Elara walked alongside Caelan, who seemed to regain some strength with each step.

The morning sun bathed the forest in a warm glow, casting long shadows on the path ahead. They walked in silence, both lost in their thoughts.

As they neared the edge of the forest, the sound of bustling activity reached their ears. They emerged into a lively village, the streets filled with merchants, farmers, and children playing. The villagers moved about their daily routines, seemingly oblivious to the ancient secrets that lay hidden in the nearby woods.

Caelan led Elara to a small inn at the heart of the village.

The innkeeper, a stout woman with kind eyes, greeted them warmly.

"Good morning, Caelan! How can I help you today?" she asked, her gaze lingering on Caelan's torn clothing and the bandage on his leg before moving toward Elara.

"We need a room for a few nights," Caelan replied, his voice steady before Elara could interrupt. He could sense that she didn't like the idea of sharing a bedroom but he knew she would understand.

The innkeeper nodded and handed them a key. "Room three, up the stairs. Let me know if you need anything else."

Once they were settled in their room, Elara turned to Caelan.

"We need to figure out what's going on. The stories my mother told me, the curse... it all seems connected somehow."

Caelan sighed and sat down on the edge of the bed.

"You're right. There's much you need to know, and we don't have much time. The curse that binds me is ancient and powerful. It was cast by a sorcerer who sought to control the werewolf clans and the royal family of Lunaris and my kingdom."

Elara listened intently, her mind racing with questions. "But why? What did he hope to gain?"

"Power. All this destruction and war is because of that," Caelan answered. "The sorcerer believed that by controlling the werewolves, he could dominate both kingdoms. Your mother and I tried to stop him, but we failed. He cursed me to become a wolf under the moonlight, hoping to weaken our resistance."

Elara's eyes widened in realization. "And now the rogue werewolves which recently attacked Lunaris... they're part of his plan too, aren't they?"

Caelan nodded grimly. "Yes. He's using them to sow chaos and fear, to destabilize both kingdoms. But there's more to the prophecy your mother spoke of. It mentions a royal with the power to break the curse, someone who can unite the werewolves and humans."

Elara felt a shiver run down her spine. She knew she was brave, but was she brave like her mother? "You think that person is me?"

"I do," Caelan said softly. "Your mother believed it too. That's why she told you those stories, to prepare you for this moment. You have to finish what your mother started."

Before Elara could respond, a knock at the door interrupted them.

Caelan opened it to reveal a tall, dark-haired man with piercing green eyes. He wore a cloak that seemed to blend with the shadows, and his presence exuded an air of mystery.

"Caelan," the man said, his voice deep and commanding. "We need to talk."

Caelan stepped aside to let the man in. "Elara, this is Aric, one of my associates. He's been helping me gather information about the sorcerer and the werewolf attacks."

Aric nodded in greeting. "Princess Elara, it's an honour to meet you. I've heard much about your mother from Caelan."

Elara nodded her head. "Please, tell us what you've learned."

Aric took a seat by the window, his gaze fixed on the bustling village below.

"The sorcerer is growing bolder. His attacks are increasing, and he's targeting key locations within both kingdoms. He's searching for something, though we don't yet know what."

"Do you think it has to do with the prophecy?" Elara asked.

"Possibly," Aric replied. "But we need more information. There's an old hermit who lives deep in the forest, near the border of Lunaris. He was once a powerful mage and might have knowledge of the sorcerer's plans."

Elara exchanged a determined look with Caelan. "Then we need to find him. If there's any chance he can help us, we have to try."

Caelan nodded. "Agreed. But we must be cautious. The forest is dangerous, and the sorcerer's minions are everywhere."

Aric stood, his cloak swirling around him. "I'll guide you to the hermit's dwelling. We leave at dusk. Be ready."

As Aric left the room, Elara turned to Caelan, her resolve hardening. "We're going to break this curse, Caelan. No matter what it takes."

Caelan smiled, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. "I believe you, Elara. Together, we can do this."

Suddenly, a commotion erupted in the streets below. Caelan rushed to the window and peered outside, his expression growing tense.

"What's going on?" Elara asked, moving closer to him.

"The royal guards of Lunaris," Caelan replied, his voice urgent. "They're searching for you."

Elara's eyes widened in panic.

"Oh no, my father's searching for me! My wedding is supposed to happen tomorrow. If they find me, they'll drag me back to the palace and force me to marry him."

Below, the scene was chaotic.

Villagers scattered in every direction as the guards moved with determined precision, questioning anyone who crossed their path. Their voices rose above the din, calling out Elara's name. Some of the guards held up sketches of her face, showing them to the bewildered townsfolk. Horses snorted and stamped their hooves, their riders scanning the area with hawk-like intensity.

"We need to move, now," Aric said, reappearing at the door. He pushed open a section of the wall, revealing a hidden passageway. "Follow me."

Elara and Caelan quickly gathered their things and followed Aric into the passageway.

The narrow tunnel was dark and damp, but they moved swiftly, the sounds of the village fading behind them. After what felt like an eternity, they emerged outside the town's limits, hidden by the dense forest.

Aric led them through the trees, his pace relentless. "We have to put as much distance between us and the village as possible. The guards won't give up easily."

Elara glanced at Caelan, who nodded reassuringly. Despite the urgency, she felt a strange sense of purpose. This was her destiny, and she would see it through.

"We'll find the hermit," she said firmly. "And we'll break the curse."

Caelan squeezed her hand, a comforting gesture that sent a flutter through her heart. "I know we will."

"Together."

───⋆·✦·⋆───•───⋆·✦·⋆───•───⋆·✦·⋆───•───⋆·✦·⋆───

Hello everyone!!

I hope you enjoyed Chapter 2 of The Royal Moon. 

Inspired by Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On," this chapter captures the urgency and confusion of Elara's journey. As she faces unexpected challenges and seeks answers, the song's themes of struggle and introspection are reflected in her quest.

Thank you for joining me on this adventure.

Warm regards,

Lupe

───⋆·✦·⋆───•───⋆·✦·⋆───•───⋆·✦·⋆───•───⋆·✦·⋆───