Lycan Princess' Return

Freed

Livy heard the door to the dungeon open but did not recognize the scent that followed. She stood tall waiting for whoever this wolf was to show themselves. Amethyst stayed quiet but ready. Out of the stairwell came a man with long black hair, braided and dangling over his right shoulder. Livy swore something gleamed from inside the strands of braided hair but she couldn't tell what it was. Definitely metal. His eyes were as cold as the stone around her and a deep shade of brown. Like Damien, his body seemed perfectly sculpted but Livy found herself disgusted at the thought. No one looked as delicious as Damien and she highly doubted anyone would again. But this man would be a great catch for some female.

Livy backed away as he opened the cell door, unsure what he was here for. He removed a key from his pocket and stepped towards her. He handed Livy the key and stood there waiting. Neither Livy nor Amethyst was willing to bend over in front of the man. It would be too easy for him to attack if this were a trap. Livy backed up to the wall away from him and lifted her ankle above her knee. She put the key in the clasp, never losing sight of him. A sharp hiss sounded from the lock and then it freed her from its grip, dropping to the ground with a loud clatter.

The man turned and began to head out of the cell, leaving the door open and unlocked. Livy watched curiously. Could she really be free? Why had Damien not come and done this himself? The man turned to see if she was following. When he saw she had not moved he growled.

"Figured someone, even of your stature, would know when they are to follow." Then he turned and walked up the stairs. Livy followed, catching up to him slowly, still on high alert. Something didn't feel right and the closer she got to the top of the stairs the more she wanted to retreat. He led her to a room and opened the door for her. He waved his hand, ushering her into the room.

"The king wishes you would clean up and get dressed, quickly so you may join the others."

"Others?" Livy asked now completely confused. Amethyst snarled in jealousy. The scent of other females was undeniable. Livy hoped it was just his pack, but with the way he acted, she had her doubts as well. Still Amethyst needed to stay calm. The man who led her never answered, just shut the door and stood outside.

Five minutes later, Livy had picked out a soft blue dress that reminded her of the sky about Agatha's home and brushed her hair. She felt no need to put on makeup and the dress covered most of her body except her neck, which Amethyst insisted on keeping exposed. It was her time to show she could play games as well. She knew what would drive Ronan to the edge and that he could not touch her publicly, Amethyst would never allow it. If it wasn't so amusing to Livy she would have never allowed it. She had no intentions of mating with Damien after what he did. Yet she couldn't help but wonder if he would like her dress.

Before leaving she found a small white gold bracelet with a lotus charm on it. A simple touch but Livy found it beautiful. Livy knocked lightly on the door before opening it to leave, not wanting to upset the man who guided her here. He looked her up and down as she stepped out and nodded with approval. Livy followed him down the hall. The scent of "others" was becoming more and more intense. Amethyst became more anxious as they got closer. Neither of them knew what to expect.

The doors were opened by what Livy assumed were servants. They stepped into a giant room. Livy held her head high wanting nothing more than to show she was unafraid, though fear crept into her every thought. His scent hit Livy like it was the first time and she couldn't help but look. He sat in a throne made of wood and gold trim. A black flag hung behind him with a blood red wolf. The symbol of the Lycan King. Livy's fear was replaced with anger. He dared to make people believe he was King where her father should be sitting. Amethyst looked out anger rising in her as well. Livy caught a glimpse of Ronan's eyes looking back and she quickly looked away finding a spot on the wall to stare at while keeping her head held high. This was her home and she would not bow to anyone here.

Suddenly trumpets sounded again and the doors opened. A group of females came in all dressed to impress. Some modestly but most of them were showing off what they had to offer. Livy was disgusted thinking any of them were trying to get Damien's approval. Amethyst was ready to tear all their throats out if they even looked at him. Which of course they all did. That is what they were summoned for. To be the future Luna of the "Lycan King", a false king. Livy wondered where her parents were and if they were still alive at all. Had Damien killed them when he couldn't find her? A low snarl escaped her lips at the thought. He would pay if they were not still breathing. How could the moon goddess have done such a horrendous thing to her? Mating her with the one who took her home away from her? Then to drag her back to watch other females fight for a place that was her birthright. Soon they would all know but Livy had to buy her time. She had never shifted and shifting for the first time before a fight could cause her to weaken and lose the fight. Even Amethyst wasn't sure what would happen the first time they shifted. The man who guided them in walked Livy over to join the other girls. The others settled in talking amongst themselves. Livy listened but did not join the gossip. She scanned the pack members who were standing around the room. She swore she saw a glare come from a female in blood red, showing everything she had but the female quickly turned her gaze back to Damien. Her eyes filled with lust and Livy could barely contain the urge to kill her in front of everyone.

Damien stood and silence fell across the throne room. His cold eyes scanned the group falling finally on Livy and remaining there for a moment too long before he made his announcement.

"Welcome to the Festival of Lunas. You have all been chosen because of your strengths and abilities. Each one of you was given a special gift by the moon goddess and this week we will see who is meant to be crowned." Again Damien's eyes stopped on Livy as if already deciding. "The strongest and smartest will win the crown and a place by my side. Today you will rest from your journey, dinner will be served at 6 sharp. If you are late you will not eat. Tomorrow we will begin the contest. Be prepared for anything. These tests will be brutal and you will fight for your spot. If you fail, you may lose your life."

Livy wasn't surprised. Wolves loved a good fight and what better way to show your strength than to take down your opponent? A festival of blood rather than a beauty pagent. Some of the girls started whispering, surprised they would be fighting. Others seemed pleased with the announcement, ready for bloodlust as much as the false King.

"Rest well ladies, you will be shown to your rooms." Damien left the throne room with those final words and Livy wanted to run after him. How dare he? But then hadn't she been the one to hide her identity all these years? Maybe he didn't know who she was either. Mate or not, this festival had its own secrets and Livy was going to find them out.