The Bride and the Beast

Duty Calls

h his bedroom windows, casting a warm glow that matched his mood. Today was a day of respon

ck shirt and dark jeans, complemented by sturdy boots. Today, he was heading to

n scenery was abrupt yet welcome. Towering trees replaced skyscrapers, and the air grew fresher with each mil

ds, the familiar sense of belonging washed over him. The pack members were already g

as greeted by his Beta, Caleb, a

, Alpha,"

on the back. "Ho

ries of Selene flash

ied. "But we've got

we always? Come on, t

sations hushed as Damien entered, all eyes turning to him with respect and anticipatio

en began, his voice carry

want to thank each of you for your dedicatio

jor celebration to mark the recent full moon, a time of bonding and rejuvenation. Damien listened intently to eac

bit of fun today. We've been working hard, and it's time we let off some steam. As always, our beta Caleb,

combining speed, strategy, and the Lycans' natural prowess. The forest e

is senses heightened, muscles coiled with energy, he felt the thrill of the wild surge through hi

e darted through the trees. The forest was a blur of green and brown, the scent of earth and leaves fil

ompetitive spirit kicked in, and he pushed himself harder, muscles burning with exertion and jo

a halt and shifting back to his human form. The pack arrived moments later,

're still the f

e sound echoing th

t you all gave me a

d with pride and affection for his pack. These were his people, bound by

e full moon. Stories were shared, and laughter rang out under the canopy of trees. Damien found h

one of their favorite pastimes-a game of strategy and skill. "Let's play c

ok charge of one team, while Caleb captained the other. The objective was simple: r

ugh the dense underbrush, using his keen senses to detect any signs of the oppos

crouched low, scanning the area. A figure moved stealthily through the trees-one of

ting off any escape routes. Damien pounced, pinning t

raising his hands

t me. But you won't get

. They moved with practiced ease, communicating through hand signals and low growls. The excit

ks near a stream. He signaled for his team to hold back while he assessed the situation. Luc

would draw the guards away from the flag. He motioned for one of his fastest team

tected. Damien and his team moved swiftly, grabbing the flag and making a break for their base. T

to their base amidst cheers and applause. The friendly rivalry

wilight, casting flickering shadows on the faces of the pack members. The smell of roasting mea

g. He couldn't help but think of Selene, wondering what she would think of this side of his l

ed, handing Da

y, Alpha. We

dded, tak

good to see everyone

the clearing; his e

nk she'l

need to ask

smart, and she's got a good heart. Sh

o hear. We could use s

sharing stories and legends, recounting tales o

f the Elders stood

ss tales of history fo

left me mesmerized but p

is eyes lo

one eld

interested in the take that was ab

ts telling me about the Lycan

he first of our kind the First Son of Night born from the Titan Chronos and Goddess of Night Nyxia. The Lyca

order and no pack dared to attack a

ke it was some distant memo

sed with having an heir to the throne, he grew impatient

ild but they grew frustrated and the Queen became restless a

panied by dark and purple smoke appeared out of nowhere near the entrance of the castle

a came to see the Queen

d as news spread that the Queen was with child. Not long after

ring the child in her chamber. Within a few moments, the child was born and

tering the threshold of the castle, she felt something

allen beauty lying in the bed lifeless turned into stone. Lying beside her was a blue

d to be at fault for the death of his beloved Queen blinded by his grief and ra

ar between the witches and Lycans erupted many lives

placed a curse on the Lycan King's lineage. The curse of the full moon has plagued the Lyca

n and how he had to endure the curse every full moon. Everyone looked at him lovingly full of worry an

age. He knew that their strength lay not just in their physi

amed Miriam, stood to speak. Her voice, though

led because they stood together. Let us remember that our greates

the faces of his pack, seeing the truth in her words. They

nts and cabins, the excitement of the day giving way to exhaustion. Da

ket, and he pulled it out t

an't wait for our n

ped a quick reply. "Me too. Can'

away, Damien felt a