Chapter 38
ELARA’S POV
Three days had elapsed since Kael’s arrival. Three days filled with sleepless evenings… for me. Sharing the same space with him proved challenging, but fortunately, he hadn’t attempted to engage me in conversation or even acknowledge my presence.
I felt relieved.
Perhaps he truly came solely to establish a partnership with Ronan’s Pack, but regardless of the motive, unease lingered within me, and I had to conceal it… from Ronan. I’d never shared details about Kael or the precise events from my past, and revealing them now seemed untimely, particularly at this moment. He might not handle it well, and could spiral into overanalysis.
“It’s suitable for the gathering,” Clara remarked, setting a mug of tea on my dresser. “Do you still wish to participate?”
“Yes,” I affirmed with a nod, mustering a zeal I scarcely possessed.
Her forehead creased, her expression marked by worry. “Are you certain?”
“Absolutely,” I replied, grasping the mug of soothing tea from the dresser. “I simply require a moment to ready myself.”
She compressed her lips tightly, then dipped her head. “All right. I’ll depart now.”
I observed her exit my chamber; the instant the door latched shut, a relieved exhale left me. I craved solitude. Solitude for reflection. I appreciated Clara’s worry and everything, but she couldn’t comprehend. Kael was an individual I’d hoped to avoid forever, and this wasn’t a mere casual run-in.
The day featured a collective assembly involving Ronan, the council members, and Kael. Primarily centered on Kael’s purpose and related matters, Ronan had urged me to attend; I’d considered declining but ultimately consented.
I drained the tea in mere minutes, then applied a light layer of cosmetics to my features. I departed my room, making my way to the throne hall. On entering, I noticed Marceline, Kael, several of the Pack’s senior advisors, and Ronan, seated upon his throne. His countenance brightened slightly upon my arrival. I reciprocated with a modest grin.
I took a seat across from Kael, positioned three chairs distant from Marceline. Inhaling deeply, I settled back into my chair, striving for ease.
Ronan cleared his voice. “Let us commence.”
The discussion dragged on for what felt like an eternity; I remained seated, largely gazing into emptiness. Most of the advisors expressed dissatisfaction with Kael’s abrupt ‘Alliance’ suggestion, whereas a few viewed it as beneficial. I merely desired his swift departure; despite his lack of interaction or even a glance in my direction, his proximity still unsettled me.
“I believe we must exercise utmost caution, Sire,” an advisor named Simon declared. His gaze shifted to me, brimming with contempt. “Particularly given that we already harbor one Lycan, who appears to be amassing quite a following.”
“Pardon?” I exclaimed.
He then mustered a contrived grin and pivoted fully toward me. “Forgive me… Miss Elara,” the malice in his tone was palpable when uttering ‘Miss Elara’. “Yet we cannot fully rely on you, let alone ally with yet another Lycan.”
“Rely on me?” Fury ignited within me. “Oh, apologies… it’s my error for possessing blood capable of preserving lives. But what actions did you take when your pack faced peril?”
The elderly man recoiled, his gaze shadowed as he persisted in glaring venomously at me. His mouth clamped shut, lips drawn into a rigid line so taut one might worry it could snap.
I huffed as I reclined in my seat. “Yes. Precisely as I anticipated.”
Ronan cleared his throat. “Elara raises a valid argument, Simon. I suggest you release your… how shall I term it? And recognize the advantages. Furthermore,” his tone grew firmer, “Watch your language regarding Elara.”
The advisor gulped visibly and lowered himself, grumbling something inaudibly. My attention then shifted to Marceline, who let out a derisive sound from her position.
“Marceline?” Ronan addressed her, his stare now locked on her. His aversion was evident for everyone present.
“Oh, it’s nothing at all,” she laughed lightly. “Merely… I ponder why Simon was interrupted mid-statement…” She shrugged, gesturing casually. “It seems as though the Lycans have developed a sudden fascination with our pack…” Her gaze then drifted to me. “I wonder the reason.”
I swallowed thickly, my fingers balling into tight fists. The impulse to break her neck had never surged so intensely.
Ronan remained quiet. His eyes merely darted between the two of us. “I lack the patience for your baseless retorts,” Ronan stated after a prolonged silence; now it was my opportunity to chuckle as Marceline’s expression contorted. Yet I suppressed it.
“Lycan Kael,” Ronan continued, redirecting his focus to Kael, who appeared detached from the proceedings, as though mentally absent. Hold on… Why should I even concern myself?
“I can guarantee you and your group prosperous exchanges between our groups. Nevertheless…” Ronan cocked his head, appraising Kael visually. “Remember that we will remain cautious toward you.”
“That’s fine,” Kael shrugged nonchalantly, drawing odd glances from the sentries; he then grinned. “I arrived with peaceful intentions, but I comprehend your reservations.”
“Appreciated.”
I glanced at Ronan. He seemed exhausted, so drained that I suspected he’d prefer any other location over this one. The assembly wrapped up shortly thereafter. Kael and his entourage departed; within days, they’d exit the Pack.
An exhale of solace left me as I observed him leave the throne hall. Somehow, I sensed he differed from his former self. He seemed transformed…
“So, Elara…” Marceline summoned, I turned to confront her. “What’s your opinion on the Lycan?”
Abruptly, tension gripped my frame. I blinked swiftly at her, astonished. “I don’t follow?”
“Oh?” She lifted an eyebrow. “You don’t? Aren’t you Lycan yourself?”
The advisors’ stares now fixed on me, as did Ronan’s. Yet his face remained inscrutable. I glanced around the chamber erratically.
“Yes, and what of it?” I replied, aiming for indifference.
“I’m merely observing,” she shrugged. “Your kind is notorious for behaving like serpents, slippery and cunning.”
“What?” I retorted sharply, rising to my feet and pounding my fist on the surface. “I understand your envy and such. But this crosses a boundary!”
“Envy?” She huffed. “For what precisely? I’m simply relaying truths, and here you are, taking offense because it’s accurate!”