As the group prepared to move, the first hints of dawn crept over the horizon. The rogues had survived the first set of training.
But the real test had only just begun for them.
Amaya walked through the grand halls of Silverveil's palace, her footsteps quiet but steady against the polished marble floors. Behind her, Selene followed, her presence as composed as ever, though Amaya could sense the subtle tension in her maid's posture.
The royal courtroom loomed ahead, its towering doors already open, revealing the scene within. Her father, Alpha Lucian, sat upon his throne, his strong frame still clad in the remnants of battle armor. Beside him, her mother, Luna Jamayah, exuded an air of quiet authority, her dark eyes watchful as she awaited her daughter's approach.
Amaya did not hesitate. She strode forward with practiced grace, stopping at the base of the throne and bowing deeply in respect before ascending the few steps to her father's side. With a gentle touch, she pressed a kiss to his cheek.
"Welcome home, Father," she said softly. "We thank the gods for your safe return."
A weary but genuine smile crossed Alpha Lucian's face as he placed a calloused hand over hers. "Thank you, child."
Amaya then turned her attention to the young man standing near the throne, her younger brother, Garrett. His presence here meant that he had accompanied their father into battle, his armor still faintly dusted with the remnants of war.
"And I thank the gods you made it back alive," Amaya said, eyeing him with an affectionate, yet playful, gaze. Alpha Lucian chuckled, his deep voice echoing through the courtroom. "Of course. Your mother would have my head if I came without him."
The family laughed, a fleeting moment of warmth in the cold expanse of the chamber. Amaya, ever poised, bowed politely once more. "If you'll excuse me, Your Grace."
As she turned to leave, her mother's voice halted her in her tracks.
"Amaya." She turned back, facing her once again.
"Hope you haven't forgotten" Luna Jamayah said. Amaya nodded, her face solemn.
"I haven't forgotten, Mother. I shall expect you in my chambers tonight."
"Good" Luna Jamayah said as she gave a satisfied nod. With that, Amaya departed, her crimson cloak billowing as she exited the courtroom. Selene followed closely behind, her face neutral as always. The sun had long since dipped beneath the horizon when Selene knocked and entered Amaya's chambers,
"Forgive me, my lady, but it is time," she said. Amaya inhaled deeply, turning from the window where she had been staring at the moonlit courtyard.
"Of course. Let's hurry, my mother will soon be here, and we have no time to waste."
She rose from the bed, her silken gown flowing around her as she moved toward the center of the room. Selene, without needing further instruction, stepped forward and closed the heavy curtains, ensuring no prying eyes could peer inside. Once the room was sealed in privacy, Amaya turned her back to Selene.
The maid's fingers were nimble as she gently but quickly loosened the laces of Amaya's gown, letting the fabric slip from her shoulders and pool at her feet. The cool night air kissed her bare skin as she stepped out of the garment and made her way to the waiting tub.
Selene knelt beside her, dipping a cloth into the fragrant water before gliding it over Amaya's skin with practiced care. Neither spoke as the ritual unfolded. This was not merely a cleansing of the body but of the spirit. Once the bath was complete, Selene helped Amaya into fresh attire.
Unlike the lavish gowns of the court, this one was simple yet elegant, designed for movement and purpose rather than display. Her long hair was braided with precision, adorned with only the smallest of silver pins. Finally, Selene draped a long cloak over her shoulders, its hood concealing most of her face.
Then, a knock came, and the door opened, revealing Luna Jamayah. Selene bowed immediately as the Luna stepped inside.
"Ready?" the older woman asked.
Amaya nodded once. Luna Jamayah said nothing more, only turned and led the way. Amaya followed, her heart steady despite the uncertainty ahead. They walked in silence through the dimly lit halls, their path familiar but seldom traveled. As they approached the long hallway adorned with portraits of the royal bloodline, Luna Jamayah came to a stop before one particular painting, her own.
Without hesitation, she placed her hand against the frame. A faint click echoed through the quiet corridor. The portrait shifted, revealing a hidden passageway. Without a word, they stepped inside. As soon as they crossed the threshold, the entrance silently closed behind them, sealing them away from the palace above.
The passage was dark, illuminated only by the soft glow of torches lining the stone walls. The air was cool, filled with the scent of old earth and something faintly metallic. Amaya kept pace with her mother, the rhythmic sound of their footsteps against the stone growing fainter as they ventured deeper.
Finally, the tunnel opened into a vast cavern. The space was alive with hushed murmurs and flickering candlelight. Women clad in dark cloaks stood in a loose circle, their faces partially obscured by the shadows. Their presence was both familiar and enigmatic. Here, they were no longer noble women of the court, but the women of the pack. They called themselves, Sisters of Hades.
Luna Jamayah stepped forward, her voice carrying across the chamber with quiet authority.
"We meet again, sisters," she said. "And now, we begin." A solemn energy filled the cave, a tension that hummed beneath the surface like a barely contained storm. Then, Luna Jamayah turned to Amaya.
Amaya knew what was expected of her. Without hesitation, she nodded. With a single movement, her cloak was pulled from her shoulders. The moment the fabric hit the ground, a sudden wave of dizziness crashed over her. Her vision blurred, her limbs weakened.
And then, darkness.