Page 59 of A Luna's Dynasty
“I know all about werewolves, and they are my kind. I’m part werewolf too, remember?” Lita didn’t like how he worded that. As if werewolves weren’t her kind because she was part fairy. She watched as his lips curled up in disdain.
“Werewolves … such a divisive species. They fight among themselves. Each pack has a luna and an alpha … so many leaders, ruling their own little groups. They have too many human characteristics.”
“You don’t like werewolves?” She watched as he shook his head. “But I’m half werewolf. So, do you have a problem with me?” His eyes softened and a small smile reached his lips.
“You are so much more than a werewolf. You feel it too … the werewolf part of you isn’t as strong because your fairy powers are waking up. You are one of a kind, Lita. We’ve all been waiting for you.” He shook his head. “You have no idea how special you are … how important you are to us. There are so many werewolf packs out there. Hundreds of alphas and lunas, right? But among fairies, it’s different. There is only one fairy kingdom in the entire world. ONE! Among those fairies, there are different levels of power. There are also those considered dark fairies and high fairies, but Elysia is still their kingdom. But then there’s you … you are the only high fairy that is also mixed with the blood of an alpha. You’re special and important to the fairy world. Once you awaken, you’ll understand better.”
“Funny.” She scoffed with a bitter laugh. “The word important … and me. You know, I was alone … an outsider, my entire life. The moment I begin to belong somewhere, now the fairies want to show up and say I’m important to them. Where were they before, when I was a child, growing up in a pack that didn’t want me?!”
“We were forbidden to go near you. It wasn’t until we picked up your scent that we knew we were finally allowed to see you.”
“Forbidden? By who?” Lita watched as he shifted on his hooves uncomfortably.
“There are fairies who outrank others. Like a guardian, you don’t disobey them or you could face the consequences. A guardian could destroy our entire village if they wanted to. Of course, you know about guardians—”
“No, I don’t.”
He sighed and she could see he was searching for words to describe them. “They are powerful, but they don’t tap into theirultimate power unless it becomes a life and death situation, because literally that’s what it would mean for them. They will fight with their own strength until they feel defeat is imminent. But in that moment, gods help whoever their opponent is, because they will destroy them.” He looked at Lita’s green eyes. “When we’re ordered by the high fairy court, we obey. I’m sorry you were made to feel like an outsider. Someone like you … someone who is our treasure. Still think highly of werewolves?” He spit out the last word with disgust.
“I think they let fear rule their hearts, but I’m learning it isn’t like that with other packs. They were wrong, but I won’t judge all werewolves because of them. And in my first real interaction with fairykind, I’ve been abducted. I’ll be sure not to judge them all based on your actions.” She looked at him pointedly as he rubbed the back of his neck with a crooked grin.
It was clear that centaurs hated werewolves. If she was going to be stuck here, maybe she could help with that. Maybe she could be a bridge between the two species. She could use this time to learn about centaurs. She didn’t know anything about them. What they liked to eat, how they lived … none of that. She would need to know more about them.
Would a guardian come for her? Would Asher be able to find her? Those were questions she didn’t know the answer to. She might be trapped here for now, but it wouldn’t be forever. She would make the most of this experience by gathering as much information as she could and eventually find a way to break the barrier and escape.
“Could I meet everyone in the village?” She watched as a wide grin spread over Brad’s lips.
“Of course you can. They can’t wait to meet you. Lita, you’re going to be introduced to a whole new world, one where you are loved and treasured.”
Brad led Lita on a leisurely stroll around the entire perimeter of the village, the path winding through open meadows and trees. She felt the pressure of the invisible barrier, proving that he had told the truth about binding her there. Maybe that was the point of him taking her that close, too. He wanted her to know that she couldn’t leave.
After showing her around the perimeter, Brad led her back to the village, taking her to the heart of it. In the center stood a quaint fountain, its water glistening under the sunlight, surrounded by tall log houses with roofs thatched in a rustic style. Slowly, the centaurs began to gather, their gazes fixed on Lita. Their eyes widened in awe, as if beholding a rare, precious gem. Lita, in return, surveyed them with equal curiosity, marveling at their graceful forms and majestic presence. It was as if these mythical beings, only spoken of in legends, had suddenly sprung to life before her eyes.
“Lita will be staying with us for a bit. She has not fully awakened, and I trust no one will do anything to provoke her awakening.” There was a warning in his tone that wasn’t hard to miss. “I know you will all treat her with respect and honor.” It was clear that Brad was their leader from the air of authority in his voice and the respect he demanded.
“Can she play with us?” one of the children asked. Lita smiled as Brad hesitated.
“She isn’t a toy, and—”
“I would be glad to … just maybe not today,” Lita answered, glancing up at Brad.
“Centaur children can be rough.”
“So can werewolf children. I’m not fragile.”
“No kicking,” Brad warned the child. “As long as you’re careful. She might not be fragile, but we don’t want to have any accidents. Brecka, please have some food made for Lita. She’sbeen asleep for a day, and with the sleeping drug wearing off, she’ll be hungry.”
A day? She’d been here for an entire day?! She thought it was the same evening. She had slept through the night and late into the following day. By now, Asher would know she was gone. Was he searching for her right now? What would happen if he came for her? She would need to discuss with Brad that her mate was not to be harmed. If she was so precious to them, surely they would respect her wishes.
She was certain Asher would come for her. He wanted a stronger pack, and she was the key to that. Suddenly, a thought entered her mind.
Lita …Mira warned.
Mira, it might be our only chance to know the truth.
We could lose him.
If we lose him … then we never had him.
