Tour

“The kingdom is so beautiful; I’ve never seen anything like this before,” I say, my voice filled with awe as I take in the grandeur of the lycan kingdom. Every corner we turn reveals something more spectacular than the last.

Beta Carter leads us on a tour, his confident stride guiding us through the maze of magnificent structures. “Over there are the training grounds,” he says, pointing to a vast open area where lycans, both in human form and beast form, practice combat. “And those are the schools,” he adds, gesturing toward elegant buildings with tall, arched windows. “We take pride in educating the young about both our history and our abilities.”

We pass bustling shopping centers filled with locals, their curious gazes following us. Some whisper among themselves, intrigued by the sight of unfamiliar faces. I catch snatches of conversation—“Who are they?” and “Visitors from another realm, perhaps?”—but not all the whispers are kind. I sense a few cold, judgmental glances from those who seem less welcoming, their eyes narrowing as we walk by.

Despite the mixed reception, Beta Carter’s charm and warmth make the tour enjoyable. His infectious enthusiasm helps ease the tension, his easy banter keeping the atmosphere light. His presence feels like a protective shield, and soon we’re laughing along with his stories about growing up in the kingdom. The unkind whispers fade into the background, forgotten in the glow of his friendliness.

He leads us to a nearby café, where we order smoothies. I sip mine, savoring the sweet and tangy flavor as we stroll around the kingdom. The lycans are undoubtedly a strong, proud people, but there’s beauty and grace here too, hidden in the details—flowering vines that adorn ancient walls, cobbled streets that shimmer under the afternoon sun, and the sense of unity that pulses through the air.

I notice Carter’s eyes glaze over again, he shifts direction, leading us toward a luxurious villa at the edge of the city. The structure is opulent yet understated, with clean lines, large windows, and a garden that seems to spill into the surrounding forest.

“I’m sorry to cut our tour short,” he says, his voice apologetic. “There are urgent matters I need to attend to.”

He gestures toward the villa. “Please make yourselves at home. This is where you’ll be staying tonight.”

“Thank you so much, Beta Carter. You’ve shown us such kindness today,” I say, offering him a grateful smile. Despite the grandeur of the kingdom, he’s made us feel welcome in a way that mattered.

He responds with an exaggerated bow, grinning mischievously. “Anything for my ladies,” he says, standing back up with a wink. His eyes glaze over one final time, but when he speaks again, his tone is lighter.

“One last thing,” he adds, his grin broadening. “Would you all like to attend a party at the castle tonight? It’s a bit of a special occasion.”

I glance at my friends, and their eager expressions tell me everything I need to know. “We would love to,” I reply, excitement bubbling up inside me. “What time should we be ready?”

“I’ll send an escort at 8 p.m.,” he says, flashing another grin. “Can’t wait to see you all there.”

We wave as he departs, his confident strides carrying him back into the heart of the kingdom. As he disappears from view, I let out a contented sigh. What a cool day this has been. I glance at the time—5 p.m. We still have a few hours before we need to get ready for the party.

We wander through the villa, admiring the sleek, modern design. The décor is simple yet elegant, every piece of furniture perfectly placed. The large glass windows allow natural light to flood the rooms, casting everything in a soft, golden glow. I make mental notes as I explore—this is exactly the kind of house I need to create for us in the future. The open spaces, the clean lines, the sense of luxury without being too overwhelming—it’s perfect.

As we make our way to the back, I spot a large pool shimmering under the fading sunlight. The water looks so inviting, its surface rippling gently in the evening breeze. I can’t resist.

With a snap of my fingers and a quick clap, we’re all dressed in bathing suits. The girls laugh in surprise, but they don’t hesitate to follow as I dive into the cool water. One by one, they jump in after me, the splash of water and the sound of laughter filling the air.

We swim and splash around for what feels like hours, the weight of the day’s events washing away in the clear, refreshing water. It’s fun and freeing, just being here with my friends, sharing this moment of peace before whatever the night may bring.

But as the sky begins to darken, I suddenly remember the party. “That’s right!” I exclaim, wading toward the edge of the pool. “The party!”

I clap again, conjuring fluffy towels near the pool for the others, then dash inside to check the time. It’s 7:30 p.m. Perfect. We still have time to get ready.