The moon oracle
~
Accalia
~

"You have a lot of experience in this," Accalia teased Lycus who cuffed a young she-wolf to the wall, her eyes glowing as a growl lurched out of her throat.

The clattering of metals and chains shook through the dungeons followed by rough growls growing through the air.

Tala yowled in laughter at Accalia, restraining other werewolves to the cellars and brick walls.

Lycus snapped his teeth at the she-wolf who wanted to run free.

She cowered back, submitting her golden eyes to the floor. "Sorry, Alpha."

Lycus ignored the wolf and followed onto the next person who had their wrists outstretched for the Alpha to confine them. There were chains and handcuffs locked into the stone walls with no way to escape.

Lycus's eyes found Accalia who hung by the entrance, settling her hip by the door and glancing around the large area.

"You shouldn't be here," Lycus said to her and a bunch of wolves looked between the Alpha and his mate. "It's not safe."

Accalia laced her hands together and stepped through the threshold, the dim lights greasily shining the cellar in a yellow gleam and showing the sweat coating the chained wolves.

They were restless. Eyes rolling back and dilating even as they glowed the wild colours of cider or flayed gold, that all depended on their maker. If their eyes were golden, harsh and plated with unpromising savagery, they were bitten by a lycan. If shades of orange, from flames to sunsets, they were bitten by another werewolf.

"I wanted to help," Accalia said awkwardly, shifting on her heels. She didn't exactly know how, but in whatever way she could, she wanted to lend a hand.

"Like we need the help of a hunter!" A male wolf spat by Accalia's boots and the Alpha was in his face so fast Accalia felt a gush of wind whoosh by.

The male wolf was ripped up by the throat and Lycus roared in his face, "You do not disrespect her! She is your Alpha as am I!"

Stepping over the wad of spit and the many legs stretched out as they prepared to crack and break against the light of the full moon, Accalia came up to Lycus.

"Lycus, it's fine," Accalia said and placed her hands up to try to calm him down. "He's young and the silver around their skin is preventing the shift, they're going against their instincts right now."

Lycus's eyes swam with a hunger to kill.

Accalia's heart slammed against her chest and she tried not to wobble on her feet with the look he was giving her. "Lycus, he's angry. It's the full moon."

Lycus's lip curled and he dropped the wolf to the floor.

"Any of you speak out of turn when it comes to Accalia, you will be banished." Lycus seethed and prowled around the cellars. "She has helped our pack by ensuring treaties and alliances in this upcoming war. You disrespect her, you make an enemy out of me."

Heads bowed, submitting their glowing gazes to the floor and faced away from the Alpha, understanding his every word and not wanting to break it.

Lycus scowled at them and cuffed someone else to the stone walls, distracting himself from Accalia's high-handed stare.

"You can—" Lycus scanned around and then pointed at Tala, "—stick by her side and double-check if the chains and cuffs are intact. If anyone mouths you off, let me know."

Accalia wouldn't and went to the corner of the dungeon where Tala was pulling at chains, ensuring they weren't going to slip out of the walls.

"Hey," Accalia said and Tala gave her a wide smile even as her eyes blazed gold.

"He can be such an asshole when it's the full moon." Tala sighed, tilting her head in a gesture to Lycus.

Accalia dug her hands into her back pockets and nodded with a tight lip smile. "I've realised."

She didn't ponder on the boy that spat by her feet or Lycus wanting to tear him apart for it. She knew behaviour like that escalated throughout the day of the full moon and would follow until the moon completed its full cycle.

Lycus didn't have to worry about shifting, that wasn't his curse, he had to worry about keeping his anger in check and reigning in the beast wanting to wreak havoc.

Accalia knew it was different for werewolves and that came with years of trapping them on the night of the full moon. She wouldn't play a part in the killing, it made her ill and weaker compared to her family members who were more than happy to go in for the kill.

In a werewolf's other form, they became agile and stealthier with their body taking on all fours and wolf-like tendencies. They were more savage under the moon's light and that was because they took on what the lycans originally were. A beast, all fur and claw.

Werewolves only shifted on the full moon, whereas a lycan could be in the phase for years.

Accalia didn't know whether to see the animal or the human beneath — the being with humanity.

"You aren't getting chained up?" Accalia asked as Tala picked up a bunch of handcuffs and chains.

Tala burst out laughing and stalked over to other unchained wolves. "Unfortunately, I am. Sometimes I can control the turn, but I have a lot of anger, it shows more on the full moon. I can't help it."

Accalia followed after her, memorising every movement she made at securing wolves with silver as they hissed in pain. Tala wasn't in pain from the mounts of silver she dealt with and when Accalia looked at her hands they were covered in gloves.

"I wouldn't think of you as an angry person, Tala," Accalia said to Tala.

"I'm usually not," Tala scolded a young woman who was shoving her gloves away with fierce growls. "But when you're a Beta, you have to put up with a lot of stuff like angry werewolves not wanting to get tied up — do you wanna get exiled, she-wolf? 'Cause I'll make it happen."

The she-wolf shot Tala a wink and held out her wrists. "Get it over with, Beta."

Accalia bent down and double-checked all locks were in place. Some needed tightening, others required the strength of Tala to ensure chains wouldn't loosen and the wolves allowed the hunter to be around them, despite their displeasure.

After being restrained, Accalia locked up the cellars for extra security and tossed the keys to Tala.

"That girl winked at you," Accalia recalled to Tala.

Tala scrunched up her nose and crossed her toned arms. "I didn't notice."

Accalia nudged her shoulder. "You did so."

Tala gave a curt shake of the head and pulled at the cellar doors with her covered hands, ignoring the feeble whimpers and growls. "Not on the job, I don't,"

Accalia scanned the many wolves that looked at their wit's end and their feral gazes lasted on both her and Tala. Accalia wasn't experienced in restraining wolves but knew how to trap them. She hoped that wouldn't happen tonight.

Tala turned around and that bright smile fell into cold stone contempt. "Unlike some people."

Frowning, Accalia followed her line of vision and locked eyes on a fiery redhead sliding her hand on Lycus's shoulder in what could be considered as a kind gesture.

"Who's that?" Accalia asked coolly. Her mind flickered with distant memories, taking her to the trails of the outskirts of the Fenris territory. Then it clicked. She was one of the moon-bound creatures that captured her and Cadence after they trespassed onto lycan lands.

Tala snorted. "Cora. She and Lycus had a thing — but then you came, but you two weren't together and then ... never mind."

"Ah, yes." Accalia mused, the name ringing alarm bells in her head. "She's quite ... bold."

Accalia forced a tight lip smile, ignoring that seed of doubt threatening to plant in her chest and bloom into a bitter flower.

Tala wasn't having it. "We don't like each other. When I first came here and Lycus wanted me as Beta, she tried challenging me for it. She has had a stick up her ass ever since and she's — oh my god, look at her?"

Accalia did, the she-wolf trailing after Lycus like a lost puppy as he paid no mind to her.

"She has no respect for herself — I almost pity her. This one time I walked in on them—" Tala smacked a hand over her mouth and her eyes fell wide. "I'm sorry, Luna, I shouldn't have—"

Accalia playfully nudged Tala and a laugh slipped out of her mouth. "Tala, it's fine. Lycus is very old, so I know he has had other women."

"Very?" Tala blurted. "More like centuries old."

Accalia's jaw could hit the floor, but before she could delve deeper, Lycus came out of nowhere, posting himself right in front of her face where his skin brushed hers.

"What are you two talking about?" Lycus drawled, leering at Tala before giving all attention to Accalia.

Accalia quickly recovered and smiled tightly at him. "Nothing."

"Tell Cora to piss off." Tala cocked her head to the side and sneered at her Alpha without a hint of regret.

It must be because of the full moon, Accalia reasoned.

Lycus rolled his eyes and said, "I know you hate her, Tala, but she's counting the wolves that need to be stationed in the three dungeons. She will leave in no time."

Tala pointed at Accalia and then at herself, lip curling as her bone-coloured canines bared shamelessly at him. "She challenged me a long time ago, what if she challenges Accalia?"

Accalia frowned, wondering if being in a cellar with werewolves was the best option than a Beta and Alpha standoff.

"Challenges me?" Accalia mumbled, hiding the worry in her voice.

Lycus gripped her into him and a growl prowled out of his throat. "Never."

Tala narrowed her eyes at him, the wildness shining through and twisted her head, suppressing a growl. "She better not. Luckily, you don't allow it in our pack anymore."

Accalia was aware challenges arose in packs, a bloody fight that could lead to a new Alpha. Pack members grew cocky and restless seeing someone have a long reign. There was a reason it didn't occur often. Many challengers fell short as they were going up against Alpha lycans that saw the challenge as training. Additionally, Alphas didn't like their titles being trampled on.

"Well, that wouldn't happen, only because my brother and cousin would kill anyone if they tried anything." Accalia sighed at her words, wanting to tug away at her thoughts that had managed to swirl back on her cousin in the past two weeks more than they ever had.

Cadence and Rexton had yet to cross each other's paths.

It was a good thing, Accalia claimed and she rehashed that phrase in her head ever since Gabriel departed for his pack. He left days before the full moon came and the hybrid refused to go with him. Gabriel respected Rexton's wish, but Lycus didn't, claiming this could lead to nothing but disaster.

Accalia agreed with Lycus, but despite it all, Rexton had kept his mouth shut when it came to Cadence. In the following days, Lycus ordered Rexton to hide from the pack and Cadence, and he listened, leaving nothing but stacks of cereal bowls in the kitchen sink.

Accalia sat on the fence with Lycus to hide Rexton away. He hadn't seen the light of day, hadn't been around anyone but himself, but in Lycus's mind, it was for the best. He didn't delve into it with Accalia, he always kept her at arm's length and was short with the answers when it came to his little brother.

"Is there anything I can do for you, Alpha?" A lustful and smoky voice sang a siren song.

Before Lycus could get a word out, Tala stepped up and smiled through clenched teeth, "Cora, have you met our female Alpha, Accalia Larren?"

Accalia's brows shot up and she wanted to dig her elbow into Tala's rib in that moment. The Beta pulled her away from Lycus and threw an arm around her, turning them to face the song of the siren.

Cora was what Accalia perceived to be a seductress, with flaming red hair and bright cat-like eyes that could turn into slits at any second, and within moments, they did.

Cora took in Accalia's appearance with potent distaste, nose scrunching and her red lip curling up.

"Hello," Accalia gave an awkward wave and her elbow struck Tala's side.

Cora faked a smile and quickly turned her attention to Lycus, her smile fading as her lips pouted. "Anything you want me to do, Alpha?"

Lycus smiled down at her, eyes blazing and rounded past her with a bellowing growl. "Ask my Luna."

Cora's face fell, eyes following his every move even after he stalked up the steps of the dungeon.

Accalia cleared her throat, trying to think about the processes Lycus enforced in his pack and said, "Have you counted up all the wolves that are to be restrained tonight?"

Cora scoffed and crossed her arms over her clad dress. "Clearly."

Tala growled at her and her toned arm almost threw Accalia to the floor when she viciously pointed at Cora. "You better watch your tone or I will play with your vocal cords."

"Tala," Accalia straightened up and gave the Beta a pointed glare. "You're being aggressive."

Tala bit the inside of her cheek and nodded, shielding her gold eyes away. "Sorry, Luna."

"If you've done the duties required, Cora, you are done for tonight," Accalia said curtly.

Cora made a face, looking Accalia up and down with bright eyes. "The Alpha won't always want you, he won't want a hunter forever. You'll be used up by the end of the month." Cora spat with venom.

Accalia nodded at her words, taking them in and squashing the seed wishing to flourish into doubt. "By all means, make a move on Lycus if you want, let's hope he doesn't rip out your spine this time."

Cora paled, mouth falling ajar and dashed out of the dungeon before the threat could ring true.

What followed after was a string of pained and grief-stricken howls from the moon's children.

~

Tala had to be restrained after Cora left, too worked up in anger and frustration that she was fearful of striking at Accalia.

Accalia had noticed the she-wolf had slowly lost her slip to humanity and was becoming more wolffish by the minute. She bade her farewell, knowing tonight was going to be eventful in a painful way and left the dungeons.

Tala had given her the keys to the outside gate and Accalia slammed the door closed. Locking up, Accalia secured the key in her back pocket and felt a swift breath of air tickle her neck.

Whipping around, she raised her fist and Lycus swiftly enclosed his hand around it.

"You're on edge," Lycus drawled and Accalia breathed a sigh of relief, pulling her hand away from him.

"Do you think Cole or Zenith could send their wolves on us tonight? It is the full moon and they don't restrain them." Accalia said, her tone wobbling with the constant thought playing in her head.

This weighed heavily on her for days, the scars etched on her back causing nightmares in her sleep. She didn't tell anyone, bunking in with Cadence was assuring enough she was safe and secure.

Lycus laced his hand in hers and pulled her away from the dungeon as the howls grew louder and louder.

"The best fighters, many lycans and some controlled werewolves are on watch tonight. If anything happens, it will be out of the bounds of our pack. They won't break through." Lycus explained to Accalia.

Accalia wanted to believe him, but with the constant reminder of the mark on her back, and four slashes on her skin, she wasn't so sure.

"I was waiting for you outside. Cora didn't even acknowledge me when she left the woods, did you chase her off?" Amusement laced his tone and Accalia was happy about the change of subject even if it was someone from Lycus's past.

"I told her you might hurt her if she continues to bother you." Bother me.

Lycus laughed and slid his arm around Accalia's hip, digging his hand into her front pocket. "If she doesn't stand down, I'll have to do something about her. She didn't mouth off to you?"

Accalia quickly shook her head, hoping her heart didn't quicken. "No."

"Liar. What did she say?"

Accalia gnawed at her inner cheek and said, "That I wouldn't last with you — you won't always want me."

Lycus stopped in his tracks, halting Accalia in the process and came in front of her, raising his brows at her. "You know that's not true?"

Accalia said nothing in return, feeling a cold sweat forming at the base of her neck and she wanted to be back in the Fenris manor.

"Accalia?"

Accalia shook her head and rolled her shoulders back, shaking him off. "I don't know, Lycus. You do have quite a past and I am a hunter. You never know what could happen."

Lycus's lips twisted into a cocky smile and he dragged her back into his chest, leering down at her. "Oh, I know what could happen and that is I am never leaving you, even if you leave me."

Accalia rolled her eyes and huffed, wanting to pull away from his nonsensical antics. "That doesn't make sense."

Lycus smothered her face in chaste and dashing kisses, her cheeks, nose, forehead, chin and then her lips. "Yes, it does. You're it for me, I don't want anyone else even if you leave — you're all I need in my existence."

Accalia flushed, cheeks reddening and suppressed a smile.

"You better give me that smile, Accalia Larren," Lycus ordered and pecked her lips again.

Accalia laughed at him, insides fluttering with raving desire and a smile shone through. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she kissed him back and couldn't imagine letting go.

But letting go came quickly and Lycus turned his head ever so slightly as he frowned, something catching his attention.

Accalia followed his gaze and through the shadowy woods came Vaela, a purple dress clinging to her short frame, her cascading locs tied up and out of her face to reveal sterling silver eyes.

Her eyes beamed in reflection to the moon's light and the closer she came to the couple, the more off-putting she looked to be.

"Lycus, Accalia, I have information." She crooned wistfully.

"On what?" Lycus asked pointedly, a strain taking over his once flirty tone.

Vaela laid out her hands in explanation. Accalia peered down and hid her confusion at the claws on the oracle's hand, huge and crystalline claws that gleamed beneath the moonlight.

Accalia looked to Lycus, only to find no confusion plastered on his face, but a bloodthirsty expression splattered on him like he drew blood.

The name rolling off Lycus's tongue matched the volume of howls emitting from the dungeons below them, feral and unhinged. "Cole."