Chapter 108

Hadrian and Kenzo locked eyes, each seemingly trying to gauge the other’s strength. Meanwhile, Kenzo's wolves appeared more than pleased with Selene and the counselor's exit. Their low chuckles and murmured comments lingered in the air long after the door closed behind them. I couldn't help but suspect that the Blue Moon Pack wolves already knew something about Selene before their arrival. It wouldn’t have been surprising if she'd managed to offend every one of them during the ball, but there was an undeniable sense that their disdain for her ran far deeper.

“The traitorous stench is finally out of the room. The air’s clear again,” Beta Ronan sneered, leaning slightly out from behind Alpha Kenzo. He shot me a wink, catching me off guard.

With his dark complexion, deep-set brown eyes, thick black brows, and imposing jawline, Ronan looked even more fearsome than Kenzo himself. I flinched at his unexpected playfulness and offered a nervous smile in return. To my surprise, his face split into a grin so boyish it bordered on endearing. I tilted my head, startled. The dangerous aura he'd projected moments before seemed to evaporate, leaving behind an oversized pup beaming at me.

That moment was short-lived. Kenzo shot Ronan a pointed glare, quickly wiping the grin off his face. Adjusting his seat to block Ronan’s view of me, Kenzo’s movement carried a warning. I stifled a laugh, amused by their childish exchange, but the humor was short-lived as I felt the weight of Hadrian’s gaze.

I turned toward him, meeting his piercing stare with steady confidence. Without Selene’s presence, Hadrian had no reason to hold back, and I could see jealousy smoldering in his eyes. It was eating away at him, and though I sensed his discomfort, I couldn’t muster any pity. He’d brought this situation upon himself.

Besides, there was something disarmingly reassuring about Kenzo’s presence. With the two most loathsome vampires now out of the room, I felt a flicker of optimism about the negotiations ahead.

Hadrian cleared his throat, a commanding sound that hushed the room. His voice carried an edge as he addressed Kenzo. “Alpha Kenzo, convince me of your worth.”

Kenzo leaned back in his chair, a confident smirk playing on his lips. “The Blue Moon Pack is the strongest in the North. We have over a thousand warriors at our command, and numerous packs ready to march alongside us when war breaks out.”

Hadrian’s expression remained unimpressed. “I don’t care how strong you are. What I want to know is your standing in the werewolf hierarchy. A king only forges truces with other kings. Don’t you agree, Alpha Kenzo?”

“My grandfather was the King—”

“But you are not,” Hadrian interrupted sharply.

Kenzo’s jaw tightened. “But I will be,” he hissed, his glare darkening.

Hadrian’s lips curled into a faint, mocking smile. “Bold claim... I like it. Explain.”

“There are two factions among the werewolves,” Kenzo began. “The larger, stronger packs back me and my leadership. The smaller, weaker ones, however, would prefer to see Cassius Marwood on the throne.” His gaze shifted to me as he spoke my father’s name.

A cold shiver ran through me, and I felt my body tremble at the mention of Cassius. Kenzo’s eyes lingered on my face, likely gauging whether I could withstand hearing his name. Though I could feel the blood draining from my face, I managed a small nod to reassure him. His expression softened briefly before he turned back to Hadrian.

“The southerners—those smaller packs—are weak and isolated. Most live in mountain villages and care little for the outside world, making them easy to manipulate. Cassius Marwood exploited that. He promised them protection from the so-called northern savages and convinced them to pay for it. They fear us—fear a war we’ve never planned to wage. Alone, they pose no threat. But united under Marwood, they’re a different story.

“Our intelligence estimates that his army could number over ten thousand warriors. However, we believe a decisive strike against the Southern Moon Pack—their core—would scatter the rest of his forces.”

A glimmer of amusement flickered in Hadrian’s eyes as Kenzo laid out his plan. “And you think defeating the Southern Moon Pack will make the others bow to you as their king?”

“Yes.” Kenzo’s response rang out firmly, his confidence filling the room.

Hadrian tilted his head, considering him. “And what do the vampires gain if you ascend to the throne?”

Kenzo didn’t miss a beat. “I intend to strengthen the ancient agreements between our races and ease the restrictions on territorial rule. As a businessman, I despise being hamstrung by arbitrary boundaries.”

A murmur of approval rippled through the gathered vampires. Some nodded their agreement, openly voicing support for Kenzo’s pragmatic approach. I couldn’t help but smile, thinking how Mr. Renfield would have relished hearing Kenzo’s declaration. Perhaps he’d even be surprised at how little persuasion was needed. Both sides, it seemed, were weary of the cold war disguised as a truce.

“If I may, my King...” Gareth’s voice broke through, and he turned to Hadrian with a deferential bow before continuing. “Alpha Kenzo, how would you address crimes committed across territorial boundaries?” His smile turned sly, the question loaded with challenge.

Alpha Kenzo chuckled, his voice low and sharp as his gaze flicked between Gareth and Hadrian. Rising to his full height, he cleared his throat, commanding the room’s attention.

“I acknowledge that both sides have committed various crimes over the years, many of which were shielded by the old territory rule,” he began, his tone measured. Then, his piercing eyes landed on me. “And in light of this opportunity, I would like to extend my sincere apologies to Lady Thalassa for the attempted kidnapping by members of my pack.”

The words hung in the air like a sudden storm cloud, and the room collectively tensed. Kenzo continued, undeterred. “Someone from the Southern Moon Pack betrayed her location, revealing where Marwood’s daughter was hiding. A few of my wolves took it upon themselves to retrieve what they deemed our spoils of war—without my knowledge or consent. For that, I apologize.” He bowed deeply toward me, a gesture so unexpected that every pair of eyes turned my way.

“This is an outrage, Alpha Kenzo!” Gareth exclaimed, his voice dripping with theatrical indignation. “I trust those wolves were properly punished for their actions?”

I had to hand it to Gareth; his performance was flawless. He didn’t so much as flinch as he pretended shock over events he was well aware of. His display was meant for the uninitiated in the room, those unaware of the blood that had already been spilled over my kidnapping. Alpha Kenzo, caught in the charade, had no choice but to play along, even if his reluctance was evident.

“All the wolves involved in the kidnapping have been executed,” Kenzo stated plainly, his gaze locking onto Hadrian’s as if to remind him exactly who had meted out that punishment.

“Well done, Alpha Kenzo,” Gareth smirked, clapping his hands in mock applause. “Strictness and righteousness—admirable qualities in a future king.”

The tension in the room ratcheted up a notch as Gareth’s taunting pushed the wolves too far. Kenzo’s pack bristled, their glares sharpening, claws itching to strike the smirking vampire who dared provoke their Alpha.

“I’m certain King Hadrian would have done the same in my position,” Kenzo hissed, his voice laced with warning.

The underlying insinuation in his words wasn’t lost on the other vampires. A ripple of unease spread through their ranks as they braced for what might come next. I could feel the fragile truce cracking under the weight of hostility, and panic seized me. The room felt suffocating, and I knew the negotiations were dangling by a thread. If I didn’t act quickly, blood would spill.

“T-the court!” I blurted, my voice cutting through the rising tension.

All eyes snapped to me, startled by my sudden outburst. My heart pounded, but I pressed on, forcing myself to meet their gazes. “What if... what if we created a neutral court in the future?” I suggested, my words faltering under the weight of their scrutiny.

The silence was deafening. Every vampire and werewolf stared at me as if I had spoken in tongues. My pulse thundered in my ears, and I fought the urge to bolt from the room. But I had to continue.

“The court could serve to punish crimes committed across territories,” I explained, my voice trembling but gaining strength. “Judges from both sides—vampires and werewolves—could ensure fairness and prevent unjust rulings.”

The room remained eerily quiet as they absorbed my words. I scanned their faces, searching desperately for any sign of agreement.

“That’s an excellent idea, Lady Thalassa,” Hadrian finally said, his voice warm and approving.

Relief flooded through me, and I couldn’t help the wide grin that spread across my face. With Hadrian’s endorsement, nods of agreement followed swiftly, and the air began to lighten.

“See? I knew it was a good idea to bring a human to these negotiations,” Kenzo laughed, a ripple of chuckles spreading through the room at his remark.

The meeting resumed with a newfound focus. Kenzo proposed adjustments to the territorial boundaries, which Hadrian amended slightly. Agreements were reached without much resistance, and for a brief moment, peace seemed possible.

But then Hadrian broached the heart of the matter. “I assume the Blue Moon Pack seeks the support of the Royal Army in your fight against the Southern Moon Pack. What are you prepared to offer in return?”

Kenzo leaned back in his chair, a sly smile playing on his lips. “Surely King Hadrian doesn’t need me to remind him that Cassius Marwood’s pack is our mutual enemy.”

“And I would gladly hear your reasoning for that claim,” Hadrian countered, his tone icy.

Kenzo’s smirk widened as he began. “We have substantial evidence that the Southern Moon Pack has been involved in numerous assassinations of vampire nobles, including the massacre at the House of Kessler.”

A wave of murmurs swept through the vampires’ side of the table. The revelation was not news to Hadrian, but the other vampires seemed visibly shaken. Sensing his advantage, Kenzo pressed on.

“We also suspect that the House of Vexley isn’t the only vampire family collaborating with Cassius Marwood. This gives us both ample reason to destroy his entire pack.”

A chill raced down my spine. My hatred for my father was undeniable, but the thought of annihilating an entire pack filled me with dread. I couldn’t stop thinking of the innocents—wolves who had no part in Cassius’s schemes, including my mother.

“T-the whole pack?” I stammered, my voice barely above a whisper.

Beta Ronan offered a reassuring smile. “We are not without mercy, Lady Thalassa. Those who surrender will be spared.”

It wasn’t much solace, but it was the best I could hope for. My voice held no power here.

“Fine,” Hadrian said finally, his tone resigned. “The Royal Army will provide three thousand warriors for your fight.”

Kenzo bowed slightly in acknowledgment. “We are grateful for King Hadrian’s generosity. However...” His voice turned sly. “This war concerns us both equally, yet the werewolves alone will bear its full brunt.”

Hadrian’s eyes narrowed, his expression icy. “What are you suggesting, Alpha Kenzo?”

Kenzo met his gaze without flinching. “I want Lady Thalassa to become a member of my pack.”

“What?!” The word burst from me before I could stop it.

Hadrian’s fury erupted, his eyes blazing with an intensity I had never seen before. In a blur, he leapt onto the table, his claws extending as he seized Kenzo by the throat. “Give me one good reason not to kill you for your insolence!” he roared.

Kenzo grasped Hadrian’s arm, his own strength holding firm, and met the vampire’s deadly glare with unyielding resolve. “Because Thalassa is my mate,” he declared.