Imprisoned By Alpha Voridian

~ELOWEN~ My eyes sparkled like diamonds as I stared at the night sky. The vibrant colors of the fireworks reflected on my face. The booming and crackling of the fireworks made me smile, and with each explosion, everyone gathered around clapped their hands. "Happy birthday, my dear," my father, King Eradus, said as he embraced me. "Twenty-one years old today, my love. Are you ready for the big responsibilities?" My smile grew wider as my father teased me about my new role as Queen. According to the traditions of the great kingdom of Katula, the kingdom of humans, the heirs to the throne are usually crowned on their 21st birthday. Now, it was my turn. "You are going to be a fantastic queen, kiddo," my father commented, his voice full of pride. "Just don’t forget your old man when you are ruling the kingdom," he added jokingly, placing a hand around my shoulder. "Thanks, Dad," I whispered, returning to face the sky. A smile spread across my face as I couldn’t believe that the day had come when I would become the Queen. It was a great duty to rule the kingdom of Katula, and I was ready to carry on the legacy. "Thanks for everything, Dad," I said. "I am grateful you taught me everything I needed to know. I couldn’t have asked for a better father." My father let out a hearty laugh and stared at the sky. "Your mother would have been so proud of you tonight." There was a hint of sadness in his tone at the thought of my mother, who had died years ago, just after I was born. "She is always watching, Dad," I sighed. "Always." My father chuckled and cleared his throat. "You are right, kiddo. Now, let us get you prepared for the crowning celebration." He took my hand, leading me to the front of the gathering just as the last fireworks ended in the sky. The crowd parted as they turned towards us, their faces filled with excitement and anticipation. "Ladies and gentlemen, nobles and courtiers, it is my honor to present the future queen of our great kingdom, Princess Elowen!" My father's voice boomed through the arena. The crowd erupted into cheers and applause as my father guided me to the chair at the center of the arena. I sat down, my heart racing with excitement. I remembered how I was just a teenager some years ago, and now, I was about to become the Queen of Katula. It felt surreal, and I couldn’t help but tear up as the crowd started chanting my name. "I shall now begin the process of the Coronation!" The high priestess's voice sounded in the arena, and the chanting immediately stopped as everyone watched with anticipation, waiting to see me getting crowned. The priestess raised the tiara just as the sky was lit up with lanterns, another tradition of the kingdom of Katula, where the lanterns signify peace and harmony. The tiara’s gemstones glinted in the lantern's light as it was lifted high for the crowd to see. I felt a lone tear stream down my face and looked towards my father, who gently touched my shoulder, nodding that it would be alright. "I present you your Queen, Elowen…" A sudden scream erupted from the crowd, interrupting the priestess. Then hails of arrows flew through the air, striking the lanterns suspended above. The lanterns exploded into balls of fire, hitting the ground like meteors. The crowd panicked, scattering in all directions as the arrows continued raining. One arrow struck the crown in the priestess’s hand, sending it clattering to the ground. My eyes widened in shock as my father grabbed one of the arrows that almost hit me. Howls echoed in the distance as heavy feet pounded against the ground, creating a loud cadence that shook the trees and ground. Chaos reigned, with people running, screaming, and tripping over each other in desperation. My father grabbed my hand, pulling me backward as the royal guards surrounded us in the twinkle of an eye. Flames danced in the arena, on homes, and on people, and it seemed there would never be an escape for anyone. "Werewolves!" one of the royal guards shouted. "With how large their attack is, it seems their alpha king is leading them!" he added. Gasps erupted from the mouths of all the royal guards. The werewolves. They were known to be ruthless, inhumane, and heartless. We had avoided any business regarding the werewolves for years, but they decided to attack on the night I was about to be crowned. "We have to save the people!" I cried out, unable to watch any further. Mothers were running to save their children, the men were trying to save their families or fight, and still, none succeeded. I believed that if this went on, the future of humans could be destroyed. "You need to be protected!" my father shouted back at me and hugged me. He removed the necklace around his neck and placed it around me. It was a necklace in the shape of a key, and I was surprised that my father had given it to me because I remembered how I had always asked for the necklace as a gift, but my father told me it was for when I became Queen. That never happened because of the attack, but having the necklace on my neck made me wonder if my father was saying goodbye, so I held onto his hands. "We have to go together!" I shouted. "Don’t worry," my father hugged me again. "I shall be behind you, Elowen. Linus," he shouted out one of the guards' names. Linus turned around and faced the king. "Protect her," he handed me over to Linus. "Make sure that you get her somewhere safe. And you too, Maria, go with them and protect her," he said to the young lady beside me. "Go now!" my father shouted. "No!" I shouted as the guard was pulling me away. "I won’t go without you, Father," I tried to free my hands from Linus’s grip, but he held on tighter to it and started dragging me away. A chilling howl pierced the air just then, making my blood run cold. A wolf suddenly emerged and grabbed a woman running. The wolf’s jaws opened wide, revealing its razor-sharp teeth, and it sank them into the woman’s flesh. All color drained from my face. My heart pounded wildly in my chest as the woman was torn apart right in front of my eyes. The wolf then raised its head and bared its fangs at me. I let out a scream that drew my father's attention, who rushed towards us to see the wolf. My father and the royal guards surrounded me, ready to fight against the wolf.