Chapter Three

The wedding started off lovely between the two clans. The Lycans King and the Enchanted One’s Queen a strong bond that when once created would be impossible to break.

Lelani and Montai walked hand in hand entering the grand hallway of the palace together. The hands they held together tied with magical rope. A symbol of a forever bond that could never be broken between the two. As they passed the members of their family, friends, and townsfolk everyone bowed. Showing their respect to the new rulers of the kingdom.

The altar they reached was just as elegant as everything else in the Enchanted Palace. A beautiful white arch littered with flowers of different colors and sizes. Different colored Roses, Hamaris, and Sunflowers blooming along the arch. Massive willow trees hanging over them. Giving everyone shade. The tree tinkled some of the guests with its long vine of small green leaves. The sky still stuck on that pretty sunset color.

Birds sung. Sprinkles and tiny shards of golden dust-like magic danced through the air. Illuminating the area with a pretty glow. One of the maidens that took care of Lelani was playing the harp while singing in a harmonious tone. Like a song for angels. Her maidens were just as lovely as she was and once Lelani’s bond was sealed with Montai his fellow brothers would also be able to claim a woman of magic as their own.

After what seemed like a year all its own they reached the altar. Hand in hand as they turned to face each other. Reading their vows. In a realm like this rings did not symbolize marriage instead the bracelet he gave her would show as a ring. The rare family heirloom. Once they kissed and were pronounced husband and wife they would have their claiming ritual. Montai would claim his new queen leaving a love bite mark on her neck for all to see. Solidifying their marriage.

“You may now kiss the bride.” On that, Montai’s hands lifted Lelani’s to his lips where he kissed the back of her hands lightly. Wrapping one arm around her to pull her close. Her head looked up and she stood on her tiptoes. A small smile formed on Montai’s face as he leaned down to kiss her. Montai had barely graced her lips when there was a loud shriek coming from the back of the room. Followed by whispers and more screams.

Montai’s attention broke from Lelani’s as he noticed his guards damn near butchered in half. Holding their guts in place by their hands. Falling staining the walkway to the altar with their blood. Another wave of cries as everyone rushed towards the altar. Hiding behind Lelani, Montai, and the elders who had already turned into their Lycan form. His brother Boa pushed Montai to get his attention. “Get Lelani to the border. If you have to let her cross. You have to keep her safe.” With that, his brothers also turned into their Lycan form. Montai grabbed Lelani by the wrist pulling her further into the trees until he could figure out how to get her out.

Silence. An eerie quietness before the storm he knew was about to hit could approach. After a few moments of silence, he heard the nasty vile sound of a hiss. Followed by hundreds of red eyes and then blurs. Quick blurry flashes of figures. Vampires? But how? Why? Only magical beings with pure kind hearts could enter the Nakuru border. What was going on? Montai had no time to think when he was nudged by one of the elder Lycans nearly knocked down to his feet. Get her out of here! The elder spoke to him telepathically. Montai simply giving a simple nod rushing to his feet. He had Lelani’s wrists focusing on not letting it go. Pushing through the back past the trees and further into the woods. Lelani fighting his every move trying to get back to her people, her mother, and sisters. “LELANI!” Montai had to snap at her yanking her and flinging her in front of him.

Pushing her against a tree holding her still by the shoulders. “Lelani, I understand I do. But if we lose you all is lost. I will get you to the border and my tribe will keep your people safe. You have my word on that.”

Lelani took a minute to stop fighting but after she listened to his words she settled. Understanding that everything he said was true. Grabbing his hand and running with him through the forests until they came across a clear opening. Waterfalls, a lake, and a huge clearing. The border could be seen right in front of them. A crystal-looking clear border that looked like glass. Both of them were hesitant. No one had ever left the lands and if he lost her he would indeed go mad. He thought about going with her stepping over to the border with her when he caught the horrid scent of spoiled blood. The vampires were close. Was the tribe okay?

He looked at Lelani broken and when she saw the look on his face he knew she knew. Shaking her head violently and stepping back from him. “N..No I’m not leaving Nakuru Montai. Please don’t make me leave!” She tried to drop to her knees when Montai grabbed her. Trying to become dead weight. But, it was pointless both of them had tears running down the sides of their face. Holding her in his arms one last time. Looking into her eyes deeply leaning in for at least one kiss. But, the snarls grew louder and he knew it would be selfish to steal a kiss now at this moment. So he kissed her on her forehead. Whispered I love you and threw her back into the border. Watching as she vanished from sight turning to prepare for the fight approaching him.

~ Lelani ~

Woke up under the night sky full of stars. There was a chill in the air. The wind brushing against her skin in a harsh manner. She grabbed the side of her temple her head throbbing. Looking around to notice she was laying on sand. That’s all she saw for miles was sand upon sand upon sand. Her supernatural eyesight causing her to see in the darkness. There was a building up ahead. Quite a few of them. Large massive triangle-like buildings in the middle of sand? Where was she? She felt the beam of something glow in the corner of her eye.

Looking down at her wrist to see the bracelet of the owl still on her. Remembering Montai and all that had happened just a few moments ago. Eyes filling with tears as she dropped to her knees. Hiding her face in her hands as she wept. Praying she would find her way back home. Back to the wild lands of Nakuru.