Prince Raymond had created a new clan—an unorthodox haven where werewolves, vampires, and witches could live together under a shared code, free from the oppressive laws of the old councils. Many had sought sanctuary within its borders, risking everything to escape the chains of their past lives.
The sun had barely begun its descent when the door to his chamber creaked open. Piper, now his left hand and most trusted confidant, stepped in with urgency written all over his face.
"My lord," he began, "a witch has arrived at the southern gate. She carries a baby in her arms and seeks sanctuary."
Raymond turned to him slowly, his expression unreadable. "A witch? How did she find us? This entire land has been cloaked by a shroud spell."
"That's what puzzles me," Piper said, lowering his voice. "She shouldn't have been able to sense this place, let alone walk straight to our gates. And yet, here she is."
Raymond's eyes narrowed. "Aside from leaving the child, did she make any other requests?"
"She demands to see the one in charge. You, my lord."
Without another word, Raymond walked out, his cloak trailing behind him. By the time he reached the courtyard, the clan had gathered, armed and alert. Defensive spells shimmered faintly in the air. And standing at the threshold, unflinching, was a woman—tall, composed, with a baby nestled securely in her arms.
"You wished to see me?" Prince Raymond asked, his golden eyes scrutinizing her every move.
The woman stepped forward. "You are Prince Raymond. You're the leader here?" Her voice was low, firm, yet laced with confusion.
"I am," Raymond replied. "And you are?"
"My name is Lillian," she said, frowning. "But something's wrong. This—" she held up a glowing, rune-carved stone, "—was meant to lead me to Alpha Kaelen. Not to you."
The stone, pulsating with ancient light, hovered briefly in the air. The clan instinctively raised their weapons, unsure of her intent. The stone floated toward Raymond's outstretched hand, settled in his palm, and then began to glow fiercely before vanishing in a blink of light.
The courtyard fell silent.
"The Stone of True Path," Piper whispered. "It reveals not the destination one wants, but the one fate intends."
Raymond's gaze didn't leave Lillian. "It led you here. That much is clear. But why?"
"I don't know," Lillian admitted. "I seek only refuge for the child. I was told this stone would guide me to the one who could protect her."
Raymond's voice was calm but firm. "Then follow me."
But before he could turn, one of the witches from the clan stepped forward—her eyes sharp, lips drawn tight.
"My prince," she said, bowing slightly, "I must bring something to your attention. This witch—she's born of the moon."
Gasps rippled through the gathering. Moonborn witches were rare, powerful, and dangerous. Most covens concealed their auras, fearing persecution or abduction.
Lillian stiffened. "You recognize me?"
The question wasn't directed at the prince—but at the witch who had spoken. Only witches from her own coven should be able to sense her aura, especially with the concealment spell she'd cast at birth. That this woman had recognized her could only mean one thing.
Lillian's eyes widened slightly. She's one of us…
The witch said nothing, but her silence was confirmation enough.
Raymond's gaze flicked between them, sensing the unspoken understanding. "You cloak your aura," he said quietly. "And yet she saw through it."
Lillian nodded slowly, her expression unreadable. "Only one born of the same coven could recognize the cloak."
"So we're dealing with more than coincidence," Raymond said.
He turned to the assembled guards and members of the clan. "Lower your weapons. She will not be harmed. Not while she's under our roof."
The clan hesitated for a second before they obeyed. The air, once thick with tension, began to relax—though the unspoken questions lingered like smoke after a fire.
Raymond turned back to Lillian. "You said you seek protection for the child. Why her? Why now?"
Lillian's grip tightened around the baby. "Because she's not safe anywhere else. And because the blood in her veins will make enemies of people she's never met. If I leave her with you… I need to know she'll be safe."
Raymond's expression didn't change, but something in his eyes softened.
"Then come," he said at last. "Tell me everything."