The Lycan Runes

Family History

(11 Years Ago)



“You have an uncle? And your uncle is a rogue werewolf?” Aqua stared at Kieran, stunned by yet another twist in his complicated family history. “There is definitely more to this story. Tell me everything.”

“You’re not bored of this yet?” Kieran asked with an amused grin.

“Never! I’ve always been curious about everything. It annoys my mom, but my dad always encouraged it.”

“This is probably why you’re so smart,” Kieran said, giving her a warm, appreciative look.

“Stop trying to change the subject and tell me more about your Uncle Kaleb!”

Kieran chuckled. “Alright. So, Uncle Kaleb was my dad’s older brother. Practically a carbon copy of my grandfather — an incredible hunter, tracker, and warrior. Better than most Betas and Gammas.”

Aqua leaned in. “So what happened?”

“When they tried to force him into minework… it didn’t go well,” Kieran said. “He demanded Alpha Lucas sever his bonds to the Elderwood pack, the same way Lucas severed Remus’s. They tried beating him into submission, but none of them were a match for him. He fought them all off. Eventually, the Alpha had to sever his ties.”

“Wow,” Aqua breathed. “He actually beat all of them?”

“He had cuts and bruises, but we heal fast. As soon as he recovered, he left the pack. Gramps always thought Uncle Kaleb’s escape made my dad think he could leave too. Except… it wasn’t easy. And my dad wasn’t as strong.”

“Your uncle sounds like a badass,” Aqua said with a smirk. “So when did you meet him?”

“He was always around when I was little. My favorite uncle. But after he became a rogue wolf…”

“You saw him less?”

“Barely at all. He wasn’t allowed near the compound. But we did run into him once when I was five. Gramps took me to woods to teach me how to set traps for rabbits, and that's when we ran into him." Kieran remembered with a funny smile on his face. "He looked a lot like my gramps too, but you know... younger, taller, and angrier."

"Did something funny happen?" Aqua looked curiously at Kieran's quirky grin.

"Not really... Kind of. Gramps was trying to show me how to put together a hanging snare, and then Uncle Kaleb barged in destroying all of his handiwork. He quickly re-introduced himself and then went onto tell me that when you're in the wilderness and starving for food there wouldn't be any time to build a hanging snare and I would be better off learning how build standalone snare." Kieran replied.

Aqua blinked. “That’s… not funny?”

"Gramps had already shown me how to build the standalone snare! Even at five years old, I was able to make them perfectly for awhile." Kieran laughed and slapped his knee. "Uncle Kaleb got so angry when Gramps told him he was acting the fool with his little nephew present. We just couldn't help but laugh at his angry looking face."

Aqua giggled. “Okay, that’s funny. But why did he barge in?”

“He wanted to say goodbye. He was leaving Chestnut Bay for good. I haven’t seen him since.” Kieran’s smile faded. “I’m not even sure if he’s still alive.”

Aqua’s heart ached. “So… what about your mother? What happened to her?”

Kieran’s expression darkened. “My mother, Charlotte, worked full‑time in the Alpha’s house as a servant. Kind of the same deal you guys have with Hilda.”

Aqua stiffened. “What do you mean, the same deal we have with Hilda?”

“You know… how you keep Hilda away from her family so she can take care of yours.”

Aqua bristled. “Okay, let’s keep our facts straight. Hilda’s kids are fully grown adults. She’s not leaving behind three‑year‑old babies who just lost their father.”

Kieran’s eyes softened. “Aqua, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that. It just… always made me sad that my mom was so busy taking care of Alpha Lucas’s kids that she barely spent time with me.”

“So, she was a nanny for the Alpha’s kids? And she never visited you?”

“She couldn’t,” Kieran said quietly. “Alpha Lucas had twins — Aries and Astrid. Same age as me. They were demanding babies, and Luna Astley struggled with them. They behaved for my mom, so Lucas pressured her into moving into the servant quarters to help 24/7.”

Aqua’s chest tightened. “That’s awful. I’m sure she wanted to be with you instead.”

“I know she did.” Kieran smiled sadly. “Those big gatherings Luna Astley hosted were the only times I really saw her. She’d shower me with hugs and kisses and always had a present for me. I miss her so much. I’m looking forward to reuniting with her the most.”

“You only saw her at parties?” Aqua whispered.

“Luna Astley tried to give her nights off, but Alpha Lucas always overturned it. Sometimes Luna Astley snuck her out for a few hours, but Mom was always exhausted or scared of getting caught.”

Aqua shook her head. “Your Luna sounds half decent. But that means those parties were the only real time you had with your mom.”

Kieran blinked. “Huh. I guess that’s why I miss them so much.”

Aqua swallowed hard. She’d never known heartbreak like his. And she doubted he could complete this quest alone — not with how much he didn’t know.

“Kieran… I want to help you make this reunion happen. You have to let me help you.”

“Are you sure?” he asked, holding her gaze. “It would involve traveling, camping outside, and probably some fighting.”

“Fighting?” Aqua squeaked. “I thought we were just looking for runes.”

He shook his head. “We won’t be the only ones searching. Other werewolves want them too. Gramps warned me I might have to fight for some of the remaining runes.”

Aqua thought for a moment. “Well… I’ve taken CPR and first aid. I can help with aftercare. But I’m not a fighter. Is that a problem?”

“I don’t need you to fight for me,” Kieran said gently. “Gramps said I’m advanced for my age. I can take care of myself. And I would protect you with every bone in my body.”

Aqua’s heart fluttered — but she wasn’t helpless.

“Kieran, I know this is dangerous. But you wouldn’t have to worry about me. My dad has access to some… cool weapons. That could help us. Please let me come with you.”

Kieran scratched his chin, thinking. Then he nodded and held out his hand.

“Aqua, I would like to accept your help.”

Aqua beamed and grabbed his hand. “This is going to be such an adventure!”

They grinned at each other — until Kieran yawned. Aqua immediately yawned too.

“Looks like we should get to bed,” Kieran murmured.

Aqua nodded. “Yes. I’ll see you tomorrow morning. We can plan our adventure while we’re at the mall getting you a new wardrobe.”

“See you tomorrow, Aqua,” he said softly, eyes half‑closed.

“See you tomorrow, Kieran.” She waved him off.

She paused at the door. “Hey… I’m really glad you’re here.”

Kieran’s smile warmed. “Me too.”

Aqua slipped out, closing the door softly behind her.

And for the first time since losing his pack, Kieran didn’t feel alone.

(End of Flashback)

Aqua always had fond memories of that summer — even eleven years later. No other summer ever compared to the adventure she and Kieran shared, searching for the Lycan Runes.

Even though things didn’t turn out exactly the way they expected.