The Lycan's Promise

Chapter Three: Lucien's Guilt

Chapter Three: Lucien's Guilt

Lucien's pov:

I watched from the shadows as Casimir led Jade around the castle.

She didn't know her past or what we had in store for her. If I was raised any differently, I'd be worried for her safety, but as Casimir explained to Jade why she was here I almost laughed because him just making a deal was so him. She seemed so scared that she hadn't even asked questions about the fact that she was told she had been here before.

She has no idea what's in store for her future and for all of our lives I hope she catches on quickly.

Casimir has always been good at manipulating things, whether they are physical or emotional. He would convince me that I am a monster, a monster capable of devouring everyone, everything including myself. That my humanity has left me behind and that nothing can stop the inevitable end of humanity. He would tell me that my power and immortality are something that cannot be measured and that it will destroy us all one day...but when I'm with Jade I see past his cold exterior, he can also be passionate, protective, and generous, especially to those in need. She's the only woman I've ever loved, and he has always tried to protect her from me. She may not remember her past, but I do and I'll never forget that day when the Xolotl stole her from me and my brothers. It was all my fault and I'll never forgive myself for that.

Flashback: Xolotl's Return

10 Years Ago: Jade's pov

Casimir and Lucien had led me toward the secret garden we found while playing a few years ago. We stood at the foot of the huge tree looking up at the branches that hung high overhead and reached down far enough to brush against the top of our heads. It was the perfect hiding spot for us to hide whenever we wanted to get away with a little mischief. Although at that point Lucien was a few years older than me and Casimir. He looked like a baby bird compared to Casimir, who was probably around 5'5 feet tall. If Casimir wasn't holding me he wouldn't have been able to fit between the branches.

After spending hours under that tree, Lucien decided to play another game, and he asked us to hide. So, as usual, Casimir agreed to the game with minimal grumbling, but once we were hidden underneath, he started to scold me, telling me not to mess with things I shouldn't be doing. He said that Lucien was going to catch it when I got caught and that would mean my punishment would be worse than death. I couldn't understand what he was talking about and thought he was joking. Lucien was the sweetest and although I was young I couldn't help but have butterflies in my stomach as the two boys were around. I wish Neo and Zain were here but they had gotten in trouble with Casimir's father and had to help clean up, so we were stuck by ourselves.

I didn't realize that Lucien was already sneaking off to the garden as Casimir continued to lecture me about consequences. It was late. I should have gone home soon anyway, since I knew Mom and Dad were already asleep.

We ran through the gardens as fast as we could without falling into the bushes and laughing our heads off. When we finally slowed to a walk, I turned to face Lucien and he grabbed my wrist, pulling me toward him.

"Hey!" I protested.

"Shh..shhh," Lucien shushed me "we can't let Casimir find out we went in here," I frowned, knowing he meant Casimir, who was still outside watching us.

"But he won't find us unless we want him to," I replied.

"That's not the point, Jade," he said, letting go of my hand.

"OK fine, whatever you say," I huffed, crossing my arms across my chest.

"Good girl," he smirked.

I giggled and began pushing him forward. "Let's hurry before Cas knows we snuck out" We made our way farther along the path until we came upon a secluded area surrounded by hedges with a small pond just inside. The grass was covered in dew and the ground was soaked from last night's rain. Lucien took my hand and led me over to the pond, pulling me down into the water, which I yelped in surprise at and splashed him playfully, causing him to giggle "You're gonna pay for that!" I yelled after him, jumping from the water and spraying water in every direction. I couldn't believe I'd actually enjoyed playing in the water with him!

He chuckled and dove under the surface, coming back with handfuls of water droplets covering his entire body. I shrieked in surprise and jumped out of the pond, causing a loud splash that sent water flying everywhere except for us. I laughed as Lucien ducked his head underwater, running away from me with his arms stretched out in front of him. His hands shot out from the water, grabbing hold of my ankles and throwing me back into the pond. I shrieked. He dove into the pond, grabbing hold of my wrists, and trying to pin me to the floor. I pulled at his arms and laughed and splashed him more with each attack. After a few moments of playful play, we both calmed down and sat quietly side by side facing the water. The night was quiet and peaceful. The moonlight illuminated the pond and I could hear birds singing as the wind swayed the trees gently and a light breeze danced through the air. As my breathing evened out, I could hear the sound of running water nearby. It sounded like running water coming from one of the streams in our kingdom. I could see Lucien's reflection staring up at the stars as he held onto my hands in his lap.

Suddenly, a movement came from the trees and bushes, causing me to jump at the sudden noise. My heart rate increased as panic took over my senses. Lucien tensed as well and looked over toward the bushes. Suddenly, there appeared an enormous black wolf with red glowing eyes. Before either one of us could react, I was pushed to the edge of the pond and pulled under the murky water. As Lucien tried desperately to reach for me, I felt strong jaws latch onto the base of my neck pulling me down toward its mouth. The water stung my face and I was desperate for air as my lungs filled with water. Struggling to breathe, I felt the wolf's powerful jaws pull harder towards my throat, as my lungs struggled for air, I began fighting frantically to keep my eyes open and watch for any sign of the animal that held me. As I swam upwards and attempted to fight against its relentless hold, the wolf suddenly released me. I surfaced gulping in great lungfuls of fresh air and gasped for the remaining oxygen.

I looked up and saw two large golden-yellow eyes staring at me. They glowed brightly in the moonlight reflecting off their reflective surfaces, causing them to look like mirrors. Then, as if in slow motion, I realized what this creature was. I screamed as I bolted away from it, turning as fast as I could run towards Lucien who was now standing in front of me, blocking me from the wolf.

The wolf growled as it stepped closer.

"This wolf looks so familiar like I've seen it or heard of it in one of my father's ancient tales," Lucien says, confused, as he pushes me closer to him, his gaze never leaving the beast,

"Lucien, when it was attacking me its eyes turned golden-yellow. What does that mean?" His eyes widen and he pulls me closer as he steps back. "Jade, this isn't a normal wolf, this is the Xolotl werewolf."

"What? How does that make any sense?" I asked him, completely baffled.

"It means that these wolves are powerful creatures that can transform at any time, they don't need blood to control it; they are born to control it..." Lucien said, trailing off unsure about what he was saying.

"They are the first of the Xolotl to have transformed into humans and we think they live to feed on humans"

"What do you mean 'feed'? How?" I asked, trying to process everything that he had told me.

"Well, normally the Xolotl turn into humans at the age of twenty years old. But some have been able to change at a later time, as well as at age fifteen. It depends on their genetics, I suppose," he explained.

"So what do we do? Shouldn't we leave this place? Get out of here? Why would it want me or you if we aren't even 18 yet?" I questioned as tears began to fill my eyes.

"Don't worry Jade, we will be okay, no harm will come to us and you know you will always be safe here," I nodded and wiped the tears from my eyes.

As I stared back into Lucien's eyes I could tell he truly believed he would protect me. I smiled and wrapped my arms tightly around his neck and buried my head in his shoulder. Lucien smiled softly, wrapping his own arms around my waist and pressing his nose into my hair. I could smell his cologne, which smelled like pine needles, lavender and honey. I breathed in deeply, taking in the scent and relishing the warmth of his embrace. After a moment, he loosened his grip and took my hands in his. A soft smile spread across his face as he lifted his eyes up to meet mine.

"You need to run, Jade. I want to keep you safe and I can't do that. If I'm constantly worried you'll get hurt", I shook my head and hugged him tighter.

"No, I don't want to leave you" I mumbled.

"And I promise that I won't let anything happen to you. I promise you this", he reassured me, kissing the top of my head and holding onto me firmly, refusing to allow me to leave. The wolves began to howl in the distance, signaling that their hunt was over and they wanted us back where they belonged.

"Come on Jade, let's go before they come looking for us", he whispered, leading me to the edge of the pond and helping pull me to the shore, making sure nothing was disturbed. I climbed onto the edge of the pond and began running as fast as I could to try and avoid being caught. As much as I hated it, I needed to go home and I wasn't going to wait until tomorrow. Lucien walked close behind me, keeping up as best he could, but it was obvious to me that his feet weren't used to running and he was having trouble keeping up with me. Soon enough though, after walking for what seemed like ages, I heard footsteps and voices behind me. The two wolves were running at full speed towards me. I looked back hoping Lucien might have been able to escape the woods and that I might have been able to warn him somehow. Unfortunately, it was too late. Lucien was knocked into the tree trunk with another sharp kick. I ran faster trying to escape the wolves before one tackled me to the ground. I kicked at the creature's hind legs but, unfortunately, all it did was knock me a little off balance. Suddenly, another pair of paws grabbed me and pinned me down on top of the other wolf. I tried kicking at them again while yelling and struggling, but they wouldn't budge. In fact, they tightened their grips on me. I was terrified. I didn't know what to expect.

A figure stood in front of me and I could barely make out the shape of a man as he reached out and removed the muzzle on the wolf's head. It started to growl as soon as he did and growls were becoming louder and louder in the distance. I froze as soon as I saw the wolf's lips curl back, exposing long rows of white teeth. The dark brown fur on the back of the wolf's head slowly began to shift and change into a silvery color and a single eye began to appear at the center of the silvery fur. Its mouth began stretching open, showing row after row of razor sharp teeth. I shuddered as its eyes bore into mine and I felt fear coursing throughout my body at the sight. Suddenly, I heard the loudest roar of the wolf's that echoed throughout the forest, causing my hair to stand on end.

"Bring her to our lair. I have a wonderful plan for her. Leave the boy because he holds no interest to me." The Beast Growled. The wolf pinning me, raised its head to me as he raised his paw and hit my head. My vision became blurry as the darkness began overtaking me , slowly consuming me. I could feel the world spinning as darkness consumed the edges of my vision. All I remember seeing before losing consciousness was a silver white tail wagging slightly as it disappeared into the woods.