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Roxanne was born into a world of Knights and ladies, of Society and decorum, a world of werewolves. In the sky resided one sun but two moons, one silver, one red. Roxanne was the daughter of the Alpha for the Silver Moon Pack. For centuries they have been in an ancient rivalry with The Blood Moon Pack yet a truce was in the horizon.An unknown enemy was attacking their people and the only way to destroy them was to join forces. Roxy was betrothed to marry the new head Alpha of the Blood Moon Pack and destined to bring peace. She was to be the insurance that this truce would hold between the two packs. Could Peace really be possible between such ancient enemies? Was Roxanne heading towards her destiny or her death? She only had hope to hold onto while she headed into The Blood Moon territory all hostile eyes on her. Even her betrothed stared at her like she was the devil incarnate. Yet in the short moments they were alone she could see the kindness in his eyes and the heart of a warrior that resided in his soul. Would Roxanne find happiness or be forced to suffer in silence in this marriage she is bound to uphold....

This is just the beginning...

Roxanne followed the Blood Moon Knights through the dark forest without question. She knew it was the only path they could take to get to the Blood Moon Kingdom,even though many mysterious disappearances that had been occurring there lately. the sun had been shinning brightly that morning, but within the dark forest light seemed to cease to exist. It was as if night had fallen within the matter of seconds. One of the Knights whom she had learned was named Roland turned to her with what could only be described as a cold stare. "You must transform. The only safe way to make it through is in our wolf form. We must be quick so please, keep up and do not fall behind."
His callous attitude did not surprise Roxanne. To them she was only a means to an end. She would marry their Alpha so that their kingdoms could join together and defeat the unknown enemy that has been slowly killing off their people. It had started over a year ago, first Children and woman disappearing in the middle of the night then the men. No one ever saw them, No one could understand how they left no scent, no foot prints, no sign that anyone had ever been there. With the Blood Moon's massive army and strategic military tactics along with The Silver moon's intelligence in science they hoped to discover who this enemy was and destroy them. Roxanne was just an insurance policy. She was only there as a treaty to prove that this truce would hold and that they would not turn against one another.
It was her duty to keep the peace and she was prepared to put up with all the callous attitudes and disrespect that came her way. She gave the Knight a slight smile before she began to undress, not even waiting for him to turn away. Roland's eyes widened and he turned away quickly, him and rest of his men transforming into their wolf forms. Their Armor was specially made to adjust with their shape so that they could morph quickly without the hassle of removing clothing. It was one of the Blood Moon's brilliant military inventions. Roxanne placed her clothing in the bags that had been strapped onto one of the horses before she morphed into her wolf form. Among that dark furred knights, Roxanne stuck out like a sore thumb. Her pure white coat seeming to glow even within the sunless dark forest.
"Lets move!"
She heard Roland bark the order in her head before she started to run along with the others, the knights slowly moving in a circle formation around her. They had not been running long until they heard a noise that stopped them all dead in their tracks. It was a noise that none of them had ever heard before. A loud Piercing screech that made a sharp pain radiate through their heads. Roxanne closed her eyes against the piercing pain for only a moment until she heard one of the knights let out a whimper beside her. She quickly looked towards him and saw his fur was soaked in blood, three large claw marks ripped through his side. He fell to the ground while the other knights looked around frantically for their attacker. Roxanne heard a loud swoosh like something passing by to fast to be seen as it struck at the other knight beside her. "They are going after the Princess! Conner, get her out of here!"
It was the first time Roxanne had heard Roland use her title though she did not have much time to think about it. The wolf behind her nugged her to follow him as they took off through the forest. Roxanne did not want to leave them to face the invisible enemy alone but if it was truly after her maybe it would leave them be. She ran through the dark forest at a neck breaking speed. She could hear the howls of wolves behind her, the loud screech only coming closer and closer. Conner moved to protect her back but she heard the loud swoosh once more and when she turned to look back, Conner was gone. She was alone in the Dark forest with no idea as to where she was going. She kept moving forward, running as fast as her wolf heart would take her. She could see sunlight reaching through the edge of the trees and knew she was almost out. The loud screech rang through the air making Roxanne feel like her head was going to split in half. She fell to the ground, whimpering, her ears pulled back to try to block out the noise. It was all the invisible creature needed in order to strike. A searing pain ran up Roxanne's back and she let out a loud cry. She had to move or be killed. She got to her feet and took off towards the sunlight.
She had no idea how she made it but the welcoming sun was a saving grace. She looked back towards the dark forest and saw then the long scratch that ran up her back, blood staining her white fur. It was in a place where trying to lick it would be impossible. She hoped the scratch was not too deep and that she would not bleed out before she made it to the Blood Moon Kingdom. She trudged along the path hoping that it was leading her in the right direction. Soon Night fell and when she looked off into the distance she could see the walls that surrounded the kingdom. She was not surprised, however, when she got closer to the gate that she found herself surrounded by guards, all in wolf form and wearing Blood Moon Armor.
"Who are you and what do you want?"
She had no idea which one had spoken to her, She was losing focus and her vision was becoming blurry. "I am Princess Roxanne of the Silver Moon. Daughter of Artimus the Alpha."
"If you are the Princess then where are your escorts we sent for you?"
"We were traveling through the dark forest and were attacked by an invisible force."
"Invisible huh? Alright then if we are to believe you then prove to us that you are the daughter of Artimus. Alpha of the Silver Moon."
There was only one way for Roxanne to prove such a thing,that is of course if the knuckle heads knew anything other than to harass hurt females who were in obvious need of medical attention. She let out a sigh and then slowly transformed back into her human form, the burning sensation in her back hurting almost more than she could stand. She grinded her teeth against the pain and looked out at the guards who had also shifted into human form seeing her less as a threat this way. Most of them were staring at her dumb-struck, as if they had never seen a naked woman before. She rolled her eyes and turned her back to them. reaching behind her to push aside her long silver locks to expose her moon crest birthmark that resided between her shoulder blades.
"Is that proof enough, gentlemen? Now please if you do not mind can you please get the Alpha so that I may tell him what happened and if you could be a dear and get me some clothes and maybe even something for my back."
The guard whom had been unbelieving of her identity nodded and quickly ran off to do her bidding while the others still stared at her like adolescent pups. "Didn't your mother tell you its not polite to stare?" They all jumped as if they had not noticed what they had been doing and quickly turned to go back to their posts. They opened the gates to allow her through the walls of the kingdom, to head towards her fate.

Niko growled, glaring at his messenger. The young wolf had run as fast as he could from the gates...with this news. "You're sure she was alone? You didn't see any sign of Roland or the others?" This was bad. Roland was his most trusted friend and commander. To lose him now... To lose him only to gain this worthless Silver Moon princess! It was ridiculous! The young wolf nodded, trembling. At seeing the pup shaking, Niko forced himself to relax. He was not mad at Evan. "Thank you for bringing me this news. Please, go and get a snack from my kitchen." His tone was much milder and the small wolf padded away.

One of his few servants ducked in then, to tell him the princess was waiting for him in the main room. Niko tensed. This was it, it was time to meet his doo--, ah, duty. Niko nodded and took in a deep breath, settling his coldest expression on his face. He would have the truth from her, no matter what it took. "Lead the way." He motioned for the servant to go. It wasn't long before Niko found himself in the warm hearth hall that he used for all major meetings and, when there were not invisible beasts coming to destroy them, parties. The princess must be sitting in one of the chairs, he thought. Striding into the room, Niko cleared his throat.

"I believe you have some news for me?" He was deliberately rude, waiting for her to get out of a chair and turn to face him. Normally he would go and sit beside a guest. But this wasn't just a guest...this woman was to be his wife.

Niko listened carefully, but could detect nothing but truth in her voice. When she stood and met him squarely, he couldn't help allowing her a modicum of respect. It couldn't be easy, standing up to the Blood Moon Alpha this way in his own kingdom. He did not, however, relax his gaze. Poor Connor...what was he going to tell his family? He had been very young for an escort... He sucked in a breath. The same he told every family who lost a relative under his command.

Her concern for his men seemed genuine, though he wondered why she would care. They were just a bunch of blood wolves. It was hard not to be suspicious of her, but Niko knew he was going to have to try. Maybe that's what she was doing: trying. "Yes. Thank you for your concern." He thought about what she had said, about the...the beast that had attacked them. It had only hurt her, not killed her as it appeared to have done to the others. Maybe she was right, perhaps it had wanted her alive. Niko felt a chill. It had never really occurred to anyone before that these monsters might be intelligent. And yet here it appeared there was proof.

"Evan!" He barked. A scruffy boy skidded into the room, mouth half stuffed with bread and cheese. Niko winced. He would have to see about restocking the meat cellar. "Go down and find Commander Trimack. Tell him to send out a four-wolf squad to do a quick screen for survivors. In and out, that's what you tell him alright? I don't want to lose anymore warriors." Evan nodded, gulped down the rest of his meal and bolted for the door, shifting as he went. Niko scratched his chin, feeling the beginnings of stubble there. He had been up most of the day and night, consulting the blood's elders to learn if there had ever been a time when they had seen these creatures before. There was nothing in living memory or beyond.

Niko scrutinized his bride-to-be closely. She looked drained, tired, but there was a steely determination in her eyes that he found himself admiring. If he could trust this silver wolf, perhaps this arrangement would be good. "You must be tired." He said at last, his voice losing the edge it had had before. "There is a room prepared for you not far from here, with proper clothes and a bath drawn. Has a healer seen to your wound?" He gestured for her to follow him as he went back into the hallway he had come from. The Blood Moon "palace" was really more of a military fortress. The walls were rather stark, a mixture of stone and wood, with few tapestries or other accoutrements. Though most rooms were sparsely furnished, the hearths did managed to offer a cozy feel.

Niko watched her reaction to her new living quarters closely. He wanted to know what kind of a wolf she was. Pampered? Needy? But all she said was 'thank you'. With a start, he realized he had not told her his name. Nor bothered to learn hers. Well this was a great start to the alliance, he thought. "I am Nikolai." He paused for a moment, and then added, "But you may call me Niko." He was going to ask for her name when Evan suddenly reappeared.

His words made his heart freeze in his chest. Half out of joy that his men were alright, and fear that they would not survive anyway. "Thank you Evan. Go and rest now, your duties are done for the day." Evan gave him the customary fist over heart salute, though it looked comical in one so young, and scampered away. Probably to go and alert the rest of the household. Niko was about to start away when he hesitated and looked back at the Silver moon wolf. She ought to come, under the circumstances, he thought.

"Go and pull on some clothes, quickly. My men will be relieved to see their efforts to deliver you safely here were not in vain." Niko pointed at the heavy chest that sat at the end of the bed. In it were a mixture of shirts and trousers, along with a few dresses. Most females here did not wear dresses, unless they remained at home. It was much more practical to wear trousers. Niko went down the hallway a little ways and waited, to offer her privacy. His impatience was legendary, but he was determined to wait this time.

Niko was pleased to note that she as not a dawdler, and immediately set off when she reached his side. She looked good in the shirt and trousers, he thought briefly. She was, he grudgingly admitted to himself, very beautiful. There were none who had such beautiful silver hair in the Blood Moon pack. He wondered if her wolf fur was as beautiful. Remembering her wound, he kept them at a fast walk. Her use of his name so suddenly startled him, but if felt right. "Roxy it will be, then." He flashed her a swift, rather grim smile and quickened his pace. It wasn't long before they were outside and Niko was striding out towards the gates. He wished it were not so far...he wanted to see Roland and get a full report. And learn the extent of their injuries. With any luck, he wouldn't have to go and tell anyone's families any bad news. "Have you seen a healer yet?" He repeated his question. She didn't walk badly, but she had to be hurting. He wondered at the nature of her wound, but decided that would be too bold a question just now. "If not, I will ask Gertrude to come and have a look at you. She is our most skilled and honored healer."

Seeing his second commander Trimack ahead, he headed in the direction the man indicated: the healer. Of course they would go there first. It was procedure. Niko found he healer bustling about looking agitated. She was not a patient woman, and none too gentle with wounded soldiers. But, she was well renowned throughout the pack for having the most extraordinary healing capabilities. "Gertrude." Niko said respectfully, giving her the slightest bow of his head. She acknowledged him with a grunt and went back to working on one of the knight's gored sides. Niko took in a deep breath, looking at the carnage. It was a miracle any had survived. From the looks of things, they were all here. For how long that would last, he didn't know. In the meantime, he swiftly sought out Roland. He looked to be the best off out of the lot, and was even sitting up.

"Roland. Glad to see you alive." Niko placed a hand on his shoulder as his first commander gave a swift, informal salute.

"And you, Niko, as always." His eyes latched onto Roxy and he visibly sagged in relief. "I'm happy you managed to get here, princess. It was touch and go there, for awhile. Would've been a shame, had you been lost too after all that." Roland quickly filled Niko in on the form of attack, and how he had reacted. Niko nodded when he finished, pensive. It matched up seamlessly with Roxy's story, and he found himself convinced that this had not been a random attack.

"Thank you Roland. You and the others are given a week's furlow to rest and recuperate. For the more injured, make sure they stay here. They can help with preparations here, but will not be seeing action until their wounds are fully healed." If they heal at all, the dark thought came unbidden.

At Roxy's touch Niko couldn't help a slight shiver. No one had ever touched him in such a manner, a comforting manner like that. It was strange, and somewhat endearing, to think that she would comfort him. They were enemies, and yet here they were not tearing one another's throats out.

As he listened to his friend, Niko grinned as though sharing a private joke. In a way, he was. It had always been an unofficial promise between them never to let anything get in the way of serving the pack. Not injury, not family, not love. "Very well. The others, however, are on strict bed rest for at least three days, if not the entire week." He glanced around, the smile leaving his face. So many wolves injured, some probably dying. His blue eyes came to rest on Connor and he sighed, the heavy mantle of being the Alpha settled around his shoulders. Niko went and stood beside Roxy, lifting the young wolf's hand into both of his own. "Well done lad." He murmured quietly. "You've done good." His family would need to be informed, so they could come and see him. From the looks of his wounds, he was not long for this world. It touched him to see how gentle Roxy was with Connor, and it struck him for the very first time that perhaps she would make a good mate afterall. Suspicion still reigned, but there was respect there as well. Niko offered her a very small smile of appreciation before he gave Connor's hand a final squeeze and moved on to speak to the rest of the wolves. He laughed with them occasionally, but mostly moved through, touching hands and shoulders and letting them know that their Alpha was pleased with them and that their families would be there soon. When he had finished he came back and spoke quietly to Gertrude for a moment, and took a small jar from her hand.

At last he came back to Roxy. "Come, we should go back to the Keep." That was what the Blood Moon pack called their main fortress. "It is late, and you need rest too." His eyes were in a faraway place. "I have wolves to notify." Niko gestured for her to walk out before him.

As much as it would make things easier to have someone with him when he went to speak with the families, Niko found he couldn't accept her offer. It was part of his job as Alpha, and he couldn't be seen to show any weakness, even in this. Not to mention that she was injured. It would not be right to have her walking around with the wound in her back. At that thought, he remembered the jar in his hand. He took her hand on his arm and tucked it into the crook of his elbow, steering them back towards the Keep.

"I appreciate your concern Roxanne, but it would be better for me to do this alone. I do not know how these wolves would react to your presence, and you are hurt yourself." He shook his head. "There will be plenty of time for you to meet everyone tomorrow." As they neared the Keep, Niko pulled out the jar. "This is a cream that helps take the pain away from flesh wounds, and keeps it clean. I got it from Gertrude from you. In case your back starts to bother you." He offered it to her as a soldier pushed the front door open for them to pass through.