Zeus stepped into June’s quarters with a berserk look on his eyes. “That’s it. Call it off. You won’t be doing this anymore.”
June was getting dressed by some maids who prepared her for the next Luna games test.
“Leave us.” She said and they all obliged.
In seconds, the room was empty, safe for Zeus who closed the gap between them and planted a kiss on her lips.
June welcomed him with open arms, losing herself into the kiss as they discarded their outfits. Zeus’ eyes glowed a bright shade of red and his kisses became desperate.
“You can’t…” He whispered into her ears and pushed her against the wall. June let out a loud gasp as he slid into her.
“It’s dangerous.” He held her neck, slithering in and out while she moaned with her back arched.
“Zeus…” She moaned,
“Listen to me.” He bit her earlobe, inciting a fire within her. “Let me handle it. Let me take care of you. Just say the word.”
June remained silent, eyes rolled back on the wall as he had his wicked way with her.
Soon enough, they were over it. June wore her clothes in silence while Zeus sat on her bed with a thoughtful expression.
“What happened?” She asked when he didn’t speak.
“You can’t continue with the event.”
“You haven’t answered my question, Zeus.” She walked up to him. “What’s got your panties in a twist?”
Zeus looked up to her with clear eyes. “They want to kill you.” He breathed and she could hear the pain in his voice.
“I don’t know how many people are on their side but I can’t risk your life. I’d rather kill them all and have you to myself than let harm come to your hair.”
June was moved by the sincerity in his voice. She hasn’t seen Zeus in such a disposition. In that moment, she felt a flicker of her wolf’s presence and her eyes widened.
“Augusta?” She whispered into her mind, praying she got a reply this time around.
“June…” The voice was faint, but loud enough for June to hear, as well as Zeus whose eyes widened.
“I’m so sorry!” June apologized immediately. “I was silly. I shouldn’t have taken my anger out on you. Please.”
“Listen to me, June.” She said in a faint voice. Zeus was listening in on their conversation.
“We’ve been poisoned.” She confirmed his worst nightmare. “My wolf was affected so she won’t be providing as much help. I’m sorry.”
June was shocked at her words. “Poisoned? By who? How?”
“Zeus will explain. I need you to trust your instincts for the next task.” Augusta said. “We will render our help but please know that you will be dependent on your strengths.”
“That’s it. We’re calling it off.” Zeus decided but June was not having it.
“I understand.” She said to Augusta, eyes firm. June turned to Zeus when she felt Augusta rescind within her.
“What is going on?” She asked, “and don’t tell me it’s off because I will defend my position.”
A frustrated sound escaped Zeus’ lips. “Wolfsbane.” He said after some time.
“What is that?”
“It’s a herb that is used to incapacitate or kill a wolf.”
June’s heart fell into the pits of her stomach. “What do you mean? I don’t remember taking anything of the sort.”
“The chef had it in your food.” Zeus gritted. “I don’t know how long it’s been happening. I took care of him but what if there’s more?”
“I feel fine.”
Zeus flares his hands. “Don’t you get it? You are hardly the target. They want to kill you. They want to kill your wolf before it’s had the opportunity to make an appearance.”
His breathing grew harsh. “They want to ruin me…”
June interlocked her fingers with Zeus’ and squeezed lightly. “I will be fine.” She meant every word. “I won’t let anything happen to me.”
Zeus was not convinced.
“I need you to trust me. Put away fear and have faith in me. I can’t do this with you against me too.” Her eyes pleaded. “I need you.”
Zeus dragged her into a hug and she felt the beating of his heart. “You own me.” He said and she felt her heart freeze when a drop of water touched her skin.
“I regret it.” Zeus said, confusing her further. “If I’d known you would come along, I wouldn’t have created this many enemies.”
“I can’t lose you.” He buried his head at the nape of her neck. “I just found you.”
“You won’t.” June said with determination written in her face.
Time passed and soon it was time for the next round. Tara appeared with visible arrogance in her disposition.
June wore a blank face as she stood by the borders of the Nightshade pack. The sun was set and the sky slowly darkened.
“Today’s round is one of the most important parts of the Luna games.” The host said.
“The one who retrieves the first Luna Queen’s bone will be crowned winner.”
“As you all know, the late Luna Queen bravely fought the battle of the rogues and was killed in war.”
“Her body was preserved but stolen when the rogues invaded the lands.”
“However, a bone was found from her remains and hidden by the moon goddess who left this inscription.”
“This round will not only reveal the true intellect but the one armed with the gifts of a true Luna.”
Two leaflets were handed over to the women who read the inscription, which said,
“I lie beneath the darkened veil, where the world above has lost its trail.”
A confused expression marred upon June’s face while Tara wore a winning smile.
“You have until midnight to find and retrieve the hidden Luna’s bone.” The host explained. “Bear in mind that the woods are different and nothing is usually as it seems in the forest.”
“You have until midnight. Good luck.”
Zeus watched the women leap into action. Tara took the lead while June followed closely.
“Trust your instincts.” June heard Zeus’ wolf voice in her mind, causing her to stop in her tracks.
“H-How?” She stuttered but he urged her on.
“Keep going and keep your eyes open.” June needn’t be told twice. She charged forward with the inscription bold in her heart.
The sky darkened and it was hard to see moving forward. June felt her vision change and in that moment, she was grateful for her wolf.
“I lie beneath the darkened veil, where the world above has lost its trail.” June muttered under her breath, looking around as she wrecked her brain for the answer.
She wondered what the bone looked like and the implications of the words to the world around her.
Meanwhile, Tara had other plans. To her, this was merely an intellectual test and she was determined to come up top.
Tara shifted into her wolf and got to hunting. Her plan was simple. To find an animal, kill it, pick a bone, turn around and finish her competition.
How hard could that be?