The Magic of Arkonia

Werewolf Clan – The Leader's Cave

The cave walls were rough, etched with the passage of time and the strength of the werewolves who had ruled before. The scent of damp earth and burning herbs filled the air as Liora stepped inside, her presence commanding yet cautious. The Werewolf Clan Leader sat at the far end of the chamber, his gaze heavy as he watched her approach.

"Liora," he spoke, his deep voice carrying the weight of the clan. "The Queen has summoned you to Heart Moon City."

Liora didn't react immediately, her hands tightening into fists at her sides. She had expected something like this. The tensions in the kingdom were rising, and she had felt the storm long before the call arrived.

The leader reached into his robe and pulled out a small pendant, the silver glint catching the dim firelight. He stepped forward and placed it in her hand.

"Wear this," he instructed. "It will mark you as a representative of our people."

Liora looked down at the pendant. It was an old symbol, one she had seen her mother wear before. The thought of her mother sent a familiar sting through her chest, but she swallowed it down. Now wasn't the time for the past.

She nodded, fastening the pendant around her neck. "I understand."

As she turned to leave, she found Dorian, her twin brother, waiting outside.

---

Dorian and Liora – Sibling Bonds

Dorian stood with his arms crossed, his sharp golden eyes watching her carefully. Unlike Liora, who carried the weight of leadership, Dorian had always been the free-spirited one—but she knew he understood responsibility when it mattered.

"You're leaving for the city," he stated, rather than asked.

Liora sighed. "I have no choice. The Queen's summons isn't something I can ignore."

Dorian's gaze flickered to the pendant. "And yet, you'll leave the clan vulnerable in your absence."

"I won't," Liora countered. "I want Leon to take charge of the clan's protection while I'm gone. He's strong, capable, and loyal."

Dorian raised an eyebrow. "Leon?" A small smirk tugged at his lips. "You trust him that much?"

Liora didn't waver. "Yes. And so should you."

Dorian studied her for a moment, then let out a soft chuckle. "Fine. I'll send for him. But don't get yourself into trouble in the city, Liora."

She smirked. "I never do."

He shook his head. "That's a lie."

She didn't deny it.

As she walked away, she clenched the pendant in her palm, feeling the cold weight of it. She would go to Heart Moon City, but she wouldn't forget her past. Not the witches who refused to heal her mother. Not the lesson she learned about power—how it could be wasted, twisted, and denied to those who needed it most.

---

Golden Eagle Clan – Market Square

The sun was high above the Golden Eagle Clan's territory, casting long shadows across the bustling market square. Traders and hunters moved about, exchanging goods—dried herbs, pelts, and rare stones from distant lands.

Among them, Kaelis stood with his arms crossed, an arrogant smirk playing on his lips as he cornered a small rabbit beast-kin, a boy no older than ten.

"You think you can run through here without paying tribute?" Kaelis sneered, flicking the boy's ear. "Beast-kin should know their place."

His friends laughed, their presence forming an intimidating circle.

The rabbit boy trembled, clutching a small pouch of herbs. "I-It's for my village," he stammered. "They need medicine—"

"Then pay with something else," Kaelis mused. "Maybe those long ears of yours?"

Before he could say more, a strong hand clamped down on his shoulder.

"Enough," came a sharp voice.

Kaelis turned, only to see Raviel standing behind him. Unlike Kaelis' casual stance, Raviel's expression was cold, his blue eyes piercing.

Kaelis scoffed, shrugging off his brother's grip. "What? I'm just playing."

"By tormenting the weak?" Raviel's tone held disapproval, but there was no emotion in his eyes. "How much longer do you intend to waste your time on things beneath you?"

Kaelis rolled his eyes. "You sound just like Father."

"Maybe you should start listening," Raviel retorted. He turned to the rabbit boy. "Go."

The child didn't hesitate—he darted away, disappearing into the crowd.

Kaelis sighed, rubbing his neck. "You always ruin my fun."

"Because your 'fun' will cost you something one day," Raviel replied coolly.

Kaelis only laughed. "We'll see."

The Raven's Cry

Just then, a loud, piercing cry echoed through the market square.

People froze, turning their eyes toward the sky. A massive raven with black feathers darker than the void above came soaring through the city. It didn't hesitate—it dove straight for the palace, its presence undeniable.

Whispers filled the air.

"The Queen's Raven…"

"It's carrying a message…"

Kaelis and Raviel both watched as the raven flew past them, its shadow passing over the entire square like an omen.

Raviel exhaled. "That's not a good sign."

Kaelis smirked. "Depends on who the message is for."

But Raviel already knew. The summons wasn't just for anyone. It was for their father—and by extension, for him.

---

Zareth's Office – The Summoning

Inside the grand halls of the Eagle Clan's palace, Zareth, their father and the Queen's trusted right-hand, sat at his desk. The raven landed gracefully on the window, its dark eyes staring directly at him.

Zareth untied the message from its claw and read it in silence. His expression didn't change, but the tension in his shoulders was evident.

Then, without looking up, he spoke.

"Raviel."

Raviel, who had just entered the room, stood at attention.

His father placed the message down, his fingers tapping against the desk. "The Queen has summoned you."

Raviel's expression didn't shift, but inwardly, he understood.

Something had changed. And he was about to be part of it.

—