Prologue

  (6 years ago)

  “Celeste, Koa! Come here!” Astrida called out to her children. An off white wolf with beautiful tan, coffee ombre wings. She was sitting regally on the soft bed of grass, surrounded by colorful flowers. Kairo laughed, “Cmon, kids!”. “Not my fault, Koa was chasing me!” Celeste’s tiny wolf figure playfully ran over from playing by the riverside, Koa following not long after, laughing. “Not my fault you looked fun to pounce on!” Koa tried to protest. The two pups hurried to the feet of their mom. They sat in front of her with innocent eyes staring up at her. Astrida laughed, looking at her children. “We’re going to a meeting tomorrow with the royals about our territory-” “But it's ours! Why are we talking about that?”. Koa asked, confused. “I know,” Astrida responded, her patience growing thin. “They are trying to take it, and we are going to try to reason with them”. She responded, looking down at the confused pups, sighing. “Just be good,” She sighed. “Okay!” Koa and Celeste responded before running off again, laughing and tackling each other. Astrida sighed, lying down. A big black wolf walked up to Astrida, laughing. Kairo settled himself next to her, nestling close to her.

  The sun rose slowly, casting light throughout the whole flower field; the flowers that were splattered everywhere almost glowed. Celeste yawned, blinking tiredly before sitting up. She glanced over at her brother, who was snoring. As usual, she thought, rolling her eyes. She sat up and crept towards him, crouching and sneaking. “Morning!” She yelped, pouncing on the figure of her sleeping brother. “Ack! Celeste…” he muttered sleepily, turning over. Celeste huffed impatiently at her brother. “Wake upppppppp,” she groaned, “it’s time for the meeting with the royals now!”. Koa sat up, still tired, but now slightly excited, “Oh, right!”. Kairo snuck up from behind them, “Boo!”. “ACK” Koa and Celeste yelped, the fur on their back standing up temporarily. “Hah! Gotcha!”. His deep voice chuckled as the kids narrowed their eyes at him. “Not funny!” Koa protested. “Yeah! Not funny!” Celeste pouted, looking away. “Oh, c’monnn don’t be like that.”. He poked their small sides, causing them to giggle. “Kairo, get them ready to go. I’m going to get a small rabbit for their breakfast,” Astrida’s voice called from behind Kairo. “Sure, honey!” he called back, still tickling the giggling, protesting pups. Astrida strode through the small forest, scanning the ground for small animals. “Hey! Rouge! Out of our territory!” A rough voice announced. Astrida turned around quickly to face a wolf that was too close for comfort. Astrida scooted away from the sire, “Sorry, I was merely looking for a small rabbit for my kids before we head to the meeting-”. “That is no excuse!” The guard cut her off, growling. “Get out,” He growled, taking a step closer. “Stay away from me,” Astrida said firmly, fear creeping its way into her voice. “Get off our land, rouge!” The guard growled at her. “I just need a little rabbit! To feed my children!” Astrida tried to reason, backing up as the guard stepped closer, backing her into a riverbed.

  “Alright, that's it”. The guard slashed at her, leaving a deep slash mark on her leg. She yelped with pain, looking at the blood dripping out of her wound before growling. In the distance, Kairo’s ears perked. “What is wrong with you?! I just needed a rabbit!” she pounced, slashing at the guard. They were growling at each other, teeth barred, and growling.

  Kairo ran through the woods, “Stay here,” he had told Celeste and Koa. ”Why?” they had asked. ”Just promise me you will”. He remembered their confused and scared nods before he took off in the direction of Astrida’s yelp. Each step powers him 3 feet each time he took a step; he feared what he might come across. He arrived at the scene of the guard standing over Astrida’s limp body, collapsed on the floor with the guard standing over her, blood around his mouth, and blood scattered on the floor and Astrida’s body. He froze where he was, watching as the guard turned around. His eyes welled up with tears, staring at her limp body. He angrily turned his attention back to the guard, growling. Something snapped, his hackles came up, He lowered his head, his growling entering two octaves lower. “Well, lookie here,” the guard announces to a nonexistent crowd. “Another guy who thinks he can beat me,” he barked a laugh arrogantly. Kairo snarled, “Wonder if he’ll be just as-” Kairo didn’t give him enough time to react before pouncing. He bit at his throat, rage and vengeance flashing through his pained eyes. The guard tried to flail and slash at him, but failed as Kairo was stronger and bigger. Eventually, he stopped flailing. Kairo stepped off panting. He turned his eyes to Astrida, her off-white fur now looking deep red with the blood. He walked over slowly and nudged her face with his muzzle. She coughed, spitting a little blood. “Astrida!” Kairo cried out, relieved. “What…took you so long…” she asked weakly. “I’m so so sorry I got here as soon as possible, I promise…” he said quietly. “It’s okay..” Her eyes flash with hopelessness and despair.

  “Tell Celeste and Koa I love them…”. Kairo’s heart felt as if someone had thrown a barbed spear into his heart. “No! You’re going to live to tell them that!”. He argued, his eyes watering, betraying his words. “I wish I could…”. Astrida’s own eyes watered, still lying on the ground. “It’s the end, Kairo….I’m sorry….” she said quietly. “Take care of them…promise me..”. “I promise my love,”. He sobbed, feeling hopeless. “I love you,” she said softly, her eyes drifting shut. “I love you too, Astrida…”. She smiled before falling limp, never to get up again. Kairo let out a howl, honoring her and grieving. “What was that..?” Celeste looked into the sky, confused, hearing the howl. “Dunno…” Koa said, confused. Half an hour later, Kairo came back, his head low, his body still covered in blood. “Daddy!” Celeste called, smiling. She spotted the blood, rushing over quickly. “Daddy? Are you okay?”. Koa had spotted them now, and he rushed over. “Where’s mommy?” Koa asked, looking behind Kairo, confused. Kairo finally looked at them, tears in his eyes. “She's… gone..”. They both gasped, starting to cry. “What…” Koa muttered, confused. “Are we..” Celeste sniffed, “Still going to the meeting?”. Kairo looked up with a serious face. “Oh, we’re definitely going.”. His deep voice rumbled. Celeste and Koa looked at each other, never seeing this side of their dad before. Okay…. Celeste thought, still crying. Koa was crying too, but trying to be strong. The next morning, they prepared to leave for the meeting, since it had been postponed. “Let’s go, kids.”. Kairo said with a tense face. Be strong, Koa.. Koa thought to himself. They headed into the forest, arriving at the vine cave, and entered. “Hello,” Kairo said, bowing his head slightly in mutual respect, hiding his paining rage. “Greetings,” The Sire on the tall rock responded, next to a Dame, both wearing crowns.

  Two small pups sat regally beside the two wolves, same manner and straight face. Celeste peaked her head out from behind her dad. She met eyes with a dark grey pup, his face flushing slightly red when they met eyes. She giggled. “Who you staring at…” Koa trailed off, meeting eyes with the other pup, the same blushed slightly, still trying to remain composure as Koa turned bright red and hid behind Celeste. “Where is Astrida? I assumed she would’ve been coming?”. The female asked, confused. Kairo’s jaw tightened. Celeste turned to the royals but…didn’t they kill mommy? Why are they asking? she thought, tilting her head, confused. “Something came up.” He responded coldly. “Why don’t we introduce ourselves?” Kairo said, looking at them. “I’m Kairo.”. “I’m Evelyn, this is my husband William.”. Evelyn said, smiling softly. “Nice to meet you,” Kairo said, tense. “Alright,” Evelyn said, “at ease,” she said to the kids and the pups relaxed. “You may go meet now.”. The sire said as the two pups slowly walked towards Celeste and Koa. Koa yipped, panicking as he saw the small dame walking over. she’s so pretty…. he thought, staring at the floor while hiding behind Celeste. Celeste rolled her eyes internally but found herself also blushing at the small sire also walking over. “Ello!” Celeste smiled as they came closer. “Greetings,” the sire said, looking at Celeste. “Hello,” the small dame added regally. Celeste nodded politely. Noting that her father did it and wanted to make a good impression. The royals did the same back. “I’m Celeste and this is my brother Koa!” She pushed him out from behind her carefully. “Ack.!” He said quietly, sitting himself down finally next to his sister. “I’m Kane and this is my sister Alex.”. “AHEM. I think you mean Alexandra,” the small dame squeaked. Alexandra, Koa thought, looking at the dame. “Helloooo????” Celeste said, looking at Koa. “What?” He said, snapping back to reality. Alexandra giggled lightly at Koa. “Uh…….” Koa trailed off, turning bright red. Celeste nudged him “Well, he’s gone for a little, give him a second.”. She rolled her eyes. “Would you like me to show you the lake?” Kane asked, looking at Celeste, smiling slightly. She blushed slightly, “Sure!”. “Alright, follow me.”. He led them out of the cave and to the lake right outside of it. “Woah..” Celeste said, looking at the lake. The lake reflected the sunlight as it sparkled. The occasional fish would swim by, creating ripples near the lily pads by the shore. “Woah..” Koa said, agreeing with Celeste. Celeste sprinted past them, jumping in the lake. Sending water droplets flying everywhere. “Cmon!” She yelled back at them, happily treading water. Koa followed in suit, jumping in playfully. Kane raised an eyebrow, “This isn’t proper etiquette…” He muttered, confused at their behavior. “What’s that?” Celeste asked, tilting her head. The two small royals looked at each other. “Cmon!” She dragged Kane in, laughing as she jumped in again with him. Kane laughed softly as he resurfaced,

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  “Okay, rouge, not as boring as I thought,” he said, thinking. She's kinda fun…I kinda like it.. He thought. Alexandra paused, however, seeing her brother in, convinced her, she walked down to the lake and stepped a few paws in. They were laughing and playing in the water until they heard loud growling coming from the cave. The pups looked at each other, hurrying to the shore. They walked and dripped water slightly wherever they walked. They entered the vine cave to find arguing within the parents. “SHE’S GONE BECAUSE OF YOUR KIND,” Kairo yelled, growling at the royals who were also growling. “Father?” Kane asked, finally speaking up. Kairo spun around, growling, but softening once seeing it was a pup. It was too late, Kane ran over to his father, tail between his legs, but trying to be strong. Alexandra followed quickly, still dripping water on the floor. “Kane! Alexandra! This is unacceptable! You’re soaking wet!” Evelyn shouted. “S-sorry, mother..” Alexandra said quietly. “Don’t mumble,” Evelyn snapped at them. This isn’t proper manners, what were you thinking?!” She continued to shout. “S-sorry mother we were just playing with the rouges-” “IT WAS YOU.” Evelyn cut Kane off, glaring accusingly at Celeste and Koa. Celeste yipped, trembling behind Kairo, Koa comforted her. “What gives you the right to yell at my children, huh?!” Kairo shouted at her. “I have EVERY right, after how they influenced my children!” she shouted back. “Oh, you mean showing them how to have fun?! SOMETHING YOU DON’T KNOW?” he countered. Evelyn looked taken aback, pausing slightly, looking at her pups. “...You don’t know what you’re talking about.” She said quietly. William looked at the two, glaring at Kairo. Kairo glared back before turning to his kids. “Lets go Celeste and Koa.” He started walking out. Celeste and Koa followed, keeping their heads low. Kane watched Celeste leave, sadness panging in his heart. Alexandra watched Koa leave, sadness also flashing across her face. Once they left Evelyn looked at her children, “From now on you’re forbidden to speak of them or to them ever again.” She said, looking straight ahead. “But-” they tried to protest. “Listen to your mother.” William snapped at them, they fell silent, nodding.

  “You’re forbidden from seeing the Royals ever.” Kairo said, looking at his children while walking. “What!” Celeste said, protesting. “No arguing.”, he said, sadly. “Okay…” Celeste muttered.

  a month later

  “Celeste, Koa, I have to go somewhere important. Promise me you’ll be safe?”. “Promise!” the little pups yipped. Kairo headed out. He had developed a few scars from the war that had started a few weeks ago. His sword gleamed in the moonlight as he strolled, stalking the hunting king. Kairo was a big wolf for his age and kind, so he was easily bigger than William, the king. He crouched and drew his sword, hesitating for a moment. His guard killed her, he remembered, baring his teeth. He stayed hidden for a moment before striking. He plunged his sword into the king’s calf, piercing straight through. William yowled with pain, slashing at him but missing. “This is for Astrida,” Kairo responded, showing no mercy. “The only one willing to give you fools a chance. The one you killed.”. William pretended to be weak, falling to the floor. Kairo scoffed, “You’re even weaker than I thought.”. William slashed at his side, making a giant gash. Kairo jumped back, wincing in pain. He was holding his side, watching the blood drip down onto the grass. “You B****..” he said quietly, his sword still in William’s calf, stabbing into the Earth. Suddenly, a wolf is heard approaching.

  Kairo pulled his sword out, looking down at the wolf, “Goodbye. I would say I’m sorry but….Oh, right, I’m not.” He growled, running his sword through the wolf. William’s body went limp. Kairo held the sword handle in his mouth and ran back to the flower field. Evelyn ran through the forest, tears streaming down her fur. She finally stopped, seeing blood. She looked up to see William limp and far gone on the ground. His regal white fur is now stained red. She felt her heart drop, shattering on the floor. No… she thought hopelessly. Kairo had made it back to the flower field, washing off the blood quickly before the kids noticed. “Hey kids..” He responded tiredly. “Dad!” the kids cried out, running towards him. They hugged for a while, sitting in the grass below the setting sun. Eventually, they settled themselves under the cherry blossom tree, going to sleep. Evelyn strode through the forest with one goal in mind: assassination. She kept walking, her mind red and full of rage. Each step she took was deadly quiet. She eventually came across where the forest parted, showing the exposed flower field. She scanned the whole area, her eyes landing on the three wolves sleeping under the cherry blossoms. The pups curled not far from their dad. Ew… she thought to herself. Even their pups look dirty and nasty… she scowled. She quietly crept towards them. Celeste’s ears perked, somehow hearing her, waking up but staying in her resting position. She opened her eyes just enough to see and not enough to see that she was awake. She saw the royal and panicked, What do I do?! She thought frantically. She watched the royal stalk towards her before realizing she was there for Kairo. Dad! No! She thought, pretending to stir in her sleep. The royal flinched, but kept creeping. Celeste watched the royal circle around her dad. The royal paused, doing something around Kairo’s mouth. The royal then went back to circling. When the royal circled a second time, her back facing Celeste, she pounced, her small mitts holding a medium-sized dagger. “GO AWAY!” She yelped, the dagger stabbing into her shoulder. Evelyn growled with pain, slashing at the small pup, leaving a large scratch along her snout. “BRAT!” She yelled at Celeste. By now, Kairo and Koa had woken up. Kairo looked weak as he stood up, growling. Koa pounced after, biting at her leg. Blood started to drip down, but not before Evelyn threw him away. Koa’s side was now bleeding with a large scratch mark almost as wide as his whole torso. He fell into a sitting position, tears forming. Kairo attacked her, pushing the small dagger deeper, as she yelped in pain. Kairo fell back, staggering, despite not being hit. What’s going on… he thought dizzily. Evelyn barked a cruel laugh, “The poison kicking in yet?” she said, a grim smile forming on her face. “No!” Koa and Celeste yelled, both of them crying as Kairo’s body hit the floor with a dramatic thud. Celeste ran over to her father, crying. Evelyn stood in her way, slashing at the pup again, knocking her back and opening another wound on her leg, a clear scratch mark starting to bleed. Koa charged, slashing at the queen’s already open wound, causing her to be weak and almost fall. Before, though, she threw him against a tree, breaking multiple of his ribs. Koa fell limp, lying beneath the tree she had thrown him against. Celeste had gotten a bigger dagger, sneaking up on her. She stabbed the second dagger into her other shoulder. Evelyn howled with pain, giving up finally and limping back into the forest. No no no no no… Celeste thought. She carefully brought Koa over to Kairo; both were barely conscious. “Dad…” Celeste sat down hopelessly in the middle of them. Koa winced in pain as he nudged his father's muzzle for the last time, as Kairo drifted into infinite blackness.

  Celeste worked day and night, learning how to hunt and finding herbs to help her brother heal and recover. She brushed aside her own injuries, causing them to scar. The scratch on her snout was turning slightly white with an outline. The other on her leg never went away; the red color just faded. After weeks, Koa was healed, but Celeste continued to hunt for both of them, finding happiness in it. Even though she was still a small pup, she hunted rabbits with her mother’s sword. It was a tan and coffee color for the grip and handle. The same colors of her mother’s wings and hers. When she first picked up the sword, it had shrunk to her size. She never really understood why or how it had shrunk. It had always looked the perfect size for her mother. Celeste shrugged, not worrying about it. She continued to hunt with the same sword. She refused to hunt with another when Koa offered for her to hunt with a spear, which was more effective than a sword all the time. Every time she struck an animal down, she thought of her mother and felt fire growing within her, day by day. As she got older, the fire inside her maintained its large size and grew stronger.