"The moon goddess has been generous," it was Vallus who spoke; the Beta's only son and thus heir and right hand man of Artemis. He was a tall man with a slight limp he'd gotten when he was much younger during a play fight with Artemis. Nonetheless he was light on his feet and his mild disability betrayed his agility. He has a slender build and could almost be mistake for a woman. His calm face and deep brown eyes made him appear trust worthy and many a werewomen had fallen prey to his innocent face. There was therefore nothing in his features to suggest the snake he really was.
"This must be a sign of good omen," he continued.
Artemis whose gaze was fixated on the blood moon with a blank countenance said nothing. His expressionless face betrayed the whirlwind of worry that eroded his mind. A second blood moon in the same month? Could it really be a sign of good omen like Vallus was suggesting? Or worse, a sign of a disastrous beginning? Whichever it was, it was a sign all right and he was determined to find out. When Maha, the priestess had prophesied about a second blood moon he had lost his sleep. He had asked her what it meant but she had been as in the dark like him. He had then pored over all the chronicles and events of centuries past but there was no reference to anything of the such ever happening. This was the first of its kind and although the whole of Asylun seemed to think it was a time to merry, Artemis thought otherwise.
"I suppose so," he finally said upon seeing the excitement on Vallus's face. Artemis was troubled but there was no point worrying his subjects about his fears even if it was his best friend.
"What do you say we celebrate it?" Vallus pressed further. For years, he had been looking for and opportunity to bring about Artemis ruin. His goal was to let the people in on all of Artemis weakness to prove that he was unfit as a ruler. Perhaps, this was his chance. As the blood moon had never occurred twice, he was sure it could not be a good sign.
"You're right, we should celebrate. Send out invites. I want everyone here tonight"
Artemis turned his head to the left where Vallus stood. His golden hair danced in the evening wind. Forest green eyes reflected the moon on the surface of the railing he leaned against. An idea was brewing in his head and he was going to explore it.
Vallus was taken aback for a moment; this had been too easy. Artemis never took advice from anyone without first thinking it through. There was also the fact that Artemis hated a crowd and only opened his forte to the people when it was absolutely necessary.
"Are you going to be there?" Vallus had to confirm.
"Of course, I'm the host" Artemis smirked. He suddenly remembered some of Maha's words from about a year ago. _Two blood moons and a blue wolf_ he had an inkling the blue wolf would appear today. "I should celebrate with my people."
Vallus was struggling to process the words Artemis spoke. His dark brown eyes darted around rapidly as he ran his hand through his black hair. "Well, that's... Wonderful?"
"Of course it is," Artemis replied, walking away. Vallus had found it hard to keep up with his inexplicable steps and soon enough he lost track of him.
Artemis ventured further into the corridor, and then through a door hidden in the wooden wall panels, ensuring no one had caught sight of him. The passageway was musty and damp. Cobweb hung around like the Christmas decorations he had seen humans hang during his years of travel. There was no source of light to illuminate the dark corridor. Even his sharp eyes were blind by the dark of the passage.
He had to shift into his wolf form in order to Troy down the stairway.
Although he was still a long way, he could hear the ravenous howl of his sister Dana and her claws scraping relentlessly at the iron bars she was caged in. His heart twisted painfully. He remembered all too clearly how Dana had slowly wasted away after the passing of her mate. He swore on his late father's grave to avenge her even if it meant travelling to the end of the world to seek his revenge. It was with the same zeal he was determined to find a way to restore her sanity and position.
He finally reached the bottom of the stairs and opened the door that revealed her cage. A tear made it's way onto his cheek. When last had Dana basked in the glory of the sun? Or howled at the moon. Being locked up could not do her any good but it was for the better of the people. If she were to be allowed freedom to roam, only the moon goddess knew what havoc she would wreck. Besides, people would talk. It would reveal a weakness of his. He had told everyone that Dana was in spiritual hibernation and would return from the mountains when the time was right.
***