The Hidden King

Chapter One On the barren plain, a night of torrential rain enveloped the land, with the wind's howl intermingling with the patter of raindrops. In the dark canopy of the sky, the black curtains of rain unfurled like a whip lashing against a dilapidated temple. She turned her head, tears streaking her weary face under the moonlight. "Father, do we really have to keep running?" "Yes," a figure emerged from the shadows, grasping her frail wrist. "Hurry, Milia." Faint cries and urgent footsteps of a crowd echoed through the storm from a distance as they hastily fled through the back door of the temple, their silhouettes gradually disappearing into the black night. Sunlight scattered on the treetops of the forest, and bird songs emanated from the depths of the jungle. As morning broke, a thin mist rose in the valley. From the forest emerged sparse footsteps, and a young woman in a crimson robe appeared from a winding woodland path. She carried a basket covered with white cloth, her chestnut curls cascading like a waterfall over her shoulders, dewdrops clinging to the ends of her hair. Her steps were light as she made her way toward an elegant yet weathered stone-built city on the grassy lawn. Several young guards of the wolf tribe were on duty atop the wall today, and upon seeing her, they greeted her with smiles. "Hey, Lady Milia, you're back!" She walked through the open wooden gates of the fortress, waving to the young guards as she passed. In Lawrence City, there resided a thriving and robust tribe of northern forest wolves. It wasn't exactly the bustling center but rather a location on the forest's edge near a river, bordering the southern wasteland continent. Thanks to the river port, traders from afar infused life and energy into the city, making it lively and vibrant. In the early morning, the streets were not bustling with people. Hunters had all ventured out in groups, leaving behind only children and young boys assisting with chores. Milia strolled through the square, making her way towards a courtyard at the end of the main road, which was marked by a large oak gate. As she pushed open the gate, the aroma of roasted meat and a hint of olives filled the air. Passing through the corridor and beyond the archway, she spotted her favorite restaurant on the right, offering a delightful view of the expansive olive tree in the backyard. A tall and sturdy man stood with his back to her at the French windows leading to the restaurant's backyard. He turned around upon hearing her footsteps, grinning widely. "You're back late, Milia. I thought some thief had taken away my gorgeous wife." Milia embraced his broad chest, feeling the dampness of his black hair from the dew. Keni, the leader of the Lawrence wolf tribe, had been her husband for three years now. Yes, Milia thought, it had been three years since she settled here. Taking a seat, Milia accepted the herbal tea Keni offered and took a sip. "You're right, someone will take me away from you tonight," she blinked and smiled back at Keni's bright gaze. "Haha, I already know who it is. I met Heidi on my way back from hunting. She reminded me not to forget our date tonight in the Ice Forest. When the most powerful female priestess in our territory speaks, I can't say no. Looks like my beautiful wife has to go instead." Milia reached into her basket and picked up some freshly picked red berries, feeding one to Keni. Heidi was the newly promoted female priestess of the city, and they had already planned to celebrate her promotion. "I heard people chatting on the street, saying that the tribe from the south will arrive early tomorrow." Milia knew that everyone in the tribe had been paying close attention to the movements of the Cheno tribe from the south lately. They were a wolf tribe that emerged from the chaos and fights in the southern prairie, engaged in long-standing border conflicts under the leadership of their chief, Thomas, and his blood brothers. "So, are they really coming in peace this time?" Milia looked up at Keni as he grabbed a big chunk of meat and started eating happily, seeming carefree. "Let them come. Their messenger said that Thomas and his two eldest sons will come, with only his youngest son staying in their territory." Milia noticed a prominent blood mark on his dark and muscular arm as he reached for a glass of light beer on the table, as if something with three claws had scratched him. "Are you hurt? Did some prey get you?" Milia asked him with concern. Keni shook his head, indicating that the small wound was no big deal for a tough young werewolf like him; it was like accidentally getting a spot of ketchup on your clothes. He kept on chewing his meat and washing it down with beer, giving Milia a gentle look. "Don't worry about it. Just go have fun with Heidi in the Ice Forest. I've got everything under control." Milia took a sip of her tea, feeling relieved. Keni's words were always straightforward and sincere; he never beat around the bush. In the three years they'd been married, Keni had always been the provider for the family, and now as the tribe's leader, he'd earned everyone's trust. He never let Milia fret about the day-to-day stuff. This sense of security and happiness was something Milia had never known before. So, no matter what troubles came their way, Keni was always there to support her, a promise sealed with their shared glances. As dusk fell, Milia left the courtyard of the olive tree alone, dressed in a silver robe and hood, strolling lightly through the alleyways. At the end of one alley, her friend Heidi waved to her. Heidi was of average height, with short curly hair and a playful nose. She might not be the most beautiful, but everyone noticed the star-shaped mark on her forehead, a sign of her advanced spiritual power. "Finally decided to show up, huh? How long has it been since we last hung out?" Heidi complained with a soft chuckle. Heidi had been traveling around different continents to further her priestess skills, and she'd only returned to Lawrence City last month, passing the spiritual test and earning recognition from the elders. Milia and Heidi linked arms as they prepared to leave. "Let's go. The moon's about to rise. Let's have a good time tonight." The Ice Forest was a lively bar tucked away in a corner of the square. It wasn't just a popular spot for locals at night; it was also a hub for traders passing through along the river. Occasionally, there were northern monks present, dressed in their peculiar attire with fluffy feather headdresses. Whenever they spotted these monks at the bar, Heidi would joke about whether they were incubating an egg on top of their heads. Heidi opened a bottle of red berry wine and poured it into Milia's cup. "Come on, let's see if our fearless warrior can still hold her liquor like before." "Definitely not," Milia shook her head. "Today, I'll admit defeat. I really can't afford to end up drunk and stumbling home." "Haha, don't be like that. Remember when I first met you in the valley? You were swinging your sword around with so much confidence," Keni teased. "Could it be that the blissful married life has turned you, the fearless warrior, into a little sheep?" Heidi joked, pretending to be envious. "Let's raise our glasses to celebrate your promotion, future High Priestess," Milia toasted her friend. The two women clinked glasses and happily finished their drinks. The red berry wine sparkled under the bar lights. Soon, the table was filled with empty bottles, and Heidi stood up to order more berry wine from the waiter. Milia rested her chin on her hand, her face adorned with a carefree smile. "Hey, what's up today? I feel unusually dizzy." "No way, our brave warrior isn't as tough as she used to be," Heidi teased. Milia watched as another bottle of berry wine was opened. Her vision became increasingly blurry, and she thought she saw two figures standing up in the corner of the bar. A sense of inexplicable fear crept over her as the figures approached, seeming to chat with Heidi, but Milia couldn't make out their conversation. Her vision grew hazier, and then, she passed out.