"A Letter from the Atheron Principality"

The air rang with the unmistakable clash of steel on steel. Gritted teeth, grunts of exertion, and shouts of triumph echoed from a wide, sunlit arena. 

Warriors danced across the sand, blades singing as they sparred with ferocity and elegance, each movement a testament to their training and pride.

High above the chaos, seated comfortably in an ornate VIP section, a man and woman watched in stark contrast to the whirlwind of action below.

The man was a striking figure: dark-skinned with a regal posture, his stark white hair falling in long, braided dreads that cascaded down the right side of his face, while the left side of his head was in a low, faded cut. 

White wolf ears twitched lazily atop his head, and a fluffy tail hung off to the right of his grand chair, flicking occasionally. He rested his cheek against his closed fist, golden eyes half-lidded with boredom.

At his side sat a vision of elegance—a woman dressed in a flowing white two-piece ensemble styled in a traditional Indian fashion, delicate beads sewn into the fabric that caught the light at times. 

Her long, dark hair spilled freely down her back, framing her soft caramel skin and full, ruby red lips. Feline ears twitched subtly beneath her locks, and a long black tail swayed behind her chair in content rhythm. When she noticed the man glance her way, she offered a knowing smile.

At their feet, two majestic creatures lay curled up: a sleek black panther and a snow-white wolf, both dozing peacefully.

“Yes, my dear?” the woman asked, her voice a sultry melody. She plucked a ripe strawberry from the silver bowl beside her, taking a small bite. The juice clung to her lips, catching the man’s attention immediately, sparking a fire in his golden gaze.

Without hesitation, he leaned in and kissed her, brushing her lips lightly before snatching the rest of the strawberry from her fingers with his mouth. The woman laughed, the sound bright and warm, like sunlight on water.

“Mmm,” he said after swallowing, licking his lips as he sat back in his seat. “Tastes even sweeter than usual.”

She giggled, leaning her head against his broad shoulder. “Won’t you tell me what’s wrong now?”

The man, Lennox, groaned and snapped his fingers. A swift-moving cheetah beastman in fine butler attire arrived, carrying a gold tray. Resting atop it was a slightly crumpled letter. Lennox waved him away, and the servant vanished with practiced grace.

“What’s this?” the woman—Nadia—asked, lifting the letter delicately.

“It’s from Kayn Helion,” Lennox said with a sigh. “That human mage from the Atheron Principality. He’s asking for our help. The letter says that some of the students from his school have gone missing since the term started.”

Nadia’s expression tightened with concern as she read. “Have you answered him yet?”

“Keep reading,” Lennox muttered, waving a hand. The butler reappeared, offering him a glass of ice water which he accepted without looking.

She continued reading, eyes scanning rapidly—then froze. “Ah… I see. You haven’t told Kai he’s been asked for, have you?”

Lennox gave her a sheepish look. “Hnn, can you blame me? The boy never seems to stay put longer than a few hours before he’s off again on another adventure!”

His ears drooped slightly, his frustration giving way to a vulnerable expression. “The tourney’s in three weeks. If he leaves, who knows how long it’ll take for him to return? He needs to be here—with the whole family. He is a royal.”

Nadia reached over, resting her hand on his. “Our dear son is simply young and independent. It’s not that he doesn’t love home—he just seeks his own path. You must let him try.”

Lennox gazed into her vibrant green eyes, then sighed again. “You’re right, my beautiful wife.” He kissed her cheek and stood, folding the letter into his palm. “I’ll go speak with him now.”

The white wolf rose and padded after him as Lennox departed the shaded viewing platform, his long coat billowing behind him, determination etched across his brow.

~Fifteen Minutes Later~

In his office, Lennox sat in a carved wooden chair behind a polished desk. The white wolf lay curled on a plush pillow near the hearth, and sunlight spilled through the tall windows. Lennox’s fingers tapped the desk anxiously.

A knock came, firm and quick.

“Enter,” he said.

The door opened, revealing a young man with bronze skin and wild white hair pulled into a loose ponytail. His golden eyes—so much like Lennox’s—flicked from the hall to his father before he stepped in, followed closely by Luna.

“Son! Luna!” Lennox greeted them, standing. “Come, sit. I must speak with you both on an important matter.”

“What’s this about?” Kai asked, settling into the chair opposite him. His tone was blunt, his cheek resting on his knuckles as he met his father’s gaze evenly.

Lennox’s hand tightened slightly on the armrests, a flicker of pain behind his eyes.

“I didn’t want to tell you this, especially with the tourney so close... but you've been requested to search for some missing students from the mage school in the Atheron Principality.” He held out the letter.

Kai took it and read swiftly, his eyes narrowing as he processed the message. 

Luna looked at him, her expression unreadable, though her tail swayed with quiet alertness. The two shared a glance—unspoken words passing between them.

“We’ll go right away,” Kai said abruptly, folding the letter and tucking it into his pocket as he stood to leave.

Lennox’s eyes widened. “Son—!”

Kai paused, turning only halfway to look back. “Yes, Father?”

“Just…” Lennox’s voice caught in his throat. “Please… be careful.”

Kai blinked, surprised by the crack in his father’s voice. He offered a small nod. “We always are.”

With that, he and Luna stepped out, the door clicking shut behind them.

Lennox let out a breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding and slumped back into his seat, rubbing his face.

“I still worry about you,” he muttered to the empty room, voice full of love and fear, “my hard-headed son.”