Episode 1

AUTHOR'S NOTE

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Thank you for giving my story a chance. I hope you enjoy the story as you follow me on it. 

Please do not forget to vote, comment, and give your reviews for it'll be greatly appreciated.

This story is purely a work of fiction; no character name or location is related to anyone or anywhere. But if you find any, it's purely coincidental; do not take it to heart. 

Everything used here is mainly to enhance the enjoyment of the readers, and I do not mean any harm to anyone nor any authority. Thank you!!!

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I sat on the dirty sidewalk as I watched passersby in the busy traffic of Stafford Town. I looked at my maroon t-shirt and faded blue jeans in horror. I was never like this. In fact, because of my rather tall height, face structure with the nature of my job, I wasn't permitted to dress down.

And as a model who was renowned for my exotic features, I've got deep blue eyes against Arabian features, dark tanned skin, high cheekbones, pink full lips and a lush raven hair to blend with. I was the result of a rich tycoon and an Arab princess and I was so proud of it. 

To anyone who had worked with me, one thing was clear to them; no one could outsmart me. And despite my privileged background, I was clever with figures and money. And in the fashion industry, a saying that rang true was that, "Elise can never be played".

Today, I was really angry and disappointed with my family. No one knew that the Hatherleigh family were actually mystic creatures. And at twenty six years of age, I've been living with the curse or a gift that I had inherited for ten good years. Long limbed and exceptionally sleek. 

The Hatherleigh wolves were centuries old but had adapted to life. Now my family castle was in Beverly Hills and we own a fleet of luxurious vehicles and yachts in Miami. 

As the first of the three children, I was also the guardian of the family's secret. My siblings; Flora and Victor were in Paris and Vienna respectively, away from the pack. And I was here, ready to fight and defend the interest of my pack. No one could mess with our land and get away with it. Even if he was the Moon Overlord.

Suddenly, a black Jaguar purred to a stop by my side and I felt the overwhelming presence of a powerful male wolf as I stared at the tinted windows of the car. 

"Miss Hatherleigh! Come forward." I heard the driver say and I went boldly to him, despite the shivers of fear running down my spine. "My Master sends his greetings. He said I should pick you up and take you to your destination." The driver sounded ominously and even more dangerous. 

"Why won't your Master give me the damn location? What is he afraid of? That a cub will trash him or what?" I asked, sarcastically with a sneer.

"Actually, no! It is rather a surprise by the way. He mentioned you would be adamant, and that I should tell you this," he paused, gazing deeply into my eyes, and then continued. "the Luna Stone is with him. And if you want it back, you just have to meet him up." He concluded, and I groaned. 

I knew that pompous Overlord had it in his possession all along, but using my own birthright to bribe me was just too demeaning of him.

"Fine. You have me at the venue!" I said, casting my stern glare at the car he came in with. "But, where on earth are you taking me? Because I am a busy woman by day and a guard of states by night. I cannot be serving the whims and caprice of your most honourable Master, ignoring my purpose for my pack." I snapped my fingers angrily as I spoke.

"Master does not reveal his locations to anyone, not even you. And I was told that you can make your own schedule yourself, to suit your convenience. You are your own boss, Miss Hatherleigh." The driver said through the tinted windows and I asked myself for the third time whether I was doing the right thing, or I was only dining with the devil himself, by honoring his invitation. 

I motioned to the driver to open the door and then entered into the car. The cloud of darkness in there enveloped me, along with a musky scent of leather, sandalwood and coffee. I laid back on the seat and took deep breaths as the car purred back to life and zoomed on.

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The drive was quite a cool and relaxing one, knowing I was going to meet with the most dreaded of all in the pack of the Glittering Moon, and I couldn't wait any further, and had to brace up to it. 

"Are you going to tell me where in the world we are now?" I questioned for the third time as we drove on, without stopping. 

"You are supposed to relax and enjoy the ride. Would you like having a drink? Maybe a whiskey, or dry gin on ice." The driver replied, shrugging on steering, and a tray of drinks with a glass tumbler appeared by the side of the car.

"I don't want to be intoxicated when I get there, thank you." I motioned the tray away. "Why on earth is the Overlord being so nice now? Instead of being nice, he should just be honest and sincere. I love honest people!" I muttered under my breath, as the car drove on as fast as possible. 

"We are here already, Miss Hatherleigh." The ominous voice of the driver hovered in the car as the whole place became even darker.

I felt chills running down my spine and I became petrified. "Where exactly are we?" My voice wavered as the car stopped. 

"At the Overlord's Palace." He replied, opening the door to his side, and then hopped out of the car.

I held the door handle and refused to get down despite the pleas of the man. If I was brought here blindfolded, it would've been better, and now, all my senses were seized. My eyes were just seeing tiny pricks of light, and there was no distinct scent from a distance. And to top it all up, I could not sense anything. 

Nothing at all.

"This is ridiculous! I need a signed affirmation that I will come out of here alive!" I yelled as the man finally opened the door and pulled me out. I knew I should be ashamed of myself after boasting and all, but I had never been in such a position before. My senses were literally off.

"I can swear on my honor and my job, no harm will come to you, Miss Hatherleigh. In fact, my master finds this place appalling but there is little or nothing he can do about it for now." The driver said as he tried to soothe my nerves.

Suddenly as we walked, the atmosphere became charged and I felt my hair strands lifting up from their roots, erecting like they were starched as terror mounted with my every step, and then I growled in displeasure. 

"You know what, I have decided to see your master, and nothing is going to scare me! Worst is that, I'll die here." I pulled my hand from the driver's, and we walked side by side each other.

Getting to an ornately decorated door, I glanced around as the driver opened it. A pretty maid dressed in a gray gown and a white apron ushered me in, welcoming me like she already knew me. She had a white cap over what seemed like fiery red curls, I could only imagine what they were looking like as I followed the maid. I had always envied redheads, and at one time, I got a hair touched with that colour.