The Lycan Runes

New Room

(11 Years Ago)



Aqua led Kieran down the long, winding hallway toward the west wing of the Sasaki Mansion. They walked in comfortable silence, Kieran’s mouth falling open every few seconds as he took in the artwork, the high ceilings, the soft lighting. She understood — after growing up in a tiny cabin, this place must have felt like a palace.

“Aqua, I think your house might be bigger than our Alpha’s…” Kieran said as they passed one of her mother’s abstract sculptures.

“How big was the Alpha’s house?” Aqua asked, curious.

“It was the biggest house in all of Chestnut Bay — even bigger than the human homes in town!” He stretched his arms wide. “But maybe not as large as yours.”

Aqua laughed. “Yeah, my parents went a little overboard. But it’s home. I loved growing up here.”

“Looks like a cool place to live. Does your house have a ballroom and mess hall too?”

“I mean, it looks like it should,” Aqua admitted. “But no. The garden room and music conservatory get turned into party spaces, though.”

“That’s interesting,” Kieran said thoughtfully.

“Wait… are you asking because your Alpha’s house had them?”

“Oh yes. And a big veranda for outdoor parties.”

Aqua pictured wolves in formal wear mingling on a veranda, then immediately imagined four werewolves playing poker. She snorted.

“Do Alphas throw a lot of parties? Have you been to one?”

“Yes. The Luna throws banquets and feasts to keep the pack united,” Kieran explained. “I remember going to so many as a kid. So much food, playing tag, dancing to live music… sometimes I wished the parties would never end.”

Aqua saw the wistful look in his eyes and felt her heart pinch.

“Hey, you’re going to go to another Luna’s party again,” she said gently. “I’m sure of it.”

“I hope so. And I hope you’ll go with me,” he added shyly.

Aqua grinned. “Absolutely. I want to see how werewolves party.”

Kieran chuckled. “That reminds me — thank you for helping me with your dad.”

“I told you I had your back,” Aqua said, stopping in front of a tall oak door.

“Well… Gramps always told me never to trust anyone. But you keep your word. I won’t forget that.”

“Aww, Kieran.” Aqua smiled. “Honestly, it’s not bad advice. There are a lot of backstabbers out there. If you ever go to school, you’ll find that out fast.”

“It was a tempting offer,” Kieran admitted. “Especially after our talk earlier. I think I do want to attend school someday.”

“That’s awesome! After you get your family and pack back, you should totally do it.”

“I think I will. If all goes well and I get my mother back, I’ll ask her and the Alpha to let me go to school with you.”

Aqua’s heart fluttered. She’d never heard him talk about his mother before — she’d have to revisit that later. For now, she was too excited imagining them walking the halls of Mount Elbert High together.

“I’d love that,” she said. “I’d give you the full tour. Show you the science lab. We could share chili cheese fries at lunch.”

“I want to try those,” Kieran said earnestly. “I don’t know what they are, but they sound amazing.”

Aqua stopped and stared. “Wait. You’ve never French fries?”

“Oh no, I’ve had French fries! I used to eat them all the time at the Elderwood compound… but I guess I haven’t had them since we left.”

“So you haven’t had fries since you were a little kid?” Aqua gasped.

“French fries are hard to come by in the middle of the woods,” he said with a goofy smile.

“Okay, new mission. Tomorrow, we’re getting chili cheese fries. And whatever else you’ve been missing.”

Kieran brightened. “Thank you, Aqua.”

“And now…” Aqua gestured dramatically at the door. “Your room for the summer.”

“It’s weird to have my own room,” Kieran murmured. “I’ve never had one.”

“Well, now you do.” Aqua opened the door.

Kieran stepped inside — and froze.

“This entire room is for me?” he whispered. “This is double the size of my whole cabin!”

Aqua giggled. “Not quite, but I get why you think that.”

She led him to the ensuite bathroom. “Heated floors, standalone shower, clawfoot tub. Mom left you towels and toiletries.”

Kieran peeked inside, eyes widening at the marble and gold fixtures. “This is just as nice as the Alpha’s mansion.”

“Come see the closet,” Aqua said, opening the next door.

Her mother had hung one white T-shirt, one black T-shirt, a pair of brown slacks and another pair of jeans. They looked like they were her father's size, which meant that they would be a little small for Kieran. Kieran was broad shouldered, muscular, and at least 6'5, while Aqua's dad was slim, not as muscular and around 5'9. But she supposed it would do for now until they could go shopping tomorrow.

Kieran stared at the shelves and full‑length mirror. “I didn’t know closets could be this big.”

“Trust me, they can be bigger. Mine is double this size.” Aqua laughed.

She guided him to the sitting area. “TV, movies, music, video games — once you learn how to use everything."

Kieran hopped over the couch like an excited puppy. “Can I watch Aquamarine here?”

“You sure can.” Aqua handed him the remote.

She gave him a quick lesson, and after a short amount of time, Kieran was able to click onto their streaming service and select any movie of his choosing. He picked it up quickly. He appeared to be very impressed with everything.

“And finally…” Aqua walked to the far side of the room. “Your bed.”

It was a large four-poster canopy bed that was outfitted with a silver geometric-pattern bedspread, sheer grey curtains, and a lot of silver and turquoise pillows. It was next to a large bay window that had an incredible view of the night sky as well as the pine forest that surrounded their home. Aqua could also see that there was a black pair of men's satin pajamas folded neatly on top of the bed.

Kieran cheered before he spun in a circle before falling into the king-sized bed at the center. “This is so comfortable! I love it! I’m going to sleep so well tonight.”

“It’s been a long day,” Aqua yawned. “I’ll let you wash up and—”

Kieran grabbed her hand.

“Aqua… please don’t go yet,” he said quietly. “I’m excited. And nervous. And… I don’t think I’m ready for bed.”

Aqua softened. Of course he was anxious — everything in his life had changed in a single day.

“Sure,” she said, sitting beside him. “We can hang out a little longer. And I still have a million questions about your werewolf life. We barely scratched the surface.”