Chapter 32

I stepped into the conference room to see all the king's arguing, claiming they needed to attack the hunters now while others stated we needed to plan first. I was split agreeing with both sides, I wanted to attack these hunters before they could come up with something else, but I knew it would be foolish. We needed to take our time, we can't go blindly into it when we don't even know if there are more bases. I sneaked past them and made it to my father, raising an eyebrow as he just rolled his eyes.

"The most dramatic males are alphas, I swear," he grumbled as he continued watching them argue.

I chuckled, "Well, what even started all of this?"

"I don't even know at this point. We lost ten more warriors but managed to capture two of these hybrids. Your mother is doing the research with other pack members, trying to figure out how they managed to create them. How is Obsidian?"

"In surgery right now, apparently he had a serious head injury he didn't tell us about."

"Was it from your fight with him?"

I frowned, "Maybe? I'm not entirely sure, there wasn't anything they could see on the outside that screamed injured." 

"He'll get through it, if that's one thing I know about that boy. He always manages to pull through." 

"I hope so." 

Another hour had passed before my father managed to grab the alphas' focus again, telling them now wasn't the time to go against each other. I quietly watched, growing bored as they went back into talking about a battle plan. We were getting closer to attacking, but we had to find an easier way to kill these hybrids or else we're screwed. I mused over the thought of using silver as I played with a pencil, wondering if silver was worse for them. Vampires can't touch silver either or else they'll be burned, however, it's easier to kill one with the medal than killing a werewolf. A vampire's flesh is so thin, it doesn't take much to cause silver poisoning. Pursing my lips, I began jotting down ideas, knowing silver will have to have some part in our attack. I nudged my father's arm before sliding the notepad towards him, he quickly read over before nodding.

"My daughter has a smart, but risky idea. Vampires are weaker against silver than we are, combining a werewolf and vampire might make them even more vulnerable. While they have insane strength and healing abilities, we know silver can slow it down. I'll speak with Obsidian's beta and my wife about doing studies on this," he announced, gaining immediate attention.

"How do we know Malachi can be trusted with this? I suggest I go and ensure everything runs smoothly."

I narrowed my eyes at the cause of the voice, anger boiled within me at the sight of Fernando. Biting my tongue, I tipped my chin up and glanced at my father. 

"Don't, he wants to take over Obsidian's pack and add North America to his delusional empire," I mind-linked him.

My father raised an eyebrow at me before returning his attention to Fernando, "No. Malachi is fully capable of handling this himself, I receive daily reports from him."

"But he's a beta, surely he can't lead an entire kingdom himself," Fernando argued.

I cleared my throat, "Are you arguing with a king's judgement?"

"N-no, I'm just concerned about Obsidian's pack." 

"Right. And that's why you admitted to me earlier that you wanted to take over, considering Obsidian doesn't have an heir. His brother, Alpha Luthias, will be arriving shortly to see how his brother is doing. I'm going to speak with him about watching over everything in Obsidian's pack if you're that worried. Considering Luthias has received the same lessons and training as Obsidian, I'm sure he'll be able to handle this task with no problem. Perhaps, you should worry yourself about your own kingdom instead."

Fernando's eyes glinted with vexation, "Your sire, I'm curious.... how do we know your daughter isn't the traitor?"

I was stunned by his abrupt question, the rage that flared in my chest was barely containable as I took a step forward. My father immediately held out his arm, silently warning me to stay in my place. Biting the inside of my cheek, I tore my gaze away from the bastard prince and looked at my father. 

"Prince Fernando, I know you didn't just accuse my daughter of being the traitor after she was captured and tortured by the hunters," he snarled. 

Fernando shrugged, "She's awfully protective over Obsidian's pack, I'm just wondering, that's all. She could possibly work with the hunters so she can kill off Obsidian and take over his kingdom."

"That's a ridiculous accusation!" 

"Is it though? It would be the perfect cover up for her." 

"That is enough of this nonsense," my father spat. "Leave. Now."

I folded my arms across my chest, "And don't enter foot into Obsidian's territory, I'm letting Malachi know of your plans."

Fernando scoffed at me, "Please, I'm no idiot."

I watched as he left, stopping myself from chasing after him and bashing his head in. It was silent for a moment before Fernando's father decided to apologize for his son's actions, claiming he had no idea what had gotten into him. I simply thanked him before deciding to leave, reaching my day's limit of dealing with kings and princes. 

I walked through the hallways alone, needing to clear my head a little after that disaster of a meeting. I couldn't grasp the idea that suddenly Fernando was calling me a traitor and for what? Because I'm trying to keep him from making Malachi's life more difficult? The fool should consider himself lucky, if Obsidian were to wake and find out he had taken advantage of this time, Fernando wouldn't be alive. 

"Who's going to keep you safe now, princess?"

I yelped as I was slammed into a wall, my nose making a sickening crack. I could feel the stickiness of the blood as it soaked my face before I was forced forward, coming face to face with Fernando.

"You asshole," I spat.

He smirked, "I prefer traitor." 

My eyes widened as he pulled out a silver dagger and plunged it into my chest.