Page 36 of An Enigma for the Lycan Crown Prince

I laugh.Come on, don’t be grumpy and enjoy the moment.

Celeste has nothing to say against that. She might hide it sometimes, but she enjoys our little meetings as much as I do. Side by side, we walk through the garden, looking at everything. The roses are still blooming, although it’s night. I don’t know where we are, where my dream takes me to, I just know it’s always the same magical place. It’s a place I can meet Celeste at, where the roses bloom when they shouldn’t, and a place where I can hear water, although there is no stream around. I look down at my arms, noting how I seem to be illuminated. It’s not clear if I’m glowing from inside, or if something is on my skin that makes it glow.

This is also the place where I always meether.

Celeste dashes ahead, and I follow her, laughing when we finally reach the beautiful building with its white stone walls. At the stairs, an elegant woman is waiting. She is the same who appeared to me when Luna Carolina died, and when I met Celeste for the first time.

I’m so happy to see you two,she says, opening her arms to hug me, before kneeling down and tousling Celeste’s fur.You are both getting more beautiful, and stronger daily.

They will be so surprised when I shift,I say.Right, Celeste?

Celeste tilts her beautiful, majestic head and looks at the woman in front of us, before turning to me.We should only shift in front of those we trust,Celeste finally says.

Why?I ask, surprised.

I don’t know,Celeste admits.It’s a feeling.She turns to the woman.Am I wrong?

No, you are right.The woman says with a gentle smile, taking a few steps away from the building and sitting down on the grass. She pats the area next to her, and I sit down; Celeste lays down, resting her head in my lap. The woman takes my hand gently.I won’t tell you what to do, no one can ever order you to do something against your will. But Celeste is a powerful lycan,and sometimes it’s better not to reveal to the world who you are.

I try to let her words sink in. If she thinks Celeste is safer when I only shift in front of Elden and others I trust, then I will do that. It’s enough for me when Elden sees me, and when Regis has his counterpart.Won’t it be difficult for my work as luna if I don’t shift a lot?

The woman laughs.You and Celeste don’t need to shift to be powerful. You will soon see.

I understand,I say, although I have no idea what she is talking about. It must be connected to my 18thbirthday—as usual.

Tell me,the woman says.How was your day?

Oh!I beam.Something wonderful happened! Elden said he loves me.

How often do you want to repeat that story,Celeste grumbles.

Don’t worry,I pat her head.I’m sure once they meet you, they will love you too. Regis, in particular!

At that, Celeste perks up.I hope you are right.

The woman just chuckles.I’m glad he makes you happy,she says.That’s why he was picked for you, and you for him.

I stay quiet, nodding at her words and smiling, while thinking about Elden. We chat for a bit longer, until I feel my body getting heavier, a sign that I’m either going to wake up soon or being dragged into a deeper sleep that won’t allow me to stay here.

It seems you have to leave,the woman says, while brushing over my hair. She pats Celeste’s fur, smiling at both of us.

Can’t you tell us who you are?I blurt out. I’ve asked her so often now, and she always rebuffs my question.Please, anything. I don’t even know your name.

My name?She tilts her head, sighing slightly while she and the garden start to disappear. Before she can disappear completely,she opens her mouth again.On your birthday, I will visit you and tell you who I am. My name included.

You promise?I manage to ask before I feel myself dragged back to sleep.

In the distance I can hear her voice.I promise.

twelve

A Real Man

*ELDEN*

I’m running late, five minutes at least. It doesn’t matter if it’s one minute or thirty, or an hour, I just hate being late. I’m always on time; I can’t stand to have people waiting for me or to waste their time waiting for me. Tonight however, I can’t seem to find my stuff. I know Flora is already waiting for me, so that we can leave for the party. While I’m dressed for the occasion already, my wallet is missing. After rummaging through my bag, I finally find it under my bed. Probably dropped it there earlier this morning. I usually always carry it in my bag though, or put it on my desk, but maybe when I grabbed something for training it happened. I briefly peek into it, checking to see if everything is still in its place.

Now, only my watch is missing. I look everywhere I usually place my watch, but it’s nowhere to be found. It’s when I decide to grab my second watch, the one Flora gave to me, and I usually only wear for official gatherings out of fear of losing it, that I open my nightstand drawer, and my eyes fall upon my watch. The one I have been looking for. Why did I put it here? In this drawer, there are only things that Flora gifted me throughout the years; things that are important to me. I sit down briefly to look through the drawer. Flora took up drawing a couple of years ago, and sometimes will give me beautiful pictures. There is also a wristband she made for me, plus all her letters.