Daughters of Winter

Welcome Back

The midmorning sun poured through the large windows of the Library. It led to a small table where a young woman sat, reading a thick book, her face set in a thoughtful frown. A leather tie tied her winter blond hair back, but a few strands fell to frame her face.

“The kingdom of Beastfolk was created during the fourth age of magic, right after the Fourth Dragon Lord attacked and destroyed multiple clans and villages. The survivors came together and built the kingdom, placing magic stones as a barrier between the dragons and the Beast folk. “

“The Beastfolk choose the Lions to rule them. The first king, Leo, chose four guardians to protect the kingdom. The winged folk, eagles, wrens, and all the rest of their kind were given the East, where tall mountains touched the sky, and open was as clean—the Bears to the North with their strong bodies and thick fur. The South was given to the lizards, those who needed the warmth of the hot springs and hot summers for the scales. While the West was given to the wolves, who divided into packs, with two of the strongest packs being the Stone Pack and Cestal Pack….”

“Who became allies to the king, and have been since we were born.”

The blond looked up from her book and found herself gazing into her sister's blue eyes.

“Kari, are you done training?” the blond asked, standing up and hugging her twin.

“I am, and it seems you found yourself some time to read,” Kari replied, hugging her sister tight.

Kari was the elder of the two, taking more after their father in looks and strength. Her dark hair was braided and coiled around her head, and her clothes clung to her with sweat. She had just finished training with their father and wanted to meet her twin before cleaning up.

“I’m just reviewing, Mama said something about a test,” the blond replied with a slight frown.

“Don’t worry about it, Lumi, you always ace tests like these.”

“And you always ace the fighting side,” Lumi replied, smiling at her sister.

“So here’s where my daughters are,” an older female voice called out.

They both turned to see Stella Lunaria, their mother, and the king's head mage. The older woman was dressed in a simple blue gown whose long sleeves covered her hands. Her golden eyes filled with tiredness and joy at seeing her twins.

“Mama,” Lumi said, hugging her while Kari waited for her turn.

“I heard you have been working very hard in your lessons.”

“I have been, Master Orion says I could go to the High Tower.” Lumi’s voice was filled with joy.

Stella’s smile faded a little, but she quickly replaced it, and Kari saw it and frowned a little. Stella, seeing her elder daughter’s face, let go of Lumi and hugged her.

“And is your training with your father, Kari? I have heard that you have taken down the vice captain at least twice.”

“It was three, though I think he let me…”

“You’re saying that Sir Torsten, one of the strongest wolves in the Stone pack, would go easy on you?”

“I’m his niece…”

“So, when your father and Torsten were younger, they were treated the same; blood doesn’t make one better, Kari. It is how you treat others. Or have you forgotten your moral lessons for your training?” Stella replied with a frown on her face.

“Sorry, Mamma,” Kari replied, looking to the floor.

Stella sighed and gently took her daughter’s chin in her hand. When golden eyes met blue, she smiled.

“I know you are a little one, I don’t mean to scold you, but I hate it when you lack confidence in yourself.”

She then took both Kari and Lumi’s hands into hers, smiling at both of them.

“My dear girls, you are both strong in your own ways. Lumi with your mind and love of tomes and books, and Kari who can best any challenger that comes to fight.”

“Mamma…” they both said.

“Now let’s get ready for supper. We have a lot to speak about,” she said, letting go of their hands.

X

The great hall was filled with laughter and talk; all the Stone and Cestal packs were celebrating the return of Stella. The alpha had greeted them all, but stayed close to her husband, watching as old and young wolves talked and laughed with one another. Her eyes drifted to her daughters, who were smiling deep in conversation.

Stella then turned to Furrow, squeezing his hand. Furrow looked at her and nodded. She sighed and stood, and the talk and laughter stopped.

“Thank you all for the warm welcome. I’m glad to be back with my family and pack.”

“And we're glad you're back.” A wolf laughed.

“Yes, but I also have news from the capital.”

Everyone got quiet and waited.

“In a year, there will be a double wedding. The Crown Prince and the Dragon Lord’s heir will marry. Their brides will be Lumi and Kari.”