“Although it's uncouth I feel it's time we talked about the Moon Clan and if I was a betting man… or more accurately demon, that's more than likely linked with your past.” Mors said with a flushed face caused by the alcohol.

“I apologise but if we are to trust each other and build a ‘real’ relationship we cannot hold any secrets. I have told you much tonight that could get me in serious trouble, especially with those of the church, human kingdoms or the Federation. Pretty much every major group I know of actually.” said Mors as he temporarily regretted his loose-lipped ways. -”I should've just kept my big mouth shut. Worst case if I can get her to talk I might have some ammo in case the shit hits the proverbial fan.”

“I guess you are right, however, please promise me that you will not mention this to anyone. Not only could it get both of us in some serious trouble but I do have some pride you know” sadly muttered Verz.

-”Well, that was easier than expected.” Mors didn't even hesitate “That goes without saying.”

Taking a long swig and emptying the last remaining bottle Verz stared intently into the fire as if she was searching for some deep and hidden meaning. “It started back when I was a young girl, over 70 years ago.”

-“...What the hell? You don't look a day over 30!” thought Mors in shock. -”I guess it is true and beastkin age a lot slower than most. I guess I need to try and change my perception of what’s old... or care home bait.”

===== 70 Years Ago ====

A young, pretty girl looking to be around the age of twelve or thirteen races along majestic corridors strewn tapestries, ornaments and the occasional guard in decorative armour that almost makes them invisible against the walls. Her light grey, fluffy wolf's tail and pointy ears give her already innocent and pure features an unnecessary boost to her charm.

Her bright green eyes sparkled with joy and she panted, slightly out of breath as she turned a corner and ran straight into a late forties looking beastkin in a regal looking robe. Rebounding off him like she had hit a brick wall she looked up at wolf beastkin in front of her.

Broad shouldered with rough looking black fur that greyed towards the end and piercing green eyes, the figure was the embodiment of power and authority. His stern unforgiving face quickly disappearing as he realised who had run into him.

“Father!” exclaimed the young girl as she got to her feet and brushed down her blood red dress. “Arnt, you meant to be with big sister before the ceremony?”

“Hahaha little one calm down, there are still hours to go yet” chuckled the girl's father as he messed with her hair in a loving gesture. “Furthermore what are you doing here Kara? Shouldn't you be entertaining the Sun Clan's heir?”

“Arrrgh he is so boring and keeps saying his family is better than ours and that I need to listen to everything he says. I find him really annoying.” pouted Kara.

“Kara Andarta Verz! You are the next alpha female and pack leader to our clan now that your sister is marrying into another. We have been at war with the Sun clan since we arrived on this bleak, dreary continent and this if the first real chance for our families let bygones be bygones and usher in an era of peace.

Your elder sister hasn't even met her husband yet and could be sacrificing her future happiness but she is doing it with a smile while you can't even entertain one guest for a couple of measly days.” lectured Kara’s father although it was clear he was frustrated at the situation and just letting off steam.

“Clan leader Alz, you are required by the elders,” said a well-dressed fox beastkin that had silently snuck up on the pair causing both of them to slightly jump.

Alz took a moment to calm himself down. If there was any other way to end this conflict he would. Even as the clan leader, he was barely able to cope with the guilt of letting his eldest daughter be used in this shame of an arranged marriage so that others could gain. -”If it wasn't for those damn elders and this infernal sly fox I would burn the Sun Clans fortress to the ground before letting them touch one of my children. There will be hell to pay if they try and use her as a hostage.”

“I’m sorry father… I just wanted to go see all the pretty decorations to the main hall,” whined Kara in an adorable like way causing him to lose most of the anger in his heart.

Letting out a deep sigh Alz turned around before heading off in the direction he had come from. “Do as you please, I would rather one of my daughters be happy than none.”

The fox beastkin openly stared at the young girl in front of him before giving a lecherous smile and following Alz.

Repressing a cold shudder caused by the man's stare, Kara turned around and also headed back the way she came. -”Big sister is doing everything she can to make the Clan better, I must do my part too, even if he is such a nasty boy.”

”Soon” muttered the fox beastkin in an almost inaudible voice as he took a final glance at the rapidly disappearing Kara.

It wasn't long before Kara was hesitating before a large wooden door with a guard on either side. Taking the same kind of a deep breath that her father had done earlier, her girlish features fled as a mask that revealed no emotion replaced it. -”I really, really hate him.”

Walking the last few steps towards the door one of the guards swiftly opened it and bowed to reveal a well lit, spacious training room with dummies and wooden weapons littering the sides.

“Ah… so the bitch wolf returns” echoes a nauseating voice belonging to a young boy.