<h4>Chapter 204: The Celebration</h4>


    The Helvellyn n ims the upper reaches of the Helvellyn massif in the Lake District, their hidden domain stretching from the shadowed crags of Striding Edge to the cial hollow of Red Tarn. Few outsiders ever glimpse their trueir... awork of volcanic caves concealed by treacherous rockfalls and swirling mist. In summer, they prowl the ridgelines where the wind masks their scent; in winter, they retreat to deep geothermal caverns near Glenridding Beck, warmed by hidden hot springs.


    In ancient times, they were known as Felllyn. The Vikings called them Cait Sidhe. In the modern tongue, they are known simply as werecats.


    The werecats have lived on Helvellyn’s slopes for centuries, blending the cunning of the hunter with the patience of the predator. In earlier ages, they were whispered of as witch familiars and omens of death, med for the vanished shepherd or the hiker who never returned. In truth, they defended their domain with unwavering conviction, considering trespass not merely an intrusion, but an affront.


    In modern times, they kill less openly. They are cautious now... aware that the human world has its own ways of hunting. The Supernatural Act also restrains them from acting wantonly.


    Werecats do not enjoy mingling with other races. Most live their entire lives within their underground city, rarely seen beyond their territory. There are no recorded instances of outsiders visiting their home. Even with their close ties to n nc, meetings are always held in nearby towns or neutral ground for the exchange of techniques and knowledge.


    On rare asions, they establish selective contact with trusted locals to act as intermediaries. Some n members may choose to live among humans in Keswick or Ambleside for a time, usually for trade or other specific purposes.


    To the werecats, humans are short-lived and restless... quick to destroy what they do not understand. They are neither wholly prey nor wholly ally... merely another species to be used, bargained with, or avoided depending on the season. Their underground domain is entirely self-sufficient, eliminating the need for outside assistance. For this reason, they do not socialise with other races as frequently as werewolves.


    They are few in number. Within the kingdom, Helvellyn is the only werecat n. While other ns exist in distant regions, they have no central authority, unlike vampires or werewolves. Each n lives unto itself.


    Because of their withdrawn nature, despite having met almost every race in the world and every n in the kingdom... Fiona had never before encountered the Helvellyn n. She returned Winifred’s curtsy with a symbolic bow and said, "You tter me, Queen of the Helvellyn Werecats. The pleasure is mine."


    "Oh? You knew?" Winifred arched a brow. "I don’t use the title of ’queen’ outside my territory. I prefer to present myself simply as a n head, like the rest of you... it helps me stand out less. I thought no one here knew my title apart from Dominic."


    She paused, then added, "But I should have expected as much from the Ambassador of Werewolves. Your role is to know such things. By the way, this is my youngest daughter, Lilith Winifred Helvellyn."


    Standing slightly behind her mother, a young woman with light brown skin stepped forward and offered a precise curtsy. "It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lady Raynor." Her voice was low and soft, but every supernatural being in the hall heard her clearly. She was strikingly beautiful, her feline ears faintly visible even in human form, and she wore a simple ck gown devoid of any ornamentation. Beside her dazzling mother, she seemed almost invisible... yet her presence lingered.


    Fiona smiled. "Good. Good. You look exactly like your mother, save for your skin being a shade darker. I like your presence." Gesturing to Eleanor, she said, "This is Eleanor Elizabeth Raynor... my granddaughter, and the future head of the Raynor n. You appear to be of simr age. Why don’t you sit together? Edith, give them some space, please."


    Edith obligingly shifted to another chair, and Lilith seated herself beside Eleanor. Winifred, however, took a seat next to Lionel Courtenay, who enthusiastically introduced himself before plying her with appetisers and drinks.


    At that moment, the Gerymoore n from London arrived. At their head was George Gerymoore.


    "I think we’rete," he said aloud, though not to anyone in particr... and everyone heard him nheless.


    He strode directly to the centre table and bowed respectfully to Fiona. "Greetings, Councillor. We are a little behind schedule... hope you don’t mind."


    Fiona chuckled. "No need for formalities. Today’s party is a celebration for n nc. Please, enjoy yourself."


    Dominic was already on his feet to greet the older werewolf. "n Head Gerymoore, wee. Please sit and enjoy the evening."


    George nced over the centre table, noting that it was upied entirely by n heads and alphas. Though he did not know Winifred or her daughter, his long experience told him that these werecats held no less prestige than the others. With a subtle gesture, he directed the elder woman apanying him to take the seat beside him, while signalling the rest of his people to find ces elsewhere.


    Juliette was right behind him, leading the Gerymoore n to the only empty table in the room, where they promptly sat.


    A few minutester, Dominic nc rose to his feet and struck the rim of his ss with a spoon, the clear chime carrying across the hall. The room fell silent.


    "Thank you all foring," he began. "Tonight, we celebrate the union of two capable youngsters of our n, Raphael and La. Please pray to the Goddess for their eternal happiness and love. We also celebrate the strength of our bloodline... the honour brought to us by two others of our n, Ophelia and Caspian, for their recent sess in the Grand Competition. Please pray to the Goddess for their sess in life."


    He lifted his goblet high. "To Raphael nc and La nc... may your bond be as unbroken as the moon’s pull on our blood. And to Ophelia nc and Caspian nc... may you return victorious from your trials. Now... everyone... eat, drink, and celebrate!"


    A chorus of howls erupted, echoing off the high ceiling. The werecats merely smiled, sipping their wine in silence.


    Cheers rose, goblets clinked, and the long tables came alive with the tter of tes. n nc’s servers moved quickly, setting down tters of venison, haunches of boar, smoked fish, roasted root vegetables glistening with honey, and loaves of bread still warm from the oven.


    Raphael and La began moving from table to table, greeting their guests.


    "Drink!" Ciaran Raynor bellowed, mming a goblet into Raphael’s hand. "You’re a husband now... cheers!" Raphael smirked and drank deep, the blood wine burning warm in his chest.


    Ciaran pressed another goblet into La’s hand. "Wee to our circle. You’ve chosen one of us. If he ever bullies you, just call me. I will beat the crap out of him."


    "Thank you," La replied. "Please take care of me."


    At the centre table, Lionel Courtenay’s boomingughter rang out. "n Head! A toast to your sess... and to the night!" He raised his goblet towards Dominic nc.


    Dominic returned the gesture. "To you as well... may our bond be as unbroken as the moon’s pull on our blood."


    By the second course, the tables were thick with conversation. Old rivalries were smoothed over with feigned courtesy, while hints of new alliances were exchanged between mouthfuls of meat.


    As the night deepened, some guests slipped away to the hotel’s upper floor, seeking rest before the festivities resumed. The older wolves were the first to retreat, epting keys from n nc members. A few young women followed, offering polite goodnights.


    The younger wolves, however, showed no intention of leaving. One Courtenay nsman had gathered a circle around him, spinning tales so outrageous that even the usually stoic werecats cracked a reluctant smile.


    Raphael and La made their rounds, sping hands, exchanging brief words with distant cousins and allied wolves, ensuring they personally greeted every elder present.


    Near midnight, the music began... a wild, pounding rhythm that quickened the blood. Raphael and La took the floor for their first dance, their movements graceful and practised. La then danced with Dominic, as tradition required. Since La had no immediate family present, Raphael was spared from dancing with others.


    The floor soon opened to all. n nc led the way, their movements a mix of human elegance and something older... hips rolling, steps sharp and precise. Other ns joined, filling the space with their own styles.


    The werecats entered after a time, their motions sinuous and fluid, weaving through the wolves like shadows moving through torchlight.


    Before long, the dancing turned into a friendly contest among the younger guests, each trying to outdo the others with speed, precision, or daring.


    When the final note faded, Dominic rose again, striking his ss like a bell. The curtains had already been drawn back, and through the high windows the full moon shone silver and cold.


    The hall grew still. Dominic partially shifted, his head taking the form of a wolf, and loosed the first howl. Fiona followed with a deep, resonant call, and then the others joined... a chorus that shook the floor and rattled thenterns.


    The werecats did not howl, but they stood silently, eyes bright, acknowledging the primal ritual.


    The sound carried far beyond the hotel, across the frozen fields and forests, where lesser creatures stirred and fled.


    When thest echoes faded, the n heads and senior members withdrew to their rooms, guided by n nc attendants. Only the younger guests remained to carry the revelry into the small hours.