by KC Kellersen
A Touch of Fear
The Wolves of Ayorlyn
By: KC Kellersen
The Wolves of Ayorlyn Series, Book 1:
Just a touch of Fear
Copyright © 2021
written by KC Kellersen
ISBN: 9798585317293
Imprint: Independently published
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or used in any manner without written permission of the copyright owner except for the use of quotations in a book review.
To my family who has been behind me in every endeavor:
Thank you for your undying support as I made this dream a reality!
Contents
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Prologue
A long time ago there was a young man named Fenrir. He was accused of killing a demigod who walked the earth, the Sun God’s child. As punishment the Sun God, Trys, transformed Fenrir into a wolf. When Fenrir was let loose in the wild, he attacked a wolf pack and attempted to kill their Alpha, Marca. The Moon Goddess, Reyna, felt betrayed by the Sun God, for the wolves were her beloved creation. In order to save both the man and the mortally wounded wolf, she combined their spirits into Fenrir’s body. But Renya didn’t stop there, she also gave Fenrir the ability to shift between forms. Thus, the first wolf-shifter was created.
Trys was angered by Reyna’s interference in his punishment. Trys granted the wolf even more power, causing Fenrir to lose control once more. Marca became the dominant spirit and was dangerous to both humans and wolves alike. The Moon Goddess decided to beat Trys at his own game by correcting the balance and calming the wolf-spirit once and for all. Reyna found Kena, a perfect human match for Fenrir and merged her spirit with the spirit of Marca’s mate, Deja.
In order to remove temptation for Trys, Renya blocked off the human world from where Fenrir had made his home and hid it from Trys’ view. It would be for the current humans who lived there, and the wolf-shifters. Fenrir took his new power as a wolf-shifter and created the Kingdom of Ayorlyn, for his mate. This was year one of the wolf. Once his kingdom was prospering in a world full of humans, they decided it was time to conceive a child, an heir for both human and wolf combined. When the child was born a human male with no wolf-spirit, they tried again and again. After four boys and one girl, all with no wolf-spirit, they finally quit trying.
Kena, and her wolf-spirit Deja, prayed to the Moon Goddess every night for 10 years, for a wolf-spirit to be granted to her children. Renya, however, had a plan in place already. She determined they would receive their wolf-spirits once they became of mature age or when they could control the power. She also picked mates for them, to keep the balance for the next generation. Once the oldest boy reached his 20th year he shifted into his wolf, shortly after, his mate was gifted a wolf-spirit as well. The King and Queen were so excited that they portioned off a section of their kingdom and let them run their own pack, as Alpha and Luna. Each of the sons were given the same gift when they reached of age. Effectively sectioning the kingdom into the four territories; Moon Valley, Ironridge, Riverlands, and Stillforest. Renya granted each new alpha a power allowing them control of the people who resided there, to keep the peace.
The King and Queen passed the crown of Ayorlyn to their daughter and her mate. During the coronation ceremony, Fenrir shifted the extra power he possessed to the new Queen; It would be forever known as the royal power. The alphas and the new Queen decided to plan the wolf-shifters future together. They needed a way to expand their line of wolves and keep their kingdom in peace. It was decided that the alphas first-born son would become the future alpha of the outlaying territories. The Queens first-born daughter would become the next Queen of Ayorlyn. With the royal power, she would keep the peace amongst the packs.
When the second Queen of Ayorlyn gave birth to her heir, the four Alphas’ adored the new princess so much they offered their sons to protect her. Since their first-born sons would receive the alpha power of their territories one day, they each left their second born son to protect her. These boys became the Queens protectors. And thus, our peace was created. For over 700 years the Kingdom of Ayorlyn was a peaceful place to live. Hidden from the human world, wolf-shifters and humans flourished.
But the sun god did not forget his feud with Renya. Instead he interfered once more. Sending a darkness from the human world into Ayorlyn.
Renya watched her beloved wolves lose their path, as the dark forces of Trys worked behind the scenes. Renya was not about to sit back and be an idle observer. She would not wait 700 years to retaliate. She devised her own plans to stop Trys once more. With everything in place, she sent a prophecy to each of the packs Luna’s:
At the right time the White wolf will appear, mending bonds she will end the reign of fear. On the darkest day in the darkest hour, the white she-wolf will reveal her power. With three to protect she is not alone, her mate by her side she will claim the throne.
Chapter 1
Alina’s POV
I sighed, leaning back against the tall oak tree. Kion, my black gelding grazed lazily in the tall grass. While Zev, my black raven, hopped around my tangled legs trying to get my attention. It was normally an appreciated and enjoyable life; especially since it wasn’t always this good. However, today I felt fear darkening the early fall afternoon.
I studied my home across the valley from where I sat. The legendary First Village of Ayorlyn, which hasn’t been used since around year 15 of the shifter. For the last 775 years it sat vacant while nature tried to restore it, until my mother brought us here. Before that we were always running, or rather hiding. Going from one place to another, trying to stay out of reach from Queen Lillian. Without the presence of her human sentries, it is the first place we have lived where we were truly safe. The main house, which we call the packhouse, stood at the top of the hill, nestled into the tree’s. It would be hard to see if I didn’t know it was there. The other stone cottages were inside the tree’s and you could only see portions of roof sticking out here and there. The village was no longer on any map, was far off the beaten path, and blended nicely into the trees. It would be sheer luck if anyone found us here. Sheer bad luck.
I wished I could stay here forever and forget the world outside. Forget Queen Lillian and all her crimes to the people. Forget the wolves who were going missing. I wished I had never gone with my father on a supply run to Stillforest yesterday. I felt like such a coward for wishing that and I hated it. I pulled my knees into my chest, wrapped my arms around them, and rested my head atop them. Kion and Zev were both happy here. They each had found freedom and so had I, once. But I was no longer free, I was now muted by fear.
Zev continued bouncing around, trying to gain my attention. I just couldn’t find it in myself to offer comfort, not when I needed it. I hated that I needed it, but I did. As if he heard my desperation, Liam approached from behind me. He must have run up here, because I could hear his wolfs heavy breathing as he panted for breath.
I didn’t turn around, he needed time to shift forms
and put on some shorts. Seeing him naked wouldn’t be anything new, but it was not my favorite thing.
After a moment, I looked over as he sat next to me, mimicking my posture. His blonde hair was disheveled, and his tall body was dripping with sweat. He looked at me with pain in his bright blue eyes. I hated knowing that I had hurt him with my actions, or lack thereof.
“What’s wrong little one? You’ve been avoiding me since you got back from Stillforest,” he said sadly. Liam was not my brother by blood but since I was 10 years old, he has been there for me; teasing me, playing with me, and protecting me. If not my brother than definitely my best friend.
“It’s not you Liam… I just... feel like a coward.” There was never any lies between us, so honesty was the best course. He would read it on my face anyways if I tried. He knew me too well.
“Why would you feel that way? And why are you hiding?” he asked, genuinely concerned. This was not my normal behavior. I was always the wild and outgoing one, between the two of us. But that was because I was never included in missions against Lillian before. I knew now, how I would react. Once I got my wolf-spirit, I would be as brave as them, by nature. But if I stayed and waited for my wolf-spirit, I would always know that I was truly a coward inside.
“Yesterday in the village, I caught sight of the alphas. I decided to sneak up close to them, close enough to hear them talking,” I said but I couldn’t finish the story. They were talking about needing new servants in the castle, and how Irene, whoever she was, would be choosing in 3 days’ time from the market in the Kingdoms center.
If I never went, I would never have heard them. I wouldn’t have decided to leave my home, to do my part in the war. And I wouldn’t be doubting my courage now. I hated feeling cowardly. My whole family was so selfless and brave. They all fought openly against Lillian and here I was, scared to do my part.
“Why does that make you feel like a coward?” he asked confused.
“Because I know what I have to do, and I am scared to do it,” I said in a low tone. I didn’t elaborate and he wouldn’t ask me to. He knew I would talk about it more when I was ready.
“Don’t be scared Alina. Everything will work out like it is meant to.” We sat in comfortable silence just seeming to enjoy the afternoon, but the emotions didn’t stop churning through me.
Finally, after a long sigh he said, “Come on little one. Let’s race home. You parents got word back from the raid in Moon Valley.”
“I will race you on one condition,” I said sternly. “Human form only!”
He pouted his lip out like a child. “Oh, come on! That’s cheating!”
“No, cheating would be shifting into your wolf form, when I don’t have one to shift into,” I choked out and laughed. I already knew he would agree to my terms. He would do anything to cheer me up, and a race against Liam always cheered me up. I gave Kion a smack on the butt and told him to go home. He took off down the slight hill towards the village.
Liam frowned at me while I stretched my legs. When I was done, with a count down from 3 the race was on. I beat him down the hill, as expected, and kept running through the valley.
I felt the long yellow grass tickling my legs as I ran. This was how I used to feel all the time here; Free and happy. The fear that had plagued my childhood was lifted when my mother found the village. It was back now, ten times worse… I stopped the thought and let my character doubts and fears fall away.
I looked behind me and saw Liam trying to catch me. His eyes were a set-in determination. He should know better by now. He may be stronger, but I was faster. I gave him a smug smile over my shoulder, and he pushed himself harder with a huff. I felt him coming up close behind me, so I too, pushed myself a little harder. I could run even faster still. But if I got too far away from him, he would cheat and shift into his wolf. I was no match for him in wolf form. So, I kept him just close enough to keep him human and honest.
When I got back to the village first, I laughed with glee and shouted, “I WIN!” People were looking at me, out of the few stone cottages we fixed up, but I didn’t care. In our crazy life of hiding, this was the first place we could be ourselves and have a little fun. Liam finished the race just a few seconds after I did.
He said, “Yeah, but I can still kick your ass.”
I scoffed even though I knew it was true. “You keep thinking that big guy. In a real fight my superior endurance and speed would outlast your over muscled attacks!” With his long arms and beefy muscles, he relied on his strength too much, and he knew it. When we sparred, he did kick my ass, but I was getting better. I gave him my most innocent smile and bounced around waiting for him to catch his breath.
“Come on little one, lets head back to your parents,” Liam said when he got his breath back. I groaned aloud; I wasn’t ready to go back. I wasn’t ready to face my fears. No! I knew what I needed to do. I wouldn’t back out! I wouldn’t be a coward! With my resolve strengthening slightly, I let out a whistle and Zev landed on my shoulder. His black feathers became iridescent, shimmering purple and blue in the sun light. I scratched under his neck as I walked side by side with Liam, up the main street towards the packhouse. Towards home.
The stone path, that led from the gates to the packhouse was in rough repair. Nature really was trying to reclaim the village. There were tree’s uprooting the stones in places and grass grew through the cracks. What used to be the main courtyard, that connected all the cottages, was now just a circle with scattered tree’s and broken statues.
The packhouse was a large single-story stone building with a wooden roof. It had two suites, five additional bedrooms, four washrooms, a dining hall, and a large kitchen. The building itself was in decent repair when we got here, with the exception of the two large trees that grew up through the dining hall and out the roof. Dad chose to leave the tree’s, took out the east wall, and added arched pillars. It opened up the room to the outside. As wolf-shifters we much preferred open spaces and fresh air. So, having the dining hall with live tree’s and open air made it much more comfortable.
Over the last year, we have had to update all the furnishing, and dad overhauled the kitchen. It was slow going since we couldn’t buy items from the market in Ayorlyn’s center, and we were nowhere near the veils portal to the human world. It was home. More home than anything we had in the past.
“Mom! Dad! We’re back,” I called as we entered the packhouse, though with their wolf hearing, it wasn’t necessary. I went straight to the kitchen and got two glasses of water from the tap, as was our normal.
Liam sat at the small dining table and waited for my parents to show up. “Hey Nana, Mark. How did the raid go?” Liam asked as my parents entered the kitchen.
“Not great. We got no new word on the missing wolf-shifters,” Dad said. He sat curving his tall lean body into the small chair. He looked so comfortable, but I knew he never showed his real stress over the raids. His short black hair was perfectly in place, his silver eyes were calm, and his face relaxed. He was in his 55th year but, being a wolf-shifter, he looked more like my older brother than my father.
My mother stood right behind him and placed her hands on his shoulders. My mother was much shorter than my dad’s 6-foot frame at only 5’ 3”, she was a small, petite woman. Her flawless skin, bright blue eyes, and button nose gave her almost a childlike appearance. Her strength was clear in her lean muscles though. She too, looked way younger than her 50 years.
“We did finally get confirmation on a rogue’s marking. They do not have any of the four packs’ tattoos, instead they bare a white wolf marking with a crown,” my mother said. She tried to hide her stress like father, but the worry in her eyes gave her away.
Liam stole the words from my mouth and said, “That doesn’t make any sense. If they have a crown marking, why are they attacking Lillian’s human sentries?”
“That’s the problem, we don’t know what’s going on. We need more information. We need to know who is creating the rogues. If it’s
not Lillian, then perhaps it’s the white wolf, from the prophecy. We also need to know what is happening to the wolf-shifters who are taken by the Queens men. We need too much information, but I am not sure how to get it. No one is talking, and those who are, don’t know anything,” Mom said with resignation. This was a first for her. She always was the one with the plan. Her plans have kept us safe for the past 9 years.
My stomach dropped with dread. This was the perfect time to tell them my plans. You can do this, I chanted in my head while taking a deep breath.
“Mom… we will have someone inside the castle.” They were not going to take this well. Hell, I wasn’t taking this well. I bucked up and continued, “I heard in Stillforest that the castle is looking for new servants. I plan on leaving tomorrow.” My voice sounded shaky and unsure, even to my ears. That wouldn’t help convince them, but I’m not so sure I wanted to.
“What are you talking about Alina?” Dad asked with surprise in his face. My mother sat hard in the chair next to Liam, but I dared not look their direction, yet.
Perhaps telling the backstory would give me strength. “Do you remember when I was in my 10th year and I snuck out into the street?” I asked.
“Yes, it was hours until we found you again. When we did, you had Zev on your shoulder like he was born there,” Dad replied with both censure and humor in his voice.
“I got lost. I was scared and hiding from the sentries in an alley. This bird came flying down the alley towards me” I scratched Zev’s neck and he squawked at me. “Right behind him was a boy, maybe in his 15th or 16th year. I thought it was Liam at first. But when he started asking about Liam, I thought I was in trouble. He didn’t turn me in though, we just talked for a minute. When a group of sentries came down the alley, he headed them off and drew them away from me. Leaving Zev behind.”