The wind howled through the dead trees as the blue-faced man ran through the forest like a blur—faster than any wolf. His breath came out in sharp puffs. Behind him, the broken moon hung low, lighting the land with silver light. An old hut stood in the distance.
He kicked the door open and stepped inside.
Elyndra stood in the dark corner. Her golden eyes burned with anger.
"You didn't finish the job," she said sharply. "She's still alive."
The blue-faced man clenched his teeth. Blood had dried on his clothes. "I stabbed her. Again and again. I cut her throat, Elyndra. I watched her die."
Elyndra stepped close, her face just inches away from his. "Then explain why I saw her today—alive. Breathing. Fighting."
"You think I don't know how to kill?" he growled.
"I think you failed," she snapped back. "And maybe you're lying to save yourself."
They both froze. A cold wind swept through the hut. The shadows in the corners moved strangely. Neither of them had noticed the figure standing in the darkest part of the room—quiet, still, even Elyndra hadn't sensed him.
A hand rose from the dark.
No words.
No sound.
Just power.
Invisible force blasted through the room, throwing both Elyndra and the blue-faced man into the walls. Dust fell from the ceiling. Elyndra coughed, her back aching in pain.
"Enough," said a calm, low voice. But the calmness made it even scarier.
Dark smoke seemed to rise from the stranger, twisting the air around him.
"You will find out how the girl lived," he said. "Or I'll kill you both."
He turned away, his body fading back into the shadows.
The blue-faced man wiped blood from his mouth. "She was dead," he said, voice shaking. "Even her little slave girl—I killed her too. Brina. Snapped her neck."
The shadowy figure paused. "Then this is worse than we thought."
And he vanished.
The Next Morning
Sunlight came through the dining hall windows, warm and golden. Plates clinked. The smell of fresh bread and meat filled the air. At the long table, Eleanor sat stiffly, trying to look calm.
Her eyes moved to the strangers sitting near her.
"Who are they?" she whispered without turning her head.
Brina, standing behind her, leaned closer. "The man at the head is Symone Orrin. He's the head of the house. Your stepfather."
Eleanor blinked. "What happened to Daria's real dad?"
Brina's face changed. "Daria… your parents died in the fire. Ten years ago."
Eleanor froze. "What?"
Brina frowned. "You really don't remember?"
Before Eleanor could answer, Symone looked up. "Daria, child. Have you forgotten your manners? No whispering during meals."
Eleanor sat straighter. "Sorry, sir."
He nodded and went back to eating.
Across the table, Elyndra sat down. She looked beautiful and proud. She kissed her father's cheek and smiled. "Morning, Father."
Symone smiled back. "Daria, you surprised me yesterday. That witch act fit you well. Want to join the acting group? You may have talent."
Eleanor smiled tightly. "I've always been good at pretending."
Everyone laughed politely. Even Symone chuckled before standing up. "I'm glad you're speaking again. Keep it that way."
He nodded to his old slave and walked out.
As he left, Elyndra turned to him. "Father?"
He paused. "Yes?"
"Can I take Daria to the salon today?"
He raised an eyebrow. "Why?"
"She needs a new look. We both do. After all, we're sisters."
Symone looked at her for a moment, then nodded. "Fine. But behave."
Elyndra smiled. "Of course."
As he left, the twin boys—Govin and Tovin—giggled.
"Why's Elyndra being nice today?" Govin whispered.
"Maybe she hit her head," Tovin laughed.
Their mother didn't say much. But she kept glancing at Eleanor with quiet worry.
Eleanor didn't pay attention to any of that. She kept her eyes on Elyndra, who was now smiling at her sweetly.
"Father agreed. You're coming with me to the salon," Elyndra said. Her voice was too sweet.
Eleanor's stomach turned. Elyndra was planning something. She just didn't know what yet.
They left the dining hall side by side. Brina and Elyndra's slave, Sarak, followed behind.
Brina leaned toward Sarak. "What's your mistress planning now?"
Sarak shrugged. "She's too quiet. That's never a good thing."
The garden path led toward the salon building. Sunlight touched the leaves, and everything seemed calm. But then, the wind shifted.
A cold breeze swept through.
Two huge black wolves jumped out of the bushes, snarling. Their red eyes glowed.
Brina screamed.
Sarak stepped back in fear.
Elyndra shrieked and hid behind Eleanor.
But Eleanor didn't move.
She felt something shift deep in her chest.
Her hand lifted. Her fingers curled, as if holding a sword no one else could see. But she felt it. The handle was there. Energy buzzed in her hand.
Stormbite had returned.
Elyndra peeked between her fingers, eyes narrowing. "Is she… holding something?"
Before Eleanor could attack, a loud roar came from the trees.
A blur of fur and muscle crashed into the wolves.
A young man—not much older than Eleanor—shifted from human to wolf mid-air and attacked. His silver wolf form was fast and strong. His claws cut. His teeth bit.
The black wolves yelped and ran away.
Silence returned.
The boy stood up, bare-chested. Dirt and blood covered his skin. He gave a sharp grin.
Sarak looked like he might faint.
But Eleanor didn't move. She lowered her hand. Stormbite vanished.
"Hello, ladies," the boy said, picking up his shirt and putting it on like nothing had happened.
Brina's mouth fell open. "Who is that?"
Sarak whispered, "That's Prince Aedric. Alpha Korran's younger brother."
Eleanor raised an eyebrow. Aedric's stormy eyes met hers. They were curious. Playful. Too smart.
"I smelled trouble nearby," he said casually. Then he looked at Elyndra. "Or maybe I smelled a trap."
Elyndra's smile froze.
He was teasing her. No—he was blaming her.
Eleanor stepped forward and brushed off her dress. "Thanks for the help. But we were fine."
Aedric smiled wider. "Oh, I believe that."
Brina moved closer. "Why did he save us?"
Sarak said, "Because he's the only royal who breaks the rules."
Aedric looked at Eleanor again. His voice was softer now. "You're not like the others."
Eleanor tilted her head. "And you're annoying."
He laughed, then looked serious. "Those wolves… They weren't from our packs. They were something else."
Brina looked scared. "What do you mean?"
Aedric looked toward the trees. "Someone sent them. Someone powerful."
Then, a soft sound echoed in Eleanor's head.
[MoonCore Alert: Threat Detected]
[Scanning... Aedric Grayfang. Status: Unknown. System Conflict Detected. Warning: Presence may interfere with Omega Path.]
[Decision: Observe. Do not engage.]
Eleanor's eyes widened slightly.
The system was warning her.
But why?
Before she could think more, Aedric's face changed. His wolf senses picked up something.
He turned toward the trees. "We're being watched."
Everyone went quiet.
The shadows between the trees grew darker. A low growl shook the ground. But nothing was there. No shape. No sound. Just a heavy feeling.
Eleanor's grip on her invisible sword tightened.
Brina whispered, "We need to leave. Now."
But Aedric didn't move.
He took a step forward. His voice was calm but firm. "Whoever you are—show yourself."
Silence.
Then a whisper came on the wind.
"I'm coming for her."
And just like that, the feeling was gone.
The forest returned to normal. Birds chirped again.
But Eleanor knew the truth.
So did Aedric.
He looked at her. His face gave nothing away.
"You're not who you pretend to be," he said.
Eleanor looked him straight in the eyes. "Neither are you."
[MoonCore: New Sub Quest Triggered — Survive the Royal Salon Ambush]
Reward: +50 Quest Points | Unlock Level 1
[Warning: Major Event Incoming]