Seven Hundred Years Ago
"Freedom serves as the lifeblood of the soul; when taken for granted, everything is thrown into chaos." ―Stavellie Salomon (SENS)
Seven hundred years ago, in an alternate timeline, Fae, wolves, and humans roamed Ondrak freely—before Max ascended the throne. Werewolves fully understood the power of their bonds, so there was no need for barriers or strict laws.
Rejecting or avoiding marking one's mate was the sole way to prevent harm, and no one was held responsible for these instances. Without stringent laws, some wolves strayed, drawn to unmated human women and forming bonds with both humans and fae. At first, their indiscriminate nature was not seen as an issue. However, humans lacked a wolf's resilience—if marked and later abandoned, they suffered a far more agonizing fate.
Initially, the alliance between humans and wolves brought harmony and prosperity, allowing families to thrive. However, as wolves took multiple partners, tensions and jealousy arose, straining their bonds with humans. This possessiveness spread to human relationships, further weakening the alliance.
Ancient incantations formed a strong barrier against all who dared to trespass. Ondrak, rich in gold, silver, and water, valued its ancient magic above all. A hidden city thrived beneath the water, unseen by those above. The landscape featured towering mountains, expansive seas, and pristine waterfalls. The land was speckled with hidden caves, and the populace enjoyed uncommon health and longevity.
Even as the world modernized, the Ondrakians remained ahead, wielding advanced scientific tools. By seamlessly merging science and the supernatural, they far surpassed human advancement. The common belief was that they gently integrated their technology into human society to guide progress. The Fae Queen encouraged human curiosity while carefully guarding Ondrak's secrets.
Ondrak, a hidden realm parallel to Earth, was only visible to those mated to a wolf or fae from there—a rare event, yet it occurred. Humans bonded to an Ondrakian could exist in both worlds but bore the responsibility of keeping the existence of this secret realm hidden. While Earth changed, travel between the two was easy for Ondrakians, yet Ondrak itself remained unchanged.
On its outskirts lay an untouched land, home to the elusive Serpentine Clan. Their existence, much like that of the gypsies, was mostly undocumented, preserved solely through generational storytelling by elders. Concealing Ondrak's origins prevented any single group from asserting dominance, especially given the wolves' natural inclination to rule. The Serpentine Clan's cunning kept them hidden and ensured their survival.
Ondrak's vast resources gave its people little reason to leave, and those who did always returned. Unlike Earth, which suppressed magic, Ondrak thrived on it. The land remained hidden under the Fae Queen's protection, appearing to outsiders as a wild, enchanted forest concealing a flourishing kingdom.
Seven Manors governed the land, each with a distinct role. Sobrii Manor was home to prominent politicians who shaped werewolf society and its laws. Abon Manor was the origin point for numerous merchants and businesspeople. Warriors, guards, and specialized bodyguards came from the third pack, Guerre Manor. The Mix Blood Manor, the fourth pack, was known for its diverse heritage, leading to the creation of striking mixed descendants, especially gorgeous girls. The fifth pack, the Asclepiadaceae Manor, was named, it is said, after a plant known for its powerful healing properties and housed healers, aspiring doctors, and herbalists. Many doctors within the Willow Pack originated from the Asclepiadaceae Manor.
Noble Blood Manor trained aristocrats and future leaders who, while not of royal birth, could marry into the monarchy if deemed worthy. The final pack, the Royals, consisted of the king, queen, and their children. Despite living in separate manors, wolves could marry across packs if they demonstrated good intentions and merit, promoting unity and shared prosperity.
Geographically, to the left lay Sobrii and Abon Manors, with Asclepiadaceae Manor situated beneath them. To the right were the estates of Noble Blood and Guerre Manor. The Royal and Mixed Blood Manor, perched atop the highest and most verdant land, overlooked the arriving ships and the sprawling lands below.
With ample opportunities, there was no justification for evil or wrongdoing. Seraphina, the Fae Queen, provided all they needed to thrive, overseeing all matters. She and her husband could not identify the source of the problem. After her daughter's birth, wolves began showing signs of insubordination. Consumed by the joys of motherhood, Seraphina treated everyone like her child, forgoing discipline and good governance. She failed to see that children need both love and guidance. This imbalance rapidly engulfed her.
The first incident involved Myra, a married female wolf. After the Spring Harvest Festival, she attended a séance. Later, her husband accused her of infidelity, revealing details of the event. Under questioning, Myra recounted everything but began to wonder—had she truly been unfaithful, especially since her husband had done the same?
The court was stunned by the revelation, especially since the accused was a respected Abon merchant known for his wealth, education, and social standing. Gossip swirled about his contentment, and the séance details painted a scene more human drama than paranormal.
Myra and her neighbor knew a merchant with eccentric tastes, so the invitation didn't surprise her. What intrigued her was the prospect of being among unclothed individuals. Despite uncertainty about the guests—and her prominent mate—she went. Meanwhile, her mate also chose to participate in a comparable event with women who were not his spouse.
A month later, Sobrii Manor faced its own scandal. A mated she-wolf, disillusioned with her bond, called her life dull. She felt unmarried wolves embraced life more fully, while bonded ones were trapped in routine. Loving someone for eternity felt burdensome, and she found the intensity overwhelming. Therefore, every night, she sought out someone new to escape this reality.
The scandal sparked a monthly gossip column, first amusing but later distressing when absent mates left their partners in agony—their bond marks burning each time their mate strayed. Most tolerated it, but Asclepiadaceae held steadfast to the belief that benevolence was requisite for acquiring the gift of healing. Many valued their esteemed position more than succumbing to a night of indiscretion. They found fulfillment in their mates, viewing them as adequately fulfilling that aspect. This helped them evade the wrath of the newly ascended Fae Queen, Elara.
Rumors spread about the Serpentine Clan, an ancient bloodline guarded by a half-woman, half-serpent entity that granted its members healing powers, irrespective of lineage. Clan connection, however tenuous, guaranteed the inheritance of this gift. Max had no direct ties to the Serpentine Clan; his mother's affair with the clan's king still linked her to its legacy. Many believed the king's fidelity could have prevented much of the chaos. However, the temptation was widespread then, affecting even the king, Max's father.
This hidden connection was about to change everything. A secret, long buried, was nearing its revelation, poised to reshape Max's future and the kingdom.
Abundance erased restrictions, sparking a transformation in both humans and wolves. Without limitations, a being's inherent potential was unleashed, frequently displaying pride and arrogance.