The trial four
Hélios POV
The witch's suggestion makes sense, but it means that everyone would see the curse inside Sophia, and there are several possibilities for how this meeting could end. Among the most likely, two stand out: the first would be the execution of Sophia as soon as they perceived the presence of the curse; the second, that some would fight against the curse to try to save her. However, neither of these options brought any guarantee of success or safety for her.
My thoughts were in chaos. Sophia had already suffered enough, and the idea that her life was still at risk made me uneasy. I looked at Khalid, as among us, he always had extensive knowledge and a much better way of expressing himself than I did. Maybe he had a strategy to get us out of this complex and potentially deadly situation for Sophia.
“Indeed, Lady Shangō Furen's suggestion makes perfect sense.” Khalid finally spoke, his voice filled with consideration.
I was surprised, as I was sure he had also come to the same conclusions as me. Khalid never made a decision without analyzing all possibilities, and if he agreed with this alternative, it meant there was a path I hadn't seen.
“But we must consider an important point.” He continued, his sharp gaze. “Sophia Turner may not even be able to withstand our presence. As already mentioned, Sophia is very weak and injured. Her heart has suffered severe damage, and I doubt she has the strength to bear the energy load that will emanate from this meeting.” He paused briefly, before smiling slightly. “I believe the most sensible suggestion is for Azrik to meet Sophia first, to assess her situation and health.”
That bothered me. Sophia was under the influence of Gáta's magic, which had a direct connection to the curse. A meeting without proper preparation could be disastrous for her.
‘Trust Khalid, he knows what he's doing.’ Aquiles's voice sounded in my mind.
‘I understand, but it is risky.’ I replied to my Mate..
“Indeed, Khalid's points are correct.” Azrik finally intervened, addressing Ivar. “I expect the woman to be in the private hall number 42 in five minutes. That should be enough time to prepare the room to receive a portal.”
Ivar hesitated, his gaze falling on Gáta as if expecting the witch to help him in some way.
“For the record, I will need to cast a spell on Luna Naomi.” Gáta spoke, her voice slightly hesitant. “Her body is weak, and I don't know if she will be awake to be properly evaluated.”
“As long as it is a healing spell, there will be no difference.” Azrik replied, not seeming concerned about the witch's intention.
I swallowed hard. This gave an excuse for Gáta's energy to be intertwined with Sophia's, something that could further compromise the situation.
“Actually…” Shangō interrupted, her voice grave and firm. “I believe I am the best option to perform this kind of spell. After all, Gáta is a Moira witch, and her power can interfere with the Bond of Fate.”
She stood up, and the sound of her staff touching the ground was incredibly subtle, yet at the same time reminiscent of distant thunder clashing. The energy around her seemed to vibrate with a graceful force.
“It is enough that Gáta is being hired by the Black Moon pack. She was the one who opened the portals within the Moon Warriors pack. Her decisions are compromised.” Shangō looked directly at Gáta, who visibly trembled, lowering her head.
The smell of fear emanating from the witch was unmistakable. She knew she would suffer severe consequences later for her recklessness.
“Moreover, regardless of my Mate situation.” Achilles's voice echoed through the hall, cutting like ice. “The punishments for the Black Moon pack must be decided. They attacked our pack three times.”
Azrik's eyes glinted with irritation, making it clear that the meeting had already lasted longer than he would like.
“Let's resolve one issue at a time.” He responded pragmatically. “First, I will evaluate Miss Naomi Blanchet. Meanwhile, I will consider an appropriate punishment for the Black Moon pack, to be presented and deliberated by the other members of this Council.”
Azrik did not linger, his gaze turning to Ivar and Gáta.
“Lady Shangō will accompany Ivar to the pack, so he can show her where Miss Naomi Blanchet is.” He made a brief gesture to the Elder Witch, making it clear that the decision was final.
I noticed Ivar clenching his fists along his body, his posture stiffening. He was far from satisfied with that decision. He knew his pack would not go unpunished, and Shangō's presence only reinforced that his fate was not under his control.
The meeting was far from over, and Sophia's fate still hung in the balance, fragile as glass about to shatter. The tension in the room was palpable. Every decision made now could seal Sophia's fate, and that consumed me inside.
“Alpha Ivar, accompany Elder Shangō and show her the way. I will be in room 42, waiting for Miss Naomi Blanchet's arrival.” Azrik's voice echoed through the environment, laden with contained irritation. His cold eyes made it evident that his patience was wearing thin.
Ivar felt the impulse to contest the order, the indignation burning in his throat, but he restrained himself. He knew he was at a disadvantage. Instead of challenging Azrik, he merely inclined his head slightly in a gesture of respect before turning and walking towards the left side exit, where Shangō was already waiting, impassive as always.
As soon as the two disappeared down the corridor, Azrik turned his attention to us. His sharp gaze slid over each of us, stopping on Gáta and then on the red thread tied to Achilles's wrist. There was something meticulous in that analysis, as if trying to decipher an enigma just by observing that small bond.
The good thing about having transformed was that now I could control myself better. My heart remained at a steady rhythm, my expression neutral, without betraying any trace of concern. I could not afford to show nervousness. If Azrik suspected anything beyond what he already saw, it could become a problem.
I still don't know if Gáta revealed only Ivar and Achilles's bonds by choice, or if the spell simply didn't work on me. Maybe it was a stroke of luck that my connection with Sophia and Achilles went unnoticed... Or maybe it was intentional. Either way, I cannot take risks.
If my Mates Bond were revealed now, it could be disastrous for Sophia. And I will not allow anything to put her in danger.