The Valerians 2

Dominic's pov

I sat at the council chamber looking at the elders and Marcus’s eye to eye.

The council chamber was dimly lit, the torches casting flickering shadows across the ancient stone walls. The weight of the conversation hung heavy in the air, and even Marcus, who rarely showed hesitation, looked grim. 

“They’re cornering us,” Marcus said, his voice steady but edged with frustration.

“The Valerians have been bleeding our borders dry for years. And now they come with talk of truce? It reeks of desperation—or worse, a trap.” 

“I thought this had been settled previously.” I asked and some eyes darted away.

The room erupted in low murmurs, council members exchanging worried glances. Most of them shared Marcus’s skepticism; after all, the Valerians had been our enemies for generations. The idea of working with them was unthinkable. 

Garreth, the most senior member of the council, slammed his hand on the table.

“You think we should trust them? The same Valerians who slaughtered our kin, burned our villages, and poisoned our waters?” 

“No one said we trust them,” I interjected, my tone cold enough to silence the room. “But winter is coming, and it’s going to be harsher than any we’ve seen in decades. We don’t have the luxury of idealism, Garreth. If the Valerians are offering a truce, we need to hear them out.” 

Garreth glared at me, his jaw tight. “Hear them out? And what happens when they are inside our gates? When they’ve used us to get through the winter and turn their claws back on us?” 

“They won’t get the chance,” I said sharply. “If this is a ploy, I’ll be the first to strike them down. But until we know their intentions, we can’t afford to dismiss them outright.” 

Marcus stepped forward; his brow furrowed. “We’ve received intelligence that their supplies are stretched thin. Their territory has been plagued by rogue factions, and their crops have failed in the east. They need us as much as we need them, if not more.” 

“Which makes them dangerous,” Garreth countered. “Desperate people are the most unpredictable.” 

“Desperation is also leverage,” Marcus said, meeting Garreth’s gaze evenly. “If we play this right, we could gain resources, secure our borders, and come out stronger than before.” 

The council murmured again, this time with more thoughtfulness than anger. 

Alaric, one of the younger members, leaned forward. “But at what cost? What are they asking for in return?” 

Marcus hesitated before answering. “They want shared patrols along the borderlands and access to some of our trade routes. They’ve also suggested an exchange of hostages as a show of goodwill.” 

The room fell silent, the word *hostages* hanging heavily in the air. 

“Absolutely not,” I said, my voice low but firm. “We don’t trade lives for alliances. If they want a truce, they’ll have to prove their sincerity some other way.” 

Marcus nodded, as if he’d expected my response. “Then we counter. We offer patrols on our terms—our warriors leading them, with their men observing. As for trade routes, we’ll give them limited access, but only under strict oversight. No hostages.” 

“And what if they refuse?” Alaric asked. 

“Then we prepare for war,” I said simply. 

The room was quiet again, the gravity of the situation settling over everyone. 

Garreth rubbed his temples, his voice wearies. “And what of the Lycans? They’ve been restless since the last rebellion. If they see us making deals with the Valerians, they’ll see it as weakness. How do you intend to control them, Dominic?” 

I met his gaze, unflinching. “I’ll remind them who leads this pack. If any of them think they can challenge me, they’re welcome to try.” 

Garreth didn’t look convinced, but he didn’t argue further. 

Marcus cleared his throat, breaking the tense silence. “We’ll need to send a delegation to meet with the Valerians. Someone who can negotiate firmly but carefully. Someone they’ll respect.” 

The council turned to look at me. 

“I’ll go,” I said, standing. 

“Dominic, is that wise?” Marcus asked, concern flickering in his eyes. “You’re the Alpha. If this is a trap—” 

“Then I’ll deal with it,” I said firmly. “No one knows the Valerians like I do. They’ll respect me more than any envoy, and if they have ulterior motives, I’ll see through them.” 

Marcus nodded reluctantly. “Very well. But we’ll need to prepare for every possibility. I’ll organize a strike team to remain on standby in case things go south.” 

“Good,” I said, turning back to the rest of the council. “In the meantime, I want patrols doubled along the northern border. No one comes in or out without my knowledge. And start stockpiling supplies—we’re going to need every ounce of strength to get through this winter.” 

The council members murmured their agreement, though their expressions remained tense. 

As the meeting adjourned and the others began to leave, Marcus lingered behind. 

“You’re taking a risk,” he said quietly, his eyes searching mine. 

“I know,” I replied. “But it’s a risk we have to take. The Valerians won’t wait forever, and neither will the winter.” 

Marcus hesitated for a moment before placing a hand on my shoulder. “Just be careful. We’ve already lost too much.” 

I nodded, though his words didn’t lessen the weight I felt pressing down on me. 

As I left the council chamber and walked down the cold stone corridors of the castle, my thoughts turned to Summer. She was another unknown in this equation, another variable I couldn’t control. The Valerians were dangerous, yes—but so was whatever force had drawn that cloaked figure to her. 

And as much as I hated to admit it, I couldn’t shake the feeling that these two threats were connected. 

If I was going to survive the coming winter—and protect my people—I would need to confront both. 

I wanted to protect myself and summer the most. She meant everything to me and I needed to keep her safe by all means possible.

The Valerians wanted something and I knew it was more than the truce they presented. They were on to something.