The Lightning Wolf Chronicles Novel

Chapter 80: These Days Have Felt Like an Eternity Evelyn's POV Morning sunlight bathed the castle's sandstone walls in a golden glow as Sebastian pulled up to the entrance. The structure merged seamlessly with the mountain, like it had grown naturally from the rock face. The entrance featured massive oak doors carved with wolf totems, flanked by gleaming silver ornaments. Above stretched a stone viewing platform overlooking the valley, while the building itself extended symmetrically on both sides, rising at least five stories with spires reaching even higher.

"This way, Miss Evelyn," Sebastian gestured toward the entrance. "The Prince has been waiting. He's hoping to show you around himself." I snapped out of my daze, suddenly aware I'd been gawking like I'd never seen a fancy building before. "I thought Alistair would be training with the triplets today," I said, following Sebastian. He pushed open one of the heavy doors. "The Prince received special permission to attend to other responsibilities. Royal schedules tend to be... flexible." I'd barely stepped into the entrance hall when a familiar figure bolted toward me.

"Finally!" Alistair pulled me into a tight hug. "These days have felt like an eternity! They wouldn't let us visit during your recovery - not even a phone call!" When he released me, his amber eyes scanned me from head to toe, clearly checking for damage. "I'm fine, really," I patted his arm awkwardly. "Dr. Diana and Dr. Harrison took great care of me. Everything's healed, and I've even been cleared for full training." Without responding, Alistair grabbed my wrist and pulled me through the magnificent hall.

We zipped past corridors lined with ancient statues, up a double spiral staircase to a balcony, then through a dimmer hallway. We wound through countless ornate rooms and corridors, moving up and down through the maze-like castle until we reached a quiet corner with stained glass windows. Suddenly, Alistair spun to face me, gripping my shoulders. "Who hurt you? We need the truth!" "Excuse me?" I pulled away, taking a step back. "Since when do you use that commanding tone? You sound just like Magnus.

Guess hanging around those guys has rubbed off on you ordering people around like they own them." I turned toward the window, crossing my arms against the sudden chill I felt. 1/3 18:27 Sat, Jan 10 Chapter 80: These Days Have Felt Like an Eternity : ୪ 74 'I'm sorry," Alistair's voice softened. "I've been worried sick. They only told us you were alive everything else was classified. You have no idea how excited I was when I heard you'd be visiting. Magnus nearly stormed the training center looking for you, and Orion was "Let me guess, your prince card got you special access?" I cut in.

Alistair moved in front of me, shrugging. "It has its perks. But honestly, I'm just glad you're here and that you agreed to help me out." His tone grew sincere. "Those scheming elders are terrifying - always trying to match me with 'suitable' mates like I'm a prized stallion." "So I'm your human shield tonight?" I asked, deliberately changing the subject. "Anyone I should watch out for?" "Too many to count," he sighed. "The worst are the elders' relatives." Seeing my raised eyebrow, he quickly added, "None with actual skills - just decorative pieces.

They've never had real training, but they're experts at looking pretty." "Their greatest talent is posing beside me," Alistair said with a grimace. "Sure, they know all the proper etiquette, but that stuff is mind- numbing. Worse, they can't hold a conversation to save their lives - another reason I need your help." We continued down the corridor, passing ancient weapons and armor displays. "You can protect yourself without making a scene, and you can handle those girls who'll try their 'social attacks' on me." He rolled his eyes dramatically.

"Plus, you can actually talk to Alphas and Lunas as an equal, not just nod and smile. Most importantly - you're a real friend. Having you there will make tonight bearable. We stopped at double doors carved with moons and stars. "My mother's reception room," Alistair said, giving me a quick peck on the cheek. "Thanks, Evie. You're a lifesaver." He'd barely knocked when the door swung open. Warm arms enveloped me, along with a familiar floral scent. "My little warrior!" Luna Selena's voice rang with genuine joy. "Good to see you too," I smiled.

"My dear," she pulled back, holding my face in her hands. "I've been so worried. Nathan insisted that special attention might actually hurt your progress. It's been torture, especially with Taric and Conrad being so tight-lipped about your training. I'm not sure if it was my husband creating distance or those warriors being sticklers for protocol." She paced around the room, her hands animating her words. I'd never seen her this relaxed before, and my surprise must have shown. "Don't look so shocked," she laughed. "In private, I don't have to be the perfect Luna Queen the elders expect.

No need for the whole 'model royalty' act. Her fingers made air quotes, making her seem surprisingly normal. 'Seems like tonight will be more complicated than I thought," I half-joked. "Alistair mentioned I'll basically be his shield against potential mates. Will I have a target on my back?" 2/3 18:27 Sat, Jan 10 Chapter 80: These Days Have Felt Like an Eternity "I'm afraid so, she chuckled. : "Come sit and eat while we talk about tonight's 'campaign." She led me to a table loaded with food. "How much do you know about a Luna Queen's role?" she asked, handing me a clear drink.

"Not much, I admitted. "Similar to other Lunas, I guess, but with some special connection to the Moon Goddess. Beyond that, no clue." "Good observation," she nodded. "I do have a unique connection with Her." My eyes widened, food forgotten in my hand. "Can you talk to her directly? How does it work?" "Don't get too excited," she laughed. "It's not that simple. I can request guidance, but she isn't always... available. Sometimes my requests get 'put aside." She winked playfully. "Usually she contacts me about important matters or emergencies.

Mostly she lets us handle things ourselves, but occasionally she needs our help. She actually mentioned you before, which is partly why we visited Polaris City." "What?" I nearly choked. "What does she want with me?" A wave of anxiety hit me - had I done something to attract divine attention? "Relax, child," Selena said gently. "You've done nothing wrong. It's those who should have protected you who failed. About your situation, I can only tell you this much: the Goddess has special interest in you and has prepared an unusual path.

We needed to get you out of Polaris City before things got worse." My jaw dropped. Did the Moon Goddess know everything Acacia had done? Did she know who attacked me in the locker room? "Close your mouth - you look like a stunned fish," Selena laughed. "Don't be surprised when people notice you. You've earned that attention through your abilities. There's nothing wrong with being valued for your talents." Faced with this bombshell, all I could manage was: "I have no idea how to process this... it's way beyond anything I imagined." Comments 2 Write Comments SHARE 3/3 admin