Millions of dragons filled the darkening sky, their scales glinting like black diamonds as they breathed fire into the ocean below. Flames danced across the waves, engulfing mermaids who tried to escape.
Fire-tipped arrows rained down, piercing scales and flesh, killing mermaids instantly.
Drakon King Tharros Shadowblade led the dragon army, his voice thundering commands as he rode his massive dragon.
Meanwhile, in the ocean depths, Mermaids sang haunting death songs, summoning ancient magic.
Sharks, giant squids, and colossal octopuses answered their call, attacking dragons in the water.
Mermaids conjured massive whirlpools, dragging dragons down to drowning depths.
The battle raged on for hours, both sides suffering heavy losses. A mermaid priestess, desperate to save her people, sang a forbidden song – awakening a dormant, colossal sea monster.
The monster's awakening caused a catastrophic resonance with dragon magic still lingering in the ocean.
This resonance created a massive explosion known as the Great Tenebrous Requiem, which shook the earth and shattered the ocean floor, engulfing both dragon army and mermaid nation in its destructive path, killing nearly all dragons and mermaids, leaving only a handful of survivors scattered...
The once-blue ocean turned dark grey, filled with the ashes of both armies. Silence fell over the devastation.
The old woman's voice faded into silence as she finished the tale. Kalliope's eyes widened in fear, her heart racing – she was one of those last mermaid survivors, living secretly among werewolves.
Her sister, Avy, asked quietly, "What sparked this eternal war between dragons and mermaids?"
The old woman's eyes clouded with sorrow. "A legendary friendship between King Arin Blackwood (Tharros ancestor) and Merqueen Lirien Pearlheart was shattered by a horrific act committed by King Arin's son, Malakai.
He committed a brutal sexual assault on Merqueen Lirien's innocent daughter, Calantha, by the ocean's edge..."
Kalliope's grip on her chair tightened, fear giving way to understanding – she now knew why dragons hated her kind. Her secret remained locked within her, hidden even from her loving werewolf family.
Kalliope's mind reeled as she processed the ancient hatred between dragons and mermaids. Her eyes met the old woman's, filled with a deep sadness and warning – as if she sensed Kalliope's true nature.
Avy, oblivious to Kalliope's turmoil, asked another question, "Why did Malakai do such a horrific thing to Calantha?"
The old woman's voice barely above a whisper, "Some say Malakai was driven by twisted desire sparked by Calantha's beauty... Others claim Calantha's enchanting presence manipulated him."
Kalliope felt a shiver run down her spine – dragons still believed mermaids like her were seductresses, manipulators. Her secret was perilous, her existence a potential catalyst for war.
Her sisters, Lyra and Avy, discussed the tale, unaware of Kalliope's mermaid heritage, unaware that their beloved sister was living proof of the ancient feud.
The old woman's knitting needles continued to click softly as she finished the tale of the Great Tenebrous Requiem.
Kalliope's eyes were wide with fear, her heart racing with the knowledge of her secret heritage.
Her sister, Lyra, spoke up, her voice filled with curiosity, "Can dragons and mermaids ever unite again, grandmother?"
The old woman's hands moved steadily, knitting row after row, her face devoid of emotion.
"It is said," she replied in a flat tone, "that dragons and mermaids will only lay down their hatred when the Drakon King himself is bound by heart and magic to a mermaid."
Kalliope's breath caught in her throat. The old woman's words seemed to hang in the air like a prophecy.
Avy asked quietly, "Do you think that could ever happen, grandmother?"
The old woman's knitting needles paused for a mere heartbeat before she replied, "I think it would require a miracle... or a great sacrifice."
Kalliope felt a shiver run down her spine.
As the night wore on, Avy stood up, her blonde hair cascading down her back like gold in the firelight. "We should head back home, sisters. Mother and Father will have our heads if they find out we're still out this late."
Lyra, the youngest, nodded vigorously, her short blonde hair with bangs framing her heart-shaped face and grey eyes sparkling with agreement. Her curvy figure moved with a boyish swagger as she followed Avy towards the door.
Kalliope trailed behind them, her dark hair flowing like a river down her back, passing her waist. Her slender figure seemed almost fragile in comparison to her sisters', but her too-light blue eyes shone with an otherworldly beauty that none of them acknowledged aloud.
The old woman, a revered seer in the Vipers Pack, watched them leave with an unreadable expression, her knitting needles still clutched in her hands.
As they walked back to their house under the moonlight, a commotion ahead caught their attention. A man, heavily guarded by at least eight burly warriors from the Vipers Pack, marched down the muddy path.
The guards parted slightly as they passed the sisters, but not enough – the man's rapid stride splashed muddy water everywhere.
Most of it landed on Kalliope, soaking her dark hair and slender frame. The watery mud dripped down her face, making her skin prickle with unease – water always made her nervous, a reminder of her secret mermaid heritage.
Avy cursed loudly, "Watch it!" but Kalliope's reaction was different.
Enraged, Kalliope scooped up a handful of muddy water and smashed it directly onto the man's black cloak.
The entire procession halted abruptly. Guards turned towards them, hands on weapon hilts. The man's personal warrior drew his sword, ready to strike down the offender.
But the man himself halted the execution with a raised hand.
He slowly removed his black mask, revealing piercing, dark red eyes that seemed to burn with inner fire.
His chiseled features twisted in disgust and anger as he gazed at Kalliope.
The sisters stood shock-stricken as they realized who he was:
Kieran Shadowblade - The future Alpha Prince of Vipers Pack,
And shockingly...
The Drakon Prince of Tenebrus - heir to the dragon throne.
Avy whispered barely audible, "By the moon... he's the prince we've only heard of in nightmares..."
Kalliope's heart racing, she felt his dark red eyes boring into her soul – as if he sensed the secret she desperately hid.
After a while, Kieran dismissed them coldly, his deep voice firm: "You may leave."
As they walked away from the procession, Avy turned on Kalliope, scolding harshly:
"Are you mad throwing mud at the Drakon Prince?! He's ruthless, Kalliope – he kills without mercy!"
Lyra immediately jumped to Kalliope's defense, her tone playful yet protective like an older brother:
"Avy, come on – he splashed water all over her first! That was pretty rude of the prince."
Avy shot back, "That's no excuse for disrespecting royalty!"
Lyra countered, "Respecting royalty doesn't mean letting them drown you in mud!"
The sisters continued bantering back and forth until Avy's expression suddenly changed. She said softly to herself, though loud enough for Lyra to hear:
"The Drakon Prince is so captivating... I wish he'd even glance my way."
Lyra scoffed loudly,
"Haha, good luck with that, Avy! He's too cold to even look at a lady – I bet he'll notice someone like you in a million years... or never!"
Kalliope remained silent throughout the exchange, lost in thoughts of her own.
As they approached home, savory aromas wafted out – their mother and father were preparing dinner together.
Their mother smiled warmly, "Girls, perfect timing – dinner's almost ready!"
The family gathered around the dinner table, savored by the aroma of Calantha's exquisite cooking: tender "Moonlit Beef Bourguignon" paired with steamed "Starwept Broccoli" and fragrant "Wolf's Breath Saffron Rice".
As they began their meal, Kalliope spoke up, her voice filled with admiration, "Mother, your culinary skills are truly magical tonight!"
Lyra nodded vigorously, her grey eyes sparkling, "Yes, Mother's cooking always transports us to a world of flavors!"
Thane Blackwood, their father, chuckled good-naturedly, "I'm surprised anyone notices my humble contribution – hunting the beef for this feast."
Calantha smiled teasingly, "Oh Thane, dear, your hunting skills are impressive, but my seasoning is what truly makes this dish unforgettable."
The family erupted into warm laughter at this lighthearted exchange.
Calantha's expression turned thoughtful as she shared the latest news, "I heard from the pack's social circle that Ryder Nightshade, the Second Prince of Vipers Pack, is hosting a maiden's gathering at his estate. He's still searching for a suitable mate..."
Her gaze landed on her two older daughters, "Avy and Lyra, you both would be perfect attendees – especially you, Avy, inheriting my beauty and grace will surely turn heads."
Lyra shook her head firmly, "Mother, no thank you – romance and politics aren't my interests. I prefer simpler things."
Calantha insisted gently but firmly, "Lyra, dear, you must attend – stop embracing this tomboy streak of yours and embrace your feminine side."
Kalliope felt a pang of exclusion, but Lyra discreetly placed a reassuring hand on hers under the table.
Lyra then suggested softly, "Why not invite Kalliope as well, Mother? She'd enjoy the evening."
However, Calantha and Thane exchanged a concerned glance before Calantha said gently,
"Kalliope's health is still delicate after last winter's illness... we must shield her from stressful gatherings like this."
Thane added protectively, "Yes, our priority is her well-being – this event might be too overwhelming."
Kalliope's heart felt a gentle squeeze from Lyra's hidden hand, a silent comfort amidst her parents' worrying words.
Their peaceful dinner evening exploded into chaos as heavy footsteps marched towards their door. The family's eyes locked onto each other, instincts screaming warning – these visitors were NOT welcome.
Growls rumbled deep within their throats as the footsteps drew near. Thane Thornton, their father, grasped his weapons tightly, advancing towards the door like a fierce guardian.
Calantha shielded her daughters, her eyes blazing with maternal fury.
Lyra seized a dagger, her hand steady from secret warrior training.
Avy trembled like a leaf, terror etched on her face.
Kalliope's curiosity wrestled with fear – was the Drakon Prince coming for her?
The door creaked under the leader's impatient knock... then splintered apart as he kicked it in.
The family faced their nightmares: soldiers from Tenebrus Kingdom, marked by crimson tattoos on their necks.
The leader snarled, "By order of Alpha Prince and also Drakon Prince Kieran: surrender all adult maidens. Refusal means death – instantly."
Thane scoffed defiantly, "You dare barge into my home with such nonsense?"
His words fell flat as the leader commanded a hulking soldier forward.
The giant moved to seize the girls. Thane barred his path, sword tip glinting – but was brutally kicked aside, crashing onto the dining table amidst shattered dishes.
Calantha and her daughters rushed to his side as Lyra charged forward, dagger flashing. She struck the soldier's arm – but was hurled across the room like a doll, slamming into the wall and crumbling unconscious.
The soldier grasped Avy and Kalliope, mistakenly assuming Lyra was a boy due to her short hair and warrior attire.
Calantha's anguished cries echoed through the ravaged home as the soldiers dragged her daughters away into darkness.