CHAPTER 46:The Gathering Storm

CHAPTER 46:The Gathering Storm


"How long has she been thus?" Aria inquired the moment they stepped beyond the chamber.

"Two nights past," came the reply.

"And how long shall she remain so?"

Dylia pondered for a moment before speaking. "That, I cannot say. You see, Milicent was not merely wronged in body—she was stripped of her dignity, her very spirit wounded. Such a loss cannot be mended with time alone."

"Then what must be done to aid her?"

Silence fell between them.

At length, Dylia spoke again. "Has she kin? A beloved, perchance?"

"I know not," Aria admitted.

"In such a case, we must seek one who holds her dear. If she knows there is one who awaits her, one who has not abandoned her, it may give her reason to return to us. Yet, I cannot promise she shall ever be as she was."

Aria exhaled softly, nodding. "So be it." Then, after a brief pause, she lowered her voice. "There is another matter I must speak of."

Dylia regarded her in silence.

"Come with me," Aria urged, stepping away, beyond the hearing of Cedric within.

"I must place my trust in you, Dylia. You must swear to speak not a word of this to anyone," Aria whispered.

"I shall not betray your confidence. What troubles you?" Dylia asked.

Aria hesitated but then confessed, "I nearly shifted yestereve,  I don't even know but I think I am some kind of dragon "

"You…" Dylia's eyes widened in disbelief. Gripping Aria's ’s arm, she whispered urgently, "But you have a mark restrained—it is unheard of!"

Frustration flickered across Aria’s face.

"It is not about restraint, Dylia. I am Wolf —born as such. There is no way I should—" She faltered, realizing her slip of tongue.

A moment of silence stretched between them before Aria shook her head. "Forgive me for troubling you," she muttered, already turning away.

Dylia watched her go, confusion clouding her thoughts.

Who could Aria confide in regarding such matters? Why had she shifted into a dragon  when she had lived her life believing herself a wolf?

She recalled the Alpha’s words—that the mark she bore served to restrain something within her. Yet she had dismissed it. All her life, she had thought the mark to be naught but a birthmark. But now, in the heart of the wolf clan, she had come to learn that those who bore such markings were those who suppressed their dragon form.

Had her mother lied about her very identity?

Lost in a maelstrom of doubt, Aria set forth in search of Vargr—the one who, above all others, knew the truth of who she was. The one who, perhaps, could finally offer her the answers she sought.

\---

The moment Cedric entered the dungeon, he halted, his gaze locking onto the furious wolf in human form before him.

"I shall not fall to the likes of you feeble wolves," Craven seethed, yanking at his chains with such force that the very walls trembled.

Miriam clung to one of his arms, her grip ironclad, while Jade pressed the other against the stone wall. Both teetered on the edge of shifting, yet even together, they were no match for the Lycan beast’s raw strength.

Were it not for the enchantment Demetrius had placed upon himself—one that forbade him from shifting or calling upon his magic—they would all have perished already, the entire pack at risk of annihilation.

"What are you waiting for? Use the dagger!" Miriam barked, desperation lacing her voice.

"Mother, if he does, he may not survive," Jade countered. "Not even an Alpha could endure this much silver, let alone a dagger through the heart!"

"Have you taken leave of your senses? Do you wish us all slain?" she snapped.

A smirk tugged at Cedric’s lips as he recalled what Demetrius had done. There was no time for hesitation. Without another thought, he seized the silver dagger and, in the span of a breath, closed the distance between them.

With a swift, brutal thrust, he drove the blade deep into Demetrius’s chest.

A guttural howl tore from the Alpha’s lips as his body convulsed, struggling against the pain. His golden eyes flickered, fighting for control.

Yet Cedric was relentless. Pressing both hands against the hilt, he used all his strength to drive it deeper still, until at last, the Alpha's eyes widened—then dulled.

His body sagged. The beast stilled.

And silence fell upon the dungeon.

\---

The Dark Towers

"You wretched, greedy harlot!" High Lord Rhovan thundered, his voice echoing off the stone walls. "Once again, your insatiable hunger for power has blinded you. How dare you even entertain the thought of usurping the Alpha of the very pack that took you in, raised you to the rank of Beta? Have you no sense at all? You have proven yourself utterly worthless to me!"

Lydia Fang knelt on the cold floor, her head bowed in submission. "I beg your forgiveness, my lord."

He exhaled sharply, rubbing his temple in frustration. "You are dismissed. Leave my sight and reflect upon your folly."

Without another word, Lydia rose, gathered the tattered remains of her dignity, and departed.

Rhovan turned, his gaze settling on the shadows. "Varian."

A figure stepped forward, kneeling before him. "My lord."

"What of the witch? What is her condition?"

"She recovers, my lord."

"Good. Have her sent to my chambers—I desire her presence."

Varian bowed and made to depart when Rhovan spoke again, his tone sharper.

"Find Lydia’s daughter. She must be protected at all costs."

"As you command, High Lord."

"And see to it that we learn what Demetrius plots. It is unthinkable that he has yet to act. Arrange a council with the other High Lords—we must move swiftly to halt him before it is too late."

Varian bowed once more. "It shall be done, my lord."

He turned and vanished into the corridors, leaving Rhovan alone.

A few minutes later, Scarlet stepped into the chamber.

Rhovan rose at once, spreading his hands in welcome. "Ah, Scarlet. You honor me with your presence. How fare you?"

She kept her head bowed. "Greetings, High Lord Rhovan."

"Sit," he commanded.

She lowered herself onto the seat across from him, her gaze flitting briefly around the room. This was the first time he had summoned her, and she could not help but wonder at his intent.

"What would you have? I shall have the slaves prepare it at once."

"I require nothing, my lord. I would prefer to know why you have sent for me."

He exhaled, leaning forward. "Then I shall come to the point."

A beat of silence.

"How well do you know Alpha Demetrius?"

Her brows knitted together.

"I am told you and he are… well acquainted. How well do—"

"You know well enough what dealings I have with him. There is no need for riddles. Speak plainly, my lord—what would you have of me?"

Rhovan let out a deep, rumbling laugh, shaking his head. "You are sharp, I grant you that."

The compliment left her unmoved.

Crossing one leg over the other, he studied her. "I would have you watch him for me. Tell me where he goes, what he does—every movement he makes."

Scarlet smiled, but it did not reach her eyes. "I cannot do that, my lord."

His gaze darkened. "And why not?"

"Because my loyalty lies with my pack—and with my Alpha."

He regarded her in silence, his fingers tapping idly against the armrest. Then, with measured ease, he leaned forward.

"I am well aware of how deeply you love him," he murmured.

Still, she did not answer.

"I can give you all you desire," he went on, his voice silk and steel. He drew closer, his lips curling at the edges. "Including the Alpha himself."

J