Lycandra's POV:
Laying flat on my back and feeling the coldness of the stony ground of the dungeon seep into my bones, I stared up at the tiny hole above.
Eight days without food or water, I could feel my soul evaporating slowly. I felt as light and transparent as a linen.
There's always light to be seen at the end of the tunnel. I scoffed into the silence, sure there was light to be seen but no one dared talk about the unspeakable terrors that lingered in the darkness of the tunnel. Perhaps that's why it is said that it is always darkest before dawn. It is such an apt metaphor because the darkness can be so overpowering and threatening to suck out any sparks inside of it's victim and then the question arises: what if you never make it to the end of tunnel?
The sound of brass clanging against each other shook me back to reality and shut off my train of rather philosophical thoughts.
My vision was a bit grainy but I felt strong hands pull me to my feet and drag me all the way out of the darkness that had slowly began to encompass my soul all these days.
Despite the blur, my eyes squinted at bright light and soon everything went pitch black.
Guess the light at the end of this tunnel made me unconscious.
* * *
Standing before my oval shaped dressing mirror that was framed with shiny bronze interwoven vines with several tendrils hanging out in an artsy way.
I straightened the front of my white shirtwaist and ash corset as I admired my reflection, red tea length skirt hanging freely from my slender waist and my white slippers hiding my small feet.
For a moment I felt almost as graceful and perfect as the Avada Acwulf; the dazzling red of winter pack.
Sighing heavily, I made to leave the psychological safety my bed chamber offered. I couldn't avoid my father forever.
I was only halfway to the door when it flew open and a young teen in dangerously gay spirits bursted into my bed chamber ready to hijack me with his strange questions and that charmingly devious smile of his.
"Sister!" He exclaimed and flew into my ready arms.
"Ouf! Someone has grown taller."
Something about my baby brother, Leon Acwulf always inspired instant admiration and I squeezed him tight, the singular action ruffling his hair that was a strange mix of auburn and platinum.
His words came out muffled as he spoke fast, "I thought they were gonna keep you locked in forever, Andra. What was the suspicious illness you came down with anyway?"
Pulling back for two seconds waiting for my answer and staring at me with the cutest grey eyes in Kosmos – maybe after Nathanael's– he suddenly gasped wildly.
"Lycandra Acwulf, are you with child?"
I gaped at him in shock and couldn't help but laugh at such an accusation, "Leonard Acwulf! Whatever gave you such a thought?"
"I've been learning about the biology of plants and animals and I've just been so fascinated–"
A breathy laughter escaped my lips, "I am flattered but I didn't bloom overnight Leon, I can't be with child when I haven't even found my mate."
He made a spooked sound, "Yes, right. How does that even feel?"
I was taken aback for a second, I wish I could say I didn't have an answer to that question but telling myself how much I hated my predicament was how I occupied my mind every other time of the day and night. But being asked and on the verge of pouring it all out brought in a different feel entirely.
"What– uhm, what else have you been learning lately?" I gulped, clasping my hands behind my back as we strolled out of my bed chamber.
"The harp!" He proclaimed, giddy with excitement, "Might I entice you with some tunes?" He tried to pull me in the direction of his chamber.
"Tell me baby brother, how many ears have you put through such an excruciating exercise?"
"Just my governor's, Pa, and whichever soul happened to be unfortunately passing by while I was working some magic and soon yours as well." He giggled.
I ruffled his hair again, "I missed you too, Leon."
"All the more reason we should spend some more time together."
I pinched his nose sweetly, "Shouldn't you be off in the gardens with your governor learning botany?"
"Lycandra..." He cooed my name attempting a protest, "My governor has the same questions about your mysterious condition as me."
"I'm afraid your questions will have to wait, little Lee." The booming voice of authority echoed around us.
"Pa..." We chorused simultaneously, coming face to face with Chief Acwulf.
"Bye Andra..." Leon stretched to kiss my cheek.
Our father ruffled his hair lovingly as he padded away down the stoned hallway.
After Leon was out of sight, Pa and I strolled to the throne room in silence, passing by a few patrolling guards and grotesque stone statues on our way.
"Come here." He hugged me and kissed the top of my platinum blonde hair like he had been wanting to for a long time, "Welcome home."
"I've been here the whole time, Pa." My sarcasm wasn't going to age well.
"No you haven't! The werewolves knew we were coming, Andra." His expression turned stern, "Our pack has questions and doubt is seeping in through those cracks. I can't lead the Lycans if they don't trust me because my daughter might be a traitor."
I sighed deeply, it was high time I owned up to my treachery.
Looking at my father now, I realized he seemed to have aged within the last few days, his face looked pale and he seemed to have lost some weight as his breastplate hung loose on him. I couldn't begin to fathom how much pain he was passing through while I was locked away. The mere thought that my inconsiderate and selfish actions was about to cost him another loved one shook me and I pressed my palms together.
"Pa, I do not wish to lie to you but I swear to you I will never do anything to divide our pack. I just... I only want peace just like Ma."
Chief Acwulf looked at me squarely, his eyes like steel allowing the silence linger as he sat on his throne.
I remained standing right in front of the elevated platform. Major deja vu.
"And Avada– bless her precious soul and perfect heart– never lived to see it and neither will you if you are blood-eagled for treachery." He cleared his throat lowly, "Our ancestors gaslighted their minds into a heaven where peace seemed achievable in all the chaos and the old legend was the result."
I shook my head desperately, "Still Ma believed and I will never stop hoping. I saw her you know... When I was locked away."
"Who?"
"Avada... She was calling out to me, her hair was just like I remembered–"
"It's just the dungeon of arts messing with you, Andra."
"Who is DACIANA?"
A beat passed.
Then another.
My question was met with stony silence. My father's stance and demeanor didn't shift one bit but I could tell that name was a touchy subject.
I just knew curiosity was about to kill the cat.
"The Blood Eclipse is approaching, Andra. How are you going to lead our pack if they don't trust you?"
I spoke in my teen angst, "I don't need their trust."
"You do and now more than ever you will have to consciously earn it because–"
The sound of fast footsteps and a feminine voice interrupted our conversation, "You sent for me Chief Acwulf?"
I felt the bile rise in my throat at the sound of her voice and I resisted the urge to turn and hiss at my cousin.
Looking between both our pretty faces one bubbling with life and innocence and the other seething with everlasting envy, I am of course referring to Lexa.
Chief Acwulf finally spoke, "A few adjustments have been made for the ceremony..."
If I didn't know better he was referring to the Blood Eclipse.
I was bewildered, "What adjustments? That's not possible!"
Lexa decided to let loose the poison on her tongue, "Same way being a late bloomer isn't possible."
I shook the venom off by ignoring her.
"Our pack is scared Andra, the last thing they need is a..." She looked almost sorry to use the words a second time, "–A late bloomer who is desperately holding unto a stupid legend as their leader... No offense."
I sensed where this conversation was headed and with my father's silence it was clear the end wasn't going to be in my favour.
"Becoming the next leader of our pack is my destiny!" I protested.
"Our pack needs to know you are worthy–" He trailed off as a violent cough overtook him.
He wheezed in between coughs as he tried desperately to catch his breath and soon the specks of blood were gathering on his palm.
"Pa– Uncle!!!" Lexa and I exclaimed as he tumbled from the steel throne.
A couple guards came rolling in at the commotion.
"Ring for the Doctor!" I screamed, gripping my father's unconscious body.
* * *