Chapter 3: Chapter III
ERIK
Wolfhagen was one of the most important towns in Hesse, Germania, and the main residence of my family, The Königs. My ancestors built its tall stone walls to protect our kind from the hunters and their hired wizards. They tried twice to bring our dynasty to an end but failed.
The first skirmish had taken place 30 years ago when my uncle used to rule and my father was still very young and recently mated to my mother. They barely survived that one, being taken by surprise.
The second war, which was 10 years ago, resulted in hunters being almost exterminated and the Coven of the Enlightened outlawed throughout the lands. The bastards had it coming, as we were prepared this time. I too fought in that battle, being my first great challenge. I could still remember every bloody detail of that endless day, the screams, the havoc those dark witches caused.
Unfortunately, we had our losses too. My uncle was kidnapped and most certainly killed that day, as we never found him again. Max König, my father, was the next in line and current leader of the Silver Claw pack and its people. His rule was a strong, but peaceful one, as he tried to build a long and fruitful trading business with the neighboring clans and kingdoms.
As we crossed the bridge over the river that surrounded the fortress, I could see my family's coat of arms on the thick iron gates - a black wolf running free through the woods. Very fitting. Approaching them, we were spotted by the guards, which gave the sign to open them up. The streets were as busy as ever, merchants handling their stools, people walking around doing their daily chores. You could see all kinds in this city: elves, fairies, a few humans. The vast majority still being lycans.
Everyone recognized us, even if we were dressed as commoners, because of our huge body frame and typical glowing eyes. They all bowed as we passed. I didn't notice anymore, usually keeping my gaze fixed and my mind somewhere else, but Luke enjoyed the attention, waving and smiling at the crowds. I still had that weird feeling in my body, a sting to the heart, which made me lift my hand and rub my chest, hoping it would go away. I rolled my eyes when I saw Luke surrounded by three giggling human women. He happily accepted to...accompany them to a more private spot.
" Hey! What about speaking to father?" I said crossing my arms in irritation. Luke smirked and put his arms around the girl's shoulders.
" Oh, you will do just fine without me Erik, I'm sure you got this!", and just like that they disappeared in the crowds. Yes, that's my little brother, the ladies' man.
"Goddess..." I let out a resigned sigh and continued on my path. While Luke always enjoyed being in the company of many beautiful ladies, I didn't. As a future leader, I had the duty to find a strong mate and together preserve the König legacy. In the supernatural world, our maker also created a soulmate for each one of us, with whom we could mate and procreate. Some didn't care about the idea, mating whoever they wanted. But for me, the idea of having my special female close, made my wolf pace around eager. I respected the sacred bond, given by the Moon Goddess too much to fuck around. I only needed the one.
Our mansion came in sight as I walked mechanically, lost in my thoughts. It was the biggest one in all town and situated on higher ground, giving us the advantage point and a clear view of the lands. Its architecture was old and detailed, a combination of stone and wood, with wolf statues placed on the roof to inspire both fear and protection. Guards were standing at every corner.
I made my way through the front entrance, inspecting the insides of my home. It had several levels, my parent's room being on the top floor. Mine and my brother were on the second. The main grand staircase dominated the view, which was made from an elegant black marble. Along the hallway, there were huge old paintings of my ancestors and new ones of my family. Opulence radiated from each object around, starting from the lavish crystal chandeliers to the expensive and ornate oak furniture. Touches of green and gold ornaments, resembling our coat of arms, gave the house a refined look. The decor was arranged by my mother and her elf architect, her fine tastes making this interior breathtaking. As I climbed the staircase, my eyes suddenly became white and I heard the call of my father's voice inside my head " Son, I'm in my study." Each lycan in our pack shared this mental connection, which we called the Mind Link. It was another gift bestowed by the Goddess from the beginning of our race, to unite us in brotherhood and help protect one another.
The Alpha's study was on the first floor, near the library. I grabbed the golden doorknob and let myself in. My father was deep into reading some letters, glasses hanging low on his nose. We had the same huge body frame, with blonde hair and striking blue eyes. His was showing some grey around the temples. This and a couple of facial expression wrinkles were the only things that betrayed his age. While I waited for him to finish up, I looked around the room. Lots of books were stacked at every corner, with notes and scrolls all over. Strategical maps of the lands and trading roots hanged from the walls, along with a big painting of my mother and her two small sons. I knew he loved her deeply because they too were soulmates and had been lucky enough to find each other rather fast. It made me wonder if I would find my other half soon, a feeling of longing and emptiness overwhelming me on the spot. Beside it, there was another older painting of him and my uncle, Ian, as children. They seemed happy back then.
Max König sighed and looked at me. He raised his eyebrow and said " Erik, sit down. You came alone. Where is your brother?"
" Out whoring, as ever" I shrugged and took a sit in front of the desk. Dad shook his head, putting the reading glasses down.
" He needs to start taking his title seriously and learn to be responsible" he said pinching the bridge of his nose, looking tired. " But more on this matter later. I wanna know what you found today". I reported everything in full detail, about the dead rogue and the silver weapon clue.
"So, you suspect that hunters are starting to regroup?" he said with a serious tone.
" Yes, father. The way that rogue was killed would suggest that they trained new men again." I responded.
" Then it seems I need to have a talk with our spy from the mayor' s court, to gather some intel on their whereabouts " Max clenched his square jaw with anger. "Damn! They never give up...Is there anything else?"
" No father, that is all " I said quickly. For some unknown reason, I left out the detail that indicated a woman's presence at the scene, sensing that sting in my heart again. What the hell was going on? Did I just lie?
" You did good, son. This was really important news. You may go" he said proudly, patting my shoulder. " You should talk to your mother as well, she's in the rose garden. She wanted to see you". The moment he spoke about her, his eyes lighted up, and looked warmly towards the window. I nodded, bowed my head in respect, and left the room.
What just happened? I never upheld important information from my Alpha and lied without a second thought. Why did the idea of this unknown woman make me have these strange reactions? My wolf was jumping around, acting all protective and shit for no reason.
As I emerged from the mansion, I headed to the gardens, following the clear scent my mother's perfume left behind. I could already see the full and magnificent rose arches from here. The rows were growing in gradient colors, giving a surreal fantastic effect. Another brilliant idea of my mother's.
Alena König was sitting peacefully on a bench, reading, lost in the tale. She was a sight to behold, looking like a true queen, in a red lush dress with golden embroideries, her long dark hair flowing and surrounding her shoulders. Luke resembled her perfectly, both sharing the black locks and green eyes. She sensed me and lifted her gaze, giving me a bright big smile.
" Erik, my beautiful boy! You're back. I wanted to speak to you." she said, closing and laying down the book. I grasped and kissed her hand.
" Mother " I said, sitting beside her on the bench. " Something happened?"
" No, not at all! Actually I found something really special while searching through some old possessions and wanted to give it to you". She reached for her silk, matched purse, and searched inside. Then she took my hand and slowly placed something cold, metallic in my palm. I opened it and saw an exquisite gold necklace, with a big and sparkly heart-shaped ruby hanging from it.
" What's this for?" I asked confused, rotating the stone between my fingers.
" Tradition. This necklace was passed on in our family for generations. Your father gave it to me when we first mated. And now it's only fitting you should have it" she said, tears suddenly starting to fill her eyes from the emotion.
" But I haven't found her yet " I said amused and gave her my handkerchief to wipe away the tears falling down her cheeks.
" I just have a feeling it might happen sooner than you think. No..don't protest" she raised her hand to stop me from complaining. " I'm a woman and a mother, so I know what I'm talking about. Just, keep it safe and give it to her at the right moment". She touched my face lovingly, then resumed her reading in silence.
As I looked at the heirloom, it only made the sting in my chest grew even stronger.
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