Fated Enemies

Chapter 1 - Werewolves

The night was calm and the full moon high in the sky, but every single creature in the forest hid in fear of being found by the biggest predators that roam the forest.  Its footfalls made no sound as its wicked claws patiently coiled waiting for the best moment to attack and sink its sharp fangs into some flesh and tear it apart. Multiple eyes shone in the forest as they searched for the thrill of catching prey.

This specific forest was surrounded by a high wall, so no creature could come or go while the big iron and silver gate was closed. Just in case, outside guarding it were two soldiers making sure nothing would leave. They trembled in fear when the howls came but didn't dare move a muscle to leave their post, because that would be treason and the sentence would be death. Worse still if they were to leave and something would escape the forest they would be held accountable. They couldn't live with themselves knowing they caused a massive slaughter, so they stuck to their post. Their uniform, a blue and black shirt with a wolf's head on their chest, a spear in one hand and a sword on their belt, and a crossbow strapped to their back was all they had to defend themselves and the kingdom from the wolves inside the forest.

As soon as the sun came up in the sky the guards relaxed their posture as the terrifying sounds end and six people of differing height, build, and gender directed themselves at the gate. One man of the group, dressed in elegant, rich clothes of green and brown with short gray silver hair and dark brown eyes shouted for the guards to open the gate making the two-man team outside jump as they hurry to comply with his order. With heads bowed, they whispered a greeting of respect and fear as the group crossed through the gate.

The group directed themselves to the castle on the hill, being greeted warmly as they cross people in the streets of the village that led to the castle. They arrived at a simple throne room where the queen would receive her nobles and villagers. Where she would listen to their troubles and try to come up with solutions. Where she judged criminals and rewarded the just. The only ornament, besides the simple throne, was a tapestry with the symbol of the realm. It is the same as on the uniform of the guards, a big wolf's head in black.

Anyone who looked at the group would never guess which could be the queen, three were women, two wearing rich dresses but the third was clad only in a pair of black pants for riding, a bodice of leather, and a skirt of midnight blue tailored in silk to help movement, a sword rested on her belt in a simple sheath, but the handguard was ornamented in the shape of a howling wolf. A midnight blue velvet cape waved behind her. Leather boots marked her as someone used to long walks and hiking. Her body was shaped by years of training and her feminine figure sparked envy in many women. Her long hair was so blonde it was almost white, and rested in a braid that reached the middle of her back. Her eyes were her most impressive quality, light brown mixed with green, they held serenity, wisdom, and a touch of wildness. It was this woman, who parted ways from the group to sit on the throne and looked to her companions, "You may go. My friends, we will see each other tonight!" Her voice sounded like a melody but was filled with an authority that no one could resist even if she didn't intend it.

"My Queen!" The rest of the group said in one voice, bowing their heads before leaving the throne room.

As soon as they left the young woman sighed and made a signal to the servant waiting in the shadows to come closer. A woman emerged, with a simple but colorful dress in strange patterns, long, curly red hair, and bright green eyes filled with madness and wisdom acquired in strange ways. She came closer and made a respectful curtsy, "My Queen!"

"Arya, how many times do I have to ask you to call me Alexa?" The queen asked with a sigh.

"And how many times, my queen, have I told you that would be unbefitting?" Asked the other woman with a smile on her lips.