Hi, Inkitteers!
Welcome to part 2 of our post about the allure of werewolves in romantic fiction!
Long before werewolves became the hunky heartthrobs readers know and love today, they were already a staple of mythologies the world over!
For a short list of ancient cultures with lycanthrope and lycanthrope-adjacent myths, click here!
It’s full of surprising creatures, from the Indian vetalas to the Czech vlkodlaks to the Japanese okura-inu.
But one of the earliest and most surprising entries in the list is ancient Greece! Both the word lycanthrope and one of the earliest lycanthrope stories come from Greek mythology.
We had a chance to talk to the author, Ahanaa Rose, about her exciting book Scarred Luna (available soon on Galatea!) and its unique contemporary take on werewolves.
Ahanaa has crafted an intricate and exciting world built directly on the Greek lycanthrope myth of King Lycaon (more on this later), and we were thrilled to talk to her about it!
Inkitt: Ahana, thanks for taking the time to answer some of our questions. First off, can you tell us a little about your journey as a writer?
Ahanaa Rose: It might sound a bit cliché, but my journey into writing began when I was just a little girl.
Struggling with English in school, my mom stepped in to read with me every night, and as part of the routine, I had to jot down a diary entry.
However, recounting my day felt dull, so I switched to crafting short stories. Early on, I discovered the depths of my vivid imagination, much to the delight of my teachers.
Writing short stories evolved into more than a creative outlet—it became my refuge during challenging times.
Whenever life threw a curveball my way, I’d weave a narrative that transported me to a world where things felt a bit more hopeful.
However, Scarred Luna stands out in my literary journey; it’s the first book where I invested meticulous thought and planning, a testament to my growth as a writer.
Inkitt: How did you come to Inkitt? Can you tell us about your journey with us?
Ahanaa Rose: My obsession with supernatural romance novels reached its peak in 2017, and by 2018, I was voraciously devouring a new one every few days.
It was during this quest for fresh stories that I stumbled upon Inkitt.
After immersing myself in numerous books by various authors on the platform, I felt a sudden urge to try my hand at writing.
And thus, Scarred Luna came into existence.
Initially, when I penned down the story, it leaned more towards teen romance, lacking the depth that I desired. Dissatisfied with the outcome, I knew it needed a transformation.
In 2022, to my surprise, Inkitt reached out to inform me that Scarred Luna had gained popularity, and they expressed interest in publishing it on the Galatea app.
Despite my reservations about the quality of my work compared to other outstanding stories on Inkitt, I signed the contract.
As I released chapters, readers eagerly anticipated the completion of the book.
However, I found myself repeatedly postponing the release date for each chapter.
Something about the narrative never quite clicked for me, and it wasn’t until last year that my ideas finally fell into place. With a newfound clarity, I completed the novel.
Now, with a confirmed release date, I’ve not only fine-tuned Scarred Luna but also mapped out plans for six other books.
Inkitt: That’s amazing! We’re so excited for you and even more excited to have been part of your journey!
Inkitt: Okay, on to the werewolves!
Obviously, werewolves are huge in romantic fiction right now.
When did they become something you were interested in reading about and when did you decide to make the leap to writing about them?
Ahanaa Rose: I have to be honest but I started out firmly on Team Edward during my Twilight fandom days.
Vampires had a strong allure for me, and I delved deep into countless stories about these immortal beings.
However, as I explored the intricacies of vampire lore, a realization struck me – their existence seemed profoundly lonely, and that left me feeling a bit melancholic.
In a quest for a different narrative, I shifted my focus to werewolves.
Despite the recurring themes in many of the books, I found immense joy in their stories.
The key element that resonated with me was the sense of community that werewolf tales consistently offered.
Unlike vampires, werewolves were portrayed as part of a pack, a tight-knit community, and essentially, a family.
Every werewolf book I read brought forth this idea of belonging, and it never failed to bring a smile to my face.
The sense of camaraderie and the bond within a pack became a source of comfort, dispelling any feelings of loneliness or sadness that I associated with vampire narratives.
I then decided to craft my first book centered around werewolves.
Inkitt: You’ve created quite an intricate lore, strongly influenced by Greek mythology. What was it like to write this?
It’s a complex world full of shifting loyalties and double (sometimes triple) identities.
What was your process for keeping track of everything?
Did you have a detailed plan, or did you put pen to paper and let the characters take you where they wanted to go?
Ahanaa Rose: Initially, when I wrote Scarred Luna, it was a spontaneous flow of pen to paper, with the characters leading the way and chapters unfolding randomly.
However, a sense of dissatisfaction settled in as I noticed similarities with other books I had read.
That realization prompted a deliberate pause, a step back, and a profound reevaluation of my approach.
I was determined to break free from the conventional narrative and create a universe that stood out.
In my mind, I envisioned a story that lingered in readers’ thoughts long after they finished each book.
To achieve this, I meticulously crafted a detailed plan for each chapter, carefully considering how to expand the narrative and develop a comprehensive universe.
The goal was to leave readers with lingering questions, ensuring a continuous sense of curiosity and anticipation after completing each installment.
This detailed planning extended beyond the first book; I laid out comprehensive blueprints for the second, third, and even the fourth book.
Inkitt: How did you come up with this idea, and can you discuss the link between werewolves and Greek mythology?
Is Greek mythology (or mythology generally) something that’s always interested you?
Ahanaa Rose: My passion for mythology and ancient history has always been a driving force in my creative journey.
While I’ve explored various mythologies like Greek, Irish, and Chinese, it was the world of Greek mythology that truly captivated me.
Years ago, my mom bought me a book containing all the Greek myths and legends, and so every so often, I would just pick a random story and read it.
One night, I found myself immersed in its pages, and I stumbled upon a myth—a narrative that would later become the foundation for my book’s universe.
In the myth, dating back thousands of years, a king named Lycaon ruled over Arcadia, and he had fifty children.
The grim twist in the story revealed that he had killed his own son, Nyctimus, and served him as a meal to Zeus.
When Zeus discovered the horrific deception, he transformed King Lycaon into a wolf and miraculously brought Nyctimus back to life.
To settle the matter, Zeus tasked his daughter Artemis with hunting down the transformed king.
I’ve tried to research all the reasons why the king would kill his son, but there was nothing solid, and so I made my own back story.
It’s from this myth that the character Nyctimus in my book finds his origin.
Subsequently, I dedicated days to researching Nyctimus—exploring the intricacies of his birth, investigating whether he had any descendants, and delving into the historical context.
This deep dive allowed me to construct not just a character but an entire persona along with a comprehensive timeline.
Inkitt: Where does this novel fit within your oeuvre? Is it one of your first novels, or is it a later effort?
Ahanaa Rose: So Scarred Luna is my first novel, but the version you have read is probably my third re-write in five years.
Inkitt: It’s become a pretty standard trope to tie the culture of werewolves to some version of a moon goddess.
What sets your story apart is the level of detail and the very explicit origin of werewolves tied in with existing mythology.
Even more unusually, you incorporate other pantheons of real-world mythologies into the narrative.
Can we expect some inter-pantheon developments in later novels?
Ahanaa Rose: Absolutely! As the narrative unfolds, readers can definitely anticipate inter-pantheon developments in later novels.
The exploration of different mythologies not only enriches the lore but also opens up intriguing possibilities for interactions and conflicts between supernatural entities from various cultural backgrounds.
By integrating diverse pantheons from various mythologies, I’ve freed myself from limitations in storytelling.
This approach allows me to explore a vast array of themes and keeps my readers consistently captivated.
In envisioning a series spanning twenty books, my goal is to maintain that sense of intrigue throughout, offering readers a continuous and expanding journey.
Inkitt: How big of a series are you planning for this world you’ve built, if that’s not spoiling too much?
Ahanaa Rose: Currently, I’ve outlined seven books for the Destined Mates series.
Excitingly, there’s also an offshoot series in the works, with plans to have it written and ready by the end of the year.
This new series will delve into the captivating realm of Atlantis but there will be more to come about that.
Exciting stuff! Thanks for taking the time to talk with us, Ahanaa! I know both we and your readers are eager to see what you’ve got coming out next!
Check out Ahanaa Rose’s Profile, and follow her for updates and new material.
Download the GALATEA APP to access Ahanaa’s story and more!
Here’s a sneak peek at Ahanaa Rose’s fan-favorite story, Scarred Luna, available soon on GALATEA!
Greece, Lycoa – 373 B.C.
Lying on the hard marble floor of my home, the echoes of destruction reverberated through the air. The sight of my once beautiful city now engulfed in flames and crumbling before my eyes, was absolutely heart-wrenching. The pain and despair were palpable as I gazed upon the aftermath of the battle. My sword, a loyal companion throughout the fight, lay beside me, a symbol of the courage and strength I had summoned. But despite my efforts and the countless Lycans I had cut down, it was too late. The damage had been done, and my city, my home, was reduced to ashes.
“Lytus,” I whispered, my voice barely audible amidst the chaos and destruction. He appeared before me, my mentor and friend, and took in the devastating scene. He walked towards me, his steps deliberate and measured, until he knelt down and met my gaze at eye level. In that profound moment, I uttered just one word, filled with a mix of exhaustion, sorrow, and longing. “Selene.”
I couldn’t help but keep my gaze fixed on Lytus, my mentor and the man who had been with me through thick and thin. As he shook his head, his eyes filled with a mix of sadness and determination. With the flames consuming our city, it was hard to ignore the weight of the situation. Lytus had always been there for me, unwavering in his loyalty and guidance, but now, in this moment, something felt different. The doubts swirled within me, questioning his actions and intentions. “You knew.”
He looked at me and did not say a word, but his silence said it all.
I give a small laugh and look away from him, “She knew.”
My friend looks over to me and whispers, “By the time I had found out, it was too late. The deed was done.”
My eyes gently closed as I allowed myself to be consumed by the searing pain that etched deep within my being. In the darkness behind my eyelids, memories of my beautiful mate and our precious daughters flooded my mind. Their radiant smiles, bursting with love and joy, illuminated my world every time I returned home. I can still taste the delicious meals my mate tirelessly prepared, pouring her heart and soul into each dish.
To think that after centuries of solitude, I had been blessed with such a profound and breathtaking gift, only for it to be mercilessly snatched away before my very eyes. And by whom? My blood, my own son, turned into a monster that would forever haunt the corridors of my heart. The devastating truth of their brutal demise lingers like a gaping wound, a ghostly spectre that refuses to fade.
Every detail of that dreadful night relentlessly replays in my mind’s eye – the piercing screams, the scent of blood mingling with the acrid stench of betrayal. It feels as though the walls of my world crumbled, crashing down in a crescendo of despair. The weight of grief settles like an everlasting burden upon my chest as I grapple with the unimaginable tragedy that has forever altered the course of my existence.
But through the ache and the anguish, I hold on to the memories. I cherish the moments we shared, the love that flowed between us like an eternal flame. They may be gone physically, but their spirits reside deep within me, guiding me through the darkest of nights. And though the pain is raw and relentless, I find solace in the thought that their light will forever shine, even in the midst of this impenetrable darkness.
“What am I to do Lytus? My home has been destroyed, my family was taken away from me, and my son is gone with more than half of our people, set on destroying the humans.”
Lytus stands and turns towards me, with a determined look on his face, “The destruction of your city is not the end; your people live. Your family may have been taken from you in this lifetime, but there are many other lifetimes for them to come back to you.”
Lytus sticks his hand out, “You give up now, and you will never see your people or your family again.”
I raise my gaze, meeting Lytus’s eyes with a mixture of confusion and curiosity, “What are you talking about?”
“The fates enjoy games, especially with those who they believe slighted them. You may have lost everything on this day, but I can only tell you this, you will regain everything you have lost, I promise you this.”
He takes a step closer to me, “Now get up and fight.”
I gaze at his outstretched hand, my mind swirling with conflicting emotions. Should I grasp it, allowing him to guide me through this torment, or should I succumb to the overwhelming pain that engulfs me? Deep within my heart, I recognize the truth. I understand that despite the odds stacked against me, I must summon the strength to keep fighting, even if victory seems impossible. With a firm grip, I clutch onto my friend’s hand, feeling the surge of strength as he effortlessly lifts me up. As I rise, I reach for my sword, using it as a makeshift support to steady myself.
Lytus places his hand gently on my shoulder, and a radiant glow emanates from his touch. The luminous energy begins to envelop my body, spreading warmth and healing throughout every fibre of my being. In an instant, the excruciating pain and the life-threatening wounds vanish, replaced by a renewed sense of strength and vitality.
I pause for a moment, taking in the sombre scene that surrounds me. The once lively and joyful hall now stands as a haunting reminder of the despair and dread that has befallen us. Memories of laughter and feasts flood my mind, a stark contrast to the lifeless bodies that now lay before me.
But then, amidst the stillness, movement catches my eye. Without thinking, my hand instinctively rises, and I find myself gripping the throat of a man suspended in the air. Anger and pain surge through me, fueling my grip as I squeeze. At that moment, I was consumed by a mix of emotions, unable to fully comprehend the weight of my actions. “I missed one.”
The man starts clawing my hand, “Nyctimus! Please.”
I close my eyes and look into the mind of this depraved being. I can feel the weight of those memories, the pain and the anger. It’s hard to even put into words how it felt when those traitors barged into my home, catching my mate and daughters off guard. I watched as they fought with all their might, taking down enemy after enemy, but it was an impossible battle. The sheer number of them overwhelmed us. I saw my mate, standing tall and fearless, prepared to sacrifice everything, only to be subjected to unspeakable torture and raped in front of our daughters. The same fate befell each of them, one by one.
I open my eyes, locking my gaze with the man standing defiantly before me. Fear dances in his eyes, a reflection of the imminent danger he senses. In a moment of raw intensity, I tighten my grip around his throat, feeling the power coursing through my veins. I release my hold, and with a swift and decisive movement, I swing my sword and cut the man in half. Two pieces of his body fall to the ground, and blood overflowing out of the body. I lift my sword and clean the blood off with my sleeve, “What’s next?”
I hear Lytus speak behind me, “Selene and Axiom were able to get those who were loyal to you to safety. Only I know of their location, and they have been instructed to keep moving until told otherwise.”
“Axiom?”
I could hear the finality in his voice, “Dead.”
Lytus walks up to me and stands behind me, “Periphetes believes you are dead. Use that. Bide your time until you are strong again until your people are strong again.”
I turned to my mentor, my friend, letting him see the pain and anguish I was under, “Then what? I have lost everything. My mate, my daughters, my home. I will never get what I once had back.”
Lytus places his hand on my shoulders, his voice filled with wisdom and compassion. “We are mere threads in the vast tapestry of life,” he says, “and as individuals entrusted with strength, it is our duty to protect the vulnerable, even if it means sacrificing those closest to us. But fear not, for the fates are not unjust. What has been taken from you will be returned in one way or another.”
I hear those words echoing in my mind, their resonance growing stronger with each repetition. “What has been taken will be returned,” I murmur softly as if trying to weave them into the very fabric of my being. It becomes my mantra, a guiding light in the depths of darkness, a beacon of hope in the face of despair. Their meaning becomes deeper, more profound, as I contemplate the complexities of life and the mysteries of destiny. The weight of centuries seems to rest upon my shoulders. Yet, I find solace in the belief that the universe will eventually restore what has been taken from me.…
Bonus Questions and (Mild) Spoilers!
If you’ve liked what you’ve read so far, we have a special treat for you!
We decided to ask Ahanaa a few more questions just for ourselves and our own curiosity.
However, Ahanaa said she’d be more than happy for us to share these, too! Thank you, Ahanaa!
If you haven’t read the book yet, you might want to skip this part.
But if you have read Scarred Luna, read below for the bonus round of questions!
Inkitt: How does magic work in this world? It seems very fluid. Are there rules? Can only certain people do certain things?
Ahanaa: Regarding Nyctimus’s abilities, they are bestowed upon him as gifts by Artemis, adding an intriguing layer to his character. I aim to keep magic in my series as straightforward as possible, although it unfolds within a broader magical framework that includes witchcraft and druid magic.
For druid magic, it is an innate gift passed down through birth, rooted in pure earth magic. The strength of one’s connection to the earth determines their magical prowess, drawing inspiration from the concept of renewable energy. The more profound the bond with the earth, the more potent the magic becomes.
On the other hand, witchcraft in my world is a learnable skill. However, practitioners require a talisman linked to the earth to channel their magic. The talisman serves as a source of power, and the more it’s used, the more magical energy is expended. There’s a risk of depleting the talisman entirely, potentially leaving the practitioner unable to perform magic again—a concept akin to non-renewable energy, drawing a parallel with finite resources like oil.
As for Kara’s gifts, I’m intentionally keeping certain details under wraps to be revealed in the second book.
Inkitt: Where do regular werewolves come from? How are they distinct from hybrids?
Ahanaa: In my series, the supernatural dynamics revolve around two distinct entities: the Lycans and the werewolves, each with its unique origin. Originally cursed by Zeus, the Lycans form the foundational aspect of this lore. During a period when Lycans intermingled with humans, the werewolves emerged, emphasizing a clear distinction without the concept of hybrids.
Here’s the breakdown:
– Lycan + Lycan = Lycan
– Lycan + Human = Werewolf
– Werewolf + Werewolf = Werewolf
– Werewolf + Human = Werewolf
This simple formula outlines the breeding outcomes within my series, illustrating the straightforward and clear lineage between Lycans and werewolves.
I’ve written and planned quite a few short stories and one of them being about the first werewolf to be born. I’m planning to have that done after the second book has been written.
Inkitt: Was Selene/Kara one such purebred or was she a hybrid? I understand that her son must have been a hybrid, but was Selene/Kara as well?
Ahanaa: Selene, Kara’s initial past life, was a Lycan who mated with another Lycan, Axiom. Their offspring inherited the Lycan lineage. However, in Kara’s current life, her parents are both werewolves, leading her to embody the werewolf status within the supernatural spectrum.
Inkitt: Also, what role did Artemis play in Selene’s death? I’m reading through the book again for the interview, and I feel like I must have missed something.
Ahanaa: The intentional vagueness in my previous descriptions serves a purpose—laying the groundwork for an upcoming book that delves deep into Nyctimus’s narrative. This future installment will meticulously unravel the layers of his life before becoming a Lycan, the complexities he faces afterward, and the nuances within his relationship with Artemis.
Inkitt: The definition of lycan seems to be fairly subjective across the genre. Sometimes lycans are giant man-wolf creatures, and sometimes they’re bigger, stronger wolves. How do you envision them?
Ahanaa: Both Lycans and werewolves experience heightened attributes of speed, strength, agility, and intelligence. However, the Lycans [hold]a slight edge in strength compared to their werewolf counterparts.
In my vision, Lycans are portrayed as highly intelligent beings, mirroring the inherent wisdom often associated with wolves. I aimed to depict them as sophisticated and cerebral creatures, but this elevated sense of intelligence led to a disdain for humans, ultimately resulting in betrayal and the downfall of a once-great city.
Contrastingly, the werewolves in my narrative are characterized by a closer alignment with their primal instincts. Their actions are often governed by the raw, untamed nature of their wolf side. This manifests in extreme tempers and heightened violence, showcasing a more visceral existence. However, paradoxically, their loyalty surpasses the capabilities of the Lycans. Despite their untamed tendencies, werewolves are bound by a fierce allegiance that transcends the complexities of their more intellectually inclined counterparts.
Thank you again, Ahanna! We can’t wait to read more!
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