My Warrior

Echoes of Destiny

**Jackson POV**

The morning sun blessed the day at sama village, the village at the south. It was a bright day for me. After years of dedicated service as a sergeant in the night watch, today marked a significant milestone. I was to be appointed as a lieutenant.

Despite my youth, I had fought numerous battles for the kingdom. My parents had always envisioned a different future for me, a life centered around farming. But my heart yearned to be on the battlefield, fighting for the honor of our land.

While others were transformed into werewolves, I was born as one. It remained an enigma to me; my parents, both humans, couldn't provide an explanation for my unusual heritage. Concealing this secret had been my burden for years.

Today, as I adorned myself in my finest attire, I stood before the mirror, checking my appearance. Each piece of clothing meticulously chosen, I aimed for a look that would command respect and admiration.

Gazing at my reflection, a sense of confidence surged within me. I looked every bit the part I aimed to portray.

As a man of striking looks, I meticulously examined myself in the mirror, ensuring every detail was impeccable. With my sword at my side, I strode out purposefully.

Meeting my parents outside, I greeted them warmly.

"Are you off now?"

my mother inquired.

"Yes,"

I replied, a hint of anticipation in my voice.

"You look absolutely dashing, my handsome boy,"

my mother praised, prompting a smile to grace my lips.

"Just make sure you bring a wife with that attire today,"

my father chimed in, his persistent desire for me to marry at an early age resurfacing once again.I made my way to the military office.

After much celebration, we were finally appointed as lieutenants. Everyone got their new assignments, and typically, as a night watch member promoted to lieutenant, you'd get transferred to the palace.

But to my surprise, I wasn't. I remained posted elsewhere, feeling stunned and puzzled by the decision to keep me away from the palace, a place I had always longed to serve without understanding why.

As I made my way home, a sense of worry clouded my thoughts. Being appointed as a lieutenant to watch over a small village my own village. struck me as odd. It dawned on me that this might be my father's doing. He was a farmer, unlike me, I had wealth and connections, and he happened to be friends with my general.

The realization hit hard; it seemed my father's influence might have played a role in this unexpected assignment, leaving me grappling with a conflict between my aspirations and the perceived interference of family ties.

After a considerable walk towards home, nearing our house, I spotted a man exiting. He rode a white horse, and my father was respectfully seeing him off, bowing as the man departed. The man obscured his face, likely someone affluent or of high stature, considering my father's deferential gesture.

Upon arriving home, I approached my father. Frustration and confusion swirled within me.

"Father, why must you make me suffer this way? I've always dreamt of being a warrior. Why assign me here? Father I am not a kid anymore"

I questioned, seeking answers.

He glanced at me and abruptly left, heading towards the farmyard, clutching something tightly in his hand. His departure, without a response, left me unsettled and yearning for explanations, adding to the growing tension and uncertainty surrounding my situation.

************

Caroline woke up to find her mother already gone, likely off to attend her duties. Struggling to shake off her drowsiness, it took her a moment to remember her own responsibilities.

Rushing to get ready, she hastily dressed, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness about the day ahead, knowing that her duties in the prince's chamber demanded dedication.

She made her way towards the palace and arrived just in time to witness the king dismounting from his white horse. His early morning arrival intrigued Caroline wondering Where he had been?

Once he disappeared into the palace, Caroline followed suit, heading towards Prince Astaroth's chambers. The chief maid guided the newly appointed maid through the area, outlining the rules and protocols they were to follow while serving in the prince's chamber. It was a moment of both excitement and apprehension, for Isabella,she prepared to embark on her duties in this new and prestigious role.

As the orientation concluded,her thoughts turned to her mother who also serves at the king chamber,

With a mix of concern and curiosity, she ventured towards the king's chambers, hoping to find her there. But on her way prince Astaroth pass her by heading to his father chamber

"Good morning, Father,"

Astaroth greeted the king

"Morning, son,"

King Ragnar replied, his back still turned to Astaroth.

"I came by yesterday to speak with you, but you weren't here,"

He mentioned, hoping for a moment to ask him some pressing questions.

"I was attending to official duties,"

He explained.

Just as they were about to continue their conversation, the door swung open. Rebecca, the maid, entered carrying food. The king turned to her, directing her to place the food on the table and told her to help him with his attire.

Astaroth's thoughts raced as his father redirected his attention.

"Astaroth, I want you to handle the farmers' complaint meeting with the counselors today. I need to rest," his father instructed.

"Okay," he replied, a mix of surprise and excitement evident in his voice.

As he acknowledged the task with joy, a sudden realization struck him: the king his father had never previously entrusted him with such a significant official meeting. Questions swirled in Astaroth's mind, wondering about his sudden decision.

"Are you not going to prepare? The meeting starts in a few minutes,"

my father's voice pulled him back from his thoughts.

"Okay, sir,"

He replied, quickly regaining focus. With a sense of urgency, he acknowledged his reminder and swiftly departed, feeling a surge of responsibility and determination to ensure everything was ready for the important meeting ahead.

A surge of panic enveloped him as the king's voice echoed through the chamber, calling for help. Astaroth rushed back inside, only to find Rebecca lying limp in the king's arms.

"What happened?"

Astaroth questioned urgently, his concern evident.

"She just collapsed,"

The king replied, his voice tinged with worry.

Reacting swiftly, Astaroth rushed to her side, lifting her in his arms. As he made his way out, the guards intervened, taking her from him and hastening her to the physician, the king's command echoed, urging Astaroth to follow them.

Astaroth couldn't shake off the puzzling concern his father displayed for a mere maid's well-being. The king's worry seemed far deeper than one would expect for a servant's health, leaving Astaroth with a gnawing sense of curiosity and suspicion. His anxious eyes betrayed a concern that went beyond the ordinary, igniting Astaroth intrigue and prompting a flurry of questions in his mind.