Mine At First Sight

▪️L E N N A▪️

Tonight, was the night.

The Lycan King was coming for me, and there was nothing I could do to stop it.

As I stood in front of my large mirror, my head tilted as I took in my appearance. I had always been good at hiding my emotions. Right now, my calm exterior masked the intense turmoil I felt.

To say that I was nervous was an understatement.

My purple eyes boldly stared back at me. Eyes that people had not seen for centuries, only knowing about their existence though bedtime stories they were told as children.

I slowly blinked, and watched as the violet colour of my eyes taunted me.

For it was the sole reason that I was being ripped away from everything I had ever known.

Narrowing my gaze, I bit my inner cheek and ran my hands over my hips while addressing my reflection, “I’m not going down without a fight!”

I had purposefully put on my favourite pair of dark leather pants and a typical white linen shirt with a hooded black cowl. These clothes were most comfortable for when I went horseback riding.

Yes, I was going to run away, or at least try to.

Even though we only had a few weeks, they passed quicker than we would have liked. Berengar and I had not given up hope and managed to come up with a plan, nonetheless. Unfortunately, we did not have a chance to sneak off before, seeing as the Vizra had suddenly placed guards to keep an eye on me.

Berengar said that he would do his best to keep the other werewolves off my trail, while I snuck out through the bathroom window and escaped through the forest. He had confided in me about a special plant, called the Kalla Root, and the use of its crushed leaves. When mixed with water and applied onto the skin, it would dissolve and blend with one’s natural scent, making it hard for werewolves to keep track of the individual.

While we were unsure of the plant’s effect on the Lycans, we had no choice but to go through with the plan either way. Berengar’s horse was one of the fastest in the region, and was waiting for me at the back of the house. It was our hope that I would be able to keep ahead of them until I reached the border.

Once I crossed over to the neighbouring province safely, I would lay low and wait for Berengar.

Together, we would then make our way into the unmarked territories to the East, moving as far away from the Lycans’ region as possible. Hopefully, there, we would be able to get a boat somehow and sail to one of the other islands.

Of course, the plan was far from perfect, but we felt that it was the best option we could come up with on such short notice.

I had no idea what the Lycan King had planned for me, and I would rather take my chances on the run than be forced to be his slave. We just needed to get out of the Malvar Empire first. Once we had achieved that, Berengar and I would work out on how we would leave the mainland.

Unexpectedly, the sound of the Lycans’ horn echoed through the air, deep and resonating.

Glancing out the window, my heart hammered in my chest as I saw a large black carriage being drawn by six massive horses. Never in my life had I seen such a breed of horse, its massive hooves stomping on the ground, while puffs of air escaped its nostrils as it snorted.

Before I could continue my silent observation, I was interrupted.

“Lenna Marie! Get down here right this instant!”

I cringed as my father’s voice bellowed from downstairs, forcing me away from the window.

Running as fast as I could, I made my way down the stairs and into the main foyer.

The silence that surrounded me was thick and stifling. All the servants had been told to stay in their quarters and not come back into the main house until summoned.

The manor was empty, except for my family and I.

“What the hell are you wearing?” His breathing tethered, eyes bulging slightly.

Mirroring the position expected of us, I quickly dropped to my knees next to my father. Exhaling softly, I did my best to ignore my father’s intense scowl while he ran a shaky hand through his hair.

My mouth moved to answer him, but it was too late, time had run out.

It was in that moment that our large front doors were harshly pushed in, and Berengar entered with his father and two of their strongest werewolf guards. Vizra Rorik and the others then each knelt at either side of the entrance.

I forced my gaze to remain on the stone floor as I heard heavy footsteps approaching.

My eyesight suddenly blurred as everything momentarily became unclear; then, I saw nothing at all. It was as though my consciousness was drifting through a void and my heartbeat pounded loudly, echoing in my ears, alongside the faint cries for help.

Since my eyes had appeared, I had begun to sense the emotions of those within my immediate surroundings.

However, this was the first time such a foreboding feeling washed over me.

The pores on my skin agonisingly raised as I heard the King’s voice for the very first time. His tone was unlike anything I had ever heard.

“Lenna…”

My eyes snapped open as hearing him say my name caused my throat to constrict, and my heart began to beat even faster.

“Why is it that I hear your father shouting? I would have thought that you would have been eagerly awaiting on your knees for my arrival,” the Lycan King spoke with authority, as he came to stand in front of me.

My hands fisted on my lap while I remained kneeling before him. I was unsure of what to do, was I supposed to answer him?

It was not as though he told me to speak. So, I did what I thought was best, and remained silent, on my knees, with my head bowed and my eyes fixed on the floor.

“Answer me when I address you…” King Edric commanded, his tone making me shiver.

Flinching, I then raised my head slowly.

The first thing that my eyes encountered were his black boots, then his black leather trousers which encased his strong legs. My gaze lingered briefly on his thighs before I resumed tilting my head upwards.

He was tall; I had expected him to be.

From the many stories I had heard over the years, Lycan humans were gigantic. My eyes continued their slow observation, noticing the prominent veins along the back of his hands before I lifted my gaze to his strong and wide chest, admiring the way his black shirt fit him.

When my eyes reached his face, I gasped softly.

Berengar had told me that the Lycan King was rumoured to be handsome, but I was not expecting him to be this striking.

Damn!

Now I understood the appeal of the Lycans.

King Edric was absolutely breath-taking, looking like a God as he loomed above us. His massive presence gave off an intimidating aura while he stared down at me.

The man had to be at least 6foot 10inches, much taller than my meagre 5foot 7inches!

It was easily noticeable how he towered over everyone in the room. His height and mass made the striking Vizra look like nothing in comparison, as the werewolf remained kneeling at the door.

My attention was drawn to the King’s long, thick hair. The colour of the glossy strands reminded me of the black ink I used on my parchment paper. His hair was pulled back into a ponytail, and I observed how the low thick beard he sported suited him.

From his appearance, I estimated that he looked to be in his late twenties, early thirties.

I felt as though I were locked in a trance as my gaze remained fixed. I felt ashamed for how I was reacting to the Lycan King as he stood before me, my hands clenching.

This was the man who was about to rip me from my home and family, from everything I ever knew. I should loathe his very existence; he was our oppressor after all. Yet here I was, all but drooling over him, and I partially hated myself for it.

As I looked at the scars on the left side of his face, I could not help but wonder how he got them. The vertical gashes were not pretty, but in my opinion, they did not detract from his striking features

His eyes seemed to glow while we briefly locked gazes and I found myself immediately intrigued by the flecks of spring-like green that swirled amongst the smokey grey colour of his iris.

Upon realising that I was staring, I gasped and looked away in a panic.

To look into a Lycan or werewolf’s eyes without permission meant that you were challenging them and here I was, breaking one of the most sacred of rules in mere minutes of meeting the Lycan King.

“You must know, Lenna, I do not like repeating myself!” King Edric growled.

Acknowledging that I still had not answered his question, I quickly sought to rectify that, as I did not want to test his patience, at least not so soon.

“Respectfully, Your Majesty, I would prefer to stay within the province,” I answered, my eyes refocusing on the expensive material of the open lapels of his black coat.

Without turning my head, I could just imagine the look on my parents’ face when I heard their sharp intake of breath next to me.

“I can respect someone who speaks their mind,” he stated while moving to stand even closer to me, “but we both know for obvious reasons why that can’t happen.”

Nodding my head, I discreetly glimpsed at Berengar and noted the stiffness of his posture while he remained kneeling by the door. His blue eyes briefly locked with mine, as his glance flickered before quickly lowering his gaze to the floor once more.

“Stand up!”

An involuntary flinch wracked through my body at the Lycan King’s command. I wished that I could hide my face from his piercing scrutiny.

There was barely any space between us now, and I felt as though he were physically touching my skin while he keenly observed me with a probing visual caress. With my hands to my side, I did my best to keep my eyes to the ground, even though I wanted nothing more than to look up at the imposing man in front of me.

“Why are you wearing these clothes? Should you not greet your King in your best garb?” He then arched a brow while beginning to slowly walk around me.

As the Lycan King leaned in, his scent caught my nose. It immediately reminded me of the forest, like the aroma of freshly cut timber.

Trying my best, I willed myself to remain calm as he now stood right in front of me. He was so close that I could almost feel his nose against the skin of my neck as he leaned his head down.

A part of me could have sworn that I heard him inhale deeply, but my thoughts were interrupted when he snarled softly.

I could feel his eyes on my hair, before the tips of his fingers touched the white streak by my left temple. Before I knew what was happening, he pulled at the pins in my hair, releasing my low bun.

Pressing my lips into a thin line, I briefly closed my eyes as I felt him run his fingers through my thick hair, hating how good it felt.

Without warning, he swiftly pulled my head back, his hand tugging on my loose wavy curls while his gaze intensely stared at my face before burning a path down the column of my throat. He stood like this for a moment, probably staring at the white patch of skin that creeped up from beneath my collar before abruptly releasing me.

One heavy brow slanted in strong disapproval as he reached a hand out once more.

This time, he slowly fingered the edge of my cowl, as though contemplating to rip it off. The Lycan King unhurriedly dragged his gaze over the entire length of my body, he paused at my hands, looking at my visible vitiligo, before settling on my face once more.

It was as though he was daring me to lock gazes with him, but I kept my eyes focused on the lapels of his coat.

“I just told you that I do not like repeating myself,” he stated, his hold tightening on the edge of my cowl while he took another step forward.

He was standing so close to me now that our noses were almost touching. His presence was so overwhelming, and in that moment, I forgot how to breathe, much less remember how to even speak.

Seeing my reaction, the Lycan King scowled as though my very presence disgusted him, the bastard.

“I’m still waiting, Lenna…” The tone of his voice lowered, deliberately emphasising my name.

I dug my nails into my palms in an attempt to slow the racing of my heart, “These are my preferred travelling clothes, Your Majesty.”

“If you plan to travel by horse. But since we’ll be taking a carriage back to the Lycan region, I would have preferred if you wore something else,” King Edric reflected, before releasing my cowl and taking a step back.

“I apologise,” I replied softly, trying to keep my tone respectful.

“It’s time for us to leave, tell your parents goodbye,” he flicked his hand, letting them know that it was alright for them to stand.

Holding back my sudden tears, I turned to look at my family, who were now on their feet and pulling me into a tight hug. I tried to keep a brave face. After all, this was a great honour for our family. My parents whispered encouraging words to me, while my younger brother, Waldemar, squeezed me tightly around the waist.

I silently wondered if I would ever see them again.

When we parted, I dried my eyes and turned back to the Lycan King, “May I be excused to the bathroom for a moment?”

Looking back at me with an amused expression on his face, “You may not, escaping is futile, and I would rather not waste my men’s time in a frivolous chase. Let us go!”

My face must have illustrated my surprise, for his smirk widened.

“I’m not a werewolf; I’m a Lycan and your King for that matter! As such, I’m not as easily fooled. Your body language gives you away, not to mention that I can smell the Kalla Root on your fingertips,” he tilted his head and observed my reaction.

Unconsciously licking my lips, I dropped my gaze to the ground, not wanting him to see the anger that I knew was slowly rising towards the surface. Taking deep breaths, I tried to keep my emotions in check.

“You surprise me, Lenna. When I first saw you tonight, I thought that you were smart. You appeared to be a kind and caring person especially as the reports I received from the Vizra sang your praises, describing a most unique and loving human,” he stated, suddenly in front of me again.

I kept my eyes lowered while silently wondering what kind of reports had been made about me.

He suddenly snarled, “But your kind are all the same… Selfish!” King Edric’s hand gripped my chin, forcing me to look up at him.

Our eyes connected, and his stare was as uncomfortable as the girdles that my mother used to force me to wear. Both had the same effect on my breathing, making it restrained and breathless, rendering me momentarily immobile.

We unrelentingly stared at each other, and I could not deny the intense magnetic pull I felt. There was so much going on behind those eyes of his, but I had no idea what.

Although, I could feel that every move the King made betrayed his intentions, and in this very moment none of them were noble. Then again, I should not have been surprised, he was a Lycan and he was clearly imposing his dominance over me.

After all, why else would he pull my hair down.

It was not as if I could openly protest, and he was clearly enjoying my vulnerability.

Thoughts raced in my mind as I began to have doubts on whether my protection was a priority to the King. Like werewolves, Lycans were very territorial.

There was no doubt in my mind anymore, I belonged to him now.

His hold on my jawline tightened while he rumbled, “What did you think would have happened if you ran away? Hmm? Did you not think about what would happen to your family?”

My breathing hitched as his words pulled me from my thoughts, causing my eyes to water.

The shame that flooded through my body made my knees weak. In my haste to escape my fate, I had forgotten about what my actions would have cost my family.

“I-I’m sorry Your Majesty. I am just afraid,” my voice trembled, his hold on my chin almost painful.

“You should be....”

He scoffed, then let go of my face and stepped aside to allow me to pass. Wringing my hands in front of me, my feet moved on their own accord.

As I neared Berengar, I stole another glimpse at him, aching to reach out to hug him one last time. Just before I reached the door, the Lycan King’s voice resounded once more.

“Are you not going to embrace your lover before you leave?” he questioned, though I knew he was not looking for an answer.

The skin of my face burnt fiercely as the King’s words mocked me.

My best friend’s head quickly raised; his eyes wide with shock as he glanced at me, and I could not help but notice the distress I saw lingering in his cerulean gaze, which in turn made my own fear increase.

“Hopefully you are not with child, for that would be most unfortunate…”

The King’s words were spoken slowly, while his nose wrinkled in slight disgust and I could not help but recoil at the tone of his voice.

Observing his handsome face, I realised that the rumours were true. The Lycan King was a harsh and cruel man, something I had forgotten as I momentarily lost myself in his riveting presence.

Once again, the sounds of my parents’ surprised gasps reached my ear. Only this time, Vizra Rorik’s soft growl joined them, as his head snapped towards his son, then at me, his blue eyes glowing, judging me.

There was no shame in what I had done.

After all, single women were allowed to lay with whomever they saw fit.

The problem was the fact that I was a human and Berengar was a werewolf. Not to mention, we both came from prominent families. I was a healer, and he was the Vizra’s son and we were both important individuals among our own people and should have known better than to hide something like this.

Interspecies couplings were to be strictly documented and monitored. Humans, both male and female, were administered a monthly injection, as no children were allowed to be sired from such a union.

Offenders who refused to follow these rules were punished severely.

Most times it resulted in death.

From their horrified reactions, I had no doubt that our secret came as a shock to our parents. I knew in my heart that they felt deceived by what we had done, and it only made the stabbing pain I felt in my chest worsen.

The close friendship I had with Berengar had been tolerated due to the relationship between the healer class and Vizras over the last few centuries. It was obvious that we had betrayed them, as our actions could have put both of our families in trouble with the Lycans and cost them their heads.

Of course, I had been careful to take the necessary herbs to prevent myself from getting pregnant.

My body trembled in embarrassment and fear and I anxiously wondered about the punishment I would receive at the Lycan King’s hand. From the look on the Vizra’s face, Berengar would not be spared his father’s wrath either.

I could tell that I was being tested, and it would be unwise to engage in any physical contact with my best friend.

It was clear from the way the Lycan King’s eyes narrowed; I knew that he greatly disapproved of our actions. I did not wish to infuriate him any further and compromise my best friend’s life more than it already was.

Not to mention the disdain King Edric clearly seemed to have for me, it would be unwise to add to it.

Taking one last glance at the disgraced expression on my best friend’s reddened face, I grimaced slightly when he refused to look at me. That subtle action caused me more pain than I cared to admit as I bowed my head in shame.

This was all my fault.

With a sigh, I exited through the front doors and walked down the stairs that lead to the courtyard.

Even though I wanted to lash out at the Lycan King, I knew my place in the social structure of this world, and as such I was taught to know when it was appropriate to show my emotions.

Now was definitely not the time.

There, in the courtyard, stood the large black carriage I had seen entering the compound earlier. I saw that my trunks were already neatly secured to the roof, and silently wondered when my things had been removed from the hallway.

Surrounding the wagon, I noticed for the first time that there were four of King Edric’s men on similar horses. They too, like him, were tall and daunting in stature.

Off to the side, however, I saw two Lycans, standing in full form, under the light of the full moon.

For the first time in my life, my eyes travelled over these impressive and massive beasts. They both had a mixture of white, grey, and brown fur. My knees buckled slightly as their glowing eyes pierced through me.

Their deep and sudden growls caused me to yelp in surprise as I quickly averted my gaze.

From the look of the horses, coupled with the fact that there were fully transformed Lycans present, there was no way I would have been able to outrun any of them.

What in the hell were Berengar and myself thinking?

“Get in!” King Edric bellowed from behind me, tearing me from my thoughts.

Keeping my head down, I avoided looking at everything around me as I took the hand that was offered to me by him and climbed into the carriage, where we sat opposite each other.

As I looked out the window, I ignored the tingling in my palm, caused by the brief touch of our hands. The tingling felt so intense that I wondered if my hands would have started to glow, but when nothing happened, I relaxed slightly.

Glancing over at his large hands, I reflected on how warm it had been against mine. It felt too good for my liking, and I frowned while mentally cursing my body for reacting the way it had.

I should be focusing on other things, like what lay in store for me when I arrived in the Lycan region. What would my duties be as the Lycan King’s slave? My thoughts began to consume me while I felt the wagon suddenly lurch forward as we began our journey.

Instinctively, I knew that my racing heart probably sounded like loud drums to him, but I could not seem to control it. His next words confirmed my thoughts.

“Calm yourself Lenna, you are safe with me,” the King commented, as his piercing glance flickered over me.

Once again, I was reminded how weak I was in comparison to him.

There was no use in crying, even though my eyes burnt with unshed tears. Rapidly blinking, I willed them to disappear, as I straightened my posture and composed myself.

This weakness I felt would be used as motivation to anchor and guide me.

For, in this very moment, I made a promise to myself.

No matter what happened from here on, I would do whatever it took to transform into the strongest person that I could become.