1- Welcome to My World

Elian’s POV

The sounds of the radio radiated throughout the car, with the words of “Big, big booty. What you got a big booty.” being repeated as my head was leaning on the car’s window, watching the world around me go at a rate much slower than I can fly. Occasionally, there were indentations on the ground, underneath the vehicle, that were significant enough to be felt by the passengers. When each one was felt, my head would harshly be in collision with the window in which I rested my head upon. After a few occurrences of the same action being repeated as well, I sighed in irritation and straightened up in a sitting position as I glared at the window.

Normally, I wouldn't be so easily angered by the mere taps of my head against a window, but the inevitable time of coming face to face with the ones I have betrayed continuously for nearly a decade came nearer than I hoped for.

It’s been three years, since my surroundings have changed permanently. The supernatural world was torn in two, between what was desired and what was needed to be done. Practically three years ago, one supernatural being came out to the world, in the need of acceptance of others that weren't in the same predicament that he had been in. Everyone on the planet of Earth knows his name, everyone in the mythical realms know his name, and I’m pretty sure everyone will know who he is in the future as well.

Acario Bagni.

His name literally meant an ungrateful, public bath servant. Other than his selfish persona, he was deliberately limited in his ability to think properly. He was a vampire, one that was recently made in Italy, and roamed the streets with no control of what crimes he had committed. It is the law, that if a vampire happens to turn a human being into a vampire of their own kind, they must take that vampire into their home and provide safety and security to everyone else until the bitten human is fully under control of their mind and actions.

Evidently, that  notion was not given to Acario, as he exposed himself in broad daylight as he feasted on a young child in front of the eminent Trevi Fountain. Obviously, there were other motives of his actions other than not truly knowing what he was doing. Every vampire always has a sense of mind before they puncture their extracted fangs into the neck of a human being, for the smallest amount of seconds, they are mentally reprimanded for the action they are about to execute. When taken into questioning by the Court of Vampires, he confessed to believing that the human world demanded to be given the reality of the supernatural beings that are among them.

Acario was denied the right to protest against his punishments and was sentenced to death in the next few minutes of his confession as it was the Court’s decision. After his death was sentenced, the entire realm of supernatural beings was ordered to lay low for a few weeks, even months until the humans became forgetful. Forgetful of the viral pictures and videos that were taken of the traumatizing experience. An abundance of humans already believed that the scene was made for a movie and the movie crew needed unsuspected citizens to play the part of the setting, so their reactions were genuine and true. Honestly, it was the optimum excuse at the moment and to say the least, the Court of Vampires took advantage of the humans’ in denial minds.

In spite of an immense portion of the humankind feeding into the idea of the movie scene proposal, there were others who had created websites and awareness groups against us, particularly vampires. Now that some humans believe in vampires, it has opened the doors to the other beliefs of other mythical creatures such as werewolves, witches, and of course, fairies.

The little girl was also taken into custody by the court and was raised by one of the superiors. Her family and friends were found and compelled to force their experiences and memories of the little girl to slip from their minds.

In today’s time, we are now free to roam the Earth as we please, but most are afraid of the next occurrence and the foreshadowing predicament of the human world realizing that we are indeed authentic beings in association with their kind on a daily basis. To be honest, I am frightened as well for my realm and responsibility of all of the Fae. That is why we, as the populations of Fae, barely present ourselves to this particular domain, we have all we need at the safety of our homes. However, I am obligated to accept any invitations from any of the other superiors of the other kinds, in order to maintain our political ties.

As another dent in the ground made itself known, my thoughts were blurred, and the matter of the near future was recognized again.

I was on my way to the yearly celebration that the Pack of Celestial Hala held to acknowledge yet another year of constant health and protection from any harm.

It was every year that I attended this affair for all werewolves, to demonstrate the alliance I have maintained with the wolves. They were a prominent ally for my people, with their valuable attributes such as loyalty, protection, and trust. The werewolves believed in unities of their packs, a unified front against all who defied their packs and others that they have vowed to protect. Although there were also disadvantages of being allies with the werewolves, like the control they seem to lose when a trigger is presented in the moment in which they feel monumental emotion or pain. Especially, over their mates and offspring. Mentioning mates made me shiver as I am doing the exact notions that werewolves loathe, the lies and secrets.

As we entered the pack grounds, I was overcome with an immeasurable amount of magic. The atmosphere of the area was mostly pure, in which I tapped into the existing magic and started muttering a familiar chant I had luckily found in the grand library long ago. After the chant was spoken quietly, my body was overwhelmed with an invisible halo of protection from the designated people I created it for.

The car soon came to a halt as one of my warriors in the driver’s seat turned around and cleared his throat.

“Lord Elian, we have arrived at the destination."

I nodded, and smiled at the new, young recruit to my team of warriors that were requested to remain with me at all times by the Seelie Court.

“No need to be nervous, young one. You may call me Elian.”

The corners of his mouth curved upward, resembling a grin, before he nodded.

“Now, I will come out of the vehicle when I desire, but not now. Understand?” I questioned the warrior, certain that he could not deny my wishes but I made the courtesy of asking to show respect to his position.

“Yes, Lor-Elian,” he corrected himself before he exited the car and left me to recuperate.

Here, I sat, and contemplated on when I would be ready for the eventful night ahead. Finally, after a few moments, I opened the door with little difficulty before one of the Fae opened the door for me instead. The Seelie Court insisted that I arrive in one of the transportation devices that the humans use, to exhibit no advantages of being able to fly or teleport to anywhere I wished. Flushed with embarrassment, I thanked the male before straightening out my clothes, with my hands going over the silk-like fabric.

Today, like any other day, I wore a tight, white shirt with few buttons that neared the neckline with blue, faintly loose pants that were the equivalent of a human’s pair of joggers (which were casually loose near the waist and became tighter as the traveled down the ankles). The attire was accompanied with brown, leather boots and I placed a blue cloak over my shoulders and tied the two strings onto my chest. My exceptionally long, black hair, laid effortlessly on my back as a few silver strands were moved forward to frame my face lightly.

It was cold, with the months of winter nearing, light gusts of wind picked up and allowed the cloak around my body to waver slightly. My surroundings were serene and provided a sense of tranquility. There were trees everywhere around the castle grounds, with rich, green grass beneath the soles of my boots. The sun was high in the sky, but covered with the presence of clouds from time to time. Someone cleared their throat, before bringing me back to attention.

“Ready, Elian?” The budding warrior from earlier asked and I nearly chewed the boy and spat him back out.

I nodded and then lightly reprimanded him, “Yes. However, you may only call me Elian when it is you and I, or only other fellow warriors around. I take accountability for not informing you earlier.”

“My apologies, Lord Elian. But, Lord Elian, by no means do I intend to disrespect in present time. Nevertheless, there is no one present but my fellow warriors along with you and I,” he announced and for a split second, I didn't comprehend the fact that another Fae tested me, it has never happened before.

I cleared my throat, “Werewolves have ears, that is all.”

And with that, irritated that someone had gotten to me so surely, I stalked away and headed to the front door of the castle doors. Another warrior walked up to the door before me and knocked three times and then the large, dark brown oak doors were opened, accordingly. I was welcomed by two werewolves that knelt on one of their knees and lowered their heads who seemed to be the keepers of the grand entrance.

“Welcome, Lord Elian. The Alphas have been anticipating your arrival,” one of the wolves admitted and I inwardly groaned.

I nodded, even though they couldn't see and replied simply, “Your welcome is most appreciated. Will you have someone escort me to where the celebration has taken place?”

The other wolf nodded and stood up as he called for another person. Soon enough, a youthful and energetic pup was by my side and spoke animatedly as he didn't seem to notice my authority, which was refreshing.

"And then, I held her hand in front of her other friends and she yanked her hand away!” Declan spoke with a theatrical tone as he ventured into the lengthy hall with the warriors and I trailing behind.

Declan, the pup, foretold the story of his attempts in receiving a mate. He admitted to trying endless, different attempts on a variety of girls but failing miserably to each one.

I smiled at the pout that was situated on Declan’s face, “You know, Declan, you can’t choose who you are mated to. The moon goddess does, and she always picks the best mate for everyone. In time, you will understand.”

As I mentally screwed myself over as I sounded like a hypocrite towards the factual information that I had just given to Declan.

"Mmkay, do you have a mate?" He curiously asked.

I shook my head in protest, "The Fae may have mates, it depends on our fates that were created by our magical ancestors. In addition, our mates may only be Fae, there has never been a Fae who has had any other kind of mate before other than their own kind. However, leaders of the realm, like me, strongly believe in independence. We strive in protecting our people, not needing the extra baggage or threats that accompany the bond of two mates. Nevertheless, don’t lose hope about your mate, you’ll find her sooner than later.”

He lightly shrugged his shoulders and sighed, “Well, I sure hope so. I’m getting older by the second and I need to get laid.”

The warriors behind me stifled a laugh as my mouth was hung open in shock and amusement at the pup before me. As I was going to reply to him, suggesting that getting laid wasn't the only reason as to why one is chosen to have a mate, we were greeted by the festive sight of the ballroom. I looked down for Declan's body, but he already ran off to wherever there were more girls.

The setting in front of me was definitely one to remember, if anything, the Celestial Hala Pack knew how to plan a festivity. There were all different ages of people on the dance floor, the pups, their parents, young pairs of mates, and even the parents of the current Alphas. A warm smile settled on my face for a short amount of time before I felt the presence of the twins.

"Hi," a low, familiar voice whispered into my ear and sent cold, desired shivers down my back.

I turned around and found a smirking Alpha before me, Kasey.

Alpha Kasey had an even better appearance than the last time I had seen him. Short, blonde hair, that was slicked upwards laid flawlessly on his head as his white, pale skin glowed with the excitement that emanated from his body, and his ablaze, cerulean eyes. His stance dominated mine as his height of 6’ 3” was a huge difference to my height of 5’ 5”.

"Hello, Alpha Kasey. Nice to see you again, as childish as ever,” I said with a straight face, if I had ever spoken to another Alpha in the tone and use of words I had spoken with, it would have been considered disrespectful. Although, Kasey and Kaspar are a different case, I've known them for relatively two decades.

“Always,” he spoke with inevitability in his carefree persona.

I shook my head playfully, “Where is Alpha Kaspar?”

“Is my presence not sufficient enough for you, Lord Elian?” He asked in disbelief with a hand over his heart, acting dramatically as per usual.

“Your company is more than enough, but I’d like to greet the other Alpha that has prepared and  pleasantly requested my attendance to such a lively party,” I reasoned.

He suspiciously nodded before a smirk replaced his hurt expression and I sensed yet another person behind me.

“Welcome, Lord Elian,” another Alpha spoke in a raspy voice as I turned around, and faced Kaspar, the second Alpha of the Celestial Hala Pack.

Kaspar and Kasey were identical twins and Alphas to the Celestial Hala Pack. The only dissimilarity that Kaspar attained when compared to Kasey, was his eyes. Instead of a light, blue color, they were a dark, sea blue shade. His dark, serious eyes, mirrored his character which consisted of the serious and reserved persona.

A smile crept onto my face as I greeted Kaspar, “Hello, Alpha Kaspar, Alpha Kasey and I were simply mentioning your whereabouts before you had shown up.”

“I know,” he said plainly.

He began to talk about the other types of werewolves who were present in the ballroom and the types of foods that were offered by the caterers. As he rambled on about these irrelevant topics, Kasey spoke into my ear once again.

“Quite boring, isn't it?” I could practically picture the smirk of his forming.

Kaspar caught wind of the Kasey’s words and growled lowly as he turned around to face Kasey and I, “I was displaying hospitality, something that you should learn before you basically lust after our guests.”

My pale, stoic face flushed with heat as Kasey stiffened behind me. I noticed that I was nearly in a sandwich of the two Alphas.

To say the least, it was going to be a long day…