Moonlight Prowl

Chapter Six: The King's Domain

Kieran strode past Liora without a backward glance, his mind already on the day's pressing matters. She stood dripping wet, and with one last feeble attempt for attention, called his name. He ignored her while she remained behind, left to clean up the mess, alone, with a slight pout on her lips. The echoes of her attempt to distract him faded into the background as he left his chambers. His steps were purposeful as he descended the grand spiral staircase, its thick mahogany railings polished to a gleam and the purest of white marble steps elegantly guided him to the main entrance.

The palace around him was a marvel of design, with walls adorned in lush tapestries depicting scenes of jungle life and tall, floor to ceiling, windows framed by elegant drapes that allowed light to filter in and dance across the intricate mosaic floors. The palace, situated on the outskirts of a small, secretive wercat city, was an oasis of opulence and nature. The city, unknown to humans, was home to all types of cat shifters living in peace. Kieran’s domain was the safest in the kingdom. No one would ever dare of coming near the land he most frequently prowled, and since the attacks started, more and more shifter families had been moving to the area - where they knew they would be safe.

As he reached the bottom of the staircase, he pulled out his cellphone and dialed his closest friend and Chief of security, Tony. He managed all of the imperial guards, warriors, police, and any other minuscule security related details across all of Kieran’s territories. Tony was a formidable tiger shifter, known for his unmatched strength, cunning and loyalty. The phone rang twice before Tony's deep voice answered.

"Kieran, to what do I owe the pleasure, today?" Tony's voice was a rumble, filled with a mix of curiosity, respect, and a little humor. The two had just spoken the night before. Depending on the situation, the two were like school girls; always on the phone with one another sharing their deepest secrets.

"I need you to meet me for dinner tonight in the human world," Kieran said, his tone leaving no room for negotiation or humor. "There's an incident we need to look into. The body found at the zoo. The details... they resemble the troubles we've been having in our realm."

There was a pause on the other end, and Kieran could almost hear Tony's mind working. Tony knew by the tone of his best friends voice that this call was all business. "Understood. I'll make the necessary arrangements and send you the location.”

"Thank you. Just be prepared. I have a feeling that this situation could be more dangerous than we anticipate."

Tony chuckled, a sound that was both reassuring and slightly ominous. "When has danger ever stopped us? I'll see you tonight, Kieran. Stay sharp."

"Always," Kieran replied before hanging up. He slipped the phone back into his pocket and stalked towards the front entrance of his palace.

The hallways were lined with tropical plants that thrived in the palace's climate-controlled environment, their green leaves providing a stark contrast to the deep hues of the wooden paneling and the occasional burst of color from exotic flowers. The air was fragrant with the scent of orchids and jasmine, and the distant sound of a waterfall added a soothing backdrop to the luxurious setting.

Reaching the front entrance, Kieran paused to take in the view. The entrance hall was vast, with high ceilings and walls covered in murals that depicted the rich history of his kingdom. A massive chandelier made of diamonds and gold hung from the ceiling, casting a warm glow over the polished stone floor. The grand double doors, made of dark wood and intricately carved with scenes of wercat mythology, stood open, allowing a breeze to flow in from the courtyard.

Outside, his collection of classic cars were housed in a spacious garage that blended into the landscape, designed to look like a natural extension of the forest and surrounding mountains. Today, he had requested his favorite: a green Jaguar XK140 with white wall tires. The car was a masterpiece of design, its sleek lines and vintage charm making it a joy to drive.

As the car was pulled around, Kieran took a moment to appreciate its beauty. The Jaguar was meticulously maintained, its paint gleaming in the sunlight and the chrome accents polished to perfection. He preferred to drive himself rather than be chauffeured, finding a sense of freedom and control in handling the powerful machine.

Sliding into the driver's seat, Kieran felt the smooth leather beneath him and the familiar grip of the steering wheel. He started the engine, the car purring to life with a satisfying roar. With a final glance at his palace, he pulled out of the driveway and onto the winding road that led down the mountain.

The drive to the city was scenic, the road cutting through dense forests and offering occasional glimpses of the valley below. Kieran's thoughts were focused on the task ahead, his mind piecing together the fragments of information he had. The attack at the zoo was too similar to the incidents in his realm to be a coincidence. There was a connection, and he was determined to find it.

As he navigated the twists and turns of the mountain road, he thought about the conversation he would have with Tony, his closest confidant. They had known each other since they were small, paired by their parents, a shared tradition passed down for generations among shifters of their status. True loyalty and companionship was hard to find amongst wercat nobility. So, it was strategically designed with each new generation in the noble bloodlines. Kieran and Tony’s bond sealed in tradition, countless battles and shared secrets. Along with an oath taken in blood that prevented either to ever betray the other. If anyone could help him get to the bottom of this mystery, it was Tony.

The city came into view, a sprawling expanse of buildings and streets that contrasted sharply with the natural beauty of the mountains. Kieran maneuvered the Jaguar through the urban jungle with practiced ease, his destination set in his mind.

He arrived at the police station, an imposing building of stone and glass. As he entered, the officers present stood and deeply bowed in respect, acknowledging their ruler’s presence. Kieran’s eyes scanned the room, noting the tension and unease among his guards. He approached the group, his gaze firm.

"Report," he growled.

One of the senior guards, a lion shifter, stepped forward. "Your Highness, we have found the missing shifter from this city, but... they.. didn’t make it. The evidence suggests that they were forced to shift. Their pelt ripped from their body.. They did have the same puncture wounds on the neck as all the rest, you majesty.”

Kieran's jaw tightened. He could smell the fear in his men. “Tell me everything. I want the full report sent to my inbox immediately."

The guard nodded. "The missing shifter, a panther, was last seen near the outskirts of the city about a month ago. There were no signs of a struggle, and it seemed like they had vanished into thin air. A shadow was seen in recordings, but nothing more. We have been searching tirelessly since then. Yesterday, their body mysteriously reappeared in the same place they were last seen, with their fur stripped, their form still that if their cat, and those same puncture wounds on the neck. We don’t have any dna results back yet."

Kieran's eyes darkened. "This is a message,” he roared. “They want us to know they can strike anywhere, anytime. I want to know why their pelt was ripped from them!”

"Yes, Your Highness," the guard replied. "We've tightened security, but the attacker remains elusive. There are no leads on who might be responsible."

Kieran's mind raced and his beast paced in his mind. The methodical nature of the attacks, the precise targeting of wercats, and the gruesome aftermath all pointed to a well-organized operation. "We need to find out who is behind this and why. Increase patrols and keep me informed of any new developments."

The guard bowed deeply. "Yes, Your Highness. We will not rest until we have answers."

Kieran paused before turning to leave. "What do we know about the shifter's family?"

"They were an only child to a poor family of panthers," the guard responded. "Their child was the primary caregiver for the parents."

Kieran nodded thoughtfully. "Text me with their location immediately. I need to pay my respects. Also, go all out for the funeral arrangements and send $500,000 to the parents. Cover any medical expenses they may have."

"Yes, Your Highness," the guard said, bowing once more with respect. His king truly cared for his people, but was a force to never be crossed.

Kieran left the station, his thoughts filled with the gravity of the situation. The safety of his kingdom and the lives of his people were at stake. This shadow of doom threatening his realm had to be brought to light and silenced forever.