War Moon

Winds of Change

The flames don't seem to hurt her, it comes out of her skin, dancing of their own free will.

"What's the matter? What is this?" Kira looks at Astrid.

"Calm down, upset won't help anything," the woman says, trying to stay calm.

She approaches Kira, using her energy to cover her hands with water to protect herself from the flames, knowing that they will probably freeze but at least she will have time to slow down the advance a bit. She doesn't even touch it when the water starts to evaporate from the intense heat.

"That was useless. Try to concentrate and retract your energy inside, do it with controlled breaths and try to calm down; we don't want to freeze," she says, looking at her hands, who are completely dry and a little red, "or burn half a city."

Kira closes her eyes, doing as she tells her. Her power fluctuates increasing and decreasing without obeying her.

"I can't," Kira says, opening her eyes in dismay, "this one doesn't obey."

Astrid bites a nail nervously, she has never witnessed anything like that and clearly her power can't do anything against the princess's.

"We will need reinforcements," says Astrid, defeated. "Your father or mother will know how to help us."

Kira noticed her sudden silence, she was probably contacting her parents because of the mental bond. She sees his hands again, now the flames reach her elbows. She has never seen blue fire in her life. She closes her eyes again, concentrating on her breathing, aware of it as she tries to calm down.

She can feel the new paths in her body open now, the flow of energy continuously through these giving more energy to the flames. Kira takes a deep breath, focusing her attention on those channels to retract power to the core; but her power appears to be stubborn, putting up resistance to her command.

"It seems to be as stubborn as you," Kira hears her godmother's voice near her.

The girl opens her eyes, finding Anastasia and her father next to Astrid.

"Godmother, I don't know how or what's wrong..."

"Don't worry, I didn't expect you to do it the first time." Anastasia grabs one of her arms while Arseni holds the other.

Kira begins to feel the external energy of the two adults on the flames, forcing them to retreat. The flames put up resistance but in the end they disappear inside it.

"There. This will keep it at bay for now, but it will not be forever." Arseni takes a deep breath, stroking his daughter's hair. "What do you think of this, Annie?"

"It's hard to say. There’s never been a case like this in the history of the Lycans and the overriding elements are the hardest to control, so only dragons handle them," Anastasia answers with a serious expression.

"I can't ever use it, then?" asks Kira, biting her lip.

"We haven't said any of that, honey, but we have to think through how to handle this situation," Arseni replies, trying to calm his daughter.

"Am I weird? First the dream and now this."

"Calm down, cub, you already heard Agatha, you can't force things and everything happens for a reason, only pending if you remember more things."

Kira nods trying to calm her nerves.

"What will I do then?"

"At the moment, I don't want you to use your powers until we know more and what to do, to see different options. The best thing is that you do not use your power at the moment, we do not know what will happen next time, the primordial elements are unpredictable."

"You can go hunting or we're advancing your lessons with me," Arseni offers.

"Your group has not finished their lessons yet, I can teach you some more specific hunting techniques; but they will not last long, by instinct they will learn it fast," Astrid says.

"I'll go with you, Dad, then I'll go back to the group hunts," Kira decides.

"While I can go studying and find some action plan," says Anastasia.

Kira follows her father in her wolf form, once they separate. It takes a few minutes to reach the city, keeping silent as they walk through the streets.

"What will we do today, Dad?" she says as they become human in front of an ongoing construction.

Kira knows what it is. Her parents are preparing the games of the lycan and werewolves, a series of special games to show who is the fittest or the strongest. It's not like the Olympics, since it's not all over the world. Those games will be in a few more years.

"The colosseum, you know that this year we celebrate the games of Romulus and Remus, we need a place to do the competitions," Arseni says as he walks to a table leaning forward with an architectural plan.

"This is the structure that we will use for that purpose, we will have all the types of games to activate and the change of courts thanks to technology."

Kira spends much of the morning with her father, learning to lead in important things and delegate tasks, even though Arseni, a king, is aware that he is one person and delegating makes the job easier. SheI gets to know several of the architects working on the project, and gets to explain some things about that type of professional drawing. It is the first time she can see things in practice, usually she and her siblings learn from their father from the office or in small meetings.

"The committee will arrive tomorrow. We have all the papers of the candidates of the pack to be taken to their office, Alpha," says one of the construction managers. "At the speed we are going and the help of the allied kingdoms, we calculate that we will finish it early for the games."

"Even so, do not let your guard down, foreman, unforeseen events always come."

"Yes, Alpha, I will be cautious."

"Get on with your good work then, see you later."

Kira and her father drive away in one of her father's cars, which was waiting for them: a blue Mystichrome Ford GT. Despite being king, he allows himself certain whims and one of those is to drive his collector cars, although he sometimes uses a chauffeur at special events. He opens the door for his daughter before going up the other side.

"Where will we go now, Dad?"

"We will go to one of the main hotels, The Glass Moon. We have an important visitor."

"Who?

"The Alpha King of the Lycan in England, Octavius, who has been having trouble with the Portuguese, came to ask for advice and possible alliance. "

"But the Spanish don't have very good esteem for us."

"It is true but sometimes circumstances require it, do you remember The War of the Giants in Italy?"

"It's where you met Uncle Giovanni."

"Before that our relations with the Europeans were somewhat fragile, although we earned a reputation thanks to events like that." Arseni starts the car. "This situation will give us benefits and allies if we play the cards right. To be king and alpha is not only to lead, sometimes you have to know how to use ingenuity."

"Even though we don't know who your successor will be?"

Arseni laughs.

"Are the five of you still with that? You know the traditions, you won't know until we've made the decision."

"What? We have the right, Dad!" exclaims Kira pouting.

"Patience is a virtue, cub, betting is not a good reason either."

Kira doesn’t touch the subject again, even if she wasn't happy about it. Although she feels some grief as she will have to see someone important in her training suit.

The car stops in front of a white and gold hotel at least thirty stories high, its appearance is quite modern, even futuristic. The two get out of the car where Giovanni and Jayden were waiting for them.

"Alpha, princess, welcome," the two say at the same time.

"Will Octavius arrive at the hotel?" ask Arseni as they enter the lobby, being greeted by the same host.

"Welcome, my Tsar, we have prepared the meeting room on the seventh floor. Everything is prepared with the snacks and drinks, as you required. Should I include something for the princess?" asks the host.

"Yes, it would be perfect."

The four of them go up to the main elevator, leaving the host on the ground floor. This has a glass side from where it looks over the ice park and the shopping plaza on one side. They reach the seventh floor and walk to the bottom where there are a pair of double doors.

Kira clutches her father's hand nervously. Meeting other creatures is fairly normal thanks to the biodiversity in Asia, but it is another thing to participate in an important meeting. Arseni squeezes her hand before pushing the doors.

An imposing dark-skinned man stands up from the chair, shaking Arseni's hand tightly.

"Tsar Arseni, it is an honor to be received by you in your country and by your family."

"King Octavius, welcome to Moscow. I introduce you to my firstborn daughter," Arseni touches his daughter's head. "Kira Nikita Volkov.

"Please to meet you, King Octavius," Kira bows.

"What a lovely princess," Octavius kisses her hand. "If I would have known that such a beautiful star was coming, I would have told my son to come along, so they could get to know each other."

"You haven't been here for five minutes and you're already making plans," Arseni rolls his eyes and sits in one of the seats.

"Don't worry, Tsar, I don't plan to take so much trust with you. My son is in the room they gave us, maybe later they can get to know each other," Octavius says to put things at ease.

Kira looks at Octavius suspiciously, you don't know if he says it as a joke or means it. She takes the high-back chair next to her dad's. It is the one usually used by her mother; but by her position she will have no problems.

"You did come to ask us for advice, didn't you?" begins Jayden, sitting on a three-seater sofa with Giovanni.

"Right," Octavius sighs as he lets out a row of smoke through his nose, "One of the goblin clans in Ireland started doing international business, apparently they have found one of the most extensive sapphire mines near their shores. They don't just sell the jewellery. They have gotten artisans who create works of art using it."

"Yes, I have made some orders for the competitions that we are about to celebrate," Arseni says while drinking some wine. A maid came in bringing a tray with some snacks on for Kira.

Kira took her glass with orange juice, listening carefully to the conversation.

"In recent months, some of its exported goods have been disappearing. We believe they were captured by pirates; but they are only speculations."

"That sounds too obvious," Kira says without thinking and covers her mouth with her hands.

"What do you think then, princess?" Octavius smiles at her, encouraging her to continue.

"Well, if they are stealing so many products related to precious gems, they will most likely use it for other things." Kira leaves the glass on the table. "As I recall my godmother's lessons, some types of gems have magical properties, some stronger than others. Among them are sapphire and diamonds."

"Which is obtained in Ireland, that land is rich in magic stones, " Giovanni continues," that may be a clue to what you might be thinking."

"You mentioned to us that you have problems with the clans of Portugal," says Jayden.

"Yes, territorial disputes more than anything. King Paul wishes to expand further to Portugal."

"But you are under the treaty of The Six Knights, aren't you?" asks Kira.

"Yes, but they have been slowly breaking, at least the tension between the dragons is very strong."

"All dragons are hard to deal with," Jayden sneers at Octavius' cold gaze.

"Have more clues, King Octavius?" Kira asks again.

"The lands of southeastern Europe have been revolted, titans have been sighted now."

"Titans? Those were encircled by the territories of the giants, and the energy fences should have them on the sidelines under illusions," claim Giovanni, offended, since they are the ones who put up the fences.

"We should then send our people there, make sure that if the rumors of the titans are true," Jayden looks at Arseni. "It will be very problematic if something like those fences are not working properly."

Arseni snorts, running his fingers through her hair.

Kira knows that gesture well, he does it when he thinks things through. It is better not to bother him and she began to reflect on what is happening in Europe. All that seems mysterious and problematic, someone or several probably plan something. The question is what?

At that time they heard three knocks on the door.

"Come in," Kira says.

Anastasia enters, stopping in front of Arseni.

"I think I found a way to deal with Kira's powers."

"Octavius, I introduce you to my older sister, Anastasia Volkov, the Queen of the Greek clan of Chimeras." Introduces Arseni to Annie.

"The Bloodthirsty Queen of Athens, wife of the warrior kings, Caesar and Maximilian. It's an honor to meet you," Octavius smiles, getting up from the furniture to kiss the woman's hand

"You flatter me, King Octavius. The honor is mine." Annie smiles and lets out a chuckle.

"Please sit down with us, I'm sure you will give us good advice in my conflict," Octavius offers with a charming smile.

Anastasia shook her head through the Air Casanova of the King of Dragons. She sits on one of the chairs on the other side of Arseni, taking one of the wine glasses and taking a sip.

"Forgive the curiosity, but I was talking about a solution. I don't think mine found one in an instant."

Kira gets uncomfortable. Talking about her powers is a private thing. She is not sure if it is a good idea to say it. Look at her father, she is waiting for him to decide.

Arseni growls, keeping a long silence. He knows that his sister will not enter an important meeting for no reason, and if she came here, she must have a good one.

Kira notices how he looks at his Beta and Gamma without saying a word, it is not difficult to guess that they are having a private mental conversation, perhaps even with his godmother. She can feel Octavius' gaze on her. She cannot help but growl but it's more out of nervousness than threatening.

"King Octavius, can I ask you a question?" Arseni breaks the silence.

"Go ahead, I am all ears."

"How do dragons handle control of the primordial elements?"

"Well that's an interesting question to be asked, we know our primordial elements from the age of six, but there is no control over it. Primordials are ancient, which gives them free will. That means each individual must have a specific training to gain not only control but complete unification and harmony. The problem with the primordial elements is that if this unification is not achieved, the power comes to take total control of the body, subduing the person," answer Octavius.

Kira pales just thinking about it, terrified by her own power. What could happen toher if she does not train hard? But they do not even know how to handle such a thing, the lycan have never been born with it. She feels a hand on her hair, gently caressing her hair. She looks up to find her father next to her. He then hugs her, trying to calm her down.

"Hey, princess, are you okay? You don't look like it," Octavius approaches them somewhat worriedly. "I hope it's not something I said."

"It's not that, King Octavius," Arseni sighs before beginning to narrate what happened that morning.

"A lycan with an inversive primordial element? Speaking of unique days," says the dragon man, clutching Kira's arms.

"Primordial inversive element?" Kira asks, confused.

"An element that reaches the maximum of the two ends. You handled the blue fire. That immediately indicates that it is rare. When you activated it you were at the lowest level and that's why the floor froze. The other side is so hot that it can melt stone," explain Octavius. "I didn't know those existed still. They have not existed in the world since the first dragons."

"How would you explain that a lycan can have this power?" asks Annie.

"Forgive me but I don't have an answer to that. I know more about dragons than lycans, my lady."

"How can I control this then? " asks Kira.

"We need special training, as King Octavius says. Maybe you don't like the idea, Arseni, but Kira probably has to leave the safety of the pack," Anastasia says.

Kira looks at her godmother as if she is crazy. She has never left her family, the only times she has traveled was when she visited her godmother in Greece and it was always with her parents and siblings. Although, she had to admit, it did sound like an adventure.

"But she can't go just anywhere.It’s best to go with the oldest clans." Octavius is thoughtfully silent. "Although of course, I will need some help with my problem."

"I was thinking of doing it anyway, Octavius, calm down," says Arseni. "Go on.”

"I can track the oldest clan if you give me some time. They will have a better idea of training that can help her."

"But..." Kira nervously tries to say something, but they don't listen to her.

"Well, when you’re ready let me know and we'll see you at the castle," Arseni said to Octavius.

Kira stopped listening. Everything became a background noise to her. Could things get any crazier and weirder than this today? Why was it happening to her? She hasn't done anything to anyone to turn her world upside down. She’s just a girl.

"Are you ready to go home, cub?" asks her father.

"Dad, were you serious? What... What will I do alone in another country in an unknown place?” Kira starts to panic.

"Cub, breathe. Calm down and breathe slowly, big puffs of air." Arseni tries to reassure her. "Of course I wouldn't let you go alone."

"I'm going to accompany you to the end, okay?" Anastasia reassures her too. "We don't know what will happen yet, but I want you to see it as an adventure, new experiences that everyone needs and now you have a great opportunity."

"Annie is right, honey, don't panic even without knowing what will happen, okay?"

Kira nods, slowly regaining her breath, although she feels her heart pounding against her chest.

"Calm down, Kira, everything will be fine, just be patient." Giovanni caresses her hair as they descend to the ground floor by the elevator.

The six return to the castle, only slightly hearing the noise of the background radio. When parking in the garage, Kira jumps out transforming into a wolf in the direction of the forest near the castle. Nothing is better than to run into the forest, when you want to clear your mind. That's the way to feel free.

She feels under her paws the earth and the fresh grass. She senses the wind running through her white fur, the light entering through the leaves of the trees. She runs faster. So fast she almost seems to be flying because of the speed she reaches. She doesn't know how long it's been before she stops, panting a little, standing in front of a waterfall at the foot of the mountains. She enters until the water reaches the middle of her legs. Drinking some of the ice cool water, she watches the fish flee from her shadow, some of them as big as her muzzle.

She follows the sight of a large Arctic salmon. Tensing the muscles of her paws, she can already taste the flesh of the fish. She is somewhat hungry although her hunting has so far always been limited to smaller animals. Seeking to learn teamwork, she has already formed her group, as have her siblings; their parents have made sure they don't have the same team or are in the same group.

Her yellow eyes follow the zigzagging shape of the fish sailing in the deep waters of the well where the waterfall falls. Now she just has to wait for the exact moment, patience is a virtue when you fish. Focusing all her attention on the animal, she ignores the sounds around her.

The salmon hits the side with its tail and gets closer to Kira . In just seconds, Kira sinks her muzzle into the water, locking her teeth in the scales, between her head and the galls, causing a faster death, throwing her head back and the salmon flies out to the shore. It barely moves by the blow.

"That went well for you, Kira!" she heard Sergei's voice in her mind.

She looks behind her when she hears this. Through the bushes she sees her brother appear along with his other siblings.

"You've improved, but of course I'm still the best," Garald says on the other side of the water.

"That's mine, Garald!" Kira growls almost about to jump on him.

"Quiet, Kira, he’s just joking," says Tatiana entering the water too. "Are there still som other fish left?"

"Just look in the dark part." Kira reluctantly comes out of the water, dropping into the shore and starting to eat the fish.

The four of them looked at each other.

"Kira, Dad told us what happened to you this morning. It sounds great," Lev tries to cheer her up.

"Amusing!? You find it amusing that it would be possible for me to die, if I don't find a way to unify with my power! Or that the only thing that can help me is a clan of dragons who live who knows where?! Yes, Lev, I'm dying of laughter!" shouts Kira as she smashes the salmon with her teeth.

"Really all this angers her," says Garald.

"Kira, reassure yourself," Sergei crosses the water until he is next to her. "It's just your power. I’m sure Dad will find a way to help you."

"They already found a way. I am going to a clan of dragons. They are the only ones who know how to control the primordial elements."

"Dragons!? Are they crazy?" exclaims Lev in surprise.

"Can't they come here? Dad has connections and dragon friends, I don't see the problem." Tatiana says with a frown.

"King Octavius said that my power needs more specific training. He has to contact one of the oldest clans."

"Seriously? Not that it is a big deal, if it is natural in dragons. They make too much fuss about nonsense," jealous growls Garald.

"Seriously, Garald, what happened to you?" Sergei notices his change of attitude.

"Always she, Kira this, Kira that. She is always extraordinary and gets the best things."

"Please, Garald, I don't even see where you get those things from, we're all treated equally," Lev snorts, "Is Agna putting ideas into you now?"

"Of course not! She is just my best friend's younger sister!" Garald growls at the insult.

"You think I chose this, let's see, try putting yourself in my place," Kira growls dangerously close to her brother and they both start growling, ready to fight each other.

"Don't hold yourself in too high esteem, Kira!"

Kira threw herself at him, getting into a fight for being the strongest. Garald is strong and easily proved it to her, putting her in a complicated situation. But she began to overcome it using her teeth and claws, which by accident began to freeze her brother.

"Enough you two!" Sergei says ramming at the two, slamming them apart.

Garald gasps with partially frozen front legs. Kira has the bottom full of sand.

"Now you calm down. Garald in view of provoking her, think clearly. She is our sister before the others or have you forgotten that?"

The red wolf didn't say anything just looking at the ground.

"I'm going home," Kira says, getting up and starting to leave.

"Let's go then," says Sergei. He, Lev and Tatiana start heading the way back.

A slightly embarrassed Garald joins them soon after..

The return to the castle is silent. Voices are still heard in the dining room, where everyone are probably finishing the meal. Kira ignores them, going up to her room alone. Although the salmon barely filled her stomach at all, she doesn’t want anything else. She drops her body on the bed. Laying on her back, she looks at the ceiling.

She has always enjoyed venturing out and discovering more of the world around her. But this travel. It is more unnerving and frightening. Being alone without the protection of the pack. She growls frustrated, clenching her fists over her eyes. Why does her life have to become such a mess?

Raising her hands from her eye to the ceiling, she notices some frost on the tips; but her attention is diverted when she hears the door open.

"Hello, honey," says her mom, walking to her bed.

"Hello," Kira answers disheartedly

"Dad told me what happened. You're scared and I understand that, but you will not be alone at all. You will go with Anastasia."

"As much as I love my godmother, it's not the same and she has her own pack in Greece waiting for her."

Sonia smiles with understanding, caressing Kira’s hair.

"Honey, sometimes leaving the comfort and safe zone is the best way to grow, to better understand the world. Don’t you like adventures? Then allow yourself to explore what the planet has to offer. Also, maybe your father won't let you go at all alone."

Kira looks at her mother curiously, trying to understand what it refers to.

"Come on, you have to pack a suitcase. You leave in a few hours."

They spent several hours fixing everything and saying goodbye to the pack, when it arrived at six in the afternoon, with the sun descending through the mountains. When they enter the hangar of their family, a private plane is waiting for them.

Kira hugs her father a few meters from the plane.

"Everything will be fine, cub, you will have fun."

"I guess," she replies. "I love you dad."

"Call us whenever you want," Sonia hugs her cub and kisses her forehead.

"I will, Mom, I'll miss you."

Her siblings hug Her tightly, they don't know when they will see each other again.

"Sorry, Kira, I acted like a fool," Garald apologizes with a sad look in his eyes.

"Don't worry, I understand what you felt but don't be influenced by others anymore," she laughs.

"Come on, Kira, it's time to go." Hurry up a little Annie.

Kira looks back once again waving goodbye to her family. Looking around she tries to find some trace of her friends. She didn't see them when she said goodbye to the pack. But her search turns up unsuccessful.

Kira takes the last steps in order to enter the plane somewhat sad, listening to how they close the door of the ship.

"The trip hasn’t even started and you are already having a long face?"

Kira raises her face suddenly, finding Aristide peeking out from one of the seats.