Chapter 83 I Need To Prove My Love
Fernando swung his sword with vicious force in the elite training ground, the midday sun beating down on his back like a relentless hammer. The yard was mostly empty, the elites on patrol or resting after the morning drills. His blade cut through the air with a whistle, striking the wooden pell again and again, splintering the post with each impact. Sweat poured down his face, soaking his tunic, but he did not stop. The rhythm was therapeutic, a way to drown the chaos in his mind. The mate's duel he had called, the elders' pressure, Alberto's departure for the forest, Darius's sudden leave—it all fueled his swings.
He paused for a breath, chest heaving, when Samael walked in through the gate. The gamma's face was set in a scowl, his steps heavy. He ignored Fernando completely, heading straight to a corner of the yard where an old training dummy stood, covered in dust from disuse.
Fernando lowered his sword, watching as Samael began his own drills, punching the dummy with bare fists, the impacts echoing like thunder.
Fernando sighed and walked toward him, wiping sweat from his brow.
Samael did not look up. "Do not come closer."
Fernando stopped a few paces away. "Are you going to keep ignoring me?"
Samael punched the dummy harder, wood cracking. "Yes. Unless you make amendments and stop treating Alberto like a plaything."
Fernando crossed his arms. "I am only trying to buy time."
Samael turned, fist still clenched. "Stop giving that lame excuse and do the needful."
Fernando stepped closer. "You do not understand the pressure from the elders. The pack is not ready for him as my mate."
Samael shook his head. "Pressure. Always pressure. You called for the mate's duel. That is not buying time. That is inviting chaos."
Fernando's voice dropped. "I have a plan to sabotage the mate duel."
Samael paused, fist mid-swing. "What plan?"
Fernando glanced around the empty yard. "I planned to invite the midnight wolves to participate."
Samael's eyes widened. "Have you lost your senses? Inviting those monsters is only bringing ruins to the pack."
Fernando stood his ground. "I plan to sign a treaty with them. Use the duel as a way to bring them in, then ally against Vargus and the rogues."
Samael stepped back. "Ally with the midnight wolves? They are killers. Their Alpha is a beast. You invite death."
Fernando's face hardened. "It is a risk. But if it keeps Alberto out of danger, I will take it."
Samael shook his head. "I am not on this. It is far beyond my capability. You are playing with fire."
Fernando's voice rose. "I will travel to find them and strike the deal myself if I must."
Samael turned away. "Then go. But do not expect me to follow you into madness."
Fernando watched him resume training, the dummy splintering under his blows.
The yard felt colder.
He picked up a second sword from the rack and walked toward the corner where Samael was practicing alone, swinging at a wooden pell with controlled fury. Samael did not look up as Fernando approached, his blows landing harder with each strike.
Fernando threw the second sword at Samael's feet. The blade embedded in the dirt with a thud.
"Practice fencing with me," Fernando said.
Samael stopped mid-swing, lowering his sword slowly. He stared at the weapon at his feet, then at Fernando. "If that is the way you are asking for forgiveness."
Fernando scowled and drew first blood, lunging forward with a quick thrust that Samael parried with a sharp clang. The two wolves circled, blades flashing in the sunlight.
Samael blocked a high strike. "You think a spar will fix this?"
Fernando pressed, his sword slicing toward Samael's side. "It will clear my head."
Samael countered with a low sweep. "You need more than a clear head. You need to fix what you broke."
They traded blows, steel ringing against steel, footwork precise and fast. Fernando scored a touch on Samael's arm, drawing a thin line of blood.
"First point," Fernando said.
Samael wiped the blood with his sleeve. "You are still angry."
Fernando lunged again. "I am always angry lately."
Samael parried and riposted, scoring on Fernando's shoulder. "Second point."
They continued, the match growing more intense. Fernando's strikes were powerful, driven by frustration. Samael's were controlled, precise, each block a lesson in restraint. They beat each other point for point, the score tying at three, then four, then five. Sweat poured down their faces, muscles straining, but neither yielded.
Just then a guard rushed into the yard, bowing low. "Alpha, the elders are requesting your presence. They have the budget for the mate duel and the list of invited packs. They need your approval."
Fernando smiled, stepping back from Samael. "Just in time."
He sheathed his sword. "Samael, follow me."
Samael wiped sweat from his brow and sheathed his own blade. "As you command."
They walked together to the council chamber, the guard trailing behind. The elders waited inside, parchments spread across the table, lists of names and figures neatly written.
Fernando took his seat. "Show me."
Elder Bramwell handed him the budget. "The mate duel will be held in the central arena. We have invited packs from the north, south, east, and west. The prize is the position at your side. The cost is high, but the alliances will be worth it."
Fernando scanned the list. "Add the midnight wolves."
The elders exchanged uneasy glances.
Elder Hawthorne spoke. "Alpha, the midnight wolves are dangerous. They are not to be trusted."
Fernando's voice was firm. "I will handle them. Add them."
The elders murmured but complied, adding the name to the list.
Fernando stood. "I will be leaving for the ancient clearing. I might be gone for a while. Samael will be in charge while I am away, since Darius has gone to train his wolf."
The elders nodded. "We accept."
Fernando dismissed them with a wave. "Prepare the invitations. The duel will begin in two weeks."
The elders left the chamber.
Samael remained. "Are you sure of what you are doing?"
Fernando looked at him. "Yes. Since they are all asking me to prove the length I can go to keep Alberto safe, this is me doing my part."
Samael sighed. "You are playing with fire."
Fernando's eyes hardened. "Then let it burn."
The Alpha walked out, leaving Samael standing alone.
The pack house continued its rhythm, unaware of the storm brewing.