Chapter 98 At My Pace pt 2
Seren
Duncan wiped his mouth with a napkin before responding. “They were. Overall, things mostly went according to plan. The distraction worked to pull out the warriors, and we fought. What we weren’t expecting was to find a group of cabins with bound slaves and a barn full of collared omegas and low-ranking warriors just waiting to be shipped out.” He sighed, idly drawing lines in his mashed potatoes with his fork. “They were in pretty rough shape, so we spent most of yesterday getting them treatment and hearing their stories. Julian and Lucian worked with Tristan to interrogate the warriors, and we held executions this morning.”
Murmurs, with an undercurrent of rage, flowed around the table as Duncan spoke. I knew about the cabins, but the barn situation was new. The look I shared with Kayla and Louise told me they were thinking the same.
“Now, what about yesterday at the mall? We got the quick version. Run us through what happened,” Duncan said.
So we did. I told them about getting separated at the entrance, about the speed and strength of my attacker, and how he jumped right out of Mom’s vortex. Mom and Elias added details and confirmation where needed. “Ultimately, he disappeared without a trace, Alpha Duncan, I’m sorry to say it. I’ve never seen anyone escape the Queen’s vortex before. I have no idea what kind of creature we’re dealing with, but he was more than a wolf, of that I’m certain,” Elias stated.
“About that. Um, I was doing some reading in the library this morning. I pulled a book on vampire history, and there was a smudged entry at the back that mentioned ‘hybrid.’ Is there such a thing?” That tiny tease had been eating at me all day.
“There was a time, years ago, when a rogue vampire was attempting to create a vampire-wolf hybrid,” Mom said slowly. “Most of the records are in the Royal Archives. He was ultimately unsuccessful, from all reports. It was this same rogue vampire who led the conflict where your Uncle Michael was killed.”
“How sure are we that this rogue failed?” Gideon asked.
“As sure as we can be. Your grandfather partnered with King Dorian to track and trace the rogue vampires and the rogue wolves involved, and as far as I know, they were all executed, bodies burned. Although I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to check with King Dorian and see what he remembers. We could also check the Royal Archives.”
“Well, it was just a thought. It’s been bugging me since I read it, probably because it was all smudged out,” I said.
“All ideas are worth exploring, little wolf.” Duncan squeezed my hand.
“He’s right, sis. Even if we don’t look into it immediately, it’s something we can follow up on. Now, you started your elemental training today. I’m jealous!” Gideon joked.
“And you’ll start yours tomorrow. Water and air, just like Seren did. While you catch up, Seren needs to start her physical training. Cian was right about that, and yesterday proved it,” Mom said.
“Lucian, Tristan, and I can create a schedule and start working with her tomorrow.” Duncan sighed. “Although Lucian, you will need to observe for the first few days, so you don’t aggravate your injury.”
“You’re hurt?” I exclaimed.
“It’s already mostly healed, Luna. Nothing to worry about. Just a little wolf bite,” Lucian flashed a grin at me while Tristan scoffed under his breath and Duncan side-eyed him. “What? I’m seriously fine. Iason will have me all healed by tomorrow.”
Shaking her head, Mom moved the conversation forward. “Duncan, if you’re amenable, I’d like to assign Blake to be on Seren’s personal guard. She should have a Royal Guard, and he’s the best squad leader we have.”
“Of course, Mom.” She smiled at him.
“Thank you. Blake, as we’ve already discussed, you’ll need to be initiated into Crescent Moon for this to be a permanent posting, though you’ll still retain your status as a Royal Guard.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. Alpha Duncan, whenever that is convenient for you, I’m happy to do so.”
“We may as well initiate Tristan at the same time, since Blood Moon is now disbanded. We can take care of it in the morning. Back to training. For the rest of this week, Seren, we’ll train you in the morning while your mother works with Gideon to catch him up. Then the three of you can work on elemental training in the afternoons. Any of us here can assist with the elemental training if something comes up that pulls your mother away.”
Cat, who had been quiet most of dinner, finally spoke. “We can’t forget about the preparations for the Luna Ceremony. Louise and I can handle most of what’s left for that, but we’ll need to sit down and review security for the event soon.”