Aiden

"Your Majesty," Silas tells King Alistair.

Prince Aiden is keeping his father company in his office while he attends to Royal matters. Alistair knows how important it is for Aiden to understand the ins-and-outs of what he does. Sometimes, Aiden finds it incredibly boring. Actually, most of the time, Aiden finds it dull.

"We've just heard rumors," Silas says slowly. "Of a young boy. A Mind Warper that's loose and uncontrolled."

This catches Aiden's interest. He looks up from his book, curious to learn more. He's never seen a Mind Warper. He's only heard stories. They're...monsters. According to everything he's been told, Mind Warper's are dangerous Warlocks with the power to control your mind. Some of the Wiccan's in the castle even make up songs and rhymes to scare the younger kids that the Mind Warper is out to get them.

Beware the Mind Warper, a creature of dread,

With powers to twist thoughts inside your head,

It'll warp your mind, and make you believe,

In things that aren't real, and cause you to grieve,

Its control over you, hard to break free,

So watch out for the Mind Warper, or its victim you'll be.

Aiden has never been that fearful of the songs the Wiccan's sing. Half of them are just cleverly written.

It's been years since Alastair recalls a Mind Warper being brought to his attention. The King sighs, "Then we must rid of it if it's uncontrolled."

Beta Silas nods, "I'll lead the team."

"I'll have to go with you." Alistair says—knowing well that the powers of a Mind Warper don't affect him. He doesn't want his Royal Guards to be placed in danger. If the Warper is just a child, it likely doesn't even know how to fully grasp its powers.

"Can I come?" Aiden jumps up from his reading position. King Alistair eyes his son carefully. Aiden is only six. Is he truly ready to go out into the world for a task like this?

The King thinks it over for a moment. He knows his son wouldn't be affected by the Mind Warper. As long as he can get Queen Adaline on board, it should be fine. Besides, Aiden has never seen anything outside of packs. Maybe this is a learning opportunity for him.

"Very well." Alistair smiles softly, he turns to Silas. "Brief me on the situation and we'll leave in the morning."

Aiden is so giddy with excitement. The next day, they all leave. Somehow ending up in a small town in the state of Missouri. The King, Beta Silas, and some of the guards that are brought in for the situation are all on high alert. They get word that the Warlock may be hiding in an abandoned building. Search parties are sent out.

"Aiden stay here," King Alistair tells his son when he his wolves pick up on the scent of magic.

Prince Aiden—for one of the few times in his life—does not abide to his father. He instead, decides to stroll around the old town. He's never seen a human town before. It looks...different. Not as regal as what he's used to. There isn't the smell of wolves surrounding him like the packs he's gone to. Everything is a bit...plain.

Aiden notices an old arcade down the street. Looking over his shoulder to make sure he isn't garnering any attention, he slips towards the arcade. There's no one inside. Some of the games aren't even illuminated.

Aiden looks behind the front counter, and he notices a human body splayed on the ground. The man doesn't seem dead, his chest is rising and falling. But his ears look red with blood.

Aiden walks down the aisle of the arcade, following the scent of lemon...and magic. Until finally, he sees a young boy—maybe only two years older than him—hiding behind a machine.

"S-Stop." The boy calls out to him. Aiden stops in his tracks, his head tilting to the side to try and get a better look.

"I d-don't want to hurt you." The boy calls out. "Please just go away."

The boy peeks his eyes around the edge of the arcade machine. He's trembling. Frightened. Aiden smiles gently, the boys eye's an incredible piercing purple and black. They remind Aiden of the violet flowers in his mother's garden when they're in full bloom.

"You don't look dangerous." Aiden says softly. "I'm not going to hurt you."

The boy narrows his eyes at Aiden—his purple irises swirling like a hypnotic wheel. Aiden feels something itch and scratch his head but if anything, it feels like a pesky fly buzzing near his eyes.

The purple-eyed boy frowns, "What are you?"

"I'm a wolf." Aiden shrugs, "My name is Aiden."

"Aiden? Prince Aiden?"

Aiden nods, "What's your name?"

The Warlock hesitates, his shoulders relaxing slightly. He hasn't spoken to anyone in weeks. Not like this anyways. The Coven is trying to kill him. Others are searching for him to use his Gift for their own selfish reasons. He can't control his Gift whatsoever, so he's resorted to being on the run.

"Killian." His voice soft.

"Well, everyone keeps saying you're dangerous." Aiden looks over Killian's ragged clothes. He looks malnourished. Big bags under his purple eyes like he hasn't slept. Aiden scrunches his nose, Killian kind of smells too. He needs a bath.

"I don't think you look very dangerous." Aiden admits, "I can help you."

"Help me? No one can help me."

"I can." Aiden puffs his little chest. "If you promise not to do anything bad."

"I don't want to hurt anyone. I can't control it."

"You can learn." Aiden takes a step towards Killian. "Let me help you. You can have a home in the palace. You can learn how to control it. I'm learning too."

Prince Aiden extends his hand towards the Warlock. Killian eyes the little six-year-old with interest. He can't help but wonder how it's possible for someone younger than him to already be full of so much compassion and wisdom.

Killian blinks a few times, scared. He has nowhere to go. People want to kill him. Maybe Prince Aiden wants to kill him. But it makes more sense following him than any of the adults that are trying to abuse him. The adults who have abused him.

Killian places his hand in Aiden's. The Prince smiles softly, "No one will hurt you. You have my word, Killian."

***

"Again."

"Killian," I tell my friend. "We've been doing this for hours."

"And you out of all people should know that practice makes perfect." His purple eyes blaze. "Again."

My wolf grumbles but we oblige. I let my mind stretch forward as two attackers make their way towards me. They're not real—Killian is projecting them for me. My job is to try to control them with my Mind Warping while they try to attack.

I deflect their advancements with my sword. Side stepping as they both continue to move too quickly for me to focus in on their eyes. Mind Warping used to be the most difficult thing for me to do. Wolves aren't meant to have the power of magic. We're strictly taught not to because we don't have the proper control to use it.

Except, I do have control. I've perfected control. Do I get annoyed, do I get angry—yes. But never once have been so hotheaded that I've seen red. Not once has my wolf pushed so heavily forward that I couldn't reel him back. We're both in it together after all. The key is that he knows he has to stay in control too.

King's of the past let their wolves guide them. Let their decisions be made by their animalistic side. There's a fine balance between being human and being an animal. For me, that fine line is rather thick and never have I fallen over to one side.

Once Killian mastered his abilities to Mind Warp, he began teaching me. It's...strange. I'm not part of a Coven and I don't have a Gift the way Wiccans do. But I have the Moon Goddess and after extensive research, I've learned that with exceptional control comes exceptional powers. Powers my ancestors couldn't even dream of.

Previous Kings that couldn't rein in their animalistic sides had no shot at being able to do what I do. A few of my ancestors were able to do trivial tricks like levitating. I think I'm the first in history to be able to Mind Warp like Killian. He is an exceptional teacher.

Except this is a challenge. I've never had to sword fight and Warp at the same time. Mind Warping is easy when someone is just standing there idly. When they're moving, it's hard to focus into their minds. Like trying to hit a bullseye on a dart board that's moving side to side.

The multitasking is getting to me. I swing my sword, the attacker spins, and as soon as I can focus, I level my eyes with his. They start to sear, and I walk into their empty mind. They're not a person—not really. Just a projection. Which means there's nothing in there, but Killian is trying to create an illusion that simulates a mind.

Before I can focus too much and make the attacker yield, the second fighter distracts me, and my hold is lost. I swipe my sword through their torsos, and they disappear like fog into the air.

"You need to get faster at it," Killian chuckles from the steps he's sitting at. We're in the Arena—it's supposed to resemble a miniature Colosseum to honor our Roman ancestors.

Down the hall is the gym though. As modern and up to date as it can be. It has plenty of machines, weights, anything that the guards and I need to work out. Even a sauna and smoothie bar. Talk about modernization.

"I guess it's good you're giving me a challenge." I say honestly as I wipe some sweat off my forehead. I've gotten quite bored sword fighting with all the guards and trainers. None of them able to truly show me anything new.

Sword fighting—a lost art amongst wolves. I rather enjoy it. I picked it up after reading the story of King Arthur and the Stone. What humans don't know is that he was Alpha King Arthur and what compelled him to pull out the sword was the Moon Goddess. The Stone itself a chuck of moon that crashed onto Earth. It was one of my favorite stories that my mother used to read to me.

Regardless, I have to be able to defend myself in unconventional matters. Hence, sword fighting. I can't shift, which means I'm left with human ways of fighting—and of course—the magical side. But the magic can be exhausting.

"You need the challenge." Killian agrees. "Or you'll get sloppy."

"Complacent."

"Flaccid." Killian's word makes me laugh.

He smiles softly, tossing me a bottle of water as I take a seat beside him on the steps. I lean back, letting myself focus on my breathing for a few moments.

Killian used to be a spy for Ezra. His role was really to control and teach his Mind Warping skills. But a few years ago, he helped save my life. We were in the middle of some ridiculous fight and as I was trying to hold off some Rebels, he had his back to mine. His Gift warping advancements.

I didn't realize the strength of his loyalty until then. We had always been friends but after that he climbed the ranks quickly becoming one of my biggest allies and confidantes. He and Ezra strategize together all the time.

I feel my wolf ring on my finger buzz slightly, my eyes hazing over as our Mind Link goes through. It's like having a group chat but so much better.

Hey Golden Boy, Kole's voice purrs in my head through the Mind Link. We just got your official invite for the Ball. Way and I will be there día uno.

My heart instantly swells. I can't even contain the happiness that courses through me. My wolf eager in the back of my mind. Excited like a little puppy. I know they only live a ferry away, but we're all so busy. All the time. Being the King takes everything out of me—it's hard to find simple pleasures.

This is my group of closest friends. The only people who don't see a crown on my head. Who have brought me so much joy when we were in a band. Years ago, I made these rings for them. I can Mind Link any wolf in the world as long as they're Branded. But linking isn't possible between packs.

Using some magic from the Wiccans, I created these rings that allow us to speak to one another. Our own personal group chat of sorts. It's come in handy for situations like this. When we're trying to get together. We used it to plan a trip to ski in the Sierra two years ago. Usually, it's just a form to catch up. We don't use them overly often.

The three guys and I were inseparable when they came to learn about being Alpha's. My father had instituted a guideline that before Alpha's were meant to Ascend—if possible—they would receive proper training here in the palace walls. Not all prospective Alpha's had to come—and most of them didn't find value in it. But the one's that came developed incredible relationships with me, their wolves, and a general sense of the Kingdom.

With that said, three of them became my best friends. Alpha Alexander of the Sierra, Alpha Matthew of the Valley, and one of my closest colleagues who I consider a brother, Alpha Wayan of the Port. They're all like my brothers, but I get to see Wayan the most—partially because he lives across the water channel. Also, because his Mate, Kole, likes to nag me so.

We love Kole, my wolf chuckles in the back of my head. I can't help but smile. She's quite literally the only person who defies my authority. Refusing to call me Your Majesty or King. Making snarky comments and crude innuendos. It makes me smile brightly because truth be told I have nothing but pure adoration for that girl. The little sister I never had.

We can't stay the whole weekend, Alpha Wayan's voice adds. We have to manage the Port and keep it safe from your stupid Rebels.

I'm glad you'll be able to make it. Even if it's just the first night, I link them genuinely. It really is like having a group chat because suddenly, the ring is buzzing like a phone would.

Wayan, you're going day one? Alpha Matthew's voice echoes in my head. Mia and I will join you both then. I'm nervous to stay longer. We've never left my new Beta to take care of the pack alone.

I'll stay the three days. Alpha Alexander replies curtly. I think he's also hoping of stumbling across his Mate.

Looks like the band is getting back together, Kole's voice echoes. We should have an orgy to celebrate.

Shut up, Kole. We all say it simultaneously as she and Wayan laugh before the link disappears as I block it.

I can't contain the smile. The giddy laugh that escapes my lips. Killian eyes me over, "Damn. Looks like you just got good news."

"Yeah," I brush some dirt off my pants. "My friends are coming."

Killian doesn't hide his smile. He looks genuinely happy for me. I only really have Ezra and Killian inside the castle and unfortunately, we spend most of our time talking about the Rebellion or other administrative tasks. Whereas...my friends are special to me. The only people in the world who take away some of the loneliness I feel here.

"That's exciting," Killian grins devilishly. "Look at you being a social little butterfly, Your Majesty."

I roll my eyes, letting my wolf settle into the back of my mind. I look down at my wolf ring, playing with it nervously. I'm excited they're coming. Angsty to try and meet her. My eyes shift up to meet Killian's.

"Do you really think she'll come to this Ball?" Killian asks gently.

"I hope so." I take a deep breath—letting my nerves settle. "You know...my parents met at the Ball my grandfather held for my father."

"I've heard." Killian levitates a small rock. It's a little habit of his to be levitating things. Much how some of us bite our nails or bounce our legs. Killian likes to move things slowly in the air like a Jedi. The scent of magic whisking in the air.

I think back to the stories my father told me when I was younger. How he didn't want to have a Ball, but his father forced him. How he thought it was a bit ridiculous and somewhat demeaning. He had his Ball when he turned nineteen. That's when he met my mother.

"I looked across the ballroom and there she was," My father used to tell me. "Surrounded by her friends. Our eyes locked, and we had the Glaze. It was magical."

"I thought your father was the most handsome man I ever met." My mother would add at the dinner table, her eyes beaming at him.

"That was just the Crown." He would jest. Maybe I should have found their love to be disgusting and repulsive, but I always found it interesting. To be loved absolutely. Even in your darkest hours.

I remember them not always being happy. The Crown will do that—just like being an Alpha will do that. Moments of stress or small arguments. It all stemmed over though. They always found a way to mend it, to lean on each other. Their relationship wasn't perfect, but it was beautiful because the love they had for each other surmounted everything else.

"Well, I'll be at the Port the first two days. I need to make sure everything is secure. But I hope I'll be in attendance the third day." Killian says with a chuckle after a while of silence. "After all this planning, would be shit if I couldn't take advantage of the open bar."

Killian turns his head towards the view. The sun is setting beautifully over the horizon. It's one of the nicest days we've had this week. From here, we have a view of the ocean. The Arena is situated just along the cliffside where we can see into open waters.

"Ezra says you've seen her," Killian adds quietly under his breath.

I tense, biting my lip. I have seen her. Even through the Foretell, I was drawn to her. Pulled like metal through sand—aching for the magnet on the other end. I'm not supposed to talk about anything I see in the Foretell. It can change everything. I couldn't contain myself and even though I didn't share what happened in the Foretell, I did tell Ezra that I saw her.

My wolf sighs deeply. Ever since we saw those visions a few months ago, we've been confused. Him more so than me. It doesn't make sense to have seen what we did and compare it to what I was shown when I was eleven.

I turn my head towards Killian, he meets my gaze. Since we're sitting it's much easier. I stare into his eyes, forcing myself into his mind. He lets me—he doesn't fight me, and we both know he has many defensive mechanisms to stop from being Mind Warped. Once I'm inside, I share the image of my Mate. Just a singular, cut out strip, of her eyes.

The gray stormy eyes that have been waking me up every night. They're stunning to stare at. Like the gray clouds before a storm. They've been driving me crazy. My wolf unsettled and anxious. Eager and nervous.

She's meant to be the Queen. A task that many may not want. A role that will be thrown upon her the moment we Glaze. Maybe I should try to shield her as long as possible from the Crown—I've tried by postponing this Ball for years now. But I want her. So desperately do I want companionship.

I pull away from the Mind Warp. Killian smiles gently, nodding his head like he understands what I'm asking of him without words.

"I'll keep a look out," He tells me before standing. He offers me his hand, which I gladly take as he helps me standing. "Our future Queen has nice eyes."

"They're beautiful." I say honestly.

"You wolves." Killian rolls his eyes, a chuckle radiating from his chest. He's always found the concept of Mates to be interesting. "I'll admit, her eyes are intense. I have a feeling she's going to be quite the challenge."

I smile as we turn back towards the castle, "I could use a little challenge."

***

A/N: I know I'm building it up but I have to have that solid foundation ;) Who's excited for our little band cameo? 

For those who read TABF--Kinda cute to have that background story on Killian <3

How are we feeling about them meeting though? It's going to be exciting lol