Fated by Moon and Sea

Chapter Ten: And They Meet

Chapter Ten: And They Meet

Savannah's POV

With each step I took behind the triplet kings, Tristan, Lucas, and Hayden, my heart felt like it was about to leap out of my chest. Their broad shoulders and commanding presence made it clear they were leading me into a territory where I was a stranger, and I could feel the eyes of every Lycan and wolf on me. The whispers were almost louder than my heartbeat, even to my ears, which weren't nearly as sensitive as theirs.

"Who is she?"

"Why is she here?"

"What's with that hair? Is it even real?"

I kept my gaze forward, trying to ignore the questions and stares. They had no idea who I was, or why I was really here, and for now, it was better that way. The truth would come out eventually, but I wasn't in a rush to reveal it until I had to.

Aurelia and Laasya stayed close on either side of me. Aurelia's golden hair and shimmering wings were just as much a spectacle as my own indigo hair, but she carried herself with grace, unaffected by the curious glances. Laasya's dark hair and piercing blue eyes were fixed forward, her expression warning anyone against getting too close or asking too many questions.

As we walked through the stone corridors, I tried to keep my breathing steady. My mind was racing with what might happen when we finally reached the Supreme Alphas, Isaiah and Josiah Stark. They were the ones I was truly here to see, though they didn't know it yet. And my sister's children.

Following royal protocol, I kept my head slightly bowed and my hands clasped in front of me, a show of respect and deference to the authority of the Lunaris pack. The triplet kings had been formal in their introduction, referring to me as "Crown Princess Savannah of Aetherium" to those we passed, a title that marked me as both foreign and noble. It reminded me of my delicate position; I was not one of them, but I wasn't just anyone, either. I was being watched closely and judged at every step and gesture. Girl could use a break. I was here to mourn my sister and, get to know her children, and try to be a part of their lives. I didn't need everyone noticing when my pinkie moved a fraction.

The triplets abruptly stopped before we could reach the grand hall where the Supreme Alphas were waiting. I nearly bumped into one of their backs but caught myself just in time. Standing in front of them was a woman with raven black hair that fell in soft waves down her back. Her emerald green eyes seemed to pierce right through me.

Aurora, the lycan queen and one of the three hybrids in the paranormal worlds.

I recognized her instantly from the descriptions I had heard. Aurora was the fated mate of Tristan, Lucas, and Hayden; from what I'd learned, she had been Alicia's best friend. My breath caught in my throat as our eyes met, and for a split second, I saw something in her gaze—recognition, maybe, or suspicion.

"Rora, Darling," Tristan said, his voice surprisingly gentle and affectionate as he addressed her, showing the kind of warmth reserved for someone cherished. "What brings you here?"

"I wanted to meet our guests," she replied, her voice smooth but laced with an undercurrent of tension. Her eyes flicked back to me, studying me intently. "Especially this one."

I tried to keep my expression neutral, but I could feel my nerves beginning to fray under her scrutiny. Did she know who I was? Did she suspect something? Maybe Alicia mentioned me? But if she did, I had no doubt Queen Aurora would have informed me of the funeral. Her praises were sung in kingdoms around the multiverses.

"I'm Savannah," I said, offering a small, polite smile, remembering to incline my head slightly as a sign of respect. "It's an honour to meet you."

Aurora's lips curved into a faint smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. "Savannah. A pleasure. You're from Aetherium, correct?"

"Yes," I replied, trying to gauge her reaction. "I've come to… offer my condolences."

Her eyes narrowed slightly as if she was trying to read between the lines of my words. "Condolences, yes. It's been a difficult time for us all. Alicia was... she was like a sister to me."

Hearing Alicia's name sent a jolt through me, but I kept my face composed. "I'm sorry for your loss. I didn't know her well, but I've heard she was an incredible person."

Aurora studied me for a moment longer, her gaze unwavering. "She was. And she never mentioned you. How do you know her enough to come such a long way."

Well, I guess the praises were a bunch of horse s**t. Throw more salt on a girl's wound, why don't you? Even though There was no accusation in her tone, but the words felt like a test, probing for a reaction. I forced myself to keep my voice steady. "No, I suppose she wouldn't have. We… didn't have the chance to know each other."

The triplets exchanged glances but said nothing, clearly aware of the tension in the air. Aurora's eyes flicked to them, and whatever silent communication passed between them helped ease some of the stiffness in her posture.

"Well," she said finally, her voice softer. "It's good that you're here. Alicia would have wanted us to be… welcoming."

The way she said the word made me think she meant something else entirely, but I couldn't quite place it. Was she warning me? Or was this just the way things were here, layered with meaning and suspicion?

"Thank you," I replied, hoping my voice didn't betray how unsettled I felt. "I appreciate your kindness."

Aurora nodded, though her eyes lingered on me for a moment longer as if she were searching for something. Then, with a flick of her hand, she gestured to the triplets. "I'll leave you to it then. The Supreme Alphas are waiting."

The triplets nodded and motioned for me to continue following them. As we walked away, I could feel Aurora's gaze burning into my back. There was something in the way she looked at me, something that made me think she knew more than she was letting on.

I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what was to come. Whatever Aurora knew or suspected, it would have to wait. The real challenge was still ahead, and I needed to be ready to face it head-on.

As we continued through the corridors, a strange sensation crept over me. It was like something was pulling me, an invisible thread tugging me toward an unknown source. I tried to shake it off, focusing on the task at hand, but the feeling grew stronger with each step. My pulse quickened, and I could feel a faint pressure building in my chest. What was this? It felt almost magnetic, like an unspoken call that I couldn't ignore. But I had to, at least for now. There was too much at stake to get distracted by something I couldn't even explain.

The triplets led us into a large chamber that seemed to serve as a formal meeting room. It was grand and imposing, with high ceilings and heavy, dark drapes. At the far end of the room, two figures stood waiting, their presence dominating the space. My breath caught in my throat as I realized who they were: the Supreme Alphas of Lunaris, leaders of the werewolf realm and the supreme diamond pack, Isaiah and Josiah Stark.

As we drew closer, suddenly, two identical growls filled the room, sending a shiver down my spine. The power behind it was palpable, a raw, almost primal energy that demanded submission. I felt it ripple through me, igniting something deep within that I didn't fully understand.

My heart pounded as I lifted my gaze to meet theirs.

Isaiah and Josiah stood side by side. Their piercing emerald eyes locked onto me, and for a split second, time seemed to stop. They were identical in every way, yet there was something distinctly different about each of them, a subtle variance in their expressions or the way they held themselves. It was enough to make me feel like I was staring at two forces of nature—wild, untamed, and dangerous.

They were stunning. Even with their intimidating presence, I couldn't deny how attractive they were. Isaiah and Josiah had a raw, rugged handsomeness that differed utterly from Orion's ethereal beauty. Orion was all grace and refinement, his features sharp and perfect like a sculpted statue. His lean, athletic build carried an elegance and poise that made him seem almost otherworldly. But Isaiah and Josiah... they were something else entirely.

Their faces were all hard lines and robust features, with chiselled jawlines and high cheekbones that gave them an air of authority and strength. Their skin was a warm golden tan, a sharp contrast to Orion's porcelain-like complexion. The colour of their eyes—vibrant emerald green—stood out against their tanned skin, sharp and piercing, framed by thick, dark eyebrows. It was as if they could see right through me, stripping away any pretense to reveal what lay beneath.

Their jet black, thick, and slightly wavy hair was tousled shoulder-length locks that gave them a wild, untamed look. It was the kind of hair you wanted to run your fingers through just to feel its texture. Everything about them was rugged and powerful, from their broad shoulders to their athletic, muscular physiques. They stood at 6'6 ", towering over almost everyone in the room except the Lycan kings and the identical quadruplet alphas that stood next to them, their presence demanding attention and respect.

As I looked at them, I couldn't help but feel an undeniable attraction. It was different from what I felt with Orion, but just as intense. Orion's allure was like a siren's call—gentle, soothing, and irresistibly captivating. But Isaiah and Josiah's appeal was like a force of nature—fierce, commanding, and raw. It was the kind of attraction that left you breathless, unsure whether you wanted to flee or step closer.

The room was filled with a charged silence for a heartbeat, or maybe several. They were still staring at me, their expressions unreadable, and I couldn't look away from their eyes as so many emotions passed through. It was as if that invisible thread from earlier had finally found its source, pulling me toward them with a force that was almost overwhelming.

The triplets looked back and forth between us, clearly sensing the tension in the room. Tristan cleared his throat, breaking the silence.

"Supreme Alphas, this is Savannah of Aetherium. She has come to pay her respects."

Isaiah and Josiah said nothing at first, their eyes never leaving mine. I felt like I was being examined, weighed, and measured, and the intensity of their gaze made my skin tingle. It was like they were trying to unravel a mystery, one that I wasn't even sure of myself.

Finally, one of the two spoke, his voice deep and rough like gravel. "Savannah of Aetherium." He said my title with a hint of something I couldn't quite place—curiosity, maybe, or tenderness. "What brings you here?"

I swallowed hard, trying to find my voice. The air around them was thick, almost suffocating, and I had to force myself to stay calm. "I've come to offer my condolences and to pay my respects," I said, hoping my voice didn't betray the turmoil inside me.

The other twin's eyes narrowed slightly, and he took a step closer, his movement fluid and almost predatory. "And why would the Crown Princess of Aetherium feel the need to come here, to Lunaris, for such a purpose when we have never met."

The pull I felt toward them was becoming harder to ignore, but I had to keep my focus. I had to remember why I was here. "I felt it was necessary," I replied carefully, " as a gesture of goodwill and respect for a life lost."

Their eyes bore into me for a moment longer, and I could feel the weight of their scrutiny. They were trying to understand me, to see what lay beneath my words. It was unsettling, but I knew I had to stand my ground.

One of them nodded after what felt like an eternity, though his eyes never softened like his brother's. "Very well. But know this, Savannah of Aetherium: you are in our territory now. Our rules apply here."

"I understand," I said, keeping my gaze steady even though my heart was still racing. "I have no intention of disrespecting your laws or your customs."

They exchanged a glance, a silent communication that spoke volumes. Then, without another word, they turned and walked away, leaving me standing there, still feeling the lingering effects of their presence.

As they moved, I couldn't help but compare them once more to Orion. Where Orion's presence was like a calm sea, Isaiah and Josiah were like a storm—unpredictable and dangerous, yet impossibly captivating. And though I didn't want to admit it, I was drawn to them, just as much as I was drawn to Orion.

And that scared me more than anything.