"That was incredible," my father spoke beside me, his voice full of admiration.
I nodded in agreement, my eyes following the pack as they disappeared into the shadows of the forest. Once the last shifter vanished among the trees, I turned to face the remaining group around me.
The humans stood frozen, staring at the spot where the shifters had just transformed with wide eyes. Yet, to my relief, I saw no fear in their expressions, only astonishment and even a hint of admiration.
The older shifters had already taken their places on the benches around the fire, while children ran around playfully, though a few had already drifted off to sleep in the arms of the elders.
I couldn't help but laugh as my gaze fell on Rolf, who was surrounded by a group of excited children. They called his name eagerly as he tossed them one by one high into the air. Their joyful laughter echoed behind them as they landed softly a few metres away, only to rush back for another turn.
Leif was speaking to Arden and a few of the guards stationed at the edge of the field. Not far from them stood Haru, and as soon as I spotted him, I headed in his direction. I knew he and the Naguals had to stay behind since the hunt was a tradition only for the Werewolves and Lycans.
The moment he noticed me, he bowed his head. "Luna," he greeted me.
"Hello, Haru," I replied with a soft smile. "I wanted to thank you."
Haru lifted his head, raising an eyebrow in surprise. "For what?"
"For everything you've done for Egon and me," I replied. "For staying in the temple of Insehhan, searching for answers on our behalf."
Regret crossed his face. "I'm sorry I couldn't find anything useful."
I shook my head. "That doesn't matter. I'm still grateful."
He studied me for a moment before speaking again. "I hope you find your answers soon, Luna. You're a good mate for Alpha Egon. In the two hundred years I've known him, I've never seen him this way. You're good for him."
His words warmed my heart. "Thank you, Haru. That means a lot. I know how important you are to Egon."
He nodded in acknowledgement when my gaze fell on the Naguals who stood a bit further away behind him, their colourful clothing noticeable from a distance. I spotted Calista among them.
I offered Haru a brief nod in farewell before walking over to Calista. I was eager to speak to her, hoping she knew more about the book I had received from her sister at the temple of Insehhan. When Calista saw me approaching, she turned to greet me with a bright smile. 'Esmara! It's so great to see you!"
I returned her smile. "It's so good to see you again too. I never really had the chance to properly thank you back in the temple of Gesunthian."
Calista waved her hand dismissively. "No need for that. You were so frightened of us back then, I could feel the fear radiating from you. But now," she paused, her eyes examining me carefully. "I can see how much you've grown. I can see how happy you are."
I smiled softly, remembering how the Naguals could sense emotions like no other. "I actually wanted to ask you something," I said, changing the subject. "I met your sister at the temple of Insehhan. She gave me a book, a children's story about a human and a Berserker. Do you know anything about it?"
Calista looked at me, her brow furrowing slightly in confusion. "I don't have a—"
"Luna! Are you coming?"
I turned around to see Karina running towards us, her face glowing with excitement. Behind her, everyone had gathered around the campfire, including the Omegas who had worked so hard all evening.

YOU ARE READING
Shifters - The King of Wolves - Book 1
FantasyShortlisted for the Wattys 2025! Living in a human town, Esmara has little knowledge of the seven kinds of shifters who rule the world outside of her safe walls. The horrific rumours and tales she hears from visiting travellers are enough to keep he...