Winter Truce

Dominic’s pov

It was finally here; the Valerians were supposed to meet with us and seal the truce Marcus had talked about.

The air was thick with tension, and the weight of their arrival hung over the palace like a storm cloud.

Every guard was at their post, and the council awaited in silence, their faces betraying a mixture of curiosity and unease.

The council chamber was alive with tension as I opened the door to the council hall, all eyes darted towards me immediately but it was two pairs that pierced the most. I walked into the room, the sound of my leather boots stomping through the wall and echoing off the floor board.

Around the table sat my advisors and on the other the elders.

One by one my eyes scanned the room looking at their faces as grim as the news they had delivered this morning. At the head of the table stood Marcus, his arms crossed over his chest as he followed my every move.

But it wasn’t my council I was here to see. Seated opposite them were the Valerians.

Their delegation was smaller than I expected—three figures clad in dark cloaks that seemed to absorb the light around them.

They rose as I approached, their movements elegant yet predatory, their piercing eyes tracking my every step. 

“King Dominic,” the man in the center greeted, his voice smooth and cool as the northern winds. His hair was long and the color, shimmering silver, his eyes a striking shade of brown and gold.

“It’s an honor to stand before the Lycan King.” 

I didn’t bother with pleasantries. “Eldric,” I said, my tone clipped. “You’ve traveled a long way from the southern colonies. I trust this isn’t a social visit.” 

Eldric smirked, his gaze flickering to his companions before returning to me.

“Indeed, it is not. The Valerians do not travel without purpose, as you well know. We come seeking a truce—and your assistance.” 

I took my seat at the head of the table, my gaze steady.

“A truce, huh? After years of silence, you suddenly decide you need the Lycans. Why?” 

Eldric leaned forward slightly; his golden eyes gleaming with an intensity that set my instincts on edge.

“The winter, Your Majesty. The winter will be harsher than any we have faced before. And with it comes the storm.” 

A murmur rippled through my advisors, but I silenced them with a raised hand. “The storm? You’ll need to be more specific.” 

Eldric’s smirk faded, replaced by a grim seriousness. “There is a force stirring in the south—something ancient and primal. It has been dormant for centuries, but the coming winter has awoken it. We cannot face it alone. Your Lycans are uniquely suited to this task, with your strength, resilience, and knowledge of the frozen terrain.” 

“And what exactly is this force?” I pressed, my eyes narrowing. “Why would the Valerians, with all your immortality and power, need us?” 

The woman to Eldric’s right, her hood falling back to reveal striking raven-black hair, spoke for the first time. Her voice was low, almost musical, but laced with an undertone of unease.

“We call it the Frostburn. A creature born of ice and shadow, older than any of our histories. It feeds on life, spreading death and despair wherever it goes.” 

I'd be a liar if I said the name didn't send a shiver to my bones. But as King of my tribe, it wouldn't be very honorable of me to show I was shaken so I kept my expression neutral.

“And you expect us to fight this Frostburn for you?” 

Something about the Valerians didn't sit right with me, these people were cunning beings, very cunning. I didn't believe any word they said but somehow, I felt like this one was true. Their pride was on line this time and yet they looked past it, that sent a strong message.

“Fight them with us,” Eldric corrected. “We propose an alliance. Valerians and Lycans, united against a common threat. Without your help, this creature will spread beyond the south. It will come for your mountains, your forests, and your people.” 

The room fell silent as their words sank in. I could feel the eyes of my advisors on me, waiting for my response. 

“And what do the Lycans gain from this alliance?” I asked, leaning back in my chair. 

Eldric’s lips curved into a faint smile. “The preservation of your territory, your people, and your sovereignty. In return, we offer trade routes through the southern colonies, access to our resources, and our loyalty in future conflicts.” 

I studied him carefully, searching for any sign of deceit. The Valerians were known for their cunning, and while their proposal seemed reasonable, I couldn’t ignore the possibility of hidden motives. 

“This alliance would require more than words,” I said finally. “We would need guarantees. Binding agreements.” 

“Of course,” Eldric agreed smoothly. “We are prepared to sign a formal treaty, witnessed by your council and ours. We have no intention of betraying this trust, King Dominic. The stakes are far too high.” 

I turned to Marcus, who had been watching the exchange in silence. “What do you think?” 

Marcus hesitated; his brows furrowed in thought.

“It’s a risk,” he admitted. “But if what they’re saying is true, we can’t afford to ignore it. The Frostburn could be a threat to all of us.” 

I nodded, my jaw tightening. I didn’t like being backed into a corner, but Marcus was right. If the Frostburn was as dangerous as they claimed, we couldn’t afford to face it alone. 

“Very well,” I said, turning back to Eldric. “We will consider your proposal. But know this—if the Valerians betray us, there will be no place on this earth where you can hide.” 

Eldric inclined his head, his expression unreadable. “Understood. We will await your decision.” 

As the Valerians rose to leave, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this was only the beginning. The winter storm was coming, and with it, a darkness that would test us all. 

And I could only pray that the Lycans were strong enough to withstand it, all of it.