The Alpha King's Guardian
Chapter 2: A Summer ReTreat
It was in the summer that I had first met Raiver.
I was nine. He was fourteen.
I remembered it so vividly.
It was at Shadowscar Training Camp, a Mixed-Clan Facility operating every summer.
My family's winter estate resides at the other side of the lake. I had gone out to the woods one night after a bad day and got lost in the Shaded Forest which was beyond our territory and within Shadowscar's domain.
It was Raiver who had found me and led me home.
It was the first time I've ever seen such a magnificent wolf.
Coated in black and grey.
His eyes were sharp silver.
and from the moment I laid eyes on him, I fell inlove.
My eyes flickered open and I shot up from bed.
I checked my bedside clock and read, 4:15 am.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
Too early.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
My alarm doesn't go off in two hours.
I craned my neck and peeked through the window and saw the Vampire Campus lights brightly shining from afar.
At 4:00 am, certain Field Facilities have been awakened due to some early morning activities.
But honestly, this Academy never sleeps.
°°°should I go for a run or something?°°°
°°°who am I kidding, I don't even run°°°
I suddenly had a thirst for nostalgia.
I got up from bed and silently made my way to the door.
I only grabbed the keys and my ID card.
I shut the door without any sound and walked barefoot still in my nightgown and without a bra, down the hall.
It wasn't the best attire for going out and there are strict dress codes within the campus.
If I was caught underdressed, I would acquire demerits.
It was a good thing I was a Warlock and had practiced the art of being invisible through surveillance cameras.
I should thank Jairen, my cousin, for allowing me knowledge of this trick.
I neared the entrance as well as the only portal of exit to the dorm.
I found the Dorm Mother watching television, with her back against me inside her cube.
A thin glass was the only thing that separated us.
I sang an enchantment song.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
'cold winds cold breeze'
I started and saw her head perked up.
I stopped in my tracks and gingerly strode towards her.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
'feeling of comfort and happy'
She began to bob her head from side to side.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
'a heartbeat in the chest'
Her head was tardily pulled down at her front.
I saw her breathing softly.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
't'was as if the sky had fallen'
I swiped my ID car on the door lock and didn't.
Jairen also taught me a spell to trick the system.
Safe to say, I haven't been caught for two years now.
I felt cobbled floor underneath my feet.
I headed down the path leading to Hunters Forest.
It was quite similar to the Shaded Woods back in Shadowscar Territory.
Hunters Forest is the training ground for Warlock Hunters.
No one ever goes here at this hour, I think.
I discovered possible night or early morning access in this place two years ago through Jairen.
Some days when I couldn't stop my desires to reminisce, I would come here to comfort and recall that fateful night over and over, until before daybreak.
It was why that memory is ultimately vivid for me.
It was Raiver's only memory of me.
Of course, he wouldn't remember.
I was a snotty, snobby, spoiled kid.
I reached Hunters Forest and punched a portal in the air, right outside the gated fence and stepped in.
I landed inside without so much as an alarm going off.
I walked the path and felt the grass, moss, leaves and rocks under my feet.
I could feel the heartbeat of every tree and every living creature cradled in its warmth.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
Alora, sister of Aldea, daughter of Aluini, the guardian of the forest.
I whispered and the trees danced in delight.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
Elter, brother of Emeri, son of Ekkel, the guardian of the beasts.
Owls, bats and the sound of tiny squeaks and squeals echoed inside the forest.
I smiled and continued my walk to Hunters Circle.
It was courtesy to acknowledge the main dwellers of this forest.
It was my grandmother who had taught me the secrets of the guardians.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
last but not the least.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
Keilia, sister of Krinia, daughter of Kolai, the guardian of guardians.
I stopped at the foot of the forest and before me was Hunters Circle.
Seven giant stones were rounded at the center.
A sudden light was born in the middle of the stones and stretched to form a beautiful woman.
She waved at me and I to her.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
Hello, Keilia.
She doesn't speak but sparked brighter.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
I'll be hanging out here for a while.
She bowed and I mimicked her movement.
She lifted her arms and swirled in a beautiful dance.
The light disappeared and I waved a hand goodbye.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
Always a pleasure.
I stood there for a while. I don't dare to cross the circle or go any further than that for I would be crossing the boundaries to the Vampire, Werewolf and Gifted Campus' side of the forest.
Hunters Forest has four divisions.
A founding magic, stronger compared to mine resides to protect each territory from other campuses. It would cause an alarming disturbance if I ever broke boundaries.
I took a step back but I caught sight of a figure from the other side.
°°°am I seeing this right?°°°
I couldn't prise my eyes away from him knowing all too well how rude it is to stare.
He stood at the other end of the circle, shirtless and with only trousers on.
His feet were bare and he had a hoodie slung in his hand like a drunk.
My heart was beating fast.
°°°keep your cool Legacie. It's just Raiver°°°
°°°a normal werewolf boy°°°
I noticed his eyes, shining silver.
They were gazing at me intensely.
°°°did I interrupt him or something?°°°
Claude once said that the werewolves visit Hunters Forest at night to do some sort of Happy Hour or Happy Howling?
°°°I haven't heard anyone howling though°°°
Raiver ( Male Lead )
What are you here for?
His voice was refined and deep, I almost shat my pants.
°°°he's speaking to a stranger°°°
°°°why does he looked so pissed?°°°
°°°I really must have interrupted some kind of happy activity°°°
My eyes swept the space around us and looked for any hint of danger or anomaly, but found none.
°°°he's asking me a question, but I don't know what to answer°°°
Raiver ( Male Lead )
I'm asking you a question.
Raiver ( Male Lead )
What are you doing here at this hour?
I took a subtle step back.
Raiver ( Male Lead )
Do you have permission to be in here?
°°°would he notice if I pretended to be sleepwalking?°°°
I blinked gently and kept my eyes straight, but not towards him.
Raiver ( Male Lead )
I'll not ask again.
A heard loud thuds behind him and in mere seconds a wolf emerged from the shadows and shifted in his human form leaving him shirtless but with his trousers on.
I have heard of a werewolf's shifting mark. A marked enchantment that enables them to transform back into human form with their lower trousers or shorts intact.
Raiver ( Male Lead )
Is that you Nyle?
He asked the guy behind him but kept his eyes still directed at me.
Nyle ( ML's Beta Leader )
Yes, Captain.
Raiver ( Male Lead )
Report to me.
The guy named Nyle leaned in and whispered something in Raiver's ear.
It was quite a long report.
It would've been easier for me to sneak out if Raiver didn't have his eyes on me.
Raiver ( Male Lead )
That's good. Round up the others and take them back to Main Campus.
Raiver ( Male Lead )
You may retire from there, Nyle. Thank you.
Nyle ( ML's Beta Leader )
Yes, Captain.
Nyle caught sight of me before he could leave.
Nyle ( ML's Beta Leader )
Wh-what's going on there, Captain?
Nyle ( ML's Beta Leader )
Who is that?
Raiver ( Male Lead )
A Warlock.
Nyle ( ML's Beta Leader )
But...why is she here? Did she have permission? Is she a Warlock Vanguard?
Warlock Vanguards are the most highly skilled sorcerers in Mysteria.
Raiver ( Male Lead )
I'm still getting into that, but she has been very uncooperative.
°°°that's because you're terrifyingly hot°°°
Nyle ( ML's Beta Leader )
Perhaps do you think she got lost sleepwalking? I mean look at her, she's in her night gown walking barefooted.
I saw Raiver's brow twitched and his gaze intensified.
I felt something churn in my lower body, starting from my abdomen.
°°°isn't it too early for me to be hungry?°°°
°°°i think I'm really going to shat myself°°°
°°°it would be embarrassing if that happened°°°
Raiver ( Male Lead )
Turn your gaze away then.
Nyle ( ML's Beta Leader )
Oh. Of course.
Raiver ( Male Lead )
Do you really think she could be sleepwalking?
°°°yes, Legacie, pretend you're sleepwalking°°°
I turned my head to the right, to the direction of the Gifted Campus and then stared at the dark for a while before turning back around.
This time I was facing ahead our campus.
Nyle ( ML's Beta Leader )
See how she moves, her stance? She's definitely sleepwalking.
Nyle ( ML's Beta Leader )
I heard a few Warlocks acquire the habit and find themselves being teleported onto strange places.
Nyle ( ML's Beta Leader )
A friend of mine once woke up in the Sahara Desert.
I poured all my energy into preventing myself from snickering upon hearing what he had said.
The Warlock who sleepwalked out of his dorm woke up in the sahara desert and realized he had been standing there for more than two hours. It was Jairen's coven who rescued him out of there.
I steadied my breathing and began to walk ahead.
Nyle ( ML's Beta Leader )
See?
Raiver ( Male Lead )
How would she know which path to take to return back?
°°°that's a fair point°°°
°°°should I take a fake turn?°°°
Nyle ( ML's Beta Leader )
I have no idea. But she'll wake up to it soon.
I stopped in my tracks and turned my body to the right.
This path would lead me to a clearing.
Raiver ( Male Lead )
She stopped again.
Nyle ( ML's Beta Leader )
Best not to worry about it Captain.
Nyle ( ML's Beta Leader )
Warlocks are guided by higher guardians, aren't they?
Raiver ( Male Lead )
I'm aware. But she doesn't look like she's friends with any guardians.
I almost reacted and gasped.
°°°i grew up being surrounded by them°°°
Nyle ( ML's Beta Leader )
That could be true enough.
I took the fake path and disappeared into the dark.
I could no longer hear Raiver's voice nor their conversations.
When I thought I had gone too far, I turned to another path and sprinted towards the gate.
I drew a portal as I was running and jumped in. I landed outside Hunters Forest and walked back to the dorm building.
The Dorm Mother was still asleep so I switched the television off for her.
I headed inside my dorm without a creak and found Jolene still fast asleep.
I sang an enchantment to remove traces of my scent, foot prints and portal dusts before and after Hunters Forest.
I went in the bathroom and took a long cold shower.
9:00 am / Junior Section Five / Homeroom Class / Thursday
I sat in my chair quietly and listened as my friends, Jolene, Juniper and Blanche gossip about a lot of trivial academy stuff I had no interest to relate to.
Claude was resting his head on my shoulder and was rather snoring quite loud.
Jolene ( fl's best friend #1 )
Ah! Legacie, we've already ordered our tickets for Dane Daring's concert this summer.
I snapped my eyes to her and grinned uncontrollably.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
Front row seats?
She smirked and turned to Blanche.
Blanche ( fl's best friend #4 )
VIP
I gasped and applauded her.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
You are amazing beyond words.
Claude snorted louder than before and I flinched.
Jolene rolled her eyes and hopped off the desk she was sitting on and slapped Claude on his shoulder.
Jolene ( fl's best friend #1 )
Get up!
Claude shot up from his seat looking discombobulated.
Claude ( fl's best friend #3 )
Wha? What?
Claude ( fl's best friend #3 )
Did you hit me?
Jolene ( fl's best friend #1 )
Yes, dingus.
Claude scowled at her and went back to lean on my arm.
Claude ( fl's best friend #3 )
I was taking a nap, Jo.
Jolene ( fl's best friend #1 )
You shouldn't be.
Juniper ( fl's best friend #2 )
Why do you look so tired though?
Claude sighed and straightened up.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
Is Maxima giving you a hard time?
He looked shocked and ready to defend her.
Claude ( fl's best friend #3 )
Nuh-uh. It wasn't Maxi.
Blanche ( fl's best friend #4 )
Then why do you look like you've been out in the sun for a hundred years?
I turned to Claude anticipating his answer.
He sighed and scratched the back of his head.
Claude ( fl's best friend #3 )
It's my grandmother. She wants to arrange an engagement between our families and Carsynstone.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
Woah.
Juniper ( fl's best friend #2 )
That's big.
Claude ( fl's best friend #3 )
I know!
Carsynstone is a Warlock Family known for their familial ties with the King of Warlocks.
Jolene shook her head in disbelief.
Blanche ( fl's best friend #4 )
I didn't know the Carsynstones had a knack for bad taste.
The girls and I coincidentally snickered at Blanche's comment.
Claude looked absolutely exhausted. He crossed his brows and slammed his head on the desk.
Jolene ( fl's best friend #1 )
It'll probably never happen, you know, unless an heiress is in love with you.
Claude ( fl's best friend #3 )
She is. Idith Carsynstone, said she was a childhood friend, but I barely remember her. She seems to delude herself.
I looked to my friends and eyed them each but none of us had anything to say that would make this better.
I patted Claude's shoulder.
Blanche ( fl's best friend #4 )
How obsessed is she about you?
Blanche asked cautiously.
Claude popped his head out to look at Blanche.
Claude ( fl's best friend #3 )
I'm not messing. It's true.
Blanche ( fl's best friend #4 )
I never said it wasn't! I just wanted to know the scale of how much obsession there is. Give me an amount.
Jolene shook her head all the while smiling.
She returned back to her seat which was right in front of Claude.
Jolene ( fl's best friend #1 )
Did she express how much she wanted to marry you?
Claude furrowed his brows and sighed heavily.
Juniper ( fl's best friend #2 )
What's the story between the two of you.
Jolene ( fl's best friend #1 )
Yeah, and why are we only hearing this now?
Blanche ( fl's best friend #4 )
I think he's come to gloat.
Claude ( fl's best friend #3 )
Ugh! You guys are unbelievable.
The girls giggled and teased, but I could tell they were deeply worried for him.
I brushed his shoulders with my hand and leaned a little closer.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
Tell us, what happened?
Legacie ( Female Lead )
I didn't know your family were close with the Carsynstones.
Claude ( fl's best friend #3 )
We aren't.
Claude ( fl's best friend #3 )
But ever since my big brother married into the Phelirov Coven, we've been seeing a lot more of the Carsynstones.
Blanche ( fl's best friend #4 )
The Phelirovs? How are they related to the Carsynstones?
Legacie ( Female Lead )
They aren't related by blood, but businesses.
Jolene ( fl's best friend #1 )
That makes sense.
Jolene ( fl's best friend #1 )
Continue.
Claude ( fl's best friend #3 )
So anyway, Idith somehow remembered me from a long time ago, it was I think the King's Winter Ball, back in 2012, I'm not sure.
Blanche snapped her fingers and gasped.
Blanche ( fl's best friend #4 )
Yes, I remember that ball. My family was there too.
Juniper ( fl's best friend #2 )
Mine too.
Jolene ( fl's best friend #1 )
Was that the Gift of Magic Celebration?
We nodded at her question.
Claude ( fl's best friend #3 )
Yes, that event.
Claude ( fl's best friend #3 )
Apparently she was the girl I saved from the kids bullying her at King's Town Circle.
Claude ( fl's best friend #3 )
Since then, she told me she's been in love with me.
Blanche ( fl's best friend #4 )
Oh, now I get it.
Jolene ( fl's best friend #1 )
So basically, it was like love at first sight.
Juniper ( fl's best friend #2 )
That's so cute.
Claude grimaced at the word cute and scoffed.
Claude ( fl's best friend #3 )
It is not.
Claude ( fl's best friend #3 )
It was a long time ago.
Claude ( fl's best friend #3 )
She said her family left after the ball but I was always on her mind, eventually slithered down her heart. Now that they've come back she proposed an engagement between us and used her family's influence to influence my family.
Claude ( fl's best friend #3 )
It's so fecking cringe.
Claude ( fl's best friend #3 )
We had that conversation last week and I haven't slept properly ever since.
He slammed his fist on the table and eyes immediately landed on our group.
One of Claude's friends asked if he was alright.
Claude ( fl's best friend #3 )
Yeah, I'm fine man.
Blanche stared at Claude with a mixed look of admiration and disgust?
Blanche ( fl's best friend #4 )
Idith sounds a bit like you when you're around Maxima don't you realize?
Jolene and Juniper snickered and then proceeded to laugh.
But then he was aware. He slumped in his seat and harrumphed.
Claude ( fl's best friend #3 )
Yeah, I know.
He dropped his head low and we laughed at him.
I patted his back and leaned in to whisper.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
Hey, all will be well.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
Maxima might seem to always be holding out on you, but she'll never let you go just like that.
He beamed and looked to me. He smiled genuinely.
Claude ( fl's best friend #3 )
Thanks, Ci.
We heard the door slid open and Professor Darius came in.
Professor Darius Arkain
Good morning, cracknuts!
Professor Darius Arkain
Find your seats, please.
The class replied with their subtle 'good mornings' and scurried to fill their seats.
Claude leaned back on his chair.
Claude ( fl's best friend #3 )
Aren't you a bit late Professor?
Professor Darius has yet to reach his desk when he stopped mid-walk and turned to Claude.
Professor Darius Arkain
Piss off, Claude.
The whole classroom chuckled.
I nudged Claude and he turned to me with a grin.
I gave him a look and he stopped.
Professor Darius finally stood behind his desk.
He greeted us with a heavy sigh and then began to scratch his forehead.
Jolene leaned her chair back to get closer to us.
Jolene ( fl's best friend #1 )
He seems anxious.
Juniper ( fl's best friend #2 )
I wonder what's going on.
She whispered to Blanche who was behind her seat.
Professor Darius pulled a scroll out of thin air and spread it along his desk.
Professor Darius Arkain
Alright you numbnuts.
Professor Darius Arkain
A message from the Principal herself.
He sighed, looking partly distraught.
Jolene raised her hand and Professor Darius acknowledged.
Jolene ( fl's best friend #1 )
Is something the matter Professor?
Professor Darius nodded cautiously.
He faced us with his arms crossed against his chest.
Professor Darius Arkain
Yes, err..
Professor Darius Arkain
At midnight last night there was a class five rogue encounter at the Werewolf Campus.
The whole classroom was filled with echoes of gasps.
I felt a surge of negative energy from all around me.
Claude ( fl's best friend #3 )
What happened?
Professor Darius shook his head.
Professor Darius Arkain
It was not clarified to me by the Principal, but that was the only information or reason I was told to announce.
Blanche ( fl's best friend #4 )
But there should be more.
Blanche ( fl's best friend #4 )
How did the rogue get in? Was it an inside job? Do they have a traitor amongst their camp?
Blanche was no doubt anxious. She once lost a family member to a rogue attack when she was five.
Professor Darius Arkain
Careful with your assumptions, Ms. Gimblett.
Professor Darius warned gently.
Blanche ( fl's best friend #4 )
Sorry, Professor.
She sighed heavily. I reached for Blanche's shoulder as she only sat ahead of me and gave it a light squeeze.
Professor Darius Arkain
They have yet to submit a full report.
Professor Darius Arkain
Now I am telling you this because it is necessary to provide you a reason.
The Academy is requiring a Summer Training Camp for the Year Tens, Elevens, and Twelves.
Professor Darius Arkain
You will be joined by the University Year One to Four and the Program will run for eight weeks, starting the first week of summer. Effective immediately.
°°°this can't be happening°°°
Legacie ( Female Lead )
Dane Daring's concert is on the third week of the summer.
Heads gathered to look at me.
Professor Darius was looking at me in utter disbelief.
He laughed soon after throwing me that look and so did the rest of the class.
Professor Darius Arkain
Glad to hear where your priorities lie Ms. Volguardsen.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
My apologies Professor, I didn't mean to say it out loud.
He chuckled and shook his head.
Professor Darius Arkain
That's alright.
Professor Darius Arkain
Okay, I'll be handing out these booklets containing the consent forms, itinerary and everything that is important.
He stretched his arm and grape colored booklets appeared on the desks.
I opened the booklet and found the introduction.
Soon after, I realized that my booklet did not contain a consent form.
I was about to raise my hand in question of when Professor Darius spoke.
Professor Darius Arkain
Ah, Legacie, the Vice Principal has already signed your consent form.
I looked to Professor Darius and nodded.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
Alright, sir.
Blanche ( fl's best friend #4 )
This place looks so cool!
Blanche squealed as she turn to every page.
Juniper ( fl's best friend #2 )
The scenery is beautiful too.
Juniper smiled in adoration. She must be planning on capturing a few spots for her to draw on canvas.
Jolene pouted and sighed with a tiny bit of rage.
Jolene ( fl's best friend #1 )
Yes, I get it, everything is brilliant, but what are we going to do?
She whispered between us.
Claude, Juniper and Blanche looked at Jolene who was slightly panicking.
Jolene ( fl's best friend #1 )
Cici's right. We'll miss Dane Daring's concert.
Claude ( fl's best friend #3 )
Relax Jo, he won't run out of concerts. Sure doesn't he have a mall show somewhere in Spring?
Legacie ( Female Lead )
Surely?
Jolene's mood suddenly shifted from bad to exuberant.
Jolene ( fl's best friend #1 )
Oh? Oh yeah. Okay, alright we'll get the tickets right after summer.
Professor Darius waved to collect our attention.
Professor Darius Arkain
Okay, now take these home over the weekend and have your guardians sign it.
Professor Darius Arkain
You must give it back by monday.
Claude ( fl's best friend #3 )
Where is this place Professor?
Professor Darius groaned.
Professor Darius Arkain
Would it hurt for you to read once in a while, Mr. Prestwood?
Professor Darius Arkain
Shadowscar Terrain, also previously known as Shadowscar Training Camp.
°°°that's why it looked familiar°°°
°°°wait, does this mean?°°°
Claude ( fl's best friend #3 )
Woah, woah. Professor are you telling me that we'll be in Werewolf Territory?
Now all heads gathered to look at Professor Darius.
Professor Darius nodded awkwardly.
Jolene ( fl's best friend #1 )
Professor, may I ask who will be heading this Training Activity?
There was a dramatic pause before Professor Darius spoke.
Professor Darius Arkain
Shadowscars' First Alpha Scion, Raiver Thormortigan.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
Oh shite.
Comments
LÉON ERICA 🇵🇭
update please!
2022-05-12
2