The Wolf's Prey (Akatsuki no Yona fic)

Prologue

A/N: Hello!  Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy!

Disclaimer: This author does not own Akatsuki no Yona nor the images used in this story unless stated otherwise.

Fading sunlight filtered through the thick, green foliage, casting an emerald glow to all beneath.  Birds sang happily from the branches, as squirrels chased each other to and fro among the trees.  Chirping frogs were hopping from one place to another, basking in their freedom.  The entire forest seemed to be one in harmony.

However, one figure caused a discord among the beautifully melodious tune of the wildlife.

It was clad in a wolf-skin cloak that shadowed the person's face, keeping their identity hidden.  They wore dark brown pants that were made of a light-weight material, allowing for easy movement.  A light green tunic was covering the upper body, and brown leather boots adorned the feet.  

Despite its obvious dissonance with the surrounding area, the figure barely made a single sound as it slipped through the greenery.  The person moved with grace and sureness, gliding swiftly, yet softly, throughout the woods.  Sharp eyes picked up traces of footprints, a snapped twig or two, or even a disturbed rock that had been dislodged from its rightful place.  

Nothing escaped the keen eyesight of the person that was searching for these clues.  

It was obvious that whoever the figure was pursuing was knowledgeable of how to move through a forest nearly undetectable.  However, there was a second person with them that had no such experience.

Even the tiniest thread that had caught in a thicket proved that the figure's search was not in vain.  

But the person was forced to halt, as just before them lie the border of the Wind Tribe.  Scowling, the cloaked figure began its long trek back to the palace.

The forest would seem soothingly quiet to most, but to the lone soul that bore a heart aching from turmoil, everything about the woods seemed to mock them.  For it was through these woods that they lost the two people they had been determined to find.

When the figure returned to the palace, the place it had lost something truly precious, it finally lowered the hood of the cloak.  

What was revealed was none other than the face of a young, sixteen year old girl.  But if one looked closer, her eyes held a sorrow that was far beyond her years.  They held a storm that refused to die down, a hurricane of emotions that would knock anyone off of their feet.  Withing her gaze was a broken girl that had lost her last family.

But the demeanor with which she strode inside the gates was a different matter entirely.  Her confident stride spoke of her experience and sureness, and there wasn't a single falter in her step.  Her mouth was pressed into a thin line, and her brow was furrowed in deep thought.  Clenched tightly at her side, her hands showed white knuckles because of how tight her grip was.  The air around her person was unyielding and icy cold.

She didn't even pause to allow a servant to announce her presence to her Lord, choosing instead to throw open the doors to the throne room.  And there sat her charge, the one she was dedicated to guard with her life.  The person who was the cousin to the one she had been tracking previously.

Soon-to-be-Emperor, Soo-Won.

Coming to a stop directly in front of him, she bent her knee to take her down into a respectful bow.  Her left knee was on the ground, as her left arm was folded at a right angle behind her back.  Her right arm, also at a right angle, was rested on her right knee.  Her head lowered, demonstrating her submission to him.

"My Lord, the two fugitives managed to escape into Wind Tribe territory.  I was unable to continue tracking their whereabouts without proper permission from their Chief," she reported in a level tone.

The throne room wasn't overly filled with people, however those who were gathered were either servants that were there to carry out Soo-Won's will or important individuals waiting to see what has happened.

"I see," Soo-Won replied, giving nothing away.  "I will ask you to pick up on their trail as soon as allowance can be secured.  We cannot let such dangerous individuals waltz about our kingdom.  Is there anything else to report?"

"No, sire."

"Then I suggest you get ready for a long journey, my faithful guard.  I will soon be calling all of the Tribal Heads to a meeting to discuss the kingdom's future.  I shall request permission for you to freely travel around in order to pursue my cousin and her Thunder Beast," he announced to her.

"Yes, sire," she responded, before making to leave the room once again.  But Soo-Won raised a hand to halt her for a moment.

"One more thing," he declared.  "I truly apologize for your brother, Mei-Lee.  He was a wonderful person, from what I can remember.  I'm sure you will be able to deliver justice to the ones that caused his death."

Mei-Lee could only smile in barely concealed grief.  She turned around and made straight for the door.  Pausing in the entryway for a moment, she expressed her gratitude.

"Thank you, my Lord.  It means a lot."

To Be Continued...

A/N: Thanks again for reading!  See you next time with Chapter 1 of "The Wolf's Prey"!