The next morning, her parents, Marcus and Dahlia called to inform her that they would arrive this afternoon from their vacation. The warm sunlight streaming through the window highlighted the dust motes dancing in the air as she sat on the plush couch.

After stepping down from their positions and Orion's ascension to the throne, they had taken a well deserved break to relax and spend time together. They were now junior members of the National Elder Council though they had not resumed their roles after resigning as king and queen. Her grandparents had been senior elders there, and their generation had been the core members of the council.

As shifters, they enjoyed longevity. It had been 350 years since Orion assumed the mantle of the Lycan king, but due to their extended lifespans, time flowed differently for them. Their physical appearance aged at a slower rate, making 350 years equivalent to perhaps 30 years in human terms.

As she was lost in thought, the door swung open, and they entered. Their bright smiles illuminated the room. "Mom, Dad, I missed you so much!" She exclaimed, rushing to hug them tightly. The familiar scent of her mother's perfume and the softness of her father's sweater enveloped her.

Whenever she was with them and Orion, she felt like a little girl again carefree and loved. "Hey, darling, how are you?" Dahlia asked, checking her from head to toe, her eyes sparkling with warmth. "I'm good. How was your vacation?" She asked, curiosity getting the better of her as she led them to the cozy sitting area.

"It was great, and we enjoyed our time together, Princess," Marcus replied with a warm smile, settling into the armchair beside her mother. She smiled, happy to see them so relaxed and rejuvenated.

As they were chatting, Orion walked in, his presence commanding attention. "Welcome, your royal highness," she said, bowing jokingly. "Good afternoon. How was your trip?" he asked, his eyes scanning their parents. "Well, okay, my son. How are you too?" Dahlia asked, her gaze lingering on him. "I'm good," he replied, his expression neutral.

They all settled down in the living room, the atmosphere turning serious. The scent of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air. "Orion, what's this I hear about you not searching for your mate?" Dahlia asked, her voice laced with concern. "The Empire needs a queen, someone to unite our people and bring stability."

"And we have a war at hand," Marcus added, his expression grave. "Many races seek our downfall because of the prophecy, and we need every advantage we can get.Your mate is one of the keys to our survival.”

"Mom, Dad, I understand," Orion said, his voice measured. "I've already said I'll search for her after the opening celebration. It's not like I can reject her if I find her." His words hung in the air, and they could sense the weight of his reluctance.

"Yes you can't, Lycans have only one destined mate, and once rejected, we can never have a second chance or a chosen mate, making our bond sacred and unique," Marcus explained. "While we can choose not to accept our mate without outright rejection, failing to mate with our destined partner within a month of meeting will trigger a tormenting cycle."

"This cycle, recurring once a month under the full moon, brings an insatiable desire, unbearable heat, and an overwhelming need for our mate," Dahlia added her expression was serious. “It's a physical and emotional agony that can drive Lycans to desperation. We've seen it happen to those who've chosen not to mate with their mates."

"We Lycans typically mate and mark our true mates on the night of the full moon, solidifying our bond." Marcus continued, his voice steady. "The bond is not just about love; it's about survival and the continuation of our lineage."

"And yes, Aurora has already informed us that you said, you will look for your mate after the opening party," Marcus said, his eyes locked on Orion. "But we just want to make sure you're serious and understand the importance. And the opening celebration can't happen without us, we have to be present. It's a joyous occasion for us Lycans, and your grandparents will also be coming."

"Yes, we have to be there and also help with everything," Marcus said. "Okay, I mean it. I will find her. Can I go now?" Orion asked, his tone laced with a mix of frustration. "Yes, you can, and we'll see to the preparations," Aurora said. With that, Orion left.

As Orion departed, he walked to his office, his mind focused on the tasks at hand. Upon entering, he immediately mind-linked his beta and gamma to come to his office. When they arrived, they greeted him, and Orion asked, "Have you two contacted the National Supernatural Council? Have all races been informed? They all should be informed of our reopening to the world and our resurgence."

"Yes, we've reached out to them, and we've also announced a celebration of our opening to the world," Ryder confirmed, a sense of pride in his delivery. "We've sent invitations to all races, and we'll also follow up with each race after this discussion."

"Coordinate with the Oracles to dispel the magic concealing our location within the week," Orion instructed with authority. “The Oracles have maintained the magic around our empire for centuries, but it's time to lift it. That way, attendees can find us on the map when they arrive."

Ryder spoke up, his voice filled with curiosity. "What about the security concerns? We can't afford to let our guard down, not with so many potential threats lurking in the shadows."

Orion's expression turned serious. "I have a comprehensive security plan. I've already discussed it with Damon, he will inform you, and he will be working closely with the Oracles to ensure our safety." "Understood, we'll handle it," they responded in unison, and with that, they exited his office.

Ryder and Damon exited Orion's office, a maid approached them, her eyes darting nervously around the hallway. "Excuse me, Your Honors," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "Someone brought this letter and said it was for you." Ryder took the letter, his eyes scanning the contents. "Enjoy your opening celebration for now, before disasters," he read aloud, his voice low and ominous.

The letter was unsigned, but the intention was clear. Damon's eyes narrowed, his gaze sweeping the hallway with a mix of suspicion. "Who brought this?" He demanded, his voice firm but controlled. The maid hesitated, her hands trembling as she spoke. "I don't know, Your Honor. It was a hooded figure. They handed me the letter and vanished into thin air. I didn't even see their faces."

Ryder's expression turned grim, his jaw clenched in concern. "We'll investigate further. Thank you for bringing this to us."

The maid curtsied and quickly departed, Damon's voice dropped to a whisper. "This isn't just a threat, Ryder. This is a warning. From someone."

Ryder's eyes locked onto Damon's, and they both knew that during the celebration something significant was going to happen.

Ryder and Damon turned back and went inside the office. Orion looked up when he heard the sound of the door opening. “What is it? Why did you come back? Are you through with the work” Orion asked. “No, but you have to take a look at this,” Ryder said, handing him the letter. “What's inside?” Orion asked. “Take a look at it yourself,” Ryder said. “Okay” Orion replied.

“Who sent this letter?” Orion asked. “We don't know. The letter was delivered by a hooded person to a maid” Damon said. “We have to tighten security from now on around the Empire because how can someone bring such a letter and we don't know who it is?”

“Yes, we will tighten security and scan everything to make sure there's no problem during and after the celebration,” Damon said, since he was in charge of security. He began mentally going over the security protocols they’d need to enhance.

“And I think this letter might be from the rebels” Orion said, his eyes narrowing as he considered the implications. “And make sure you do what we discussed earlier, inform the races” “Okay, we will” Damon replied, making a mental note to brief his security teams.

With that, they took their leave, both aware of the need for extra caution amidst the celebration, Because something significant will happen that day they just hope it will be a good thing for the empire.