Chapter 1 Another War

• Princess Elowen Starfire
• The silence of the night filled my room, interrupted only by the movement of pages as my fingers slid gently across the book on my lap. The words, once so engaging, now seemed distant. Page after page, my thoughts flew away, taking me out of the world of fantasy and into the real world, where worries about the throne took over my mind. I sat by the window as I read. It was my routine, always to read before my evening snack.
• But the sound of knocking on the door got my attention.
• "Come in." My voice echoed, serene but firm.
• The door opened, revealing two guards, and between them, Render, the one I trusted the most. He entered with his imposing stance, his eyes sharp as blades. There was no need for questions; his expression already announced that he wasn't bringing good news.
• I left the book on the table and looked at him.
• "Your Highness." He bowed his head in respect. "We have received information about suspicious movements by the human warriors."
• I closed the book slowly and stood up, feeling the tension in the air. My rolled dress fell in cascades, and my hair fell over my shoulders, silver like the moon, contrasting with my skin.
• "What have you discovered?" I asked, keeping my expression impassive, but inside, nervousness was beginning to pulse through my veins.
• This was not a good sign. They could move in at any moment, and just thinking about it made my veins pop out on my forehead.
• "They could be preparing for an attack. Nothing confirmed, but the signs are strong. If that happens, it will be the start of another war."
• Another war.
• Another war, no. I didn't want to witness it.
• As if the blood spilled before wasn't enough. My parents were gone because of this insane conflict, and now the cycle threatens to repeat itself.
• My hands closed into fists at my sides. I took a deep breath as I felt my heart hammering in my chest.
• No.
• I wouldn't allow it. It wasn't going to happen.
• I walked to the window, watching the silver moon hovering over the shining mountains. The landscape was beautiful and reminded me that every sacrifice would be worth it to protect this place, my home, and my people. I needed allies; I needed someone strong enough to balance the scales before they tipped, and my kingdom fell with them.
• The allies I had were far away, living a great distance from Aetheria. If something happened now, it would be no use sending them a letter. I required allies nearby who could come to my call quickly and together put an end to my enemies once and for all.
• I turned to Render; I was determined what to do.
• "I'll send a message to Aric Darkclaw." My voice cut through the silence in the room.
• He lived in a nearby town; he ran the city; I knew who he was. And I was sure he could help me, even if he and I didn't get along. He doesn't like elves, that's a fact, and even though I'm afraid of him, I need him to ally with me.
• Render arched his eyebrows, clearly surprised.
• "Your Highness… Aric is a wolf. He isn't trustworthy. What's more, he thinks we're inferior to him,” he said cautiously.
• I continued to stare at him, determined.
• He was right about that, but I was still determined.
• "He's powerful, Render. And currently, I have nowhere else to turn. He's fast, strategic, and always defeats his enemies. If we want to stop this war before it starts, we need him." I said, taking a few steps across the room. "I have this city to protect; everyone here in the castle and my sister is under my protection."
• Render studied me for a few moments before taking a step closer.
• "And what will you give in return? Wolves don't do anything for free. Especially the alpha himself."
• I crossed my arms, keeping my gaze firmly on his.
• "Anything he wants. I have resources and power; I can offer a lot in exchange for an alliance that will save us from this fate."
• "This is risky." His voice carried genuine concern.
• "No more than crossing my arms and waiting for another tragedy to happen." I took a deep breath and looked out into the night again. "Do it, Render. Get scrolls and a feather. Do it now. I've made up my mind,” I ordered.
• The leader of the guards hesitated for a moment, but finally nodded.
• "As you wish, Your Highness," he said quietly. And then he left to carry out my order.
• I heard the door to the room close slowly, and I stood there, staring at the moon, feeling the icy wind on my face.
• I continued to stand there, feeling the night breeze, It was a cold night, but it was good. The decision had already been made. Now all I had to do was wait for Alpha's answer.
• Could he refuse? Yes, he could. In fact, everything about me had been spread around the other cities.
• The half-breed elven princess who runs the city of Aetheria has a nine-year-old sister, and the two of them are the only surviving princesses. Our parents died in the war, against our enemies, who want my power and resources; they want to take over the city, but in the past, they didn't manage to conquer the city, thanks to the castle guards.
• And the wolves and the elves never got along in the past, because of their prejudice against us. At that moment, I wondered if the alpha would accept a deal, an alliance with me. I slowly rubbed the middle of my forehead as more thoughts came to me.
• It was making me a little frustrated; I might not even be able to sleep properly.
• I closed the window a little and sat back down on the bed. My thoughts wouldn't leave me alone for a minute because now I had to think of something, a plan, to get an ally. I had to protect everyone who lived in Aetheria, all the noble elves, and everyone else in the castle. I'm their princess, and I have to act like it.
• And most importantly of all, there's my sister, whom I'll do anything to protect; she only has me now.