Wolves of War

The Red Dress

“There is no way in heck that’s a dress” I said in awe.

The dark red dress is embroidered with floral appliques, the red diamonds only enhancing the art and making them shine and dazzle. The dress is a floor-length ball gown-a different style than what she-wolves would wear. The sleeves are long decorated with hundreds of red diamonds, the bodice is a corset with more red diamond bejeweled floral embroidery, the neck line is deep, showing off the cleavage and leaving enough space to cut a wound over my heart. The headdress is a crown adorned with even more red diamonds.

“How did you create this in a couple of hours?” I asked Galga.

“There must be magic in your fingers. I am impressed with your craftsmanship” Mihira commended her.

“I don’t know, something came over me and I went into this trance.” Galga said, holding up her hands “I’m glad you like the dress.”

“Let’s get you dressed. The ceremony will begin soon.” Mihira said, pulling me to my feet.

Magic in her fingers? My eyes widened, Mihira mentioned in her story that Kaos used humans as conduits through talents. These talents are just exceptional skills that people have and are amplified because of Kaos. As humans grew, each generation became more and more sensitive to the energies around them until one human was born with the ability to harness Kaos. That human was most likely the first witch. However, when humans became less and less in this world, Kaos had to find another way to evolve.

Universal energy is the driving force of progress. Without it, things slow way down and then die. This world is older than mine and yet it's behind in progress. The world I grew up in is younger but is centuries ahead. This world can barely defend itself again, something as simple and controllable as mange. If I hadn’t come along, would they have figured out how to prevent it? Without full-blooded humans, Kaos had to find a way to be more involved in this world. The answer may be with chimeras like Galga.

Galga has human traits. She may not be able to use magic like I can, but if done through a medium that focuses her power, like a needle and thread… she could use magic. I look at the dress that Galga created. Something this beautiful and intricate would take weeks to sew but it took her less than two hours. A contract with Serberus could amplify her talents... we should test this out.

“Hey Galga?”

The chimera looked up at me and smiled eagerly. “Yes, my lady.”

“Go to the shrine of Serberus and pray. If he comes to you, follow him.”

Galga looks up at me confused.

“Trust me, go”

Galga nodded. She kissed Atman on the cheek and left the room.

“What are you thinking?” Atman asked, concerned.

“I have a theory?”

About 30 minutes later, Galga returned with tears in her eyes. Atman jumped up from the couch and wobbled his way towards her. He wiped her face clean then stopped to stare at the crest on her shoulder.

“What’s this?” he asked.

I smiled at Galga, my theory proven. “Welcome to the order Galga.”

Galga burst into tears and hugged Atman tightly.

“Your training starts tomorrow." I stated "Now, come help Mihira and I get myself into this beautiful dress.”

Galga helped Atman to the couch and patted him on the cheek affectionately. She came over to my vanity and helped me.

“What’s that?” Galga asked.

“What’s what?” I asked Galga as I stared at Atman.

Getting the hint, he took a random piece of cloth and tied it around his eyes.

“The thing on your chest”

Thing on my chest? What is on my chest? I looked down and saw the seal. When did that get there? Located on the left side of my chest is a seal in the image of a shinning sun, a shadow of the moon tucked with its rays. The runes are permission granted to me as the high priestess of Lumina’s temple.

I briefly recall the blessing and Lumina sealing her powers within me. Being an ether, Lumina could no longer return to the garden of the gods. She sealed what was left of her light within me and went to sleep.

“Lumina is sleeping inside me. This is her blessing and seal.” Answered her

“But doesn’t that mean you are going to die” Galga asked.

I shook my head. “It's not a death sentence. Lumina is a god who turned into a dark spirit if we left her as is the darkness would reclaim her and we would be right where we left off. Lumina gifted me her power and went to sleep.”

“So you are now the deity of light?” Atman asked.

“I suppose so… Lumina herself was a Demi-god” I asked.

“Lumina a demi-god? Where did she come from?” Atman mused.

That is a good question.

I motioned for the dress. “Let’s focus on one thing at a time.”

Thea entered the room and paused as she caught a glimpse of the seal on my chest.

“What’s that?”

“Lumina's seal and blessing” I said to her.

“Where have you been?” Galga asked her.

“I went with some soldiers to explore the surrounding forest. It’s quiet but if you listen real close you can hear the songs of birds.”

Wow, it's only been 24 hours and the forest is already starting to come back. I wonder how long it will take for the animals to return. At that point, small groups of people could start coming back to the city to resettle. We do need certain professions to come and help with the restoration, blacksmiths and artisans mostly, maybe even some adult entertainment for the soldiers, and most importantly a government needs to be put into place.

Mihira securely cinched the dress to me while Galga attached a ten-foot-long train to my hips.

Satisfied with my appearance, Mihira took my arm and began to lead me out of the room.

“Wait!”

I pulled my hand out of hers and slowly approached Asai. Even though we were being quite noisy, Asai continued to sleep soundly on his bed. I gave him a quick peck on his lips then rejoined Mihira at the door.

Mihira led me to the back of the cottage where the ceremony was going to take place. As I exited the back door of the cottage, I was met with a long aisle that looked to be made of red velvet material. The floor is saturated with red rose flower petals. On either side, there are bat shifters smiling in excitement. They held their right hand over their hearts as they all dropped to their knees in respect.

Just as Atman described, there is a panel of 12 elders, the oldest one at the front holding a flask in one hand and a dagger in the other. The elder smiles at me and beacons me closer. She cupped my face in her hands and kissed me on the forehead.

“Kneel” she said

I nod and do as I am told.

“We the Clan of Blackstone all gather here to witness the naming ceremony of our new ruler. May the blessing of her new name unlock a fountain of goodness and wealth; with this blessing gift her with boundless fortune and prosperity; and pass on that grace to her kingdom.”

The elder dipped a finger in the flask and drew a symbol on my forehead, a flower. She then handed me the flask and encouraged me to drink. I nodded my head and took large gulps till the wine was finished. The elder then handed the dagger to Mihira.

“I Princess Mihira Nyx Blackstone, name you Desmona Talia Asteria Silver Blackstone." She nodded her head, then, without missing a beat, cut a wound above her heart. She then handed me the dagger.

After a few breaths, I did the same. I let out a small squeak of pain, but I did it. Mihira pulled me into a tight hug, our blood mixing with the other. The vampires around us cheered and threw red petals and rice all around me.

Suddenly, I was pulled away from the celebration and into myself. I stood in what looked like blood. A circle of light illuminated the area around me. The blood on the floor began to bubble and rise on its own. A door that I recognized appeared before me. After a few moments, an audible click reached my ears and slowly the door opened.