Beautiful Ocean Moon

The Mystery Begins

Even though the party had started to slow down just after midnight many pack members were up and moving around as I made my way around the palace. Greeting everyone I saw I made my way to my father’s study because I had been feeling restless after the visions I had seen in my dreams last night. Reaching my father’s study I gave one sharp knock and heard “enter”. Pushing open the door I saw my parents, Kai, Bentley, Dixon, and the Steel Duke and Duchess. “Mira what’s wrong?” The question was from Mother. “I had visions last night.” I responded and immediately both my parent’s full attention was on me. “Visions?” Duke Christian asked. “One of Mira’s abilities are visions like a seer though she has no control like a seer would. When have learned that if she gets a vision it’s important to figure it out before something can come of it.” My mother said and he nodded so did the Duchess. “Go ahead Mira.” I nodded. “The first vision was difficult to see but what I can tell you is that someone or something was covered in blood. The second vision was of a place that I didn’t recognize but there was a village however I couldn’t see any signs of life. The third was the most disturbing it was of a tall man standing on a hillside looking down over some graves but he seemed almost dead looking at them but he was smiling.” I took a breath once I finished speaking. “This was delivered just before day break.” My father said has he lifted up an opened letter. Taking it from him I read it out loud. “Kain, I was awoken this morning by one of the patrol guards that was retaining from a trip. On one of the smaller trade routes is a tiny village that offers wary travels lodging in exchange for goods.” I paused trying to figure out the significance of the letter. “Keep reading.” My father said I blinked but did as told. “This patrol guard has passed through this village before so when he did this time he noticed that it was quieter than normal. What he found was that every single villager was gone and that was left was a small puddle of blood at the edge of the village leading into the forest.” I had to control the tremble in my voice as I finished reading. “It seems that your second vision as already come to past Mira and as I have already spoken to the King you and some others are going to go help the investigation.” My father said as he stood up and moved to the window. “Forgive me Kain but why are you sending her and not Kai?” Duke Christian asked confused. “Mira, is half dog demon half priestess unlike most half-lings the Mira received abilities from both of us. She is the closest we have seen to a hybrid in a long time. This means she can purify corruption, has the speed, strength, sense of smell and hearing of a us dog demons and many more powers and abilities that at this moment we don’t have time to get into.” Father answered and then turned to me. “Go prepare yourself Mira. You, Rayna and Lily be setting out within the hour.” “No Kehlani?” I asked surprised as father rarely let me leave the palace without her. “No Kehlani is going to stay here to help guard Rowan. She is one of the few guards he will listen to if something happens.” I nodded understanding and then turned around to leave but before I could father spoke again. “Mira, as much as I do not like it you will be meeting the crown prince during this and you will be a princess candidate.” I froze surprised at that. “I am not saying you will have to mate him it will be so that you can act as a shield.” I knew at that point why my father had agreed and said, “yes sir.” Then I walked out heading back to my room to pack.

Rayna, Lily, and I were standing just inside the archway. My hellhound Anubis was sitting beside me. Like Duke, he wandered around the territory whenever he wanted and unless I left the territory he usually didn’t follow me but this time was different and he was glued to my hip. Which I was fine with as Anubis used to follow me everywhere until about a year ago when I guess he determined I was safe enough without him. Duke of course was the same my father said that when he gifted me my own hellhound he figured Duke would lay off but no. Everyone joked that Duke was just showing what father wanted in always being with me. “I see Anubis is coming along but where is Luna I thought for sure she would tag along too.” Rayna said looking around for my black-blue panther demon that my mother Cassandra had gifted to me. “Right here.” I turned and right in my hood was Luna in her kitten form her head laying just on the back of my collar bone. “Of course that’s where she is.” Rayna said smiling and shaking her head. “Good afternoon Ladies.” We all turned to Leland standing next to what I assumed was going to be our ride. “Leland did father arrange us to use you, I thought you where going to be on vacation this week?” I asked surprised as father believed people needed their breaks. “Actually I heard about this trip and went to your father and asked if I could take you ladies after all Onyx only ever listens to your father, you and your siblings and of course me with him being the fastest and strongest we would all feel better if he was the Dragon taking you three.” Leland answered as I saw Onyx a beautiful ivory and ruby dragon walking towards us and the carriage. Onyx was named for his the black egg he had come from though in the right light his dark blue eyes could also pass for an onyx color. Once Onyx saw me he stretched his head out and I gave him a quick scratch on his nose before he moved to the carriage. “Onyx let them get you hooked up we have to fly these little lovelies somewhere.” Leland said to Onyx as he went to inspect the carriage, Onyx of course understood and allowed the hands to saddle him up. Before long everything was loaded into the carriage chest and we where getting in when I had a “NO” screamed out. “Rowan.” I said turning in time to catch him as he launched himself at me. “Rowan don’t. I know I am leaving again sooner than we thought but I promise I will come back soon so please behave for mom and dad.” Rowan realized I was using my serious voice and knew I wasn’t lying so he hugged me tightly before letting go and running to Kai who had come out behind him. “Becareful.” Was all Kai said knowing that if he said more he would also try to stop me. “ I love you too.” I said and hopped in I had already said my goodbyes to Mom and Dad and that they were also having to work so they wouldn’t be there to see off. “Let’s go, Leland.” I said as I got into the carriage and he closed the door. He nodded his head and I felt the shift as he got on the bench in front and then we were off into the afternoon sun.