully, he fastened the zip of my dress and then rewarded my shoulder with a gentle kiss. High heels graced my feet, and Issac stepped away from me, returning to his preparations. I knelt on the bed, my gaze fixed on Issac. One by one, I watched him secure the buttons of his light blue shirt hid his tattooed body. He threw on a dark blue jacket covering his broad shoulders and a tie of the same colour underneath his neck.

"Perhaps you can help?" Issac's blue eyes darted towards me after several unsuccessful attempts to tie his tie.

It's just a ploy to have me close. Issac really knows how to tie a tie very well. After all his years as a director, I could see right through this. I pushed myself off the bed and closed the distance by a few steps. My hands went up to the tie and teased him by tying it slowly, taking this opportunity to drink in his scent. I made it look neat. A smile played on Issac's face as I finished my work, and his lips soon rewarded my forehead with a kiss of gratitude.

"Thank you, you're amazing." Issac's hands slid down my torso.

For a moment, my gaze drifted past the window, where it was dark outside. It's hard to believe how fast time flies. It seems to have only turned light recently. I must have been in the shower for much longer than I had planned.

"Is it time for us to leave yet?" My gaze returned to Issac's calm face.

"We can enjoy each other, or we can show up early for the tournament." Issac's hand came up to my cheek, and his fingers ran gently over my cheek.

"Let's go. If we start now there’s guarantee I’ll let you leave this room tonight. My lips kissed Issac's lips.

"Whatever you say Amelia Black." Issac's hand found mine and a wide smile played on his lips.

We both turned exiting the bedroom door, and the bright corridor came into view.

A few minutes later, we were in the car heading towards our final destination - college. I have to admit my heart was a little worried. But Issac's fingers traveling backwards and forwards on my bare legs quickly removes my anxiety. I am not the person who is aware of all the tasks that will take place in the tournament. The key people involved in the design of challenges are Issac, Jasper, Eliana, Madeline and Leah. Everyone else will just be enjoying the event and watching from the sidelines. I have not been included in this aspect. Of course I will always be there and will keep an eye on everything if anyone needs help or if there are any disasters.

As the dark trees passed the car windscreen, we were greeted by streetlights pointing the way towards the college. As we passed the invisible shield that hides the college windows from the eyes of ordinary people, a light shone in the car. We pulled to a stop, we got out and headed straight for the entrance. The cool evening breeze blew and made the skin and my legs crawl.

"Are you excited?" My questioning gaze shifted to Issac's red face.

"Should I be?" The corner of Issac's lips lifted and his golden eyes lingered on mine.

I like that damn look on his face so much. Those golden eyes let him see the world, showing his inner wolf to me, having the power to simply attract and disarm at the same time. I could feel a blush break out on my cheeks and my gaze darting away towards the college door to avoid eye contact.

We stopped at the door and Issac's fingers rested on my cheek thus returning my gaze back to him. A wide smile instantly lit up my face and my skin tingled pleasantly under the pads of his fingers.

" You're a great Director and Alpha - Issac." I winked as I stepped through the open college doors.

"With you, I'm not afraid of anything." Issac's hand slipped down my back, guiding me forward.

My high heels echoed down the empty corridor and the blue flowers on the wall glowed in the darkness, lighting our way forward. The stairs stretched beneath my feet, my heart was beating faster with every step. Finally the blue door before my eyes, the hall was full of students, hustle and bustle and the headmasters and teachers. All eyes turned towards us for a moment, but after a few seconds everything went back to noise and soft music started playing in the background.

All the teachers stood near the stage in a circle. Blake raised his hand when he eyed up Issac and I. Students whose faces I hadn't seen before huddled in groups chatting. A few of them I'd already seen, the main representatives for the tournament. Issac and I found our place with a group of friends. Everyone was dressed in blue - dresses, suits, skirts, tops. Everyone present looked graceful and stunning.

"You look gorgeous." Jasper dipped his eye, and his gaze lingered on me.

"Thank you, you all just glow." The corner of my lips lifted as I looked at Madeline and then slid towards the other person standing next to me.

"Can we start now?" Leah eagerly peered over her shoulder at the bustle of students.

"Of course, who will say the first words?" Blake's eyebrows rose and his dark eyes sparkled.

"The dreaded Alpha Issac." Eliana dipped an eye with a wide smile.

" Perhaps someone else wants to? Amelia?" Issac's blue gaze lingered on my face.

"We'll support you from behind while you begin your introductory speech." I leaned over and kissed Issac on the cheek.

"Grr, I hate standing in front of so many faces." Issac muttered somewhere under his nose.

Nevertheless, one by one we all took our place on the stage. Jasper and Madeline stood on my left, and Eliana, Leah and Blake on my right. Issac took a few steps closer to the statue for the speeches and let out a loud knock together. Instantly, there was silence around the room and the students slowly took their seats at their tables. All their curious eyes were on Issac, and their faces were aglow with eagerness.

" Hello dear students. It's nice to see so many young faces ready for our challenges. In this simple language, I would like to thank all those who have come here from the furthest corners of the world. I want to encourage you all to be brave, noble-hearted and strong in this tournament. Each one of you will show exceptional intelligence, strength and ability here. Volunteers are invited to throw their name into the magic ball at the back of the hall by between now and tomorrow at lunchtime. Five candidates will be drawn to compete in specially designed heats. Five different types, but each one unique and special. This tournament will require a sharp mind, patience and your innermost talent. I would like to wish to all of you new acquaintances, a wonderful evening in this exciting times ahead. See you tomorrow upstairs in this hall and now have a good evening from my friends and I, and may the best person win. " Issac glanced between the students seated at the front.

Issac's voice was silenced by a moment of applause. My gaze went to the smiling faces of the students, who were soon looking at each other, still smiling. The applause was loud, but my ears were strangely pricked up and a headache came from nowhere suddenly attacking my temples. I could feel little black dots starting to form in front of my eyes and flickering image after image in my head. The last thing I remember was Issac's frightened face and his slow steps towards me, trying to protect me from suddenly collapsing on the floor...