Chloe smiled reassuringly. "The Mazikeen I know isn't afraid of anything. Besides, he'll wait for you. If there's one thing that demon prince has, it's loyalty, can't you see how much he adores you?" Chloe said patting her shoulder gently
Mazikeen's heart softened at the thought of Thorold. His love had been her anchor, a constant in a world of uncertainty. But even that love couldn't quell the sense of restlessness that gnawed at her soul. She was excited and at the same time worried.
"Chloe, what if I discover something about myself... something dark? What if-" She hesitated, her voice dropping to a whisper. "What if I'm not just a goddess of star?"
Chloe looked at her, understanding flickering in her eyes. "Then that's part of who you are, Maze. The realms don't define you, you do. And whatever you find out there, you'll face it with the same strength and grace you bring to everything else."
Before Mazikeen could respond, a soft knock sounded at the door, and one of the attendants entered, bowing low. "My lady, your carriage is ready. The Council sends its blessings for your journey."
Mazikeen took a deep breath, squaring her shoulders. "Very well. I'll be out shortly." She turned to Chloe, her expression bittersweet. "Thank you, Chloe. For everything."
"Don't thank me yet." Chloe grinned. "You haven't even faced your first trial. Who knows, maybe you'll miss my terrible jokes before the journey is over."
Mazikeen laughed, her spirits lifting slightly. She embraced her friend tightly, drawing strength from the familiar comfort of their bond. Then, with one last look around her chambers, she left and headed towards her carriage
"Take care my child and be safe, ensure to always send us words and do not hesitate to be in trouble before you call out for help" mother Lina said, her tone filled with worry she hasn't been away from Maze for a long time since she was born
"I will mother"
~~~~~
XAHDROS'S POV
Master Xandros strolled through the lush greenhouse, his gaze tracing the glistening leaves and rare, blooming flowers unique to the werewolf realms. He felt at home among the flora, each plant imbued with mystical properties from their moonlit homeland. But as he walked, something unfamiliar tugged at the edges of his senses-a strange, yet potent energy lingering in the air.
Xandros halted abruptly, his hand hovering just above a moon-lily, its petals glowing faintly. He took a step back, brow furrowing as he retraced his steps to the source of the power he has felt. The energy was unmistakable, and it grew stronger with every step, like waves crashing against him. His eyes widened, heart pounding in his chest.
"It can't be," he murmured, barely louder than a breath, but his voice carried a sense of awe. "Such divine power... like none I've felt before."
The realization hit him hard, its weight almost unsettling. This energy was celestial, a force that didn't belong in the lycan realms-or any of the lower realms, for that matter. Whatever, or whoever, it was, this power was both familiar and alien, ancient yet new. Xandros knew he couldn't ignore it. Turning quickly, he exited the greenhouse with swift,
"She lives" he muttered under his breath from where he stood
~~~~
Mazikeen sat quietly in the royal carriage, her gaze unfocused as she watched the landscape change outside the window. Rolling hills, dense forests, and the first signs of mountain peaks loomed on the horizon, cloaked in clouds that seemed to shroud the secrets they held. She held Thorold's gift, the small white dog he had given her, close to her chest, feeling the soft thump of its heart beneath her hand. Its warmth was a comfort in the cold carriage, and she closed her eyes, feeling the tug of uncertainty in her chest.
For a fleeting moment, she wished Thorold was by her side. But she knew the journey ahead was one she had to face alone, even if she didn't yet understand why.
"I wonder what I would uncover out there?" she murmured, her voice lost in the sound of the creaking wheels and the rustle of wind in the trees outside. She brushed a stray strand of silver hair away from her face, the motion almost meditative as her thoughts drifted.
The small dog shifted in her lap and looked up at her, its eyes reflecting a knowing intelligence far beyond what she expected. It nuzzled into her hand as if sensing her unease, letting out a quiet bark that seemed to fill the carriage with reassurance.
Mazikeen chuckled softly, feeling a glimmer of relief. "What do you think, little one? Am I just overthinking things?" she asked with a gentle smile.
The dog tilted its head and, as if answering her question, gave a small bark before snuggling closer to her. The gesture, simple as it was, gave Mazikeen a sense of peace she hadn't realized she needed. With a final sigh, she looked back out the window, her heart racing with anticipation and a touch of fear, and she couldn't shake the feeling that some truth lay waiting for her in the shadows of the mountains.
Her fingers tightened slightly around the dog's fur. "Whatever's out there...I'm ready."
~~~~
In the Vampires' Realm
Deep within the heart of the Bloodstone Palace, Kairos, the master of the Bloodstone Tribe, stood at the head of a long table surrounded by his council. The palace was a marvel of dark beauty, with pillars of crimson stone and ancient tapestries woven in shades of black and red that depicted the Bloodstone Tribe's long history. Despite their nature as vampires, the Bloodstone Tribe had always been known for their peaceful ways, only engaging in battle when absolutely necessary. Under Kairos's rule, this tradition had continued, and he was proud of the legacy of peace he had nurtured.
But today, an unusual energy pulsed through the palace, filling him with unease. A strange glow caught his eye, coming from the small petal tree that stood in the corner of the room. The tree was a mystery even to him; it had appeared one day centuries ago, its roots digging deep into the palace floor as though it had been there for a thousand years. And yet, in all that time, it had never glowed like this.
Furrowing his brow, Kairos pushed back his chair and strode toward the tree, his robes brushing the floor. "Thane!" he called, his voice steady but commanding.
A figure materialized beside him, dressed in dark, finely tailored attire. Thane, Kairos's most trusted advisor and lifelong friend, inclined his head respectfully. "Yes, Kairos?"
Kairos gestured to the glowing tree. "Find out whose divine powers triggered this."
Thane's gaze followed Kairos's, his expression grave. He nodded, understanding the importance of the task. Thane and Kairos had fought side by side for centuries, their bond forged through battles and councils alike. He knew that Kairos's curiosity was laced with concern; any disturbance in the mystical order of their realm was taken seriously, especially in these times of brewing unrest between the realms.
Kairos watched Thane vanish into the shadows to carry out his task, then returned to the council, where the meeting resumed. They discussed matters of trade, alliances, and security, but his mind remained on the mysterious energy. When the meeting finally ended, Thane reappeared, his eyes filled with urgency.
"She lives, Kairos," Thane said, his voice a mix of awe and excitement. "She's alive."
Kairos's heart beat a little faster. "Then...the prophecy is true," he murmured. If the prophecy was unfolding as foretold, the world they knew would soon be a history.