FUKAYNA
The sun was setting, colouring the spring sky with gold, orange, and bluish-violet hues, resembling drifting clouds. The last rays of the sun reflected on the serene water of the lake below the hill, which was filled with trees and precious fauna. Atop the hill stood our palace, where we resided. The entire Carpathian Mountains belonged to us, and beyond that, my Alpha King father extended his influence. Furthermore, he held the title of Alpha King over the entire European continent, with only a few packs refusing to submit to his authority. All other packs were under his command.
As I stood in the middle of the well-manicured lawn, I surveyed my surroundings. The lawn was expansive and beautiful, adorned with pine trees, fruit trees, and various wood sources. Adjacent to the palace was a garden filled with an array of colourful flowers, including tulips, roses, marguerites, lilacs, and peonies.
The palace, which had stood for more than a couple of centuries, was constructed using a combination of concrete, iron, stone, bricks, and glass. It boasted more than a dozen windows in both the front and back, featuring bay, single-row dormer, and glass block designs. Its mansard roof was embellished with red tiles, and the main rectangular-shaped structure was adorned with four cone-like roofed towers, lending it a grand and majestic atmosphere. Observers could easily perceive the six-floor building’s sublime beauty and robustness.
Invincible.
Impregnable.
Our territory was diligently guarded along the borders by various packs that remained loyal to my father. Additionally, a contingent of Epsilons was stationed around the hill to ensure our safety.
Occasional invasions by our vampire adversaries occurred, but thus far, they had been unsuccessful in their attempts.
However, my current thoughts centred on devising an escape plan from this place. Regardless of the preparations underway for my birthday party, featuring vibrant decorations such as balloons, flowers, and other ornaments adorning the lawn, I yearned for freedom. Long tables were neatly arranged, and a makeshift stage stood proudly in the courtyard, where I would be expected to make a grand appearance. Nevertheless, I couldn’t help but imagine Neb Er Tcher being fully prepared to take over in due time. The sensation of his presence on my skin sent tingles throughout my body.
“Don’t even think about taking over my body at the moment, Neb Er Tcher,” I warned him in my mind, a smile playing on my lips as I looked at one of my favourite Omegas.
Omorose, with her gentle demeanour, held a special place in my heart. She was approximately the same age as my mother and a close friend of hers. Hailing from Egypt, she had made the decision to accompany my mother to Romania when she married my father. Embracing her new life, Omorose became an integral part of my father’s expanding pack. However, my mother’s original pack, comprising her family and friends, remained in Egypt, separated from us by distance and circumstance.
“Your body, your rules as you said. But I’ll eventually have my time to rule you, remember that, Kayna,” the wolf answered me.
I just answered it with a discreet scoff.
“Aren’t you getting ready, dear Fukayna? You have to change your clothes!” Omorose reminded me.
“Oh, right!” I smiled at her.
“Need my help?” she asked in Egyptian Arabic. I just loved her accent.
I shrugged, motioning for her to accompany me as we entered the interior of the palace. The entire space appeared impeccably clean and well-maintained. The floors, as well as the staircases swathed with spiral brass bannisters, were crafted from pristine white marble. Silver, known to be our weakness, was noticeably absent from the surroundings. Similarly, we kept our distance from wolfsbane, understanding its lethal effect on our kind.
As we made our way further inside, the grand crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling cast their radiant glow. The soft melodies of jazz filled the air, emanating from somewhere outside near the stage, a thoughtful arrangement orchestrated by my father’s Omega.
I mean, who’d play jazz music at someone’s sixteenth birthday party?
He always had a desire to be a DJ, but if you were to ask me, his taste in music left much to be desired on my part. Nevertheless, everyone seemed to tolerate it, and their kindness compelled me to follow suit. Yet, if I had my way, I would have preferred to snap and scream at him, telling him to play hard rock.
I reached the top of the gracefully curved second-floor staircase and found my parents waiting for me. They were already dressed up in their party attire. My father wore a dapper three-piece suit, complete with polished dress shoes, exuding an air of elegance and power. On the other hand, my mother donned her customary Egyptian ensemble, resembling a modern Cleopatra. Her exquisite velvet gown boasted a recurring Egyptian pattern, with diamond shapes embellished with centred dots. The lines were accented in gold, and the dress featured front slits and delicate gold trims. Completing her ensemble were gold gladiator sandals, an Egyptian collar, and a belt crafted from genuine gold. Furnished in these regal garments, my mother’s appearance was truly stunning, and she undeniably resembled a queen—my father’s Luna Queen.
“You look amazing, Mom, Dad!” I praised them.
My mother enveloped me in her embrace. “Oh, my darling! Thank you. But we must hurry before our guests arrive,” she urged, a sense of urgency in her voice.
I closed my eyes for a brief moment, relishing the familiar scent of jasmine that emanated from my mother’s embrace. The delicate floral fragrance filled my senses, evoking a sense of comfort and familiarity. I then turned to my father and embraced him as well, inhaling the distinctive aroma of his spicy musk scent. The combination of scents, intertwined with the love and warmth of my parents, created a comforting and familiar atmosphere.
I’m sorry, Mom, Dad, but I have to do this tonight.
“Okay,” I replied, a sense of determination in my voice as I swiftly ascended the stairs, reaching the sixth floor. Omorose followed closely behind me, keeping pace with my hurried steps.
My room was large, where fifty or more could sleep in a king-sized bed. It had its own spacious bathroom, walk-in closet, appliances, a study table, a vanity, and other items that any rich girl would need. The windows were closed, and the pastel blue lace curtains were drawn together. They matched the powder blue colour of the walls, which had a couple of landscape paintings hung on them that faced my bed.
I looked around, thinking I would be leaving this room soon. I might not see it again for the rest of my life if everything turned out badly after tonight.
There was something pricking behind my eyeballs, but I blinked fast to avoid crying in front of Omorose.
She brought out a light peach-coloured backless embroidered mesh cami dress from the closet. It had spaghetti straps, a high waist design, and a flared hem. I didn’t think much about the dress or the heels that would go with it; I just took them from Omorose and went to the bathroom.
After taking a quick shower, I changed into the said dress and put on my heels. Omorose helped me with light makeup and styled my long, thick dark hair into a high ponytail. She added some hair decorations that dangled on either side of my face. I adorned myself with numerous pieces of jewellery—necklaces, bracelets, anklets, earrings, and rings. These were all gifts from my parents and their friends since I was little. I planned on taking all this jewellery with me when I run away from home tonight.
But before disappearing, perhaps forever, I would give them a show. However, could I really escape from my father’s wolf sentinels?