52- The Assembly of Eldoria
POV Edric Eldoria:
My mind had already devised countless ways for Alessio to die. And none of them were light, pretty, or simple.
The alpha was no longer merely offending me by invading my territory. He had killed one of my wolves, destroying a family that belonged to my pack and was under my protection.
I drummed my fingers on the back of the wooden chair I was sitting in.
My pack was gathered in front of me for an assembly. I had summoned them to establish new rules, for the protection of each one.
"As you know, you must not cross the territory limits from now on, until the threat is controlled," Anton murmured, standing to my right.
"There are guards across the entire area, patrolling day and night, but it is still dangerous. The wolves attacking us are trained, they studied our territory and are always lying in wait," Andrei concluded, to my left.
"Wouldn't it be easier to return the female to her pack?" someone asked; a female voice shot out from the middle of the crowd.
I narrowed my gaze, studying each face present until I found her. She was one of Thalira’s close friends.
"Lunara is part of the Eldoria pack, and as a member, it is our duty to protect her, as much as any other here," Andrei retorted.
"But it's her fault we're being attacked," she insisted.
"If we returned her, we could live in peace again!" This time, it was Thalira who spoke.
A succession of murmurs rose around us, members torn between duty to me and their own opinions. A satisfied smile appeared on Thalira’s face. This was what she had wanted from the start, and she was gathering allies for her cause.
I stood up, silencing them.
"As you know, Lunara is bound to me. If she dies, I die, therefore there is not even the slightest possibility of handing her over to her former pack, to the wolves who are attacking and killing ours."
"But they might want her alive," she shot back, shrugging. I took a step forward, my lips tightening into a cutting smile.
They lowered their heads, showing respect and loyalty to me.
"My decision is made. Andrei is right — she is part of the pack now, and like any other member, she must be protected. If I suspect that anyone in this room is plotting to go against my orders, that person will suffer a violent death with their heart crushed by my own hands," I hissed, letting the threat reverberate. I could not concern myself with being betrayed within my own pack. Fear made people take stupid decisions. They were scared, sad, and grieving little Ruda; if they thought handing Lunara over to the wolves was the right thing to do, then they would do it. "Understood?" I shouted the question, exhaling pheromones and displaying my dominance over each of them. Those closest to me shrank back, fearing my wolf and the chaos he would inflict if betrayed. The others nodded, terror shining in every pair of eyes.
"Great! Also, follow the instructions Andrei and Anton distributed. I don't want any wolf wandering alone far beyond the pack's territory limits. They always come in groups; solitary wolves would be easy targets."
Everyone was strictly forbidden from going into other packs' territory. If any of my wolves were caught in another territory, they could be killed by that locale's alpha. It was his right as leader, regardless of the member's importance to me. Just as I could do the same if a wolf from another pack invaded my territory. It was one of the most sacred laws created by our elders.
But that did not mean they could not go a little beyond the pack boundary — that was how challenges with pups were made. Although it was only a few meters, at the moment it represented a risk.
"Any other orders?" Thalira scoffed, crossing her arms and swinging the leg folded over her knee.
She was irritated and jealous at the idea of the whole pack caring for Lunara’s security. I fixed my gaze on her, feeling my patience slowly vanish. I had affection for the omega, but she was beginning to irritate me by being too invasive. As someone who had known me for centuries, she should have known that I did not take orders from anyone, much less her.
"We will increase the number of members in each group assigned to go to the city to get supplies. As well as those who transport the wood loads. No one else should walk alone or unarmed."
My men were well trained and prepared; my greatest concern was not them but the females and pups. If caught unawares, they would end up dead like Ruda.
I put my hands in the front pockets of my pants and let my gaze wander over each of them. Lyris was seated further back, beside Celindra.
"Any information you have regarding what is happening should be reported directly and immediately to me." I paced from side to side in front of them, assuming a proud posture. "For now, these are the only orders to be followed. Stay alert in case we need another assembly," I warned.
"Eldoria prevails where roots and blood meet!" someone shouted from the crowd, launching the loyalty phrase.
"For Eldoria, for Edric, our loyalty will never perish!" they finished in unison, their voices ringing through the air, mingling with the whistle of the wind.
I inclined my head, thanking them for their sworn loyalty. With that, I knew they would follow my orders, that I could count on them, that I could trust each one.
They were my tribe, my family. They were my pack.
I held my posture and walked away toward my house. Lunara had not attended; I had not called her to the assembly. Deep down, I felt they would raise the possibility of handing her over to Alessio to end the war that had been started because of the female.
She was already too hurt by everyone — not that I cared about her feelings. But stupid, thoughtless decisions were usually made by people who were hurt or frightened by a situation. And I did not need to add that to my list of headaches.
"Edric?" Anton called, quickening his steps to catch up with me.
I turned my head to him and sighed. He approached with a rigid posture.
"What now?"
"This arrived for you." He held out his hand and handed me an invitation.
The paper was thick, tinged an ivory shade. To the touch, it had a rough texture. The envelope was sealed with blood-red wax, stamped with the symbol of an intricate castle.
I broke it, opening the invitation. The calligraphy in black ink was exquisite.
"Your presence is requested to join us at the table, in the heart of the castle that guards our traditions and our strength.
May the moon guide your steps to us.
With reverence, The Elders.