Chapter 86 Little shivers
Aloria
As we enter the pack house the aroma of roasted meat and fresh herbs wafts through the dining hall, wrapping around me like a warm embrace. Arly comes running to tell us that mom has prepared a grand meal and he is happy we are back, because he is so hungry he could eat a horse and they have been waiting for us.
And after a Quick shower I sit at the long, polished table, with River by my side and I share a meal with my family, who,are curious to,hear about the meeting. The flickering candlelight dances across their faces, illuminating the now Well known lines of their features. Arly and Arthenon, are seated across from me, their eyes wide with curiosity as they dig into their food with youthful eagerness.
“Tell us about your meeting with the prince,” My mom prompts, her voice smooth yet laced with concern. “I cannot believe he would actually send him to do the negotiations… I would have thought he would send a diplomat.”
I glance at River, his jaw set tight as he prepares to recount the events. I can see the tension in his shoulders, the way his fingers twitch slightly against the table’s surface. There’s something about him tonight, an undercurrent of electricity still going through him, sending little shiver-like bursts through him that makes the hairs on my arms stand up.
He clears his throat, and I lean forward, as always eager to hear his words. “We went to negotiate terms, he wanted to be alone, to just walk and talk, he said” he begins, his tone steady despite the memories swirling around us. “But the prince… he wasn’t interested in diplomacy. He attacked me with this electric staff, trying to kill me right there.”
Gasps ripple through the room. Arly drops his fork, eyes wide, while Arthenon leans closer, captivated by the tension. I can feel my heart racing, a mix of fear and pride swelling within me, even if I Was there for a lot of it. River’s bravery in the face of danger never ceases to amaze me.
“Electric staff?” My father’s brow furrows, his voice a low rumble. “Such power… it sounds like a dangerous weapon. But if he’s willing to use it against you, it shows how far he’s willing to go.”
River nods, his expression grim. “Exactly. Negotiating is no longer an option. We need to prepare for war. The upsurber king will retaliate, and we have to be ready.”
I catch my mother’s gaze, and her fierce determination shines in her eyes. She’s strong, powerful in ways I never imagined, and I know my whole famile and the entire pack stand with River through whatever comes next. But as I look back at him, I can’t ignore the way he shivers, a slight tremor that seems to ripple through his body like an electric shock.
“Are you alright?” I ask, concern threading through my voice.
He looks at me, his dark eyes intense, and for a moment, I see a flicker of pain behind his bravado. “I’m fine. Just… residual effects from the electricity.” He waves a hand dismissively, but I know him too well; I can sense when he’s hiding something.
My father leans forward, his brow furrowing. “River, you need to take it easy. You’ve been through a lot.”
“Right now, we need to focus on what’s coming,” he insists, though I can see the strain in his features. “We can’t let our guard down.”
My mother interjects, her voice soothing yet firm as She looks at me. “Sweetheart, you must keep an eye on him. If he’s feeling the effects of the electricity, it could hinder his ability to fight if needed.”
I nod, but the weight of her words settles heavy in my stomach. I want to support him, to be his strength, but I can’t shake this feeling of unease. There’s something more going on with River, something he’s not telling us.
“Let’s not forget the importance of unity,” my father says, shifting the conversation back to strategy. “We must rally the other packs. If we can form a coalition, we can stand a chance against the king’s forces.”
“Yes! You should reach out to the others immediately,” Arly adds, his eyes lighting up with enthusiasm, he longs to be a part of it all. “They need to know what’s at stake.”
As they discuss plans and strategies, I can’t help but steal glances at River. He’s focused, determined, but I can see the occasional flicker of discomfort cross his face. The little shocks, the shivers… they worry me.
“River,” I say softly, my voice cutting through the chatter. “Are you sure you’re okay? You seem… off.”
He meets my gaze, and for a moment, the world around us fades. “I’m fine, darling. Really.” But I can see the truth in his eyes. The pain is still there, lingering just beneath the surface.
The conversation continues, plans laid out like the intricate patterns of a tapestry, but my thoughts drift back to River. He’s an Alpha, a protector, and I admire his strength. But I can’t help but wonder how much he’s truly bearing alone.
As the meal comes to a close, laughter and chatter fill the room, but a tension hangs in the air, an unwelcome reminder of the storm brewing just beyond the horizon. I reach across the table, my hand finding River’s, and I squeeze gently. “We’re in this together, remember?”
He looks down at our joined hands, a flicker of warmth crossing his features as he nods. “I know my love… I know.”
And as we finish our dinner, the weight of impending war looms over us, but in this moment, with our families around us, I feel a spark of hope ignite within me. We may be on the brink of battle, but as long as we stand united, I have hope that we will survives this… all of us.