Awakenings: The Rise of an Empire

Introductions Part 1

Annie

     They were greeted at the entrance to the mansion by another servant.  This time a young girl. She greeted them with a small bow. “Alpha, Princess; follow me this way please.” She led them through the mansion to the back across from a garden room, to a room with double doors.  “This way your highnesses, your parents await beyond these doors. Good day.”

     Annie reached for the handle hesitantly. She glanced over at Kristoph and Marcus for encouragement. They both nodded in agreement and motioned for her to enter. She took a deep breath and walked forward.

    Once inside her hand flew to her mouth and the air she would have expelled caught in her throat, what stood before her were four mirror images of herself and Marcus. Their parents stood before them each on either side of the fireplace.

     There were two sets of comfortable looking chairs on either side, Annie felt Marcus shaking behind her. She reached for his hand and guided him over to the chairs across from their parents. She patted his hand as they sat to calm him down. She had no clue where or how to begin, so she decided to begin with introductions.

      “Hello, I’m Annie and this is Marcus.” She motioned to the chair next to her. She intuitively knew who of the four which of them were here parents. Her father’s eyes mirrored her own and the thick mass of hair held bound in a neat bun atop his head resembled her curls. He was tall with a muscular build, though strength and power radiated from him; there was a kindness in his eyes. Her mother the very image of her is a beauty to behold. Her eyes light with love and sorrow almost seemed as though they were beckoning her to come to her she could feel her mother’s desire to embrace her. It caused Annie to smile affectionately at her, she desperately wanted to run to her embrace; but she forced her to remain still. In the corner of her eyes, she noticed Marcus' father had taken a seat across from them and his mother stood at his side with her hand gently placed on his massive shoulder, it must be her way of calming him. Somethings telling her this is where Marcus inherited his temper. His father was huge just like him with the same deep chocolate brown eyes. You could see how desperate they were to reach for Marcus, his mother was petite compared to her mate and her son. Her caramel brown skin glowed next to the fire and even though she looked small you could feel the power she holds radiating from her.

Alois

     Annie’s father slowly approached them.  He grabbed a chair and sat across from them. “I don’t know where to begin,” he said slowly.

    “Just began at the beginning,” Annie encouraged.

     Alois began to tell the story. “You were born in the immortal realm, Etolis.  Your birth was a celebration. There are so many pieces to the puzzle it is hard to know where to start.” Alois reached for his mate Keba to join him at his side as he continued. “We were overjoyed with anticipation when we discovered we were to have a child, then we received news from the Luna, Queen, Arielle; who is also the high priestess of the crescent moon pack that all five families were expecting children who would be born at the same time.”  

     “Wait! Wait, there are two more of us,” Marcus growled. Annie placed her hand on his shoulder to calm him.

     “Let him finish,” she said calmly.

     “Fine!” Marcus relaxed in his chair once more.

     Marcus’ mother, Queen Aditi addressed him; "Marcus, may I, she asked cautiously before slowly reaching for him. Slowly he nodded and she went to his side and placed her small hands on his shoulder. Instantly he began to relax. “there now, Aditi whispered. King Ohaval smiled at his mate silently thanking her for comforting their son.

     “May I continue,” Alois asked. Everyone nodded for him to continue. “She told us that our child and the child of the Eastern Region were going to be born mates and that another alliance would be born from this generation as well. We were elated, to say the least, we knew that we were blessed by your births. Amid celebrating, threats began to surface, and we feared for your lives.  The realm council met to determine how to protect your identities and keep you safe. When you all turned a year-old; Queen Arielle, placed a spell on you to conceal your true identities. Kristoph's spell was lifted early to protect Annie and to watch over the rest of you as well.  We have always been here, in the shadows watching you grow. Loving you from afar. I have never regretted the choice we made. I know you have questions, and you may not forgive us, but your safety and your future meant more to us than you will ever know.”

     Marcus was the first to respond. “Why did you wait so long, why now.” Marcus’ father spoke for the first time.

     “We knew the moment Annie changed it would spur your change since you are linked eternally. This moment was predestined. We just wanted to make sure we were here when it happened. The moment you all turned 18, a few weeks ago we knew the spell would begin to lift but with Annie first.”

     “The other two will be here by the next nightfall," Queen Keba stated. “Their parents are here as well, but that is there story to share when they arrive. The sun is about to rise, and the pack will begin to prepare breakfast. Marcus, you will spend time with your parents, and Annie you will spend time with us. We will each prepare you for the arrival of the other two and what is to come.”

King Ohaval stood and motioned for Marcus and Aditi to follow him. They adjourned to the pack office on the second floor to answer Marcus’ questions. They wanted to tell him about the Black Moon Pack and his role as future Alpha.

Kristoph hugged Annie, “I will see you later.  I have some business to attend to with my father." Annie stood on her toes and kissed him lightly, she felt sparks ignite when their lips met, she blushed and quickly pulled away, embarrassed because she was all too aware that her parents were only a few feet away.

      “I look forward to seeing you later as well, she smiled.