The morning wind in Lycanthra carried an unusual chill. Not like the cold of the human world; this was a cold that seeped straight to the bone, as if to remind me this land had never been entirely kind.
I stood on the high castle balcony, gazing at the purple mist curling among the black trees. My eyes searched for something I couldn't even name. Perhaps… answers. Or simply the peace I had lost long ago.
Footsteps approached. I turned to see Lucan standing in the doorway. His black cloak fluttered in the wind, his brown hair falling wild across part of his eyes.
"You haven't slept," he said quietly.
I hugged myself.
"How could I sleep, after all this?"
Lucan came closer, slowly.
"I know."
I wanted to be angry at him. At all the lies, all the secrets he had deliberately kept hidden. But at the same time, I felt a fear that never truly left — the fear of the truth.
"You never meant to tell me, did you?" I hissed, struggling to keep my voice from breaking.
Lucan held my gaze for a long moment.
"I meant to… but I didn't dare."
I let out a short, bitter laugh.
"Didn't dare? You're a king, Lucan. You command hundreds of wolves, make this entire world bow to you. But one woman from another world makes you… afraid?"
He exhaled deeply.
"It wasn't you I was afraid of. It was losing you."
My heart slammed hard against my ribs. Part of me wanted to believe him, another part refused.
"I can't keep living in this uncertainty," I whispered.
"If I am to become Luna, I have to know everything. Not halfway. Not filtered."
Lucan lowered his head, as if admitting his fault.
"I know."
We fell silent for a long moment. Only the sound of crows on the tower broke the tension, adding to the ominous atmosphere.
I studied Lucan's face — harsh, sharp, but now looking more human. More fragile.
"Do you truly believe I can carry all of this?" I asked.
Lucan stepped closer until there was barely a hand's span between us.
"I don't just believe, Elara. I depend on you."
His words cut deep, making me waver.
"I'm no savior," I whispered. "I'm not even… anyone."
Lucan shook his head.
"This world chose you. Just as it once chose your mother."
My mother. That wound flared again.
"I didn't even know her," I muttered. "How can I fight for something I don't understand?"
Lucan reached for my hand, holding it firmly. Warm.
"Then you will learn. I will help you."
I lowered my head. Still doubtful, but… a little relieved.
Until a loud noise shattered our moment of quiet.
The great doors of the main hall burst open, followed by the stomping of boots. Lucan and I turned at the same time.
Aleron entered in quick strides, his face tense.
"Your Majesty. We have a problem."
Lucan straightened immediately.
"What is it?"
"There is an envoy from the Hollowtooth Clan. They demand answers."
I frowned.
"Answers for what?"
Aleron glanced at me briefly, then bowed his head.
"About the human who carries Luna's blood. They say the old gates have reopened — and that means war."
War. The word stole my breath.
Lucan looked at me, his jaw tightening.
"You have to be ready, Elara."
I swallowed hard.
"Ready how?"
"You will meet them," Lucan said. "With me."
I almost protested, but then I realized I could no longer hide behind my fear. This world, with all its cruelty and secrets, demanded that I stand tall.
We moved toward the main hall. The atmosphere there was more tense than usual. Wolves stood in a wide circle, their eyes sharp and suspicious.
At the center of the circle stood three tall figures in black clothing, with the silver fang emblem on their chests — the Hollowtooth envoys.
One of them stared at me as if he wanted to see straight through my mind.
"So this is her," he sneered coldly.
"The human who carries the old blood."
I stood firm, trying to stop my knees from shaking.
"My name is Elara," I said softly but firmly.
The man gave a mocking smile.
"Elara, daughter of Luna. The heir of blood that should have died out."
I held my breath. His words felt like knives.
Lucan stepped slightly in front of me, protective.
"Watch your words," his voice was low, threatening.
The envoy was unfazed.
"We did not come to show respect, King Lucan. We came to ensure that blood does not awaken the old curse."
I furrowed my brow.
"Curse?"
He looked at me hard.
"Luna's blood once brought ruin to this entire land. Do you think we would let history repeat itself?"
I opened my mouth to protest, but no words came. I didn't even understand all the secrets of my own blood.
Lucan grasped my arm, steadying me.
"There will be no ruin," he said firmly.
"Not while I stand."
The Hollowtooth envoy only laughed quietly.
"We shall see."
After they left, the hall felt heavy, as if everyone was holding their breath.
I looked at Lucan, trying to read his thoughts.
"They will come back," I said softly.
Lucan nodded.
"And they won't come just to talk."
I drew a deep breath.
"What should I do?"
Lucan looked at me, deep and unflinching.
"Endure. Learn. And stand by my side, no matter what happens."
I lowered my gaze, trying to absorb the weight of his words.
For the first time, I truly felt:
I could not turn back anymore.
**
That afternoon, tension seemed to seep into every corner of the castle. The whispers of guards and servants echoed through the corridors, all speaking of the same thing: war that might break out again.
I walked down the stone hallway, trying to steady my breath. The sound of my own footsteps seemed to mock my wavering courage.
How could I calm these people, if I myself was still so unsteady?
In the throne room, Lucan stood staring at a large map spread across a stone table. Rivers, mountains, and clan borders were marked there, crowded with red warning symbols.
He looked up as I entered.
"They will test us," he said without preamble.
I took a breath.
"Test… or challenge?"
Lucan met my eyes.
"Same thing."
My blood ran cold. Visions of chaos, savage wolves raiding villages, the screams of innocent people — it made my stomach turn.
"Lucan," my voice shook,
"what if they're right? What if my blood really does bring disaster?"
Lucan took my shoulders, staring at me sharply.
"You are not your mother, Elara. You have the choice not to repeat her mistakes."
I wanted to believe that. I really did.
Several other clan elders were also present in the room. Their eyes on me were no less piercing, a mix of fear and hatred I couldn't easily define.
"Princess Luna," one of them croaked.
"Do you understand the burden you carry?"
I stood straighter, refusing to back down.
"I understand. Even if I don't know all its secrets yet."
The elder snorted.
"Ignorance is weakness."
Lucan turned to him, voice cold.
"Enough. We don't need to terrorize the Luna heir."
The elder seemed ready to argue, but fell silent under Lucan's sharp glare.
A while later, it was just the two of us in the room again. Lucan sat on his throne, looking more exhausted than usual. I stepped closer, daring to meet his eyes.
"You're afraid too, aren't you?" I asked softly.
Lucan didn't deny it.
"Yes."
His answer surprised me. For the first time, Lucan looked entirely human. Not a king, not a half-wolf feared by all — just a man burdened with far too much responsibility.
"If I fail," I whispered,
"what will happen to this land?"
Lucan looked at me for a long moment, then answered firmly.
"Then we will fall together."
I fell silent. Somehow, those words calmed me.
**
As the sun began to sink, I stepped out to the castle's side courtyard. The evening air bit harshly, the sky a gloomy orange, hinting that winter was drawing near.
I stood gazing at the trees along the forest's edge, trying to calm my racing thoughts.
Elara, your blood is not a curse,
my mother's voice seemed to echo in my mind.
I gripped the crescent-moon pendant at my neck. Its pulse felt a bit warmer, as if encouraging me.
You only have to believe.
Soft footsteps came from behind. I turned to see Yana approaching, wearing a thick wool cloak. Her face looked worried, but still carried the calm I had missed so much.
"How are you?" she asked gently.
I swallowed.
"Still alive," I joked weakly.
Yana gave a small smile, then took my hand.
"I'm proud of you."
I was startled.
"Proud? I haven't even done anything."
"You're standing here," Yana said firmly,
"that is more than enough. The Luna heirs before you never even made it back to this castle. But you are here, breathing, facing your enemies without running."
My tears nearly fell, but I held them back.
"I'm not as strong as you, Yana," I whispered.
Yana shook her head gently.
"You are far stronger than me."
We sat on a stone bench by a small pond. The surface of the water reflected the silhouette of the moon, beginning to show through the clouds.
"Whatever happens tomorrow," Yana said,
"remember you are not alone."
I nodded, though a pulse of fear still throbbed in my chest.
Night finally fell, bringing even colder air. I took a deep breath before heading back inside. There, Lucan was already waiting for me, looking ready though clearly weary.
"We have to prepare the troops," he said straight away.
I swallowed hard.
"Troops?"
"If Hollowtooth decides to betray us, we cannot wait," he said firmly.
"You will stay by my side."
I clenched my fingers, trying to chase away the trembling.
"I've never learned how to lead a war…"
Lucan looked at me softly.
"But you have something no general ever does."
"What is that?" I asked quietly.
"Hope," he answered simply.
I fell silent, the word striking my heart. Hope.
Maybe that was true.
And maybe, that was all we had left now.
If not me, then who?
I looked at Lucan, finally brave enough to say,
"If you believe in me… then I will try to believe in myself too."
Lucan nodded slowly.
"That is enough."
The flames in the hall's fireplace burned brightly, spreading a golden glow across the cold stone walls. In my eyes, those flames reflected a spirit slowly beginning to rise again.
I did not know what tomorrow would bring.
I did not know how many sacrifices this world would demand from me.
But one thing was certain —
I would not go without a fight.