Chapter 5: An Unexpected Introduction

The banquet was in full swing when Morana found herself face-to-face with the Wolf Prince.

"Oh, it's a pleasure to meet you, Your Highness," Morana said, offering a polite nod. "My name is Morana."

Conri smiled warmly at her. "There is no need for such formalities. You don't have to call me 'Your Highness.' Please, just call me Conri."

"Alright then, Conri," she replied.

Before they could speak further, a voice called out to Conri from across the hall. He excused himself and slipped into the crowd. Sensing the night was drawing to a close, Morana and Damien soon left the banquet and returned to the palace.

The next morning was quiet until the peace of the garden was shattered. Damien was sitting among the flowers when Morana approached him.

"Good morning," she said softly.

"Good morning, Morana. Did you sleep well?" Damien asked, looking up.

"Yes, I did."

Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of frantic footsteps. Doyle came running toward them, out of breath.

"Master! Read this!" Doyle shouted, thrusting a newspaper toward Damien.

"What is it? What happened?" Damien asked, his brow furrowing as he scanned the headlines. His eyes widened. "Monsters... they've attacked the Demon Kingdom."

Not long after, Conri arrived at the palace, his expression grim. "I’ve known the Demon Queen from the very beginning," he told Damien. "I’m here to ask for your help to save the kingdom."

Damien leaned back, his gaze sharp. "I will help you—but only on one condition."

From the corridor, Morana overheard their hushed voices. When Doyle stepped out of the room, she stopped him immediately.

"What’s happening? Why is Conri here?" she whispered.

"He needs our help," Doyle explained. "Monsters have breached the Northern border of the Demon Kingdom."

"But don't they have a ruler to defend them?"

"They don't," Doyle sighed. "The Queen died years ago without an heir. Conri has been ruling on her behalf because they were childhood friends. But after the long wars between the Wolves and Vampires, their army is depleted. They can't stop these monsters alone."

Morana felt a chill. "Does this mean Damien is going back to war?"

"He has to," Doyle said quietly. "But he can't fight at full strength anymore. The last five years took a toll on him. If he goes, he has to take you with him. He needs your blood daily to sustain his power."

Damien exited the room just as Conri offered a final greeting and left to prepare.

"Master," Doyle asked, "is it settled? Are you going?"

"I am," Damien confirmed, his eyes turning to Morana. "But I cannot do this alone. I need her strength to bolster my own."

"I’ll go," Morana stepped forward, her voice firm. "And I will fight."

Damien shook his head. "No. You will stay safely inside. My servants will bring me what I need from you each day. That is the only way."

Morana looked at him for a long moment before nodding. "Okay. If that’s what it takes."

The following morning, a carriage stood waiting at the palace gates. Together, Damien and Morana stepped inside, leaving the safety of the palace behind for the dangerous borders of the Demon Kingdom.

(story to be continued...)

(The next chapter will be on next Tuesday)

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