The Royal Luna (Book 1)

31

She was peacefully sleeping in the garden, her rich, ebony skin bathed in the gentle caress of the warm sun's rays. Beside her, the tigers stood sentry, their vigilance unwavering, as if their very existence depended on safeguarding her.

Two weeks had passed since her discharge from the hospital, and over a month had gone by since the traumatic event that had left her with a fragmented memory. Sadly, nothing had changed; her recollections remained elusive, lost in the recesses of her mind.

I had tried everything, from taking her on romantic dates to introducing her to my mother at the flower shop where our fateful encounter had occurred. Yet, all my efforts seemed futile, and doubt gnawed at me, questioning if she would ever recover her memories.Hades and Persephone had been frequent visitors during this tumultuous time. Hades, in particular, had spent hours studying her, attempting to delve into her consciousness. Much like myself, he had come up empty-handed, unable to find any sign that she would regain her lost memories.

My attention was drawn away from my contemplation as a wolf approached, and I instantly recognized the distinctive features of the Marshall bloodline. It was Alexei.While the others watched over her in pairs, Alexei confidently stood alone, exuding both self-assuredness and a formidable skill set. He was a remarkable leader among our kind.My inner wolf growled restlessly; there was much work to be done, but all we yearned for was to bask in the sun with our beloved queen. Resigned, I settled back into my chair, reassured that she was safe within the castle walls, and began sifting through the pile of paperwork that awaited my attention.

Just as I was about to delve into a request from one of the alphas in the south, my father entered, holding a file. "More paperwork?" I groaned, but he chuckled."I refuse to assist you; it's high time you learned to manage your time. However, this one is of utmost importance," he declared, handing me the file. My eyes were drawn to the name "Jacob," catching my immediate attention."While Kallisto was in the hospital and you were preoccupied with other matters, I took it upon myself to investigate Jacob further. But, Zion, there's nothing. No one has been able to unearth any dirt on him; he's concealed his tracks well," my father explained, his tone filled with frustration. I clenched my jaw, realizing that Jacob's file was disappointingly sparse, lacking any substantial information that could be used against him."Maybe Kallisto knows something," my father suggested. "Despite her memory loss, she still recalls her time with him. Perhaps she's picked up on something. Kallisto is incredibly intelligent and observant."

I shook my head, a bitter smile forming on my lips. "Yes, she is, but love can blind even the most perceptive. When Kallisto is in love, she tends to overlook red flags. Remember, that's how I managed to keep my true status hidden from her for six years.""But now that she's no longer in love with him, I hope, we might be able to get some information out of her. I'll talk to her," I assured my father, who nodded in agreement. "Do you still have contact with Willow?" I asked, knowing what the answer would entail. My father hesitated briefly before nodding, concern etching his features. "Let her investigate Jacob while I attempt to extract information from Kallisto," I proposed. He sighed, understanding the weight of the task.
"I know what that sigh means," I laughed heartily. "Do whatever it takes, old man, but get that information."

He shook his head, a smile playing on his lips. "Your stepmother will have my head, but fine, I'll reach out to her." With that, he departed with a new challenge in mind.

Willow was a witch, a formidable one at that. Some rumors even speculated that she might be a hybrid, combining siren and witch traits. Her enigmatic nature and alluring charms had ensnared the hearts of many, myself included. Given Kallisto's preferences, I couldn't help but feel a pang of insecurity at the thought of Willow coming too close to her. Call it insecurity, but that was the undeniable truth.

Turning my attention back to the stack of paperwork, I reluctantly accepted that it wouldn't complete itself anytime soon.The first document I picked up was Kallisto's Coronation Proclamation, and I decided to peruse it.

Coronation Proclamation

By the Grace of Zion Sawyer, King of the Werewolf Kingdom

To all our loyal subjects and citizens of our kingdom, and to all those who shall hear these words.

Whereas it has pleased Aega, the Almighty and Divine, to entrust unto Us the sacred duty of ruling and governing this noble kingdom.

And whereas the day of Our coronation is a momentous occasion, marking the beginning of Our reign, a time of great solemnity and significance.

Now, therefore, by the authority vested in Us by divine providence and the will of the people of this kingdom, I Kallisto Athens Marshall, do hereby proclaim and declare:

I solemnly undertake the sacred duty of queenship, pledging to uphold the traditions, laws, and customs of our realm, to ensure the well-being and prosperity of Our subjects, and to defend the sovereignty and honor of the werewolf kingdom.

We humbly seek the blessings of Aega upon this coronation, beseeching divine guidance, wisdom, and strength as We assume the responsibilities of leadership.

We extend Our gratitude and appreciation to the nobles, officials, clergy, and citizens of this kingdom, whose loyalty and support have brought us to this auspicious moment in the history of our nation.

We invite and welcome the ambassadors and representatives of friendly nations to witness and share in this celebration, strengthening the bonds of friendship and diplomacy that unite our realm with the wider world.

We acknowledge with humility the trust bestowed upon Us by the people, and We dedicate Our reign to the service of the werewolf and its inhabitants.

We promise to rule with justice, fairness, and compassion, striving to maintain the well-being and prosperity of all our subjects.

We affirm Our commitment to defend the realm from all threats, both internal and external, and to promote harmony and unity among our diverse population.

Given under Our hand and seal on this 26 day of June, in the year 3250 of Our reign.

By Order of Zion Sawyer

With a sigh, I put the proclamation into an envelope, sealed it with the royal emblem, and wondered when my beloved would be ready to shoulder the weight of such a role.As if on cue, she entered the room, clad in a white dress that embraced her curves gracefully, enhancing the radiance of her complexion. A beautiful smile adorned her face, infectious in its warmth.

"Hello," she greeted, her hands hidden behind her back, mischief glinting in her eyes. Kallisto was undoubtedly up to something. I leaned back, studying her as she took deliberate, slow steps toward me, my wolf yearning to draw her onto our lap.

"What are you plotting, my love?" I inquired, and she giggled, pressing her hands against my beige shirt. It was then that I noticed the red paint adorning her fingers. Swift as a fox, she executed her plan and dashed out of the room. She knew better than to run from a wolf. "You're on!" I bellowed, and her joyful squeal echoed down the corridor.

I chased after her, my wolf eager to play this tantalizing game. Her giggles reverberated through the castle, her enticing scent driving my wolf into a frenzy, his instincts urging him to claim his elusive mate.

Suddenly, I spotted her descending a staircase, her wild curls dancing in the air. She nearly knocked into Anastacia, causing the young maid to stumble. Kallisto swiftly apologized, steadying her, and then darted away, her joyful squeals persisting. "Are you all right?" I inquired, helping Anastacia gather her belongings. She chuckled, still amused by Kallisto's antics.

I assisted her with her tasks and resumed the pursuit of Kallisto, following her scent as she had disappeared from view. Her fragrant trail led me straight to the library, a place she adored. I pushed open the door and found her standing in the midst of countless books, her expression one of awe.

"There are so many," she marveled, and I concurred with a nod. "Have I read any of these?" she inquired, and it struck me that she had devoured many books I had brought her, yet she had no recollection of them.

"Yes, you certainly have," I affirmed. "I often brought books to your apartment when we were still dating. You devoured them within hours, displaying a particular passion for learning about other supernatural species."

"Some of your books are still at your apartment; we should retrieve them sometime. But most are already here, within these walls, on the shelves," I added, gesturing to the extensive collection. I handed her a book she used to cherish, one filled with her personal notes. "This used to be one of your favorites," I remarked. She gazed at the book, her fingers brushing the cover with fondness.

Setting the book aside, she ventured to the shelves herself. I observed as she selected a tome about Aega, the moon goddess. "Would you think I'm crazy if I told you I've been hearing voices?" she asked hesitantly. Before I could inquire further, she clarified, "And it's not my wolf."

She leafed through the pages quickly. "It says that she's the moon goddess, but I also hear a man's voice sometimes," she admitted. I hummed and moved closer to her, intrigued.
"Can I read this one?" she asked, and I readily agreed. "Do you think I am crazy?" she queried, her lips trembling as she bit them. I chuckled softly.

"No, my love, you're not crazy. Aega is known to be rather persistent, and the man's voice is most likely Hades," I assured her.