[Karmic Wolves 1] Luminous Howl

Castle

My eyes widen in shock, practically bulging out of their sockets. “The king’s birthday! You could have told us that from the beginning, Beta Carter!” I exclaim, already feeling the pressure of the occasion. “I need to get him a gift—what does he need? What does he like?”

Beta Carter bursts into laughter, the sound filling the carriage. “You don’t need to get him a gift, Lenora,” he chuckles. “He throws a massive ball every year for his birthday. Just showing up will be more than enough. Besides, the beauty of the lycan kingdom is nothing compared to you ladies.” As he says this, his gaze lingers on Arya, and I don’t miss the way her cheeks flush a deep crimson. She turns to look out the window, clearly flustered. I can hear her heart racing, thumping loudly in her chest. It’s almost adorable.

Still, the idea of arriving empty-handed to a king’s birthday unsettles me. My mind whirls with thoughts of what I could possibly offer a king who likely has everything. What could I give that would be both meaningful and unique? I ponder this for a moment, staring out the window, when suddenly an idea flickers to life in my mind. I’ve never tried creating something like this before, but… why not now?

I close my eyes and focus. I visualize the gift I want to create—the intricate design, the purpose behind it, even the wrapping. I concentrate on every little detail until it’s clear in my mind, then clap my hands. In an instant, a beautiful golden box materializes in my hands, tied with a delicate purple ribbon that complements the gown I’m wearing. I turn it over in my hands, a surge of excitement rushing through me. The box itself glimmers under the soft light of the carriage, and I feel certain that the contents will be something special.

Slipping the box into my pouch, which I’ve transformed into a purple clutch with a golden chain to match my outfit, I can’t help but smile to myself. I’m ready. Even if Beta Carter insists a gift isn’t necessary, I want to offer this—something personal, something crafted from the heart.

“Okay, Lenora, just go ahead and ignore the advice of the kingdom’s beta then,” Carter teases, breaking the silence with a grin.

I giggle, his playful tone easing my nerves. “I’m sorry, Beta, I just couldn’t help myself.”

He clicks his tongue in mock disapproval. “Tsk tsk, what am I going to do with you?” His teasing makes us all laugh, lightening the atmosphere just as the carriage begins to slow down.

As we approach the castle, I lean forward to get a better view. The sight before me is breathtaking. The castle stands tall and majestic, built from gleaming white stone with grand gold pillars supporting the entrance. Five towers rise toward the sky, one on each corner of the castle and another in the center, creating a commanding presence. The entire structure is draped in beautiful string lights that twinkle like stars, both across the building and around the sprawling gardens and lawn. It feels like stepping into a magical fairy tale.

The carriage halts, and we carefully step out, our eyes drinking in the grandeur around us. All around, guests are arriving, each one dressed in exquisite attire, their clothing as immaculate as the setting itself. I catch the scent of lycans everywhere, but there are other species too—beings whose scents I can’t quite place. It’s intriguing, adding another layer of mystery to the night.

Beta Carter leads us inside, weaving through the crowd effortlessly. Everywhere we go, people greet him warmly, a testament to his popularity here. I notice we receive our fair share of attention as well—some admiring glances, others filled with envy or curiosity. It’s clear that Carter’s influence extends far and wide, but there’s also something about our presence that seems to stir reactions from those around us.

The castle’s ballroom is nothing short of extraordinary. As we step through the doors, I’m momentarily stunned by the sheer beauty of it all. The entire room is a vision of white, from the walls to the floor, and the lighting is mesmerizing. A massive crystal chandelier hangs above us, casting a soft, ethereal glow across the room. Thousands of string lights hang from the ceiling, twinkling like stars and adding a dreamlike quality to the space. The room feels like a wonderland—elegant, magical, and utterly breathtaking.

Carter guides us to a beautifully set table. “Make yourselves comfortable,” he says, his eyes glazing over slightly. “I’ll be back soon,” he promises before excusing himself.

As he leaves, a waiter approaches, pouring us each a glass of wine and setting down an assortment of nibbles on the table. I take a sip of the wine, the rich flavor bursting on my tongue. The ambiance of the room, the gentle music playing in the background, and the soft hum of conversation create a relaxing atmosphere. But my mind keeps drifting back to the golden box tucked away in my clutch. What will the king think of my gift? Will it be enough? The anticipation for the night ahead begins to build as I take in the dazzling surroundings.