the final cheer ended, the feast began; hungry yet happy wolves tore through the kill that was brought by each kingdom, all eating with the happiness and joy inside their hearts for the two tiny – now sleeping – bundles of joy that would one day become leaders that would make both the Sun and Moon Kingdom proud with their union as adults.

However, there was an unwelcome visitor lurking above the skylight of Peace-Gathering Cave, but it did not block the silver-white moon that shone its light into the main chamber; clearly, this creature was not ready to be noticed yet by the celebrating kingdoms, but its shadowy figure heard the details of the two young children that were just named and praised by their birth and betrothal. A sinister grin formed on its muzzle while it stepped backward and began to make its way back to the main forest. 

“S-s-s-so,” the creature’s voice slipped out in a murmur, yet it made an almost serpent-like slithering sound as it spoke continued to return to where it was sent from. “The Alphas have made plans for their heirs-s-s-s . . . to be wed, eh?” A hissing chuckle slipped from its lips. “The male . . . I can s-s-sense his s-s-strong aura – a fighting s-s-spirit grows within his beating heart, although he’s only a newborn, . . . and the female . . . s-s-she’ll be timid but headstrong as she matures, and yet s-s-she’ll have wisdom beyond her years . . . Both are an equal threat.” The dark creature snickered, looking back at the direction it had just come from. “We must plan ahead . . . for our future depends-s-s on what we do about these two . . . before their arranged union occurs-s-s-s . . .”

Its voice was now with concern, but still spoke with that snake-like sound; however, its tone quickly changed to one that was almost sinister, still speaking aloud as if other creatures of its own kind could hear its thoughts.  

“The S-s-sun Kingdom and the Moon Kingdom s-s-shall be no more . . . if we destroy their heirs . . . before they reach the age of maturity . . .” A cackle escaped from its mouth, while a few other rustled in the nearby bushes by a couple of caverns. “Those two – S-s-selene, the female . . . and Cyrus-s-s, the male . . . Their union will only cause destruction for us-s-s-s . . .”

Another voice hissed through the rustling branches, growling lowly as it replied. “Yes-s-s-s . . . Now go to our brethren from around the dark woods-s-s and gather them . . . The time to commence attack is near at hand, and we must be ready to s-s-strike our targets . . .” 

The shadowed creature lowered its head, bowing low to the ground. “Yes-s-s, my Alpha . . . I s-s-shall not let you down . . .”

“I pray you be s-s-swift of foot, Nighthawk . . .” The Alpha spoke prior to the other creature’s leaving. “Contact the leaders-s-s of the s-s-smaller rogue clans-s-s across-s-s the mountains-s-s . . . I trust you can convince them to join our brigade . . . our plan to take back everything that is rightfully ours-s-s . . .” 

“Yes-s-s, Fath– I mean, my Alpha . . .” Nighthawk answered back, quickly sprinting towards the mountains by the forest.

The Alpha’s ears pricked at the sound of the joyous festivity of Cyrus and Selene’s christening from the nearby Peace-Gathering Cave. It let out a growling huff of frustration, knowing full well that as long as someone was within the walls of Peace-Gathering Cave, they could not be harmed, else instant death would come to the murderer.  

“Yes-s-s, my friends-s-s . . .” The Alpha hissed as it heard the voices of celebration echoing from the cave. “Celebrate while you can . . . for the end of your happiness-s-s is-s-s drawing close . . .” It let out a low howl before returning back into its cavern to continue resting, but it muttered something . . . something that made it grow an evil smirk on its face.

“And your children . . . will die by my paws-s-s . . . to s-s-seal our glorious-s-s victory . . . and bring forth the dawning of the Age of Midnight . . .” 

(Part I – completed 11/21/07)