The Cruel Prince of Wolves

15

The fighting pit is one of Renin's favorite places in the palace. It is located in the training ground inside the military compound. Every weekend, off duty court guards gather at the fighting pit and bet on the fighters. Everybody is allowed to participate and fight no matter the rank, age, or sex. In the world of werewolves everyone is a fighter. There are different types of categories based on body weight. Light weight, welterweight, heavy weight, and monstrous. It is a chance for them to enhance their skills, challenge stronger fighters, settle a fight and prove their strength. Whatever it might be, there's nothing that cannot be resolved inside the fighting pit. it's their chance to brawl it out. It was supposed to be an illegal practice but no one really paid attention or enforced the law and even the princes knew about it and sometimes participated in the betting. They are, however, not allowed to fight for obvious reasons. They are Luna blessed, meaning they are stronger than common wolves, and there is also a chance that they might get killed while fighting in the pit.

Renin lounged on his private chair on an elevated makeshift dais. He held a glass of wine in his hand, his face a mask of boredom as he watched two werewolves tore into each other. It was still early in the evening so the fights happening were mostly from young and inexperienced werewolves, but it did not stop people from shouting and yelling their bets. The crowd was loud and excited, most of them already drunk and had been a participant in the fights one way or another.

Some otherworlders may find werewolves' taste of entertainment tasteless. Werewolves' appetite for violence and sex were so uncivilized compared to their vampire counterpart, and elegant Faeries who have their noses stuck up their asses. But that is exactly what they are, the very essence of being a wolf is to seek violence. The sex is just part of being close to their animal.

The young court guard in the fighting pit looked like he's only about seventeen. He shifted into his wolf and attacked the other young court guard who shifted and lunged at the same time. The crowd erupted in cheers, clash of fangs and claws and sound of snarls added to the pollution of noise that no one had noticed when prince Val entered the crowd. Unlike Renin, this is not one of the places he enjoyed visiting. Although it is in werewolves nature, he does not enjoy watching his people beat each other to submission for money or entertainment.

"How nice of you to join us, brother. I don't think I've ever seen you down here before." Of course, Renin noticed Val approaching. He sipped on his wine without glancing at Val. "What brings you here?" He noticed Val came alone and immediately found himself curious why he had left Ramona? He had stuck to her side like a tumor for the past couple days making Renin feel sorry for his sister in law. It must be irritating to have your overprotective and overly controlling husband to be at your side all the time.

"I need to speak to you." Said Val.

The crowd suddenly fell quiet and the fighting stopped. They noticed their crown prince joined the crowd. Everyone froze uncertain how to proceed. Should they run or should they keep going? The prince isn't exactly a regular attendee and they don't know how he would view what's happening. But Val simply waved to reassure the crowd and gestured his thumb up. The crowd understood his approval and erupted in chaotic noise again.

Renin raised his eyebrow. He found it fascinating how much Val can easily command his audience. "You need to speak to me about what, brother?"

"About Ramona." Said Val.

Renin exhaled, He knew this was coming. He straightened from his seat and put the glass of wine down. "Good, because there are things I wish to speak to you about her too."

"Which are?" Val implored.

"Don't think I haven't noticed the change in her. Ramona is not the same helpless princess she was three years ago. She is stronger and faster. Not to mention the change in her scent."

Val stiffened at that. He sighed and picked up a chair, settling it next to his brother. He lowered himself watching the fight next to Renin. His exhaustion seemed to fall on his shoulders heavier. He tried to keep everything a secret hoping no one would notice, but she hasn't been discreet about her new abilities either. "I'm trying to get to the root of them myself. She hasn't exactly been open about sharing her secrets with me."

Renin snorted. "I can't say I blame her."

Val glared at his brother but kept his mouth shut.

"I can't imagine something that big escaping your nose. You practically have every spy in your disposal snooping after her."

"She must've had help from someone. I'm getting to that as well."

"You mean Jasper? That brother of hers is cunning enough to come up with anything."

"No, I don't think Jasper has a hand in it."

Renin glanced at Val sideways. "Are you sure?"

"Yes, I'm sure her family has nothing to do with it." They don't even know what happened to Ramona. As far as the family knows, Ramona had never been banished from the palace.

Renin sighed. "I don't need to tell you what that faint smell is don't, I?"

Val frowned. Worried lines etched deep on his forehead. "No, I know exactly what it is."

The voice of the announcer split through the room announcing the winner. The fight ended with one in submission. The young wolf had broken the other's leg leaving him howling in pain. The winner shot his fists in the air roaring in celebration.

"Where is she anyway? I can't believe you left her alone with someone else."

"She's with Lucian. I know I could trust Lucian to protect her. At least I know he'll protect her with his life."

At that, Renin turned to Val. "The other night was a mistake. Surely, you don't think I handed her to Midnight on purpose, do you?"

Val remained quiet but there was a deadly stillness in him letting Renin know he was pissed.

"You know I would have protected her with my life. She has been my little sister ever since I was old enough to remember anything."

"How exactly did you lose her that night? You would have been either severely drunk or preoccupied to let something like that slip. I know you, you're a very skilled hunter. And to fail to realize Midnight is nearby? That is unlikely of you, brother."

Renin narrowed his eyes at Val. "Surely, you're not accusing me of anything."

There was no accusation in Val's voice when he said. "I'm simply trying to find out what happened. Did you know how dangerous it is for her? He could have killed her."

Renin took a long sip of his whine that suddenly tasted bitter in his tongue. "There were a lot of people that night. I lost track of her."