Streak And Pack

Epilogue

Throughout the past two months, Zarina was preparing to be the crowned queen. She was standing on the balcony of her kingdom one night when Matrius arrived. "Princess, someone wants to meet you. He wants you to meet him by the entryway." He said. "Matrius, please. How many times should I tell you, drop the formalities when you're talking to me alone." Zarina let out a soft laugh. "Okay. Fine." He smiled. "I'll be going now. You should rest." Zarina smiled. "I... should?" He asked. "I don't need to repeat myself, do I?" Zarina chuckled. "Certainly. I'll be going now, Zarina." He bowed, teasing Zarina by using formality. "Matrius!" Zarina was about to chase him but he ran off quick. Zarina laughed at the childish act.

She went towards the entryway and passed by it. After passing through, she saw Akila, slightly panting.

"Hey! It's almost midnight, Akila. What's up? And..." Zarina looked at him from head to toe before adding, "you're panting. Is everything alright?"

"How I wish I came here to spend time with you but that's not the case." Akila whispered. Zarina closed the distance between them and she squeezed his arm for comfort. "Why are you whispering? Speak. Is it urgent?" She asked. "Shh. Keep your voice low." He said. "What? Why?" She asked. "Dra... Dracyian might hea-"

"It's been a while, princess." Someone said from the distance. Zarina squinted, revealing Dracyian. She immediately moved in front of Akila, defending him.

"I told you not to come ba-" "I didn't! I definitely didn't! I didn't come back there on that shifter world. We're here in the mortal world, aren't we?" He grinned.

"What are you plotting this time? You know you wont succeed." Zarina glared. "Tch. Calm yourself down, little one. Don't worry. I'm not plotting anything. At least, not against the humans. I'm here to make their life better." Dracyian turned his back.

"What do you mean?!" Zarina snarled. "You'll see. And you'll be very proud." Dracyian laughed evilly and began walking away while saying these words, "Watch your back, human." Dracyian warned.

Zarina's grip tightens on Akila's arm protectively as they watch Dracyian walk away.

Zarina held Akila tight and Akila does the same. "I'm so glad I got here on time. I can't imagine what he could've done to you." Zarina pressed herself against him. "That's what I was going to tell you. I think Dracyian is plotting something. I felt like I was followed but I probably would take off running if I looked back and saw him." Akila chuckled. "Are you serio-" "That was a joke!" Akila laughed.

"Akila, you're in danger if Dracyian is actually involving people in his plot. Would you like to stay in the Ailuran kingdom? I'll be able to protect you." Zarina replied. "Is that an excuse to be with me and cuddle with me at nigh-" "Dude! Oh dear heavens! Be seri-" "Okay, okay, I'll be serious!" Akila laughed. He caressed her cheek.

"If my beautiful girl is the queen and she has the responsibility to protect her people, I must also act like a king, not by power but by responsibility to protect mankind. Therefore, I must stay." He smiled brightly, the same smile that captivated the Ailuran. Zarina blushed. "I'm so proud of you, but you better not joke around a lot or the people would take your serious words as a joke. Also, let me make it clear that we're not official. You hear?" Zarina pinched him playfully. "Ow! Haha! Yes, of course." He said. Zarina held him once more. She hovered her hand over him, creating protection from Lycans.

"You better go and rest. I will be resting too." Zarina smiled. "Alright. Goodbye and goodnight." Akila hugged Zarina. "Goodbye and goodnight." Zarina smiled and they parted.

Zarina went back to the kingdom, only to find Delaneia and Kiara talking to Maia, Merlara and Matrius. Merlara waved at Zarina and she quickened her pace to face Delaneia and Kiara.

"Princess! We've been waiting for you." Delaneia said. "Where have you been, my child?" Maia asked. "I just spoke to someone, mother. I must tell you and so as Delaneia and Kiara what I just learned." Zarina said.

"Let the Lycans speak first, Zarina. They came here for an important matter, too." Maia said. Zarina nodded. "What is it, queen Delaneia? Kiara?" She added.

"Our branding material is gone." Kiara revealed. "Branding... material?" Zarina asked. "Lycans are the only shifters who brand people with their own traditional branding iron to make them a Lycan shifter. It's an important material for the Lycans. A treasure." Maia added.

"Yes, and what more is that any Lycan shifter who has it can make anyone they please into a Lycan shifter. And if not used in the proper and formal manner, it could harm the person receiving the brand of a Lycan, as well as the handler. Well, it's difficult to explain the cons of using the branding iron in one go but to summarize, it's very dangerous." Delaneia revealed. "To see the Lycans so alarmed... I could only assume that the situation is very concerning." Matrius said. "Indeed. And I believe that whoever has it is a Lycan and someone close to the queen. Otherwise, it is impossible that that thief knows its capabilities and where it's hidden." Merlara said. "I agree." Maia nodded.

"This is bad. So bad." Zarina said as she began pacing. "Why?" Delaneia asked. "I spoke with Akila recently and I encountered Dracyian. Straight to the point, Dracyian is plotting something and it involves mankind." Zarina explained.

"No..." Delaneia sighed and Kiara supported the Lycan queen.

"It is possible. Dracyian can be the one who stole the Lycan's branding iron. Worse, he's after people, the mortals, to use it to them." Maia said. "And it is possibly to use them against us." Kiara added and the others nodded in agreement. Zarina took a deep breath.

"Then let's stop Dracyian, together, all of us."