Mine At First Sight

▪️L E N N A▪️

“Ouch! Not so hard!” I whined, before wiping the back of my hand over my sweaty brow.

“Come now, Lenna! You’ve done these exact moves countless times, stop being so sloppy!” Berengar sternly said, while pointing at my wooden shield. “You have that for a reason. Use it, or lose your head!”

I nodded in understanding.

Even though it was impossible for me to beat a werewolf, if used correctly, I would be able to ward off some attacks, as the small silver spikes that decorated my shield burnt their skin.

During the last couple of years, my reflexes had improved greatly. It was almost inhuman sometimes, the way I predicted some of Berengar’s attacks, especially over the last three years after my weird powers emerged.

We figured that it must be linked to my eyes somehow.

I could not beat Berengar. After all, he was one of the strongest werewolves in the entire province. In the past, to both of our surprise, I had succeeded in landing a blow or two. So, against a weaker werewolf, I stood a chance of surviving, at least enough to try and escape.

Berengar never went easy on me, so I certainly knew how to take a hit. My sturdy body, along with my thick strong legs, helped to keep me balanced.

As we continued to exchange blows, I suddenly stopped mid-strike, my skin prickling.

“What is wrong?” Berengar asked, sensing my distress.

Anxiously looking at the trees around us, “Something feels off, someone else is here.”

Chuckling softly, “Relax, it’s just your imagination. I always make sure that we’re alone, and if anyone else were here I would’ve smelled them–” Berengar suddenly stiffened, his head whirling in different directions.

His eyes widened at me, no doubt wondering how I had sensed the presence before he did. Lifting his nose in the air, he then abruptly shed his clothes.

“Run, Lenna!” Berengar growled before howling for reinforcements.

Whenever he transformed, it was always a sight to behold, and I remained standing where I was while I watched as the light of the moon danced over his naked body.

I cringed at the sounds of his bones cracking as he dropped to his knees on the grass, arched his spine, and howled once more. In silence, I continued to watch as the skin of his shoulders and back began to widen until it split, and dark grey fur sprout forth.

His pale blue eyes now glowed a deep cerulean as he turned and tilted his face to look back at me with a piercing gaze. Berengar’s nose began to stretch, while his canines elongated as he panted heavily.

Knowing that he would not be able to speak to me once his face was fully transformed, he used his last transitory moment to shout.

“Damn you, Lenna! I said run!” Berengar’s words ended with a howl.

His guttural growls startled me.

Deciding that I had wasted enough time, I turned around and ran as he had instructed, my hands tightly holding on to my sword and shield. Stealing a glance behind me, I saw that my best friend had fully shifted. His beautiful dark grey wolf was always a sight to behold.

It was then that I saw a large black shadow with red eyes burst through the trees, charging wildly at Berengar.

It had no solid shape, so it was hard to make out what type of creature it was.

I hated leaving Berengar, and I wished that I had better control over my powers so that I could stay behind and help him. The creature’s loud and ominous roar pulled me out of my thoughts and I peeked over my shoulder once again.

I gasped when I realised that the shadow was rapidly closing in on me.

Was my best friend already dead?

Before I could even give the notion any more attention, I was harshly tackled to the ground. The unexpected impact caused me to scream, and as I opened my eyes, I found that I was not actually in the forest, but in the safety of my bedroom.

“Just another weird dream…” I whispered to myself.

My linen nightgown was damp, sticking uncomfortably to my feverish skin. With a heavy sigh, I sat up and attempted to inhale gradually, willing my heart to calm itself while also trying to slow down my ragged breathing. I felt like I really had been running for my life, for the dream had seemed so real.

I looked out of the window and saw that it was still dark.

I hated these dreams; they were irregular and never pleasant. In particular this dream about the shadow, which started happening a few months ago. It always ended the same way, with me being chased into the darkness.

As a teen, I used to have weird dreams, in that sometimes the things I dreamt ended up happening in real life. Such as the death of one of the villagers, or a fire happening in the forest, although, I had not had any of those in quite some time.

I was thankful that this recurring nightmare about the eerie shadow never manifested, and I hoped that it would never come to pass.

As, if it did, then I would have foreseen my own murder.

Taking another deep breath, I got out of bed, knowing that I would not be able to go back to sleep. At least not right away, and with that sobering notion, I walked over to my desk and pulled out my journal with the intent to document this latest dream.

Just as I picked up the quill, I heard a small knock on my bedroom door.

From the unique pattern, I smiled, knowing that it was my younger brother on the other side. Without hesitation, I went to the door and quickly opened it.

“What are you doing up?” I asked.

Waldemar gave me a goofy smile as he replied, “You know, just doing my usual nightly kitchen raid and on my way back to my room, I heard you moving about.”

I snorted while shaking my head, my gaze raking over his tall lanky form, wondering where all the food he ate went.

“I know that I said it before, but the purple of your eyes really brings out the white in your hair.”

I could not help but laugh while pulling him into my bedroom, enveloping him in a big hug. Waldemar’s arms quickly encircled my waist, hugging me back tightly.

The bond I shared with my brother was something I cherished greatly. Even though it had been over a year, I still found myself feeling happy, knowing that he was not afraid of my new eyes, even if he was greatly intrigued by them.

“I’m afraid, Lenna,” he mumbled against me.

Pulling apart so that I could look down at him, I questioned, “Afraid of what?”

Glancing over his shoulder, looking back at the empty corridor, he whispered, “Well with your eyes changing and all. Do you think the Lycans will eventually get involved? I don’t want them to take you away.”

Wanting to reassure him, I quickly replied, “It’s been over a year and nothing’s happened so it’s safe to say that I’m not going anywhere. After all, who else would you talk about boys with?”

Waldemar blushed slightly.

At fourteen, he displayed a maturity that surprised anyone who met him. When he had confessed to me about finding the butcher’s son attractive, I had immediately supported him.

In the provinces, same-sex relationships among humans were not forbidden, but they were not exactly accepted either. Due to us belonging to a healer family and the status that came with it, Waldemar thought it best to keep his sexual preferences a secret.

Being the supportive big sister, I had respected his decision but always made a point to tell him that he had nothing to be ashamed of. After all, I was a firm believer that where love was concerned, there should be no boundaries or limitations on choosing who to give one’s hearts to.

“I wish that I were older so that I could help Berengar keep you safe,” Waldemar said.

My heart lurched at his words and I pulled him for another hug, “Don’t worry, everything will be fine. Now get back to bed before mother comes and scolds us both.”

With a soft chuckle, my brother gave me one last tight squeeze before heading back to his own bedroom. After closing the door, I walked towards my mirror and stared at my reflection.

Thinking back to what my brother had asked, coupled with the discussion that I had with Berengar earlier, I could not help but wonder if the Lycans would indeed get involved and what that would mean for myself and my family.

The way my parents had looked at me when my eyes had first changed colour was not something I would soon forget. Of course, I could not really blame them for the way they reacted as even I myself had been freaked out, and still was if I was being honest with myself.

I sighed and tilted my head to the side.

Based on some of the old folklore legends, I had a vague idea about what having these eyes meant, but I was not sure how such a thing was even possible.

That night, I sat with my family, having dinner.

Unfortunately, it was not one of our usually peaceful gatherings. My father, Wilhelm, and I had been arguing back and forth for the last half hour, our voices raising every so often. It would seem that my best friend had been telling the truth.

“Watch your tone, Lenna! You know very well that’s not the way women of this family behave!” Wilhelm bellowed; his blue eyes wide.

At his words, I slammed my fist on the table, then intentionally scraped my chair on the stone floor and quickly stood up. The irksome sound caused my mother, Lissa, to cast me a disapproving glare before tucking a lock of her dark curly hair behind her ear.

“If you wanted me to be quiet and subservient, then perhaps you shouldn’t have raised me as you would a son!” I countered, the words coming out before I could stop them.

Taking a gulp of wine, my father then smashed his goblet on the table before stating, “I swear to the Gods, if I had foreseen the birth of Waldemar eight years later, trust me, I wouldn’t have!”

My brother lowered his brown eyes and squirmed awkwardly in his seat. He, like my mother, remained quiet as my father and I argued.

My father exhaled loudly, “I have been blessed and cursed at the same time…”

“Why can’t you understand my desire to stay within our province? I’m sorry if I don’t seem grateful at wanting to be the Lycan King’s personal slave, but the thought of leaving you all saddens me greatly,” I said while walking to stand in front of the fireplace.

This was really happening; I really was being sent to the Lycan territory.

Realistically, I knew that my father had no control over the situation. It was just that, since we had such a great relationship, I figured he would have told me. I should not have had to find out from Berengar.

My father stood up and moved to stand behind me, “Lenna, I’m sorry, but you know how things are done within this empire. Everything is divided based on rank, and had your eyes not changed, then you would have continued to serve Vizra Rorik and his family. Unfortunately, the Lycan King claimed you as his property and he’s coming to collect. I don’t know why he waited so long, but at least this way we were allowed to be together longer.”

“I hate these eyes…” I muttered, as my gaze shifted to the large mirror over the fireplace.

I had always wanted to have eyes like my mother’s, hazel with flecks of gold. Instead, I had gotten my father’s intense blue eyes. But now, this unusual purple colour stared back at me, an obvious reminder that something inside of me had changed.

My father’s face softened while his voice lowered, “I know that you might not like all the changes that are happening, but you need to realise that you are special, Lenna, so it only makes sense that the Lycan King would claim you for himself. I apologise for not telling you sooner, but I knew that the news would have upset you and that you may have done something rash, like try to run away.”

I gave him a sideways glance; he knew me too well.

“I don’t want to go, father! What if he wants me to be his concubine?” I recoiled in slight panic.

“I know the Lycans are known for having intense sexual appetites, but do you really think that after seeing the first healer in centuries with eyes like yours, sex will be the first thing on his mind?” he paused to stroke his red-tinged beard.

“Erm, yes?” I answered glibly.

Chuckling softly, my father said, “All jokes aside, I’m pretty sure that the Lycan King is not taking you so that you can warm his bed. You’re something that’s rare, and I have no doubt that he wishes to understand your power. Who knows, perhaps you’ll be able to learn a thing or two from him as well. So, even though you are to be his first slave, regardless of what your tasks will be, it’s a great honour to serve him.”

The fact that humans found prestige in being enslaved to the Lycans caused a sudden rage to rise within me and I could not help but lash out, my eyes burning as the words clawed their way up my throat.

“I do not care! Why can’t I just stay within the province?” I implored, my watering eyes turning to get lost in the dancing flames before me.

Of course, I knew that I was being irrational, as there was nothing that could be done about my situation. Due to my privileged existence, the reality that I could be parted from my family and taken away from the province was not something I had ever truly considered.

I felt my father place his hands on my shoulders, giving me a reassuring squeeze.

Wilhelm was around six feet in height, which was considered very tall for a human. He was a robust man in his early sixties with radiant red hair who could trace his ancestry back to one of the earliest human tribes.

There had been a rumour that he possessed werewolf genes, as in his youth, he was a human of considerable strength. There was even gossip concerning his blue eyes which some claimed seemed to glow on the night of the full moon.

Of course, such things were not true.

Though, based on his temper at times, I was sometimes inclined to believe the tales.

As my mind drifted from my father, I thought about my beautiful mother. Unlike her loud-mouthed and short-tempered husband, she was soft-spoken and very patient. I was often fascinated by the way she could calm him down with just one word.

My mother Lissa was a petite and delicate woman. She was a descendant of the Khorgan people, who were easily recognised by the dark colour of their skin.

A pure-blooded Khorgan was something to behold, as their skin would dazzle in the sun like a well-polished onyx gem. My mother was of mixed ancestry, her deep brown skin illustrating part of that heritage.

The sound of my father’s voice pulled me from my daze.

“Everything will be fine. Perhaps soon, you’ll see reason and be glad that things worked out the way they have,” my father said trying to comfort me.

Although, I thought that he was more trying to reassure himself.

The Lycans were frightening creatures, and scarcely ever ventured into the provinces. Their territory comprised of some villages with a large castle at the centre, near a beautiful lake.

Personally, I had never seen a Lycan. There was a time when I may have been very curious about them, but I was happy to have never been in their presence as that would have meant leaving the safety of my province.

Taking a step away from my father, I said, “I would rather stay…”

“Lenna, this is not up for discussion! You know very well that there have been attacks around the borders lately that have been linked to the King’s older brother. What do you think would happen if he somehow managed to get his hands on you? It’s obvious that because of your eyes you may very well become a target for them. The safest place for you is at King Edric’s side, you must see this,” his gaze was piercing as he added, “besides, his library may have books that will help you better understand whatever changes you may be experiencing due to your powers.”

“The only positive thing about this entire situation,” I mumbled and walked back towards the table to finish the last of my wine.

I ruffled my brother’s wavy brown hair and sent him a wink before nodding respectfully to my mother. Casting one last look at my father, I excused myself from the room.

With a frown, I headed upstairs and stormed into my bedroom, banging open the door against the wall.

Sensing that I was not alone, I said loudly, “I know that you’re here, Dakini. Stop trying to sneak up on me, you know it’s useless.”

Hearing her playful laugh caused my anger to diminish.

With a smile, Dakini, my handmaiden came out from my closet, “What can I say, I think it fascinating how accurate you can be at sensing other people’s presence. If I didn’t know any better, I would think that you were part werewolf or something.”

“That would be something! Although I suppose it must be linked to these eyes,” I stated with a shrug.

“Well, I’m sure when you go live with King Edric, he may be able to help answer some of the questions you have,” Dakini said while batting her eyelashes at me.

“Seriously? Not you too! Are you really in agreement with me being sent away? What kind of best friend are you?” I asked, my scowl returning.

“A supportive one,” she retorted and patted my shoulder.

Dakini was a year older than me and we had been close friends since we were children. We acted more like family, as opposed to master-servant.

With a slight pout, she went on to say, “Lenna, you are the first to have such eyes in over five hundred years! Surely you must realise that going to live with the Lycan King is in your best interest. I mean, if going to the Lycan territory was so dangerous, wouldn’t you have dreamed it?”

I did not want to admit that she was right, so I rolled my eyes as I replied, “You know very well that I have no control over what I dream.”

Dakini’s gaze softened, “All the more reason to go to the Lycan territory, no? Come on, Lenna, think about it. Imagine how much knowledge you could attain. You’re always grumbling about wanting to change things back to how they were before King Eberhard’s reign. In my heart, I know that if anyone can change our world, it’s you.”

“I just don’t understand why the Lycan King is suddenly coming for me now. If what you all are saying is true, then should I not have been taken over a year ago? Why is he coming for me now? Why did he wait all this time?” I asked, my confusion evident.

Sighing, I walked towards the bed and sat down at the edge of it.

“I don’t know why the Lycan King has waited, but I’m sure you’ll find out. Just try to focus on the positive. Imagine the things you might be able to achieve if you can help change the laws!” Dakini said excitedly as she came to sit next to me, “I can see it now, being able to travel freely between the borders, no longer being forced into slavery, a life where we can choose our own destiny.”

I gave her a knowing look and taunted, “And be free to marry werewolves again?”

Shaking her head wildly, she nervously faltered, “I-I do not know what you are talking about. But yes, if the laws were changed then you could marry Berengar if you wanted.”

I waved her off, “Nonsense! Berengar, like you, is my best friend, and I love him just as I love you. You two are like family to me.”

“Family, huh? Last I checked, family members did not sleep together,” she said, teasing me this time.

I remained quiet as I felt my cheeks warm at her comment.

After a brief moment of silence, Dakini added, “You know, you’re the only human I know to openly claim a servant and a werewolf as their best friends.”

The irony, humans looking down on other humans. Even having the nerve to scorn the werewolves, while being at the very bottom of the social pyramid. Just thinking about the irrationality of it all had my anger rising.

My voice trembled with loathing, “I never understood how some humans could demean werewolves, calling them nasty animals, yet have no problem sleeping with Lycans.”

Shrugging, Dakini commented, “Well, the Lycans are the epitome of strength and dominate the social structure.”

“The entire system is pointless,” I mumbled.

Many humans respected the Lycans to the point of worshipping them. Some families even offered their children as gifts, hoping that they would be given the opportunity to live and serve within the Lycan territory.

Of course, it was no secret that Lycan males enjoyed coupling with female humans. Which was another reason that I did not wish to go live with the Lycan King.

Who would protect me if he wished to sleep with me?

Suddenly, the sound of Berengar’s howl broke through my thoughts, pulling my attention towards the window.

Giving me a knowing look, Dakini teased, “Sneaking off with the Vizra’s son again?”

Standing, I stretched and said, “You know very well that I have to keep up with my training. I would not be as good with a sword or bow and arrow as I am now were it not for our nightly drills”

“Uh huh, nightly drills indeed, just be safe,” she grinned while standing as well.

I grunted an incoherent response and quickly changed my clothes before leaving my bedroom.

With swift movements, I stealthily made my way downstairs and snuck out through the kitchen, eager to see the large dark grey and black werewolf with glowing blue eyes I knew would be waiting for me.