Apollo and his team in beast form were running as fast as they could. He thought they should have already caught up to them. It wasn't more than 5 minutes since they found out about Leonidas. Then he slowed down to smell the air. The scent was faint, but it was Godrics. He could smell the scent of one of the elite lions of the protectors of fire, but that was it. Then Apollo looked at Zodiac and asked, "Who was with Godric?" Zodiac responded, "a few warrior wolves." Apollo then said, "there's no scent of the wolf beastman. We have been led in the wrong direction." Zodiac swung at the nearest tree and broke off a piece of it. Apollo quickly turned back to see where they broke off to try to catch Godric. Then Zodiac got irritated and said, "it shouldn't matter where they broke off, they're headed to the wolf clan. Just go in that direction. Apollo crinked his nose showing his disapproval for the way Zodiac spoke, but he did as he suggested,
The warriors arrived at their home and behind them were the white lotus royal guards and the Lion protectors of the fire. The place was already moving with urgency to make room for the tiger claw. Then Blaze told the protectors of fire to secure the perimeter. Not to let anyone in unless the Princess says so. The lion beast men got into formation and surrounded the place. The white lotus royal guard did the same.
Anya wasn't fully aware of what was going on. She was in her office checking in on a patient when Misty came by and told her she needed her right away. When she got to the Alpha's hut, she met with Godric and Blaze. The beast men both bowed and kneeled. They immediately knew it was Anya who was the princess because of her appearance. She was no longer recognizable if someone from her old home saw her. Her transformation has not changed, but it was already obvious she was a royal.
Anya blushed and looked at Misty for answers, but Misty just nudged her to introduce herself to them. Not sure of how to address them and the proper etiquette, she did a curtsy and said, "good evening, it's a pleasure to meet your acquaintance." They didn't move and Anya didn't know what else to say. Then Misty whispered in her ear, "say, rise." Anya then cleared her throat and said "rise."
The two leaders raised themselves from the ground and said, "Princess Candula, we are honored to serve you." Anya was still trying to catch up to what was happening. Misty only told her that she was going to be addressed by her official name and not to be alarmed. There were lots of things that they could discuss after meeting formally.
"Princess Candula, I am Blaze, leader of the protectors of fire," said Blaze very formally. Then Godric puffed up his chest and said, "I am the leader of the white lotus royals guard, Godric. I was also, " Then before he could finish what he was going to say, Anya interrupted him and said, "my father's most trusted guard." Godric felt touched at her acknowledgement of what his relationship meant for her father. Then Godric cleared his throat and said, "Yes, we are here to ensure your safety so that you may reclaim your throne. It has been left unoccupied and at the moment it's what is also allowing the situation of this war to continue. Your return will help stabilize the situation."
Anya didn't know what to say. Just a few months ago she was a normal veterinarian helping animals with her care. She had expected to find a way home, but since she discovered her true origin and how the best people needed her help, she wasn't sure. Accepting the throne would mean accepting there's no turning back. But how could she? She asked herself. Then she recalled her dream that now was sure to be a memory, it was always planned by her parents for her to return. She wasn't meant to stay in the human world. Was this the reason she could never stay far away from the portal? Was this why she had always had a connection with animals? There was still the mysterious one who betrayed her parents. Anya felt like she had no time to think it all through. It was becoming more real. Then she made up her mind, "I will reclaim my throne and renounce my human identity," she said with resolve.
Misty felt like cheering, but it was not the time to celebrate. There was too much uncertainty and preparations. The other beast clans have not come to peaceful truces and arriving at their territory would stir them up that war might break out. So far, the guards were loyal to the crown because of duty and lineage. The same couldn't be said by the other clans.
Princess Candula asked, "What are your suggestions, Godric?" Godric replied without missing a beat, "we need to fortify the walls and set up an area to protect the villagers." Princess Candula asked, "do you believe that there is a threat now?" Godric nodded and continued, "I have had my suspicions for a long time, but I couldn't gather evidence that can be presented without question. Zodiac, he is not to be trusted, He is from the bear clan. When I tried to inquire of his origin it was the same story. He grew up with his grandmother because his parents passed due to a reptile attack. But when trying to locate the origin of the said grandmother, there was no trace of her. Everyone in the clan has vague memories of him. Even when asked about childhood experiences with him. Many forgot or think they remember him as a pup. He has asked for me to stop investigating him and once attacked me with the excuse that he was under a poison causing him to hallucinate. Saying I was a viper. The interesting part about that story is he wasn't specific about which reptile's poison it was when the time of the attack was winter. That is why I believe due to his unverified past, he is who perhaps was responsible for the war and for the same reasons your parents left. It was believed that your parents were being followed to be studied and captured."
Princess Candula was still, thinking of how it would be possible to fool the beasts and to even alter one's memory. Then her mind lit up, it could be the ingredients used in the healing potion Sapphire showed her. But that would mean that someone knowledgeable of the recipe is responsible, Then this person is not ordinary. They must be a formidable person to have conducted this so well. It was all starting to make sense to her. She too has been learning about her powers and the uses of the ingredients written in her book. If he is not a loyal subject like Sapphire, then there are two ways said individual has this knowledge,The first way is through inheritance, and the second is through obtaining a book.