The Moon Shadow : The Wolfrik Trilogy | Book 1

by K. Rea

  “Since you’re discussing it already. Have you decided if you’ll choose one path over another?” Lady Cleo asked.

  “Could I pick my husband out of the suitors the High Council is choosing? If I choose that option, that is,” I asked quietly. Lady Cleo smiled.

  “Absolutely, I’ve already arranged it. Now that the Wolfrik curse is broken, your life expectancy is longer. You’ll want to choose wisely. An arranged marriage is not out of the ordinary; it used to occur all the time. The humans adopted the tradition from us, one of many traditions actually. As a married woman, it would afford you more rights and protections that are denied to concubines. It is something to consider carefully,” Lady Cleo said. I frowned.

  “Don’t make that face. Concubines are not born or even sold into service at Court. Citizens become concubines if they’ve broken particular laws and lose their status, protections, and rights as citizens. If you serve the blood debt, you will still be bonded to the Kensley House,” Lady Cleo explained. I still thought it was an archaic method of control. Same as their use of marriage.

  “Do you have any further questions or requests?” Lady Cleo asked.

  “It’s a wedding ceremony, what is there to ask? I have no further questions,” I stated. Lady Cleo hesitated for a moment, as if she wanted to say more. Then she only smiled softly and began removing the most beautiful navy dress from the garment bag.

  “It’s mostly all for show, anyway. The partnership makes a bond, not a ceremony, well, unless a spell is involved. You know better than to give your free will away. I will leave you in Becca’s hands to get ready. She is a marvel when it comes to preparing for events. I will return to escort you to Court once you are ready this evening,” Lady Cleo said stiffly before leaving, the door locking behind her.

  “You’re my keeper for the day, aren’t you?” I asked, looking to Becca as she ran the midnight fabric between her fingers.

  “And your healer, instructor, stylist, and hopefully friend,” Becca said almost shyly.

  “My instructor?” I asked.

  “Grandmother thought it would be unfortunate if the king took offense at your lack of decorum. I’m supposed to instruct you on ladylike behavior,” Becca said with a laugh.

  “Fine, show me,” I agreed begrudgingly. The hours passed as she showed me the correct posture and pose that would please the king while also representing my rank within the Court. She also taught me the proper way to greet the malevolent king. Once satisfied with my poses, we moved onto my looks while she talked about life at Court in the coven. She helped to buff, primp, strip and soften my rough edges from my toes to my nails. I looked better than I had in months before she even started on my hair.

  “Are you married, Becca? Or perhaps a have beau?” I asked as she worked the tangles from my hair.

  “Not married yet; Rowan and I will be married in the spring at the equinox,” Mistress Becca said.

  “Why wait? Don’t rowan trees ward off magic?” I asked.

  “His family has a complicated history. He is a druid, his parents named him for the tree, but he has magic aplenty,” Becca breathed, a faint blush coloring her face. She took her hands from my hair and looked at me through the mirror, her face fierce and severe.

  “If I may be so bold, Evelyn—choose wisely. Few folks would rise against the king, but many will not tolerate you being harmed. You have more friends than you realize. Lady Cleo, grandmother, and I would not be here otherwise. You have friends in the vampire quarter as well; they just may be harder to recognize. The Court is far larger than this palace, but this palace is the center of the Court. Above all, do not anger the king, at least not any further. We can only do so much to protect you. We can only portray you as the misguided, uneducated exile for so long. It won’t be an acceptable excuse much longer,” Becca warned. A knock at the door prevented her from saying more. The apartment door opened slowly.

  “Ladies, may I come in?” Aiden’s voice thundered from the doorway.

  “Yes,” Becca said with a smile. He sauntered in slowly, taking in the chaos of his living room. Becca had covered almost every flat surface in yarn, toiletries, and supplies. His gaze paused on me, still in jeans and a tank top. His surprise flickered for a moment in the arch of his eyebrows before his face smoothed back into a neutral court demeanor.

  “I was hoping to take Lady Evelyn out for some fresh air if there’s still time?” Aiden asked, looking to Becca.

  “Plenty, my prince,” Becca said with a slight head bob, still trying to instill Court decorum on me. I snorted and crossed my arms. I wouldn’t bow to him unless my life depended on it. I drew the line at kings, and he was no king.

  “Care for a walk, little wolf?” he asked.

  “Sounds delightful. I’m going to need shoes,” I said.

  “Here, take these,” Becca said, reaching behind her and grabbing a pair of soft cream-colored slippers she had crocheted since being here. I took them and slipped them on.

  “Please be back before sunset so I can finish your hair in time,” Becca requested. Aiden held the door open in front of me.

  “After you,” he said with a smile.

  “I don’t know where we’re going,” I said, stepping out of the apartment.

  “I’ll show you; it’s close. We’re going to the courtyard. The door on the right just up ahead,” Aiden said as soon as I saw a plain wooden door. No color, no symbols. I looked back to the vampire prince. He looked better than he did last night. I wondered for a moment who the friend was that he fed on.

  “The door is unlocked,” Aiden said. I tested the handle, finding he was right. It swung open on oiled hinges. “It’s walled in, but it is a good amount of space—fresh air and light. No one else has access to it. It’s my private escape here at Court.”

  The black walls that fenced in the courtyard were barely visible behind all the greenery. Delicate vines of jasmine scaled the walls. There was an assortment of fruit and nut trees planted around the space. In the center, a water fountain flowed. It was a sculpture of a woman dancing, designed to look like she was dancing in the rain. The attention to detail striking, I expected her to twirl right off the pedestal. Two benches rested next to the fountain. All the plants and stone in the courtyard appeared meticulously maintained. The only item out of place was a phone sitting on a bench. I looked back at Aiden.

  “The phone works. The only number programmed into it is your brother’s. You won’t be able to keep it. Unless you’d like me to stay, I’m going to step out. I’ll lock the door behind me. Knock when you’re ready to return to Becca or if you’d like company,” Aiden said, making no move to stop me when I picked the phone up.

  “Why? Why are you doing this?”

  “You should be allowed the chance to talk to your family on a day like this. I can’t give you freedom, but a phone call is the least I can do. A proper goodbye, I’ll be outside,” Aiden said before turning his back on me and walking out the door we came through. I waited for the lock to click in place before dialing Orion’s number. It rang twice.

  “Evelyn, is that you?” Orion’s voice echoed on the other end.

  FOURTEEN

  The phone call was brief. Orion reassured me they were safe. He promised me he was working on getting me out, pouring over all of father’s legal books. I sat next to the fountain until I got my emotions under control after hanging up, then pounded on the door. The lock clicked, and the door swung open. He held his hand out for the phone. He made no comment on my swollen eyes as I placed the phone in his warm hand. He slipped the phone into the back pocket of his jeans.

  “There’s still time. Would you like to sit or go back?” Aiden asked.

  “I’m ready to go back. Becca is waiting for me,” I said. “The sculpture, is it of someone?”

  “Yes, an old friend. She passed away almost fifteen years ago. She was human, but she acted
more like a sprite. It’s time we go,” Aiden said stiffly, then stepped back from the door to allow me through. He locked the door behind me and escorted me back to his apartment. He followed me in.

  “Good, you’re back! It’s nearing sunset. We best get your hair and makeup done. It would be unfortunate to keep everyone waiting on a night as fine as this,” Becca said.

  “I need to grab a few items, then I’ll be out of your ladies’ way,” Aiden said as he ducked into his room. I wondered if there was more to Becca than she let on and if I could trust her. How far would my unseen allies help me? Not enough to orchestrate an escape, I thought bitterly, only to realize that perhaps the coven had tried.

  Once Becca finished styling my hair, it fell in soft curled waves over my neck and shoulders. Aiden left before she even started on my hair, dropping a duffle bag by the door.

  Becca brought me the dress. It was a sleek, midnight blue halter with what looked like crystals sewn into it. The dress resembled the night sky, at least the parts of it that covered my body. After Becca finished my makeup, she handed me a pair of soft silver flats that sparkled like the crystals in the dress. She had me stand in front of a mirror.

  I was paler than normal; the darkness of the dress made my skin appear to glow. I was thankful my hair was long. It helped to cover my neck, shoulders, and back that were all exposed by the dress. I was even grateful for the silver twisting up my arms. That soft icy touch reminded me this was real, that it was happening and not some dream. By all appearances, I looked fit for a gala, not a wedding. A knock at the door startled me. Becca left to answer it, and Lady Cleo returned in the finest white iridescent dress I had ever seen. Mistress Tessa stood at her side in an ivory dress. She smiled at me.

  “Oh, you look perfect, Lady Evelyn,” Lady Cleo said, “Marvelous job Becca! She’s stunning.”

  “Thank you, Becca. Rowan is waiting for you with the coven,” Mistress Tessa said to her granddaughter. Becca grabbed my hand and pulled a glittering piece of metal from her pocket. She fixed a delicate diamond and white gold filigree mask over my face.

  “May the Goddess of Night give you strength, Evelyn, and a bit of luck,” Becca said. She hugged me, then left me alone with the councilwomen. I looked into the mirror again; the mask was nearly translucent and matched the silver around my arms. It gave the appearance of stardust and swirls across my face.

  “If it’s to be my wedding ceremony, why are you two in white? And what’s with the masks?” I asked, a bit surprised. Mistress Tessa chuckled.

  “It is an old Court tradition that the king wanted to follow this evening. Depending on the event, the debutante or bride wears darker colors, usually navy, red, evergreen, or black. The women wear ivory and white in their honor; to do otherwise is an insult,” Mistress Tessa explained. “This is to be a debut, and hopefully, a wedding. It is being celebrated as a masquerade; the Court loves a good reason to dress up.”

  “Debuts are highlights of the year; the upper echelons of Court will be there. Well, minus the werewolves, they’re all gone or on perimeter duty. Everyone will be in their finery tonight in your honor. We consider you nobility, and you look it. After the debut, you will make your choice in a more private setting,” Lady Cleo spoke as she ushered me out of the apartment and down the hall.

  “Do not be surprised if the men make some rather risqué statements. We expect it in part to your aura, but also because of your reputation. It is normal considering your age and growing power. I’m not a witch, and even I can feel your strength growing. If you weren’t wearing the silver, you’d be humming with it, perhaps even glowing. The silver won’t mute your aura much longer. Do you feel it?” Lady Cleo asked. The silver irritation seemed to wane, and the wolf grew restless with each passing minute. Before I was ready, we were in front of the black double doors.

  “We’ve done what we can to help you, but now it’s on you. Try not to lose your temper. If you choose marriage, there are a handful of men selected as potential grooms. You can choose one. You should be able to feel your wolf. Trust yourself, and you’ll make the right choice,” Mistress Tessa said. “May the Goddess of Night protect you.”

  “Right now, your job is to walk to the platform and present yourself to King Gaius. Do not let anyone stop you, and do not provoke anyone,” Lady Cleo stressed. “We will see you after your debut to Court when you make your choice.”

  Lady Cleo pushed the black doors open. The masked crowd inside was unfathomable. I took a steadying breath, then stepped into the throne room. I looked back for Lady Cleo and Mistress Tessa, but the doors had already closed. They were gone, or already among the crowd.

  Shades of ivory, ebony, and navy surrounded me unless it glittered or glowed. Vases of white and black roses sat on navy candlelit tables; the smell made my stomach flip. Navy curtains flanked the open balconies, letting in a cool breeze. The scent of jasmine and evergreen trees hung in the air. The starry night sky peeked through the open doors to bear witness. I felt like as much a decoration as the surrounding spectacle.

  Though the night was young, the gala was in full swing, and clearly not for my benefit. The women in the room wore costumes in shades of ivory and white. Some women wore intricate ball gowns, others short cocktail dresses. A quick glance showed masks inspired by swans, foxes, and even wolves in the evening light. Though the women were eye-catching in the crowd like stars, it was only because the men in their dark attire outnumbered them. They were like shadows moving across the crowd.

  My presence did not go unnoticed for long. Many of the men in the room were already crowding the path I needed that led to the dais at the front of the room. Their dark suits and masks seemed to highlight the predator in each of them. They had no reservations about sharing their negative opinions of me.

  “… savage she-wolf…”

  “… rightful princess…”

  “… worthless whore…”

  “… Wolfrik Queen…”

  “… wife…”

  “… would-be murderess…”

  “… beautiful temptress…”

  “… someone’s curse…”

  “… someone’s bride…”

  “… Shadow Queen…”

  The comments swirled around me, repeating and changing—some light, some dark—none reassuring. I ignored the commentary with my head held high and walked on. At least I tried. I had made it to the middle of the room when a man reached for me. His actions emboldened the rest. One vampire laid a hand on me. I growled, baring my teeth, and he quickly retreated, splashing the drink in his hand with a laugh. Thankfully, the other men drew back far enough I could see King Gaius ahead. I quickened my pace as much as the flats would allow, thankful Becca hadn’t put me in heels. The king smiled darkly at me.

  “King Gaius,” I said, bowed my head, and curtsied as Becca suggested. The crowd at my back grew quiet. The king sat on the dais alone except for Lady Abigail at his side. Her dress the palest shade of teal, though not white. There were fresh bite marks on her arms, the jewels in her hair arranged like a crown. The mermaid ambassador had no qualms about spilling blood to get what she wanted.

  “Yes?” King Gaius asked as if he didn’t expect an answer.

  “My name is Evelyn Adeline Wolfrik of the Clan Wolfrik. Tonight, I present myself as your subject,” I exclaimed, rising from my curtsy as Becca had coached.

  “Lady Evelyn, welcome to Court, and happy birthday,” King Gaius said as he raised a glass. The Court cheered before turning back to their festivities.

  “Lady Evelyn, come closer. I wish to talk,” Gaius beckoned, his compulsion soft against my mind like fingers tapping on a table. It still felt oily, wrong. My wolf bristled at the command. I approached his throne. The princes’ seats were empty; they were most likely enjoying the lavish affair unfolding behind me. The rest of the Council was absent except for Lady Abigail, her hand caressed the king�
�s shoulder.

  “You look ravishing. Have you chosen your path?” Gaius asked.

  “I was told I might assess the suitors before I made my choice, my king,” I explained, bowing my head although it went against every nerve in my body. I bit my lip almost to the point of bleeding.

  “Follow me then,” King Gaius and Lady Abigail walked away into a side room, and I nervously followed past one of the many open bars set up. An emerald cocktail dress caught my attention first; Ciara smiled when she knew I saw her. Her green eyes flashed as she raised a glass of blood in my direction with a nod of her head. A familiar merman at her side stared at me with contempt. Ciara drank the glass back like a shot, grabbed his hand, and disappeared into the crowd that watched my every move. For a moment, I was frozen as I watched the spot where she had disappeared. No innocent girl would have looked so smug, so shameless over killing another unjustly. I took a step in her direction; I’d kill her as soon as I could get my hands on her. Princess or not, that vampire would regret the day she crossed paths with my family.

  “Not today,” Lady Cleo whispered, her hand gentle on my arm, her eyes cloudy. “Soon, but not today. Go, the king waits for no one.”

  I was faintly aware of the other High Council members following behind us. As I stepped into the room, the potent smell of wood-smoke overwhelmed my senses. The room was stifling; rowan wood burned hot in two separate fires. Inside, alongside the king and Lady Abigail, Mistress Tessa and Sir Michael waited with five masked men.

  “Per the Council’s request, rowan wood has been burning in this room for the better part of the day. While in the room, it neutralizes powers including vampire compulsion and witch spells,” Lady Abigail said, her voice still melodic. I wondered if the rowan smoke worked on her and her voice.

  “These are your suitors, or if you choose—your mark,” King Gaius gestured to the five men and an iron bar resting in a smoldering fireplace. My gaze caught on the bar, and deep in the embers, a blazing K glowed. The king meant to brand me.