Blood Moon: Lunar Eclipse
Ch14 - Unwelcomed Guest

Ariella

By the time the sun rose, Logan, Aleksi, Noah, a dozen warriors and I was already packed and ready to go. The journey would take several hours, based on what Logan had said, so I made sure to bring a few snacks for the road.

Before long, it was just me and Logan in his large, blacked-out Range Rover. The others followed behind in several other vehicles.

“Why doesn’t the King just get rid of Fenrir after everything he’s done? Surely he has the power to do so?” I asked out of nowhere.

“There is no evidence to back it up. It would be Fenrir’s word against mine. The only people who could back us up are either dead or too scared to speak out.

“But even if we did have hard evidence, the King would never get involved.”

“Why not?” I asked, slightly taken aback.

“If the King were to pick a side, that could cause other packs to make a stand and call him biased, thereby creating a world war between wolves. The King has to stay neutral but also fair, and he cannot get involved between pack disputes, only act as a sort of... mediator,” Logan finished.

The rest of the journey was quiet; occasionally, I would feel Logan’s hand cup my thigh or sense him glance in my direction.

We finally arrived at a colossal black metal gate intricately outlined with delicate gold details. An elaborately designed wolf crest immediately caught my attention in the centre of the gate, which only confirmed that we were in the right place.

As the gates began to open, my eyes were drawn towards a magnificent modern mansion outlined in a light brown brick. Puffs of grey clouds escaped the chimney and made their way into the sky. Grand stairs lead up to the two massive doors; they were coated in a rich black paint that reflected the light beautifully.

Despite the vibrant flowers beautifully decorated outside and the grandeur of the space, the place gave off a strange icy chill that seemed to emanate from inside the mansion, although I couldn’t quite explain why.

Strangely, no guard was in sight, as though the idea of potential threats were trivial and absurd.

As I was lost in my thoughts, I suddenly became aware of the presence of an older gentleman. His smoothly combed light brown hair glistened under the sunlight, contrasting with the small gold-rimmed glasses that framed his calm and composed face. His distinguished appearance was further accentuated by his pristine black and gold suit, which gave off an air of opulence and affluence.

“You must be Alpha Logan Kratos,” the older man spoke with an eerie calmness.

“Yes, this is my Luna,” Logan spoke confidently.

The older gentleman gave me a small smile before peering behind us at the small group who had accompanied us. He gave a mocking smirk as though to say it was futile to bring protection. That only made me more unsure of meeting the Lycan King.

“This way,” was all the man said before graciously walking towards the large doors.

We walked through the large doors, only to be taken aback by the vast emptiness that surrounded us. The walls soared high above us but were sparsely decorated with only a few pictures and ornaments that failed to fill the cavernous void. The colour scheme was a sombre blend of dark blacks, reds, and blues, creating an oppressive atmosphere that felt as though the walls were closing in on us. Even with the satiny red curtains draped to the sides, the room still exuded an oppressive gloom that pervaded the space as though the walls were swallowing any light it touched.

The further I ventured, the more prominent that icy chill that slivered down my spine became. I found myself unconsciously latching onto Logan’s arm until we reached the dining area.

The dining area was equally grand but equally vacant, with nothing but a long, deep-oak table draped in a rich red velvet cloth running through the centre. The chair at the head of the table was grand and ostentatious, its gold-encrusted surface reflecting what little light the chandelier cast, adding to the room’s eerie ambience.

We were led towards the two seats beside the grand throne-like chair; Aleksi and Noah sat opposite us whilst the other warriors settled at different corners of the room.

It didn’t take long for that unsettling feeling to completely engulf me. Logan must have sensed my distress and calmly settled his hand on my waist.

The sound of heavy footsteps echoed through the hallway as they approached the closed door. The doors opened, revealing a man so frightening that it made my blood run cold. His eyes alone were enough to make anyone recoil in fear, and his presence was overwhelmingly suffocating, so much so that every breath I took felt like swallowing razor-sharp needles.

His structure was equally intimidating - a broad and muscular shape, towering over me with a height well above average.

Perhaps it was because he was a Lycanthrope?

He stepped forward, planting himself comfortably on the chair. Sitting before the King, I couldn’t help but be captivated by his striking appearance. His chiselled features were sharpened to perfection, making him the very epitome of regal charm. But what truly caught my attention were his mesmerising gold irises that seemed to hold a depth of knowledge and understanding far beyond what could be seen on the surface.

Even still, the dangerous aura radiating off him in menacing waves made it hard to focus on anything else. His eyes bore into mine, and I felt a shudder run down my spine. I knew I was in the presence of someone powerful; someone who could crush me without a second thought.

Logan and Aleksi bore their necks in submission to the King without hesitation. Something I never thought I would ever witness Logan do. Noah and I followed suit, earning a curt nod from the King before he spoke.

“I hear you want permission to go to war?” The King said in a deep, husky tone.

The same gentleman from earlier walked towards the King and poured a blood-red glass for everyone before taking his place behind the King.

“Alpha Fenrir Valencia of the Shadow Pack. He murdered my father as well as a dozen warriors who were sent on my behalf to discuss the possibility of an alliance,” Logan spoke, no ounce of intimidation evident in his tone.

I felt Logan tense at the mention of his father, so I placed my hand on his thigh, which somewhat helped as he released a gentle sigh.

The King stared at Logan as though in deep thought, assessing whether what he was saying was the truth.

So I spoke.

“Fenrir has taken over packs in the past, killing innocent people and forcing others to join him. I doubt any of which was permitted by yourself, my King…” I held in a breath, unsure where the sudden bravery had come from.

The King’s golden eyes were now assessing me, his thumb rubbing against his chin. I gulped, nervous at the extensive gaze and praying I hadn’t just spoken out of line. It’s not like there was a training guide on how to be in the presence of the King, but right now, I really wished there was.

“You have my permission,” the King said, slowly bringing the crimson liquid to his lips.

I was so surprised I absentmindedly blurted out, “Just like that?”

I felt a glare from Logan, most probably internally criticizing me for speaking so boldly.

The King chuckled and then looked my way.

“I have been alive long enough to know when someone is lying or trying to use me. That and your heartbeats never wavered,” he said simply.

“Now that’s out of the way. Belvedere,” the King called to the brown-haired man silently standing behind him.

He nodded and left without a single word, only to return with several maids who laid out a colourful array of sweet-smelling foods along the table.

Logan and the King were talking more about Fenrir’s extracurricular activities. Meanwhile, I ate in silence. The food was delicious, but it was hard to enjoy with a man who protruded so much distressing aura.

Out of the blue, the King’s eyes glossed over with a familiar glaze.

He was being mind-linked.

Seconds later, Belvedere dragged a whimpering woman into the room. The smell coming from her was nauseating.

The smell of a rogue.

“This rogue,” Belvedere spat, “was spotted wandering along the border.”

Who in their right mind would purposefully enter the King’s territory? His murderous aura alone would make wandering rogues steer clear.

“I… I had no idea; I’m sorry,” she said with pleading breaths.

The King sat up straight, readying to stand with murderous eyes. But something happened, something that stunned us all.

Noah abruptly stood, his chair screeching against the perfectly polished floors. He turned towards the rogue with wide eyes and breathing erratically.

The King’s steely glare turned towards Noah, along with every other set of eyes in the room.

“Noah…” I whispered, hoping to pull him back from whatever stupid, reckless thing he was about to do.

Noah spoke, not to me but to the rogue.

“Look at me,” he spoke softly.

The woman slowly tilted her head until she reached Noah’s gaze.

Shit.

Things were about to get very complicated…