Two Mates, One Heart

*The Red Moon Kingdom*

In the heart of a vast, wild land ruled the Lycan royal family — the Red Moon Kingdom. Here, under the crimson glow of the twin moons, the king and queen reigned with strength and wisdom. Their love story began during the grand Mating Ceremony, a sacred event held every two years where young wolves, who had yet to find their destined mates, gathered in hopes of meeting the one their souls belonged to.

Prince William, the crown heir, found his soulmate that very night — Lisa, a fierce and radiant she-wolf. With a tender yet commanding gesture, he marked her as his queen, and together they brought life into the world, blessing the kingdom with a precious daughter.

The royal seer, wise and mysterious, foretold that this child was destined for greatness. Yet, the prophecy remained incomplete until the girl reached her sixteenth year — a time when her true power would awaken.

But not all in the kingdom rejoiced. The king’s brother, Joseph, burned with envy and greed. Convinced he deserved the throne, Joseph resented his younger sibling’s place as heir. Their father’s decision to pass the crown to William ignited a deep hatred in Joseph, who schemed to seize power by any means necessary.

When Joseph’s treachery was uncovered, William banished him from the palace and the clan. Yet, Joseph’s malice didn’t end there. Upon learning of William’s newborn daughter — a child unlike any other — Joseph plotted a dark deed: he orchestrated a deadly car accident that left Lisa infertile, stripping the royal couple of any future heirs.

Joseph’s cruel joy was boundless, for without an heir to secure William’s line, he believed the throne would one day be his.

But fate had other plans.

After the crash, the royal carriage was swept away by a roaring river. The infant princess vanished, carried by the waters to a distant land. Though lost, the royal family never abandoned hope. They believed the god would protect their daughter and one day return her to her rightful place.

In the heart of the "Royal Red Moon" kingdom, the royal palace stands majestically amidst dense forests and towering mountains. Constructed from gray stones adorned with ancient carvings that narrate the history of the Lycans, it is encircled by high walls guarded by statues of wolves with glowing eyes. Inside, opulence harmonizes with simplicity; corridors are decorated with red carpets, and chandeliers hang from the high ceilings, reflecting the moonlight streaming through the stained-glass windows.

King William, a just and powerful ruler, does not tolerate injustice and is keen on achieving fairness among his kingdom's members. He is known for his wisdom and acumen in managing the kingdom's affairs, earning him respect and appreciation from all. Queen Lisa, a symbol of compassion and strength, shares the rule with her husband and manages the palace affairs with wisdom and grace.

One night, King William sat in the council chamber, reviewing reports of recent Renégat attacks, when Beta Christopher entered—a wolf in his forties, possessing strong genes that make him appear much younger.

*Christopher:* "Your Majesty, the recent attacks show unprecedented organization. It seems they are receiving support from some source."

*King William:* "This is concerning. We cannot allow them to destabilize our kingdom. What are your suggestions?"

*Christopher:* "I suggest enhancing border guards and intensifying night patrols. We should also investigate their funding sources."

*King William:* "I agree with you. We will begin implementing these measures immediately. There is no room for complacency."

After the meeting, Christopher returned home, where his mate greeted him with a warm smile, and he embraced his two children: his 18-year-old daughter, who is set to be the queen's next beta, and his 10-year-old son. The family embodies a balance between responsibilities and familial warmth.

That night, King William stood on his palace balcony, gazing at the glowing red moon, contemplating the upcoming challenges. He knew that maintaining peace requires strength and wisdom, and he was prepared to face any threat to his kingdom and family, Queen Lisa joined him, sitting beside him, her eyes studying his weary face.

*Queen Lisa:* "You seem lost in thought, William. What weighs on your heart tonight?"

*King William:* "Lisa, every time I look at this red moon, I see her little eyes, her laughter that once filled the palace. I miss her deeply."

*Queen Lisa:* "So do I. Every night, I pray that she’s safe... and that one day, she’ll find her way back to us."

*King William:* "I feel helpless—both as a king and a father. I couldn’t protect her, and I haven’t been able to find her all these years."

*Queen Lisa:* "Don’t blame yourself. We did everything we could. Hope still lives, and we’ll never stop searching."

*King William:* "Sometimes I imagine her all grown up, living somewhere, not knowing who we are, not knowing how much we love her."

*Queen Lisa:* "Maybe fate carved a special path for her, but she’ll return to us when the time is right."

*King William:* "I hope so, Lisa. I hope we get to see her again, hold her close, and tell her how much we’ve missed her."

*Queen Lisa:* "That day will come, William. We must hold on to hope—for her, and for us."

The two exchanged looks filled with love and hope, while the red moon continued to illuminate the sky — a silent witness to their deep longing for their lost daughter.

**********

In the pitch-black night, Gloria crept between the trees, breathing heavily, her eyes watching every movement around her. The wilderness was a land of danger, and survival demanded caution and courage.

Each step brought her closer to the unknown, but she didn’t stop. She knew turning back wasn’t an option, and staying meant death.

One night, while hiding behind a large rock, she heard a strange sound. She froze, trying to locate its source. Something was moving in the darkness, slowly approaching.

Gloria slipped away quietly, trying to distance herself from the threat. But the ground beneath her was slick — she fell hard. She winced in pain, but didn’t stop. She pushed herself up and kept running.

After hours of escape, she reached a small river. She washed her face with the cold water, trying to regain her strength. Then she sat by the riverbank, staring at the moon’s reflection shimmering on the surface.

In that moment, she felt something stir inside her. A quiet instinct urging her to keep going, to find a safe place — a new beginning.

Gloria stood up, determined to continue her journey. She knew the path ahead would be long, but hope lit her way through the darkness.