As we make our introductions, the older man with untidy black hair and armour, identified as Sir Hugo, issues a warning. His words carry a hint of caution about the uncertainties that our sudden arrival brings. The young lady, Maia, however, seems to possess keen intuition.
'Be careful, Luna; they might be dangerous,' Sir Hugo cautions.
'I can sense their wolves, Sir Hugo, which implies they are one of us. However, this one—a wolf and something else?' Maia observes, lowering her gaze to mine. Her scrutiny is gentle yet perceptive.
'You're a Luna too?' I question, and she nods in affirmation.
'I am Maia, Luna, and Queen of Mooncrest, and this is my fated mate Damon, the King and Alpha of Mooncrest,' she introduces herself, gesturing toward the slightly older man with black hair, now identified as Alpha Damon.
Alec, Magnus, and I rise to our feet, acknowledging the royal couple before us. Handshakes are exchanged, bridging the gap between two realms.
'We are so happy to meet you. This is Magnus, my fated mate and Alpha of Shadow Crest, and this is Alec, my blood flame and King of Vampires. My name is Nina, Luna of Shadow Crest and Queen of Vampires,' I proudly announce, presenting my fated mates.
Maia's excitement is obvious as she squeals, 'Did you hear that, darling? Another Luna that’s also a queen.' Alpha Damon nods, acknowledging the significance of our titles.
Reaper, hovering nearby, emits an irritated caw, garnering Maia's attention.
‘Oh, and this is my familiar, Reaper,’ I introduce.
‘Charmed,’ she says, and she extends a courteous greeting to him with a bow.
Alpha Damon delves into the pressing question, seeking the reason behind our return to Mysteria. The destruction witnessed through the portal has not gone unnoticed.
'You came through a portal that hasn’t been open for over a thousand years. What has brought you here to Mysteria? We could see a lot of destruction through the portal,' Alpha Damon inquires with concern.
In response, I recount the grim tale of humankind's discovery and subsequent onslaught against supernaturals, forcing us to seek refuge in this realm.
‘Humankind found out about us. They refused to stop killing us until we were all dead because they feared our power. So they destroyed all the packs. Our only option to live was to try and open the portal to come here,’ I explain.
'You did the right thing by returning to Mysteria, where your origins began. Alpha Damon and I will see that you all have a place here to call home.' Maia's voice resonates with warmth and reassurance as she extends a welcoming promise.
A red-headed, freckled lady suddenly springs up behind Maia, her curiosity evident in her expression. 'What’s going on?' she asks, her eyes darting between the unfamiliar faces surrounding her.
With an air of excitement, Maia responds, 'Oh, Ember, you're in for a treat! This is Nina, Luna of Shadow Crest, Queen of Vampires, half-wolf and half-witch!'
Ember's reaction is a delightful mix of disbelief and joy, her features contorting in a delightful blend of surprise and happiness. Without hesitation, she sprints toward me, enthusiasm lighting up her face as she wraps her arms around my neck in a tight embrace.
'Another witch and she's my age as well!' Ember joyfully exclaims, her voice filled with unrestrained excitement.
I chuckle, returning her embrace. 'It's a pleasure to meet you, Ember. I am not the only witch here. Acquaint yourself with May, Fern, Lilac, Ela, Ria, and Yiselda,' I gesture warmly towards the witches in our group.
Ember's excitement reaches a peak, and then suddenly, she screams with joy and promptly passes out.
Maia, observing the spectacle, bursts into laughter. 'Don’t mind Ember; even though she is young like us, she is the oldest witch here. All the other witches are children,' Maia explains with amusement, and she glances gracefully at Yiselda. 'Well, until now,' she smiles.
Yiselda responds to Maia with a warm smile.
A cute, green-skinned little boy with tiny tusks approaches us, exuding an aura of youthful enthusiasm. I kneel to his level, a warm smile on my face. 'Hello there,' I greet him, 'What’s your name?'
'My name is Drudge, and when I grow up, I want to be a warrior!' he declares, punctuating his words with a fist-pump to his chest.
'Nice to meet you, Drudge. With those muscles you're sporting, I have no doubt you'll make an excellent warrior,' I smile, acknowledging his budding strength.
Drudge, beaming with pride, straightens himself up triumphantly and proudly walks away, the anticipation of his warrior dreams evident in his determined steps.
'Ah, Drudge is an Orc,' Alpha Damon casually informs us, adding a layer of cultural diversity to the fantastical world of Mysteria.
'Orcs! How fantastic!' I exclaim, genuinely delighted by the variety of beings we are encountering in this new realm.
Ember, having recovered from her earlier excitement, joins in. Bursting with energy, she sprints up to the group of witches, shouting, 'Group hug!' The witches, amused by her infectious enthusiasm, join the embrace, exchanging laughter and jokes.
I approach Maia, curiosity gleaming in my eyes. 'How did you meet Alpha King Damon, and why are all the witches here, children?' I ask with genuine interest.
Maia meets my gaze with a knowing smile. 'It's a long story,' she smiles and ponders in thought, as if the tale holds secrets and many wonders.
'I'd be delighted to hear it,' I respond with eager anticipation.
Maia invites us to gather around with a graceful and sweeping gesture, her smile widening. 'Well,' she begins, 'make yourselves comfortable, and I shall begin the story,' she says, her voice sweet and gentle. She gracefully sits before us, and her beloved king, Alpha Damon, settles beside her. Their gazes meet, an endearing moment passes between them, and they return their smiles at us, ready to tell their story.
To Be Continued
The next chapter is Book Four: The Alpha King and His Fated Mate.