Back in the master bedroom, Joseph helps Annabella out of her dress. As Annabella’s phone lights up with a message, she has an idea who it mightbe.
“Christoper, my darling?”
Annabella nods as she reads the message before sliding into bed next to her beloved.
Joseph turns the lights off and draws his wife in close. “Shouldn’t we just tell Jackie all this, my love?”
Annabella looks up from her husband’s chest into his green eyes, they still shine even in the dark of the room. She offers a half hearted smile. “Jackie already feels the pressure to live up to the prophecy. His magic, which should be a bountiful gift, feels like a burden that threatens to drown him. I don’t wish for our son to be alone but I cannot force the scales more than I have. We’ll offer him paths and hope the one he chooses brings him joy.”
Joseph kisses his wife’s forehead and pulls her in closer. “That feels right, but I guess I can’t help but worry.”
Annabella lets herself calm to the beat of her beloved’s heart, relaxing into his embrace. “Whatever happens will be up to fate.”
Chapter 3
December 27th, Gregorian Year 2030
The gentle warmth of the winter sun high in the sky breaks through the chilled air around LaLune Manor. The grand estate lies in the middle of an open field, surrounded by an evergreen forest on both sides and the back. A paved road leads up to the main house, ending in a driveway crowned with a three tiered fountain. The playful bubble of the water feature entices small birds and critters from the surrounding woodlands to come enjoy a fresh drink. A small woman in a plush winter coat sits along the fountain’s edge, tossing out small handfuls of nuts and seeds to welcome all the forest’s creatures who wish to partake.
The sound of breaking twigs, the crumple of leaves and the quick footed padding of paws along the ground causes the small creatures to scatter. The distinct howl of wolves breaks through the noon air, and the shout of a man follows shortly
“UMMA! Michael and Sarah went full wolf and will not let up. HELP!”
The woman lets out a tired sigh and brushes herself off as she stands from her perch on the fountain’s ledge.
Around the side of the estate a large man with light skin, disheveled black hair and flushed cheeks races across the front of the manor, his large arms pumping at his side and legs in a full sprint as he runs from two large,light brown wolves chasing from behind, playfully nipping at his side. A scowling Eddie is very much not amused by the scenario.
“Michael! Sarah! I can see the dirt and scrapes on Eddie’s face from here. Please let your brother breathe and change back. It’s time for lunch anyway and I made fried chicken and bulgogi.” A lunch of heavy proteins was always a favorite in a house full of wolves, and Janice Seung-LaLune treats her kids well.
Eddie slows to a stop as the two wolves trot past him, hands on his knees, trying to catch his breath. After they both change back into human form, they take a moment to stretch out their limbs. Michael and Sarah Seung-LaLune, both older than Eddie’s twenty five years by five and three years respectively, share their father’s wide frame like Eddie, but their chestnut hair is a distinct feature only they share with their father. And while Eddie has eyes like the waters of the ocean, Michael and Sarah share their mother’s deep black eyes. The change can cause a slight stiffness, a welcome ache after a fulfilling run. They both wear simple running gear, same gray as Eddie’s, and are thankful for the warmth they provide against the chilly December air.
LaLune brand exercise wear has enchantments woven into the fibers. The magic allows for clothes to change and meld into a shifters beast form, allowing people to avoid awkward nakedness.
Michael strolls to his brother Eddie; who is still trying to catch his breath, and pats him roughly on the back. “Sorry, Eddie, we got carried away. A run in the fields doesn’t feel right without our wolves. Right, Sarah?”
As he calls out to their sister, Sarah has already begun to head back up the stairs to the house’s main entrance. “Yeah, sorry baby brother. We got a little carried away, forgive us?” she says with a little pout and puppy dog eyes.
Eddie rolls his eyes and straightens, arching his back to stretch it out, the fabric tightening around his hard stomach. “All is forgiven as long as I get the biggest piece of chicken for lunch. I’m owed that much after being so callously assaulted by two wolves in my own home.” He places a hand over his chest to feign heartbreak.
Sarah gives an exaggerated gasp. “Assaulted?! Umma, do you hear this slander, thisassaulton my character. Michael’s too, but more importantly mine!”
Their mother shakes her head and chuckles to herself. She walks up the stairs to the manor and pats her youngest daughter’s shoulder. “If you can’t pay the fine, don’t do the crime, my dear. Now all of you come in. I can’t stand the cold like the three of you can. Your father and Amelia should be done with their call and will be joining us for lunch.”
LaLune Manor has a large entrance area, grand staircases leading from both sides to the upper floor. A balcony overlooks the entrance from the second floor where two figures stand chatting idly as Janice and the three younger LaLune siblings come inside. A tall, barrel chested man with a full head of wavy chestnut hair, sprinkled with gray, all combed into place. Deep blue eyes and a sculpted beard frame his strong jaw. Across from him is a woman who stands proud on six inch heels. She has a slender frame and dark brown hair that falls to the middle of her back. The eldest daughter of the LaLune house, Amelia Seung-LaLune, shares her mother’s frame and dark eyes but can rival her father in business acumen. She loves her family dearly but is cold, precise and scary when it comes to the board room.
“Umma!” Amelia taps her father’s shoulder, chuckling as she points to her mother and siblings. “Appa, look what the wolf dragged in.” All three of her siblings roll their eyes at the comment.
Christopher goes down the steps to greet his wife with a kiss. “Hello, dearest, lunch smells amazing. Kids, go wash up. You reek of sweat.” Christopher leads Janice to the dining room as the three younger LaLune siblings quickly go to wash up.
As Amelia passes her siblings, Michael and Sarah both make a face at her. She sticks her tongue out playfully and goes to stop Eddie with an arm in the crook of his elbow. “Eddie,” Amelia regards her brother with a soft gaze, mild concern in her tone. “You okay? I know those two can get rough.”
Eddie pats his sister’s hand gently to reassure her. “I’m okay, Amy. I canhandle a chase every now and then. Just because I can’t shift like those two doesn’t mean I’m made of glass.”
Amelia draws back at her brother’s comment. “Eddie, that’s not what I-”
He holds up a hand to cut her off. “I know, Amy.” He offers a cheeky smile to ease her worry. “I’m fine, I promise. Plus it means I get the biggest piece of Umma’s chicken so I’ll gladly run from wolves any time.”
He chuckles, his gym built chest bouncing a bit, which eases Amelia’s frown, the lines on her face smoothing out.
