Ivy
The waves crashed around me as I looked to the moon and howled. The howl of sorrow and loss. A howl that speaks of true heartbreak. There is no one here with me to fight to the bitter end and everything we worked so hard for is gone. Not another soul of our kind, for they have fled, and I have stayed to fight.
The hoard of humans moves towards my location, with pitchforks and fire. Not one single wolf believed who I was and so now we are here, fighting to make sure that my family is safe. My mate, bless him, is safe with the children and that knowledge brings solace in this moment. The tension builds inside of me as I hear the footsteps of the crowd closing in. My family should be in the hills by now and I have wasted enough time. The time has come. One last howl.
I can see the glow through the trees of the fires that burn brightly on the end of their torches. I start to run, feeling the tree branches snap against my sides until I reach the human clan. Using all my strength, I leap forward, taking one down with scratch wounds that will never heal. There is screaming and a few of them run in the opposite direction.
I cry out in pain, and feel fire connect with my fur, singing the skin underneath. I quickly heal and leap and bound, scratching, and biting whoever came close; I must save my community.
What felt like hours, I look around the ground? I have killed many and need rest. Looking over the dead bodies makes me feel sick, and I am covered in human blood. I have never killed a thing in my life because of our beliefs.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxOD0rzz6eS
“Argh!” I cry out.
Realising that taking a moment was a mistake as a pitchfork came down on my behind. I retaliate and throw myself around, snapping the pitchfork as I go. Another strike from the opposite side.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjwOCmzkiV
“Argh!” I cry out again.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWBZ4oQgqr
This one hits the side of my snout and I feel my jaw break. The remaining humans are setting a trap, and I knew that it wouldn’t take long for these savages to end me. I am losing a lot of blood and I can see the sand underneath me stain red.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqANMDYo0C
“GET IT!” they yell.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxYLtpKS13
I receive two more blows to my back and wince in pain. The humans’ faces are masked by the shadows of their lights. I bare my teeth and lash out and who ever comes close, but still trying to draw them closer. I need to find the perfect opportunity to use my gift, the moment to make the ultimate sacrifice for my people. I just hope that my village and my family can be safe, for now.
Deepening my claws into the sand, there is not much more time, My body is struggling to heal itself. I focus my mind on the burning village, the forest and potential harm to my family, humans trying to eradicate us for sport as they hang our heads on the outskirts of the village. The anger and fear is rising from the pit of my belly.
“Come on kitty, you’re going home as a rug,” they cheer.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqvUDlt2CPG
I can feel the heat in my heart.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tnAlTxUng
“ITS EYES!” they shout.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCjajqH1mL
I know its coming, my visions turn red caused by the anger. I unleash it from the whole of my being and my soul.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6R8CX2hPs
“Aaaaaargh!” I scream, roar and howl at the same time.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PNV1IkuFL
It caused a shockwave for miles and a command so strong that each human in it’s wake falls to the ground.
Panting and exhausted from the fight, my healing ability is extinguished. How could I not have completed the job? Something I was supposed to do and ended like this? I take solace is knowing that I used my powers, given by the moon to save my pack, my family and I just hope they got away.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhvM1BYchz8
“She is waking Alpha,” Ivy faintly heard and older woman say.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpxIusxbFD
“Ivy?” “Ivy?” Rowan repeated.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSOj2XA19qC
Ivy wanted nothing more than to open her eyes at the sound of his voice and tell him that she’s okay. To tell him that she just had a nightmare and it’s all a big misunderstanding, but she couldn’t. Ivy felt her eyes flicker under their lids, refusing to open, which left her in the dark.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0f0ZDv3YW
“Alpha, give the brew some more time,” Ivy heard again.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRzKm1EyRf
“It’s been two days Geraldine!” 87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlWhWyfgoz
Rowans’ voice was rough and agitated.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtySDS2CBe6
“Our Luna will be fine, go attend to your needs and if she stirs again, we will let you know.”87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4FKBzBt2cr
Who the hell is Geraldine? Ivy thought. She heard Rowan leave the room and she desperately wanted to cry out that she was here, and she was okay. Her mind wanted to yell but her lips didn't move. The sound from the door closing told Ivy that her pleas were left unheard. There was a warm breath near her ear when the Alpha left and the woman whispered.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRpayWegQnN
“Come on Luna, your Alpha needs you, we need you Saviour.”87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXKN3WPRpd
Ivy’s mind was completely rattled at the woman’s words. Saviour? 87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XkwyZmgBt
“Catori?” she cried out internally. 87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8thkTC34MX
No answer.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfdUulwv0K
Luna yes, Saviour no.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vpJTetKZr
Ivy felt her heartbeat quicken as the panic set in. She was confused and puzzled at what had happened. What are you doing body? What is happening to me?87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9MyrEjwhsm
“Geraldine her pulse is through the roof, what should we do?” Ivy heard another voice say.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ82Fxg5jo2y
Cold hands pressed against her wrist to check her heart rate.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmzhkv0v4tG
“Administer more,” Geraldine confirmed.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDTQbk6gliS
Ivy didn’t feel any pain or anything going into her but soon after Geraldine’s words, she felt a soft, velvet feeling wash over her mind and body. Her body relaxed and the panic subsided. She felt warm and safe, but her head felt large and foggy.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVpe9QKmiA
Ivy allowed sleep to take over her, yet again.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbeWNpoTw32
The forest behind me is on fire. This war has done so much damage to my people, my village, and my family. The enemy knows who I am, and they know my secret. I force a shift with my wolf and dart off into the clearing in hopes to cross the river in the North. My mind is pounding but I hope that the fire stops at the riverbank and doesn’t cross.
I hear the soldiers behind me, some losing their lives in the disaster that they’ve created, others are yelling and shouting as they bound after me.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeARXt31nBX
“THROUGH THE CLEARING!” I hear them shout.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRocwiKyDGN
Cursing my white, snow-like coat for making me so visible, I quickly drop and roll to the ground. I have no idea where my companion is and can only wish that he’s still alive. He’s guided me for ten years and helped when things got rough, helped me understand what I must achieve.
The yelling from the soldiers were at a distance now. I stop for a moment to scry for any other wolves that mean to do me harm and may be lurking ahead. This war has got out of hand; father went to far and now they want my head. This is all his fault; I start to think. 87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0lgN7SfOlY
Taking a moment to look back as the destruction behind me, I can see the red glow in the sky and pray that rain comes to help grow what has been lost. The rest of them will struggle to rebuild if it does not.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjUvFbpgv6
“Hello pretty,” said a voice in front of me.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlP0wNRlqS
“Alpha Almere,” I reply with confusion.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVOGYw5lQw
“Ah, judging by your face, you couldn’t feel me with your magic, could you?” he sniggered. 87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6iAzcvE7Aw
“Well pretty, I’ve found your weakness. It seems that mugwort masks my appearance through your scrying magic.”87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwTRQms7hiv
I growl at him, teeth bared.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23c49CFGRD
“Oh, now pretty don’t be like that. I also bought wolfsbane because you see, I did some study of my own and have access to your father’s scrolls. Legend has it, that these two ingredients combined can kill you.”87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7KMKn65bxS
The glee on the man’s face made me want to kill him, but it was against everything I stood for.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcA9Vn94xys
“I will take your father’s place on the throne, mark my words. What is the point of having an army, someone like you, and not use it?”87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmAB0s41YSp
The anger welled up inside of me, out of control. I knew what this monster was capable of. Lycan’s and Wolves ruled together, and this disgusting man of the South will never sit on the throne and wreak havoc on this land. Ever. Again.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPM2eHljOQQ
He crept closer to me as he was speaking, telling me everything that he has planned when he took his place in the royal court. He spoke of planting my mother and father’s head on a spike as the new flag. He spoke of joining our armies together to take over the other territories and rule under one ruler.
These plans would change our way of life, the others in the community would suffer greatly too. I hadn’t realised that as he crept forward, I was subconsciously retreating, until my rump hit the wall of a cliff face.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6gvtAOiEz
“Got nowhere to go now pretty, any last words?”87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlNGl8ZRRf
The fear and the anger came from nowhere, tipping over boiling point with this man. I gnashed and growled as he came forward with his jar of mixture that he would no doubt force feed me until my death.
In my heart, this is the moment I know that my companion was talking about in his vision. The moment that I fill my duty as a Princess, the time to save my people.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBWzv8ucZd
He lunged towards and tried to grab my scruff. My ears flattened to the back of my head, and my tail between my legs.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiu1KCymbO1
“Aaargggh!” I scream, roar and howl at the same time.
The shockwaves of my command reached for miles around us. I saw the trees move back as if there were gusts of wind with no storm. I watch as the brute from the South collapsed, holding his heart. The life diminishes from his eyes and fell to the floor on his knees, gasping for breath, curled in a ball, lifeless.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmM8KTYcE5d
My own head starts to feel foggy, and my vision is blurry. I’m nauseous from the blurriness and sit on the ground. The wind has been knocked out of me. This is how my companion said it would end. I used my power for good and helping people from this wretched wolf. Resting against the cliff face, I succumb to my fate and gently close my eyes. 87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yujAmeBN2
It was if a lifeforce from her nightmares, surged Ivy awake. She sat up and gasped for air, but still unable to open her eyes. Rowan who rested next to Ivy, sprang into action.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNCiUtflBJ
“GERALDINE!” he yelled.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7mSrTl8b8r
Footsteps clunked up the staircase, as the woman scrambled to come to the Alpha’s call. Ivy tried to force her eyes open, but they felt so heavy. She used all her inner strength and managed to pry her heavy lids from her face, and they gently lifted. Rowan rushed to her side and kissed her forehead, like they’d been apart for days. Geraldine ran through the open doorway and looked shocked to see Ivy sitting up.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCgJyIkUa5F
“Luna!” she gasped.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1eeG3BDErH
Rowan followed Geraldine’s gaze and stared at Ivy curiously.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Kp4QBjWvI
“W-w-what’s wrong?” Ivy managed to say, although her voice was hoarse and throat dry. 87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBoBGTYVo96
Rowan ignored Ivy’s question and instead turned to the old woman.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCRqyp9ErNY
“What does this mean?”87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJceKrBTJBF
Geraldine smiled at the Alpha and turned her back to him as she fetched a mirror from the mantle of the fireplace. She returned and handed the mirror to Ivy.
Ivy gasped in horror at her reflection. Her hair looked like a bird’s nest, and it looked dry and tangled. Her body looked darkened by what seemed like dirt and Ivy knew they hadn’t bathed her. However, the colour of her eyes drew the most attention to her face. They were the colour of a deep red.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm6ShAzzha4
“How long have I been here?” Ivy asked Rowan.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHz4XEIH3Z
His face looked sunken like he hadn’t eaten, and his eyes had bags. They were slightly grey, meaning that he hadn’t slept.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUvt9NeqOf
“Four days,” he murmured.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBadLIofxan
The news shocked Ivy and she shot a bewildered expression at Geraldine, seeking confirmation and the woman confirmed with a slight nod. The old woman promptly left the room to give Rowan and Ivy some privacy.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoVpQKuJkNh
“Four days…” Ivy repeated.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwwRYXKwvv
Rowan searched Ivy’s face for answers, which she didn’t have.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFiEZHOJ7m
“This is all my fault. I marked you and we made love and then you passed out.”87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPro0u33MO7
His voice trailed off with his head rested on her shoulder.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjLyRVGZIj
“I am so sorry Ivy,” he whimpered.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI9CjJnTUPa
Ivy lifted his head from her shoulder so that she could see his face. She ran her thumb over his lips and bent down to kiss him gently and sighed.
“I don’t have any answers for you Rowan, I don’t know what happened. While I was asleep, I had the strangest dreams, but they felt like they’ve happened before, like a vision,” she confessed.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5jwbaPfv4
“What were they about?”87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAyA3Hcoebs
Ivy shrugged because she wasn’t entirely sure what she saw. Her stomach growled in hunger, just as Geraldine returned with a meal. Ivy greedily took it off her and scoffed down the meats and vegetables. Rowan laughed at the sight of her; unkempt and savage looking.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡssKbRn3Uqs
“Well good thing you haven’t lost your appetite. I sure am hungry too, so I’ll come and check on you later and maybe we can go for a walk. For now, I need to get to training.”87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvFN9IbM8X
He kissed her forehead as he stood and gave thanks to Geraldine before walking out the door.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26K9pf4SeE
“Where am I?” Ivy asked.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1ti8t95TX
Geraldine pottered around the room and Ivy watched her intently before the woman answered.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhf5g6fnoDD
“You are in the Guardian’s Temple my dear,” she replied.
Ivy looked around the room and noticed that the room was much brighter than hers. It’s filled with pinks and purples. Benches lined the walls with herbs and plants and thick books sat on the shelves above them. The arch shaped window next to the bed, brought in the brightest light, and was lined with vines on the outside.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeqqkhJGIe8
“There is a Guardian’s Temple here? I thought that was lost centuries ago?”87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGsNnuhatd
“When our community was first established in this territory, it was a tradition to have a Guardian Temple, and I guess that the Alpha’s of our pack thought it was a requirement to keep it. It’s such a beautiful and tranquil place,” Geraldine said.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4HZsqxk6W
She moved toward the bed and sat down at Ivy’s feet to continue her story.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHt6JwmFaQ
“I am a part of a family of herbalists and healers. My great, great Grandfather used to serve the King and Queen of the Lycan’s before we were all separated by a great fire. Legend has it, that we had to flee the West because of greed and a crazed wolf wanted power so badly that he was willing to kill for it.”87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBgTe301GP6
Geraldine got up and walked to the window while she spoke. The pain of the event was written all over her face as she remembered the stories she’d been told.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWFiaeVVbIC
“We managed to come here and find solace. There is a beautiful willow tree out the front that is hundreds of years old. It shelters us from view of the pack house. Might be why you haven’t seen the Temple. Now, my abilities are still passed through generations and generations and my daughter will soon take over attending to this pack. We cover sick ailments to herbal remedies and wounds. The work never ends but it gives us an opportunity to give back to the pack.”87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRssbGxhY4w
Ivy sat eagerly waiting for Geraldine to continue her story. She enjoyed listening to some of the pack’s history and where they came from. Ivy had never been interested in history and she performed poorly in the subject at school. There were still small things that she knew such as the Lycan’s and Wolves were totally separated now, almost enemies. It happened many years ago through war.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmrutcZW1b
“How many do you heal?” Ivy asked.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpir5nKynK
“Not as many now because we haven’t had a war in so long, but Elder Calvin ensured that our traditions would never die. Now I run workshops and share my knowledge with the young pack members that aren’t built for fighting,” Geraldine smiled.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYDZG4FMf2
“As Luna now,” she continued, nodding at Ivy’s neck, “It is your duty to understand the history and your history as a wolf. There are also so many other things that you should probably read about.”87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2g7auZTgC
Geraldine stopped for a moment and stared at Ivy’s red eyes.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxEJm6F1aS6
“First you must bathe,” the woman confirmed.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDoxZ404c0y
Ivy never thought that being clean felt so good. She walked back into the room that she’s been staying in for the last four days and noticed that Geraldine left a brush on the bed. Ivy also saw a thick, dusty, heavy-looking book on the bedside table. After getting dressed, she walked over to the book, a History of the Lycan Relationship. Ivy rolled her eyes and smiled. Geraldine clearly wanted Ivy to make a head start on learning the origins of her pack. Ivy got comfortable on the bed with the book in her lap. She hoped that Rowan would return soon and take her back to her own room. She skipped through the boring parts, and dove straight into Chapter 10, The Great Divide.
Ivy never felt that she was great at school and the information that she read or studied about had issues cementing in her mind as knowledge. It was almost like she’d study and retain the information until a test or exam and then it vanished. 87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3RdYj5RFo
She continued to read and realised there were certain aspects that felt familiar in her brain, like she had read it somewhere before. Ivy turned the pages, one after the next for hours. She learnt that the Lycan and Wolves used to live together as one and even mated with one another. 87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRMuH5aZpuR
Lycan’s had a mating system just like the wolves and their royalty system worked much the same. Their royalty rules over one land, not territories and there are differences in titles. The thought of ruling over one land made Ivy shiver in angst over the responsibility. Wolves now rule over their own territories, but Lycan colonies still exist in the West and the East and under the same royal family. However, despite their royal titles, Lycan’s still remained within their borders and never crossed into wolf territory. The divide bought despair as families were torn apart. Some chose their own kind, and some chose their loved ones. Those that chose love were generally shunned by the other villages and encouraged their kin to breed into Wolf or Lycan; never both.
There was still a hierarchy system when both species lived harmoniously. Usually the wolves were farmers, healers, and scouts, as they are more one with the land around them. Lycans were generally royalty, soldiers, and warriors. It seemed that, that time was a world away and the only issues they dealt with were wars with humans, not each other.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Wxu9RWGS7
Ivy didn’t realise how immersed she had become with reading and was startled by the gentle knock on the door. It creaked open and the scent of Rowan filled the room. Ivy eagerly put the book down and greeted him.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3vBaT8kh8
“Hello my love,” Rowan said.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQkKcjJTX64
“Hello.”87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3xYoLU18z
He reached the bed and embraced Ivy tightly, making her feel safe.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnqyIulLh3
“Mm, you smell better now though,” he teased.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlw9UWNrws
Ivy playfully punched him in the arm, and he fell onto the bed like a child.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9A2rhZ8w2
“Oof! Death by Luna,” he cried.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIU33lhTNL
“You seem happier,” Ivy said.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmftikMNFq
“Well of course. My Luna looks her normal self for now, except your eyes. You are breathing, you are awake, and I can kiss you and talk to you. I’ve also eaten.”87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMybt5S5FI
“I’m happy to see you Rowan. I’ve been doing my Luna duty and reading all about our history,” Ivy stated confidently.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRz4XuTimLm
Rowan leant over to inspect the book that Geraldine gave Ivy and smiled as he flicked through the pages.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDznPgXds5K
“So, you have, very impressive.”87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0XRr26VDf
“How’s Alex and everyone else?”87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvkwtfVRHuS
“Never mind about them Ivy, you need to rest and focus on yourself,” Rowan said.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Cgrck4iGN
“Did you still have the Luna festival without me? I’m sorry for ruining that for you.”87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxInsAUnSt
Rowan grabbed Ivy’s face between his hands.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSYliVywQw
“Don’t you ever be sorry. Your health is number one and the pack understand that you hear?”87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFq89Y7Jby
Ivy nodded her head and struggled to move through the strength of Rowan’s hands. He released her face, satisfied with her response. He quickly got off the bed and extended his hand out to Ivy.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyd2IoOclRM
“Time for a walk.”87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqw0qd4tEy
Ivy accepted his offer of assistance and slid off the bed, using his strength until the feeling came back in her legs. He immediately saw her struggle and assisted her down the stairs.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡayl0RxrdR8
“I’m fine, I can walk,” Ivy insisted.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQAzypdI1x
“You haven’t walked in days,” Rowan protested.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrl31m6FNmx
“Geraldine let me walk to the bathroom,” she teased.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6orKiVM5FM
Rowan growled and looked over his shoulder to see if he could get a glimpse of the old woman.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXTSHlhQ7T
“Relax Rowan, I am still capable and the whole idea of going for a walk, is to walk.”87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJSbg7rWct
Their bond connection relaxed and so did Rowan as he continued to walk through the hall to take Ivy outside. Once they were on the bottom level of the Guardians Temple, Ivy took in her surroundings. It was darker and damper than she’d expected, especially since the room was so bright. There were pots boiling over the fireplace and on the kitchen stovetop. The smell of cinnamon and other spices filled her nose and reminded Ivy of Christmas in her old home. 87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8kqKJmTNq5
Rowan opened the double doors that led outside and revealed the most exquisite garden. There were roses of all different colours to one side and the other boasted colourful herbs and vegetable plants. Out the front of the Temple, there were green, lush laws and in the centre of the garden stood the biggest willow tree that Ivy had ever seen.
Rowan led her to the willow tree and pulled back its old and fragile leaves. Underneath the umbrella of the tree sat a table and chairs with a coffee pot. Next to the coffee pot, there laid a book as big as the one Geraldine told Ivy to read, but not as dusty though. She skipped to the table as Rowan followed and took a seat.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyE3U62CPNt
“Coffee?” she asked.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBzL8GIURU
“Yes please, Ma’am.”87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7yVrpX9Vxc
Ivy filled both mugs and picked hers up in two hands. She smelt the coffee aroma through the steam first before taking a sip.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFFpe635LN
“What was it like for you? Being unconscious for that long?” Rowan asked.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvbxk2BKDJ
Ivy shied away from the question, mainly because she didn’t have an answer and instead tried to change the subject.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtJTtR2kh6
“Hm? You bought a book? The Lore and Tales of True?”87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgmVmC7Xf0
“You’re avoiding the question,” Rowan growled.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvwECNUUAa
“I don’t want to talk about it now. It’s something that I’d rather forget. But you bought a book for me? What is it about?”87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQtw4G7Knp
“There are a few stories in there that you might like to read for the afternoon. It’s better than the history book you’ve been reading,” Rowan shrugged.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPC8KNxE1a
“Am I not coming back to the pack house now?”87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfuc9dn16r
“Not for a few hours yet my love. The Warriors are in there having a meeting with Alex and I want to make sure the place is quiet so you can come home and rest.”87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPLsWpkMWIZ
“I’m well rested, let me assure you. I’ve slept for four days.”87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtL4gzcba6
Rowan looked pained by the comment.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPIynezfHr
“I’m sorry, too soon. Come and collect me in the evening. Make sure it’s before dinner so I can enjoy my meal at home,” Ivy said.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7reKAGm669
Rowan’s face lightened up slightly and agreed to Ivy’s terms. She flicked through the pages of the book whilst Rowan watched her intently.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQxxc4LacS
“What?” she snorted.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFAz7QO5MKf
“Nothing. I’ll get you in the evening. I’ll make sure of it.”87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvW2WUO3exJ
His attitude towards Ivy was stiff since she didn’t answer his question. However, Ivy still hadn’t got her head around what happened, let alone the ability to explain it. Rowan said good-bye and Ivy denied his offer of help back to the Temple. She wanted to sit in the canopy and read the story book that Rowan brought her. Ivy flicked through the pages to see if any story grabbed her attention and saw that something was scribbled on a title page. The writing was not Rowan’s.
“The girl will come,” she read aloud.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0GsXCtJQv
“LUNA!” Geraldine called.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMCJQY4SaG
“IN THE TREE!” Ivy shouted back.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYr3WSLXvJj
The woman emerged through the leaves of the willow tree and offered to refill the coffee pot. Ivy nodded to say yes whilst she scanned the rest of the writing.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKUyPcI6eE
“What do you have there?”87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGJQyWMmVB
“A book Rowan gave me. He said I might want to read something other than a history book before going home.”87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd2PpmXkdTy
“You’re starting in the middle?”87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqORcBt852
“Well yes, but only because I noticed scribbles through the pages of this story. What do they mean?” 87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSk9exVZ6S8
Ivy raised the book so that Geraldine could see the pages.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSq3edivcTa
“Hm, maybe read the story and see if anything comes to mind. I’ll top this up,” she said slowly, before picking up the pot and slinking away.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6Yfk5Ljib
Her body language told Ivy that the woman was uneasy about something. She thought it couldn’t be the story, but maybe that Ivy told Rowan that Geraldine allowed her to walk to the bathroom. Either one was preposterous.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡESdTslSIkG
“The Royal Scry,” she read.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPKpYQXHrJ
87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfw1bXNtcBW
The Royal Scry
Once upon a time in a kingdom that surrounds us all, the Moon Priest had a vision that the world as we know it will need a heroine. The Heroine will be able to see for miles around and warn of any danger lurking. It is sad that she will come from royal Lycan breeding and to whom she encounters will follow her into battle. This is for she is the epitome of loyal, trustworthy, honest, and brave. The Heroine is destined to be sought out by none other than someone born into the position of prophecy; a companion to help guide the heroine in all their journeys and planning. The Heroine, whom the Moon Priest chooses will be forced to make the ultimate sacrifice for her kind. Those that meet her will bow their heads and bare their necks for the blood red eyes will uncover her. She possesses magic like no other and her companion must teach her to use her intuition and magic for good and never for evil. The Heroine is said to always resemble a female, just as the Moon Priest wants, to protect those in the kingdom, using great strength and empathy but never violence. Once the Heroine fulfils her duties of the Priest and protects those that she must, she will in turn lose her life. A life for a life. The Royal Scry can defeat the evil inside successfully with the help of her companion, she may plead for her life. If she is unsuccessful in the rein of the Scry, it is believed that she’ll suffer from insanity. Insane with lust and violence, so much so that the kingdom will remove her from this world and bare their fate to the thing they fear the most…87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYdbU0AxQb
Ivy turned over the page and saw a detailed illustration of who the folklore described. Lycan royalty were always so dainty, fragile, and beautiful looking. Ivy had never seen one, as they live in the West but from what others have described and what she’d read there is no mistaking it. The small man in the backdrop looked like the Companion and bore what looked to be an orb. The people around her in the picture bowed, but what drew Ivy in the most was the wolf, howling to the moon. For an older book, the wolf was crisp white and looked like it hadn’t faded, but the wolf also had red eyes. Below, there were people drawn and a kingdom in the far distance that sat upon a mountain.
The leaves on the willow tree were pulled back and Ivy jumped in fright.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUpmyF6AqG
“You’re still here?” Rowan questioned and looked puzzled.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOiGngOKxrm
“I started reading the book you gave me, and I guess I just haven’t put it down.”87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Riv8NId6U
Rowan came over and stood behind Ivy.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRVxlWe7pM
“Which one are you reading?” he asked as he peered over her shoulder.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJiCr0QuneR
“Ah, the Royal Scry, she’s beautiful, isn’t she? It used to be my favourite story.”87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMROmx1mEY
“Is it just a story?”87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ9q4NmAO4M
“What do you mean, my love?”87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7rkYwlihB
“Just asking,” Ivy squeaked.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlLcnXI9IC
“Are you ready to come home? It’s time we got a decent meal into you, whatever you would like, and get you into your own bed.”87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBk8gJ7yxv8
“I am more than ready,” Ivy smiled.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPeB7FdTVoA
Geraldine saw them off and they both thanked her for all her hard work. Rowan was truly grateful that she saved his Luna.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwlxfe3pfaH
“Did you not bring the car?” Ivy asked Rowan.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7KQMk6g4Wv
“No, you said you can walk,” he teased.
Ivy scoffed at him and picked up the pace. 87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRKZpCCtSd
The pair walked in silence until the pack house came into sight. Ivy felt relieved that she was finally home. They hadn’t passed anyone on the way home in the community which she thought was odd but quickly forgot about it when Rowan started to talk.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡijFfMf47SH
“There’s someone I would like you to meet, tonight,” he said abruptly.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡykgLv1DApr
“Sure thing,” Ivy replied. 87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9WcOhzzox
She thought it might have something to do with her new title and was more than happy to play along, to make her Alpha look stronger. Although, she couldn’t work out why Rowan was being so cold towards her. 87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCnCQLJxN3
Ivy ran to the steps of the pack house and Audrey opened the door. She was there to greet them both, but Ivy bound past her to her room. 87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfdZPsItKog
Ivy stopped abruptly at the door and noticed all her possessions were gone. Fear and anger consumed her instantly.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6aPWcV7s4
“ROWAN!” she called out.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13fdC16uAD
“WHERE IS MY STUFF?”87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJKefUtDZX
No answer.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMiWtE5A7O
“ROWAN!” she yelled.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrevQu4P8ya
Still no answer.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNh8D35p7e
“Hey, hey what is all the yelling about?” Alex questioned, as he ventured out from his room. 87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJZNCOwq2j
“Oh, Ivy. Are you okay? What’s going on? Are you hurt again? I’ll go find Rowan.”87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGEmQLLa69
“I am fine,” she snapped.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZqDOu2nRO
“Where is my stuff?”87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMe2I7Y9yc
Alex whimpered at her sharp tongue.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZ49b52YQl
“Sorry Luna, Rowan moved your stuff to his room.”87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDsEpuwalU
Ivy had no idea what she was so angry about and so suddenly. In her head, it was reasonable to move her belongings into her mate’s room. In wolf terms they were married now and that’s where she should be. However, Ivy’s emotions stirred wildly because he touched it without asking.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4czHZiLfZl
“What’s going on?” Rowan asked as he walked up the stairs.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtW1FYATbu
“You moved my stuff?” Ivy sternly asked.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8KcBL0hvC
“Ivy, I really don’t know what’s gotten into you, but I thought I’d surprise you.”87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUnX3uBBPt
“Well, I am surprised. Surprised that you moved everything without asking!”87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqhGs41eKF
“My love, it’s only one door down,” he tried to reason.87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJpSnnwFtf
Ivy could feel his temper rising through their bond. Instead of replying she turned to their room and slammed the door.
