I Need To See Her

Coughing up I cursed the day I got to know King Malakai and Lady Jasmine. I was totally humiliated,  and had to retain whatever semblance of my pride. “Silver Lycan is a fable, Lady Jasmine. I did not think that a creature as old as you would believe in children stories”, I said snickering and sipping the bourbon she poured from my drink cabinet.

She was sitting back in her chair, her long legs crossed looking at me as if I were the stupidest person in the universe… “Tsss tssssk.. Alpha King, you have much to learn – you really can be an idiot”, she said exasperated.

“This is the story set in a time way before your existence..” she started, looking at me in an expression I could not define…”Long time ago, in the Balkan mountains. You of course know the story of creation, and that of each of our species, of course. You know of your elder Lakota, she mused and ours, Queen Rowena”, she continued.. I simply nodded, my neck still hurting, looking at her.

However, there is another story which you may not know… “One of Solomon’s first daughters, an extremely powerful and extremely beautiful witch settled in the Alps. She was going to create a new coven, coven of Slavic Witches. You see, Solomon wanted magic to be taught across the world. He believed and to this day, believes in our kind.. And theirs – the humans”.. I continued nodding, simply staring at her.. She looked as if she were in a different space and time, entranced, as if she was not present there. There was melancholy in her voice, and somehow I knew this story was very personal to her.

“Please continue”, I said encouragingly, for the first time curious about this. “The Elder witch was extremely powerful. And extremely kind. Her name was Maryam and she was a witch of a pure heart. Always helped whomever needed help, healed friend and foe, and spread the magic through the region. She fortified knowledge, medicine and gave both our kind and the humans tools and abilities to prosper”, she continued. “But she was alone.. Living for centuries in the Alp mountains, the long years of her life have not touched her beauty. Only increased her wisdom.. Solomon was so very proud of her, and would often go visit his daughter and shared more knowledge and wisdom .. Together they created Bogumils, an ancient race of wizard human shifters, versed in magic and healing.. Despite the world changing and wars all around, in their region there was peace, love and prosperity.. Gia and Solomon saw Myriam was alone, so Gia created her a mate, much to protest of The Three, including the First Dragon. She wanted Maryam happy – and so did Solomon. They gave her a choice of mate – choice of species. Maryam wanted a bridge if you will, bridge to both human and magic world, somebody strong, somebody who can be her partner and live long centuries with her. She wanted somebody whom she can raise her family with. She opted for a Lycan, and so Gia created her a mate. A Lycan with silver fur and silver eyes, just like those of Gia. A Lycan whose power rivaled that of Rowena, whom of all creatures was most intimidated by him”, she said wistfully.

I have heard the stories of Silver Lycan creation, but never in such detail. In our library there were some ancient books my father, great Alpha King Jonathan would urge me to read, but my mind was always on training and warriors. I did not have much interest in history, albeit the story Lady Jasmine was sharing was intriguing me more and more.

“This is an interesting fable, Jasmine, but I fail to see how this has anything to do with Dragana or with me”.. I said moving over to the bar to pour myself another bourbon. Would you like another?”

“This is not the whole story”, and “yes please” she said.

“Myram and Lord Kesef – the Silver Lycan, as is was his name were epitome of love.. He adored his wife and she him.. They had 7 children together.. 4 boys and 3 girls.. Despite their power and love, when the Great War begun, their family was targeted for extinction.. Only two of their children survived.. Lord Kesef died protecting her”, she said her eyes now glistening with tears…

Next words out of her mouth completely shocked me.. “The surviving children were me and my brother Khor”, she said, tears now slowly streaming down her face.. “When my mother saw that our father had died, she tried everything to revive him.. She drew on power of moon and stars, and everything in the creation. Alas, the magic used to kill him, was stronger than her and her efforts were futile.. However, drawing so much power, drove her insane.. She disappeared leaving Khor and me injured.. It is when Malakai found us, barely breathing.. He adopted both of us, but my brother had never been the same.. He has not forgotten and has not forgiven, and to this day, he craves revenge on those who killed our siblings and our father”.. she said swinging bourbon glass empty..

“Your brother is the Dark Lord Khor??????!!!!”..

“He is little more than that.. He is Princess Dzana’s father, Dragana’s grandfather.. And he is coming for her, as according to the prophecies, she holds the key”..

“Wait a minute”, I said, my head spinning. Dragana’s father was a werewolf. How can she be Lycan, were and a witch? A key to what???” I was confused, my head was spinning, my neck still hurting and I found all this little unbelievable..

“And now you understand or perhaps are beginning to understand, how little you know her and why he wants her.. And Roman, she cannot know any of this for now”.. I am telling you this in strictest confidence.. Nobody can know.. If a word of this leaks, I will personally obliterate your packs and make an example out of you, she said, her face firm as stone..

Shocked and not knowing what to say I simply nodded.. My head felt as if it was not attached to me..  

“I need to see her” Jasmine continued… “And Alpha King, this is not a request”.