Chapter 4

In the midst of my despair, the door swung open with a creak, piercing the silence. Startled, I looked up to find a figure standing before me. It was a male member of the pack, a mere messenger, it seemed. His presence only served to heighten the coldness in the room, his breath forming a misty exhale in the frigid air. "You are required in the ballroom immediately," he stated curtly, his voice carrying a tone of authority. His gaze flickered towards a lady standing quietly behind him, her form enveloped in a shroud of mystery. She was draped in a flowing grey cloak, her scarf wrapped tightly around her neck as if to shield herself from the chill that permeated the castle. Her expression, though unreadable, held a sense of somber duty.

Without a word, the messenger retreated, leaving me alone with this enigmatic woman. As she stepped forward, her presence seemed to fill the room, her eyes carrying a glimmer of compassion amidst the coldness that surrounded us. With a subtle bow, she beckoned me to follow her, her movements graceful yet imbued with a solemn determination.

"I'll lead the way," she spoke softly, her voice a delicate whisper that echoed in the cold atmosphere. The warmth of her touch gently settled on my waist, providing a fleeting sense of comfort against the icy backdrop. As we ventured through the dimly lit hallways, our breaths mingling with the chill, the weight of uncertainty hung in the air, weaving an intricate dance of anticipation and apprehension.

"Why am I being summoned to the ballroom?" I couldn't contain my curiosity any longer, my inquisitive nature pushing me to seek answers. I turned my gaze towards the enigmatic woman who accompanied me, hoping she would provide some insight. Her eyes flickered towards me, a fleeting glimmer of amusement dancing within their depths, before she responded.

"That, my dear, is something you shall discover for yourself," she replied, her voice tinged with a hint of mystery. Her lips subtly moistened, and her gaze momentarily dropped to my tail. It was a peculiar gesture, one that piqued my interest even further. I couldn't help but press for more information. "What do you mean? Is there something special about my tail?" I asked, my eyes shifting to observe my seemingly ordinary appendage. I failed to see anything remarkable about it, yet the woman's reaction suggested otherwise.

Her hand instinctively rose to cover her mouth, her eyes widening in astonishment. "Oh, how fortunate you are," she exclaimed, her voice muffled by her palm. I couldn't help but feel a mix of confusion and intrigue. What was it about my tail that elicited such a response?

"You have no idea, do you?" she continued, her gaze fixed on me with a newfound intensity. "These colors hold great significance, dear. They tell a story, a tale of destiny and purpose." Her words hung in the air, laden with a weight I struggled to comprehend. I marveled at the idea that my seemingly ordinary tail held hidden meaning.

As we walked down the dimly lit hallway, I noticed intricate statues adorning its sides. Each statue seemed to depict a different era, their intricate carvings revealing a glimpse into the past. Some bore the markings of the 19th century, while others hailed from the 18th. They stood as silent witnesses, guardians of history in this enigmatic castle

"Thank you for enlightening me, though I fail to see their relevance to me," I remarked, a faint smile tugging at the corners of my lips. I wagged my tail playfully, unaware of its deeper significance. To me, it had always been a simple appendage, nothing more.

As we approached the grand entrance to the main ballroom, a sense of anticipation surged within me. All around, eyes turned towards me, their gazes fixed in rapt attention. Whispers fluttered through the air like ethereal melodies, adding to the allure of the moment. It became evident that something extraordinary awaited me within those grand doors, and with each step I took, I could feel the weight of destiny settling upon my shoulders.

Standing amidst the ornate throne room, a sense of unease washed over me, intensified by the hushed whispers that permeated the air. The woman by my side remained a constant pillar of support, her gentle touch offering solace amidst the sea of unknown faces. Suddenly, a male figure emerged from the shadows, his piercing howl commanding the attention of the gathered audience. As the throne rotated, anticipation coursed through my veins, my heart pounding in my chest. With bated breath, I turned to face the unfolding scene before me, a cascade of suspense and uncertainty flooding my senses.

And it was not what I expected it to be

"Bring her to me," his commanding voice echoed through the grand chamber, each syllable carrying a weight that demanded immediate obedience. My eyes fixated on his arm, adorned with an intricately designed tattoo that seemed to come alive as it snaked across his taut muscles. A regal crown rested atop his head, adorned with dazzling diamonds, emeralds, and rubies that caught the flickering light. A fine silk cloth draped over his chest, exuding an air of royalty and power. It was him, the same male I had pushed away earlier in the room, now exuding an aura of cold indifference. 

Slowly, he descended the majestic brick stairs that led to the throne, every step purposeful and commanding. The entire room seemed to hold its breath, enveloped in an eerie calmness, save for the murmurs that erupted in hushed whispers. Amidst the whispers, I could hear my name being called out, a mix of curiosity and anticipation laced in their voices. But it took just one word from him to silence them all.

"Howl," he roared with a commanding authority that reverberated off the fortress walls, causing even the most seasoned warriors to quell their voices. In that moment, it was evident that he held absolute power, ruling over this pack with unwavering strength and dominance. He strode towards me, his steps exuding confidence mingled with an underlying anger, perhaps provoked by my earlier rejection.

"Hello, princess," he cooed into my ear, his voice laced with a combination of smugness and a hint of amusement. Bending down to meet my eye level, he towered above me, a towering presence that seemed to stretch towards the heavens. A lump formed in my throat, my heart racing as a sense of foreboding washed over me. I realized my earlier defiance had consequences.

"Hello, your majesty," I managed to stammer, my voice barely audible, a sign of my apprehension. He smirked, his lips curling in a way that exuded both satisfaction and a touch of superiority, before slowly pulling away, leaving me to grapple with the weight of his presence and the unknown future that lay ahead..