LYCANS LOVE

⸻ Chapter 1: Shadows in the Palace The first rays of sunlight filtered through the tall, arched windows of the Immortal Palace, casting golden streaks across the training grounds. Princess Onjo, barely five yet already showing signs of powers her parents had never seen before, crouched low, her silver-bladed staff spinning in her hands. Across from her, Gae In, a lively five-year-old with bright amber eyes and the slightest hint of wolfish fangs, mirrored every movement, her own staff slicing through the morning air with precision. “You’re too slow, Onjo!” Gae In teased, a grin tugging at her lips. “If you can’t keep up, you’ll never survive the outside world!” Onjo narrowed her eyes, her small hands tightening around the staff. “I’m not slow!” she snapped, spinning suddenly to deflect an imaginary strike. The wind whistled past her, carrying sparks of magic that danced like fireflies. Their teacher, Master Hyun, a battle-hardened warrior who had trained countless immortals over centuries, watched from the sidelines, his sharp eyes scanning their every move. “Again! Harder this time!” he barked, his voice echoing across the courtyard. “You are not here to play, girls. The outside world does not wait for those who hesitate!” Onjo and Gae In lunged at each other again, their staffs clashing with a metallic ring that resonated across the palace walls. Onjo’s body moved faster than she knew it could, instinct guiding her in ways even she didn’t understand. Yet, just as her staff aimed for Gae In’s shoulder, a flash of uncontrolled magic burst from her fingertips. “Onjo!” Gae In yelped, narrowly dodging the sudden surge of energy. Sparks of violet light flickered in the air, dissipating harmlessly against the cobblestone. “I-I didn’t mean to!” Onjo stammered, cheeks burning with frustration. Her small fists clenched, but Gae In only laughed, brushing herself off. “You’ll get it, Onjo. You always do,” Gae In said softly, placing a reassuring hand on her friend’s shoulder. “We’ll get stronger… together.” Onjo’s lips curved into a small smile. Despite the mishap, she felt a warmth in her chest — Gae In wasn’t just a friend. She was family. The only family she had ever known outside of her parents, King Yeon and the formidable witch So Yon. Suddenly, a shadow flickered across the courtyard, far above the high palace walls. The girls froze, eyes tracking the shape that glided silently against the morning sky. Master Hyun’s voice dropped to a low growl. “Something stirs beyond these walls. The darkness grows stronger. You must be ready… sooner than you think.” Onjo’s heart beat faster, a strange mix of excitement and fear swelling inside her chest. She glanced at Gae In, whose small fists had clenched tightly, her wolf instincts already sensing danger. Together, they had trained, laughed, and grown strong under the watchful eyes of their parents and Master Hyun. But now, Onjo realized, the world outside was not a place for play. It was a place of shadows, of danger… and she would have to face it one day. “And we will be ready,” Onjo said firmly, gripping her staff. “Yes,” Gae In agreed, her amber eyes glowing faintly. “Together.” Above them, the wind carried whispers of distant threats — creatures of the immortal realm and beyond, stirring in the shadows. For Princess Onjo, the first immortal born in thousands of years, and Gae In, the fearless shapeshifter, the journey had only just begun.