The Dragon And The Wolf

Visenya stood in the heart of the woodlands, surrounded by swaying grass and towering trees. Her anticipation was palpable, radiating an aura of excitement and nervousness that crackled in the air. Tonight marked a momentous occasion, for beneath the enchanting night sky, Visenya would experience her first shift.

Caspian and her parents gathered around her, their eyes gleaming with pride and anticipation as the last traces of sunlight kissed the horizon, casting a golden glow that added to the mystical atmosphere. The stage was set, as they eagerly awaited the grand appearance of the full moon.

"This is going to hurt like hell, isn't it?" Visenya asked, her voice trembling slightly.

"Worse than you can imagine," Caspian admitted, his tone tinged with grimness. "You'll pretty much beg for death. But then... it'll all be over."

"Caspian!" Sarai chided, her disapproval evident.

"This is a sacred moment, Visenya," Ezra chimed in, his eyes filled with warmth and pride. "The union between Lycan and wolf is a miraculous bond. It's a gift of companionship that will accompany you throughout your entire life. Only our kind is bestowed with such a privilege."

"I know, father. I've waited for this my whole life, and I'm grateful to have all of you here to share this moment with me."

As the sun sank below the horizon, painting the sky with breathtaking hues of fiery orange and deep purple, Visenya closed her eyes and surrendered herself to the energy that surged through her, embracing the primal instincts that began to surface from the spirit of her inner wolf.

With each passing moment, the moon ascended higher in the night sky, casting its ethereal light upon the scene. Visenya's heart raced, her breath steady yet quick, as she steeled herself for the transformation that was about to unfold.

Suddenly, Visenya dropped to her knees, overwhelmed by an agonizing pain that gripped her entire body. A blood-curdling screech escaped her throat, causing the birds to flee from their nests in the surrounding trees.

The pain magnified to an unbearable degree, as if a thousand blades were carving into every last nerve ending. Her bones twisted and cracked, grinding against each other with a sickening sound as they rearranged themselves, ripping through her flesh and leaving trails of crimson in their wake.

Each breath she took was a challenge, her chest heaving under the weight of her agony. Yet, she gritted her teeth with determination, her willpower flickering like a flame amidst the darkness, refusing to let the torment conquer her.

And then, in a blinding burst of searing light, Visenya transformed into a resplendent white wolf. Her fur shimmered with an angelic glow under the moon's radiant beams, and her fiery-colored eyes rendered her audience speechless. Within the depths of her own mind, a voice, heavenly and resonant, spoke with a soothing presence.

"Well, hello there," the voice echoed, its warmth and wisdom enveloping Visenya's consciousness.

Visenya's heart skipped a beat as she realized the voice belonged to her wolf, her new faithful companion. "Hello, are you my wolf?" She managed to ask, her voice trembling with awe.

"Mhm… I am Delilah.” The voice replied, its tone filled with a profound fondness and familiarity. "You and I shall be forever connected... one heart, one mind."

A surge of warmth and love radiated from Delilah, filling Visenya's heart with a renewed sense of empowerment and security. The moment was so profound, so captivating, that it moved Visenya beyond the capacity of words.

Overwhelmed with a mixture of joy and triumph, Visenya threw her head back and let out a glorious howl, a melody that resonated with the moon high above. In response, her father, mother, and Caspian also assumed their wolf forms and joined her in a harmonious chorus, their howls blending with hers in a unified symphony of love, strength and kinship.
———

Amidst the lively celebration of the solstice festival, Lucian's mind frequently wandered to Visenya. He sat, feeling as if time dragged on, listening to the same mundane stories that the elders loved repeating to anyone who would listen - tales of their past adventures and longing for the bygone days of the Dark Ages.

Just as one story concluded and he saw a chance to escape, another elder would inevitably begin a new, seemingly longer narrative, all of them oblivious to Lucian's blatant restlessness. The night grew late, and his yearning to be with Visenya only intensified with each passing second.

"You know, Voltaire," Cheyenne interjected, "As much as we love hearing about the time you decapitated the creature of the lagoon, I think it's time to share the tale of the mage who bewitched you with her enchanting ballad. I'm sure the nobles would be delighted to hear it too."

"Ah, the tale of the mage," Voltaire exclaimed. "Gather 'round, everyone, for I shall recount this thrilling story."

As all eyes turned toward Voltaire, as he embarked on his hundredth story of the evening, Lucian seized the perfect opportunity to slip away as a crowd of nobles approached the high table, providing a convenient distraction. As he rose from his chair, Cheyenne caught hold of his hand, halting him in his tracks.

"You owe me big time," she remarked.

A laugh escaped Lucian's lips. "Thanks, Cheyenne. You're the best."

He quietly made his exit, his steps quickening as he hurried out of the grand hall.
———

As Visenya stood in her own grand hall, overlooking the opulent celebration, her gaze wandered beyond the dazzling lights and revelry. Her gown, seemingly woven from strands of moonlight and stardust, flowed and shimmered around her, radiating regal elegance befitting a queen. Adorning her head was an extravagant crown that exuded an air of authority and grace, a symbol of the queen that she was destined to become.

Amidst the crowd, a young man approached Visenya, his eyes filled with undeniable admiration. He extended his hand, inviting her to dance. However, with a gentle and graceful smile, she declined, as she had done with all the other suitors who sought her attention. Deep within her, a sense of restlessness lingered, overshadowing the festivities.

Visenya's troubled thoughts were evident in her furrowed brow. She seemed to be awaiting something or someone, her mind preoccupied with a hidden concern. Despite the mirth surrounding her, a veil of melancholy draped over her radiant countenance, hinting at the turmoil that she harbored within.

As the night progressed, Visenya found herself stealing glances at the entrance, her eyes searching for a familiar figure amidst the throng of guests. There was an unspoken yearning in her heart, a longing to be united with a particular someone.

"Who are you looking for?" Delilah asked, curiosity piqued.

Visenya sighed, disappointment etched across her face. "It doesn't matter. I don't think he's coming."

"He?" Delilah's interest grew. "Our mate, perhaps?"

"No," Visenya shook her head. "I'm afraid not, just a friend."

"These feelings aren't usual for that of a friend," Delilah observed. "Caspian is a friend, this is something else."

Visenya shrugged, uncertain of her own emotions. "It doesn't matter," she said dismissively. "I'm just a fool who has read one too many fairytales."

Amongst the jubilant guests, Caspian found himself immersed in the company of his mate, Victoria. They danced all night together, holding each other close as their laughter filled the air, and the whispers of their affection intertwined with the joyous celebration. However, Victoria's compassionate gaze couldn't help but wander to Visenya throughout the night.

"Look at her, Caspian," Victoria whispered softly, her voice brimming with empathy. "This should be a joyous night for her, but she looks so... sad."

Caspian followed Victoria's gaze and noticed Visenya standing alone. A pang of concern tugged at his heart as he acknowledged the hint of sorrow in her eyes. "I should go talk to her."

"Yes," Victoria agreed, her voice filled with encouragement. "She looks like she could use a friend."

Caspian gently kissed Victoria on the cheek, expressing his gratitude for her understanding, before making his way towards Visenya. He approached her with a warm and sympathetic smile, extending his hand out to her. "Dance with me," he said, his tone gently urging her to join him, leaving no room for refusal.

A smile graced Visenya's face as she took his hand, allowing him to lead her to the dance floor. She cherished his genuine concern and wouldn't dare refuse a dance with her dear friend.

"What's troubling you?" Caspian inquired. "I think it's safe to assume you didn't find your mate tonight."

"No," Visenya sighed softly. "Not amongst the nobles, anyway. Perhaps he's a commoner."

"Is that what's bothering you?" He asked, his voice filled with genuine curiosity.

"Oh, come on, Cas," Visenya replied. "Do you really think I’m that shallow?"

"No, of course not," he reassured her. "I just can't figure out what else it could be."

Visenya averted her gaze, her eyes revealing an unspoken answer.

"Oh, Vee," Caspian sighed. "Please don't tell me you've been moping about all night over him."

"Cas," Visenya pleaded, tears welling in her eyes. "Please... don't."

Caspian smiled at her in understanding, his eyes conveying a silent promise to be the friend she needed in that moment. They continued to dance, each step guiding her thoughts away from the weight that consumed her heart and mind.
———

As Lucian approached the palace gates, his anticipation grew with each stride he took. The guards of the Lycan King gazed upon him with a mix of fear and respect, offering nods of reverence as he passed by.

With one hand, he smoothed his hair, striving to look his absolute best for his woman. In the other hand, he held a stunning bouquet of lilies, an arrangement that he picked out just for Visenya, knowing that they were her favorite. His heart raced as he crossed the threshold into the palace, following the lively sounds of chatter and music that guided him towards the grand hall.

As he drew closer, a peculiar sensation stirred within Visenya. Her movements gradually faltered until she finally came to a complete standstill altogether, as if she were in some kind of trance.

"What's wrong?" Caspian asked, his concern evident.

Visenya closed her eyes, taking in a deep breath, as a hypnotic scent enveloped her. Every fiber of her being was consumed by this heavenly aroma. It was a scent she had never encountered before, one that awakened something primal within her. When she opened her eyes, they gleamed with the colors of a setting sun, an indication of her wolf surfacing.

"Mate," Delilah's voice echoed in Visenya's mind, a word that held a weight and significance that could only be imagined in her most intimate dreams.

Visenya's head whipped around, her eyes instinctively drawn to the other end of the room. Her breath caught in her throat as her gaze locked with the person standing at the entrance of the grand hall. Time seemed to stand still, as if the universe itself had paused to whisper the secrets of eternity into her very soul.

In that very moment, everything else faded into obscurity. The noise around her became a distant echo, as if the world had fallen away, leaving only the two of them in a suspended realm of their own.

Her senses honed in on every detail of his beautiful face, her vision sharpening to capture every nuance, every contour. The play of light on his face, the gentle curve of his lips, and the depth of his piercing green eyes held her captive, drawing her deeper into the vortex of their bond.

As Visenya stood there frozen in the center of the grand hall, their eyes remained fixed on one another. There was nothing else she could do but surrender to the magnetic force that beckoned her closer to him.

And so, she allowed the invisible thread that connected their souls to pull them together inexorably.