Chapter Three: Veilwraiths

Southern Region Palace

"Zephyris Von Glacienne!" The Grand Dame's voice echoed through the corridors as she rushed towards her grandson's room.

"My love, you really shouldn't be yelling in the halls," the Grand Sire chided gently as he followed his wife.

"How long will this continue? I'm disheartened. We are all disheartened, but we must remain strong to find her," she replied hastily, finally reaching Zephyris' door.

Inside, Zephyris remained engrossed in his books, not bothering to look up. "Greetings, Grandmother, Grandfather. To what pleasure do I owe the honour of you yelling my name in the halls?" he asked, his tone neutral.

"Look, Aseal! Just look at how the boy forsakes us!" The Grand Dame reacted dramatically, throwing herself into her husband's arms in mock despair.

Finally standing, Zephyris glanced at his grandmother, his expression softening. "Oh, Grandma, you know I would never," he said, smiling as he moved in for a hug.

Ahem. The Grand Sire feigned a cough, attempting to regain his grandson's attention. Amara and Zephyris exchanged glances before bursting into laughter.

"Anyway, I'm here for a serious matter! Zephyris, you're attending the New Year's celebration this time. No arguments," Grand Dame Amara declared firmly.

Zephyris hesitated, conflicted.

"Listen, boy," she continued, "I know you're still trying to find her, but staying locked away, analyzing data and possibilities, won't bring her back. You need to go out there yourself. Who knows? The Creator may finally grace you, and she could be at the event."

"It's also unbecoming that a prince never has a feast for his birthday. Your birthday aligning with the New Year's celebration is a blessing," the Grand Sire added.

"No, I was born exactly at 11:58:74, a day before, and she was born at 12:00:00. We always argued about how I was first," Zephyris replied with a saddened smile.

"Fine, I'll go this year. But if I don't find her, never again. And if any of those pesky alphas challenge me, don't hold me back," he relented.

"Hazzah! See, Aseal? Told you I could get him to come. You lost, ha!" The Grand Dame celebrated.

As she departed, she added, "Oh, and Zephy, try opening your heart. Keeping it closed won't do you or your wolf any good."

The Grand Sire lingered for a moment, looking at his grandson. "Whenever you're ready," he said before leaving.

In the Palace Halls

"Aseal, when will we tell him?" Amara asked in a hushed tone.

"Soon, my love. When he's ready. And that time is fast approaching," Aseal reassured her with a soft smile.

Zephyris' Room

Standing on his balcony, Zephyris gazed at the night sky. Though he had lived for less than two decades, his silhouette was that of a man who had endured a lifetime of suffering.

"Please be out there, Luna," he whispered, his eyes fixed on the waning crescent moon.

Silvermoon Camp

As the day shift patrollers were replaced, Lunara prepared to join them, still shaken from her strange encounter earlier that day.

"Beta Luke, permission to visit Witch Elaine for a private matter, sir!" she requested.

Observing her state, he decided she would only slow them down. "Permission granted."

Elaine's Room

As Liz approached the door, it swung open, and an ethereal, melodic voice beckoned her inside.

"Elaine! I think I'm in trouble," Liz blurted.

"Shhh…" Elaine's eyes narrowed. "Why do I sense the power of Veilwraiths on you? Did you cross the pack's borders?"

"No! I followed the doc to the back of the forest mountains. I suddenly felt drowsy and was pulled into a dream. It felt too real. But when I woke up, I hadn't moved at all," Liz explained anxiously.

Elaine frowned. "I need to inform the Alpha. Also, the dye is in that box. Your silver locks are coming in again."

Liz sighed. "I dyed it yesterday morning."

"What's today's date?" Elaine asked suddenly.

"The 23rd, I think… yeah, it should be."

"Stay here. I'll be back," Elaine instructed.

Elaine was more than a guardian to Luna. In every version of her nightmares, it was always Elaine saving her from the serpent. If Luna was kicked out of a house, Elaine left too. That had been their reality for almost thirteen years.

To call them sisters wouldn't be a stretch—except for the fact that Elaine was at least six decades old but still looked like someone in their early twenties.

Ever since Luna started following her, she had to wear contacts and dye her hair weekly. Her features—silverish-white locks and ocean-blue eyes—were far too rare to go unnoticed.

Alpha's Office

"Evening, Alpha. I'm here to report a situation," Elaine announced.

"Alright, let's hear it," Draken replied.

"There are traces of Veilwraith magic on Liz. She only went as far as the back of the forest mountains with the doc and some scouts."

Draken turned to the guards. "Call Luke, Chris, and the doc."

Within minutes, they stood before him.

"Doc, did you notice anything strange about Liz in the forest today?" Draken asked.

"She's always been a strange one, but how exactly?" the doc replied.

Elaine stepped forward. "There were traces of Veilwraith magic on her. Knowing her, she most likely screamed. Didn't she?"

"Well… she did scream, but we thought it was just one of her nightmares," the doc admitted.

Draken's gaze darkened. "So you're telling me something like this happened, and you didn't think I needed to know?"

The doc collapsed under the Alpha's oppressive aura, while the others barely withstood it. Only Elaine remained unaffected.

"Alpha, I request a full pack search. Veilwraiths are cunning and multiply rapidly," Elaine advised.

"Luke, you know what to do. Chris, document this and deal with the doctor appropriately," Draken commanded.

Elaine took a deep breath. "Alpha, one more thing. I request that Liz be left out of tonight's patrol. She can work with me instead. Once Veilwraiths choose a prey, they don't let go easily."

Draken considered her words before nodding. "Fine. The hunt for the Veilwraiths begins."

Southern Region Palace

Zephyris knocked on the Grand Sire's study door.

"Come in," King Aseal called.

Zephyris entered, his gaze unwavering. "I'm ready for the truth."

King Aseal met his grandson's determined eyes. The time to stop running from the truth had finally come.