Bond of Power

POV: Alexandra

Garrett glanced down at their joined hands, still locked in the grip. He met Ares’ gaze, a mixture of curiosity and respect in his own. “That’s it?” Garrett asked, his brow furrowing slightly, as if expecting something more dramatic.

Ares chuckled, releasing Garrett’s hand and wiping the blood from his palm. “What were you expecting? Some kind of elaborate ritual with chanting and flames? I prefer to keep things simple.” He paused, his voice dropping to a more serious tone. “The bond has been made. Make sure you keep protecting my favorite semi-mortal, hm?”

I looked between the two of them, still reeling from the suddenness of the whole thing. Garrett, ever composed, examined his hand, as if expecting something more dramatic to happen after such a quick and raw ceremony. The blood still trickled from the cut, though it was healing fast due to his Lycan blood.

Instinctively, I grabbed a napkin from the nearby table and gently wrapped it around his hand, the crimson staining the white cloth almost immediately. Garrett’s eyes softened as he looked down at me, a small, appreciative smile tugging at his lips. The gratitude in his expression was unmistakable, a silent acknowledgment of my care in the midst of all this chaos.

“Thank you,” he murmured, his voice quiet but warm. His hand rested in mine, the strength of Ares’ bond seemingly less important at that moment than the small gesture of care between us.

Ares watched us with an amused grin but wisely held his tongue, seemingly understanding that this moment didn’t need his usual sharp commentary. Apollo stood nearby, observing with a serene but thoughtful expression. The quiet between us felt almost sacred, a small moment of peace amidst the chaos of gods and power.

As I glanced at Apollo, I couldn’t help but note the contrast. Had this been Lucien standing beside me, Apollo would have likely jumped at the chance to keep the conversation going, perhaps even taking a jab at him. His dislike for Lucien had always been palpable, a tension that never seemed to fade whenever the two were in the same room.

I wondered if it was simply a clash of personalities or something deeper, but either way, Apollo had never hidden his distaste for Lucien. Yet here, with Garrett, there was an unspoken respect, even a kind of silent approval in Apollo’s gaze.

The thought made me reflect on how different things were now. The gods, the responsibilities, the relationships—everything had shifted. And yet, in this moment, it felt like a delicate balance was forming. I glanced up at Garrett again, feeling that steady connection between us.

Jack cleared his throat, his tone suggesting he was eager to shift the conversation back to business. Likely, there was much to be done for the newly re-formed lycan kingdom. “We have other things to discuss, Alexandra. Shall we move on?”

I glanced at him, momentarily pulled from the intimate moment I was sharing with Garrett. “Um, sure. Let’s get on with it then,” I replied, nodding. It was time to focus on the responsibilities ahead.

Jack, always efficient and prepared, reached into his satchel and pulled out a stack of papers, spreading them neatly across the table. “These are some items that need your approval,” he said, his voice calm but authoritative. He handed me the first sheet, his fingers tapping lightly on the edge as I took it.

I sat down in front of the papers, my eyes scanning the first document. “What is this?” I asked, feeling slightly overwhelmed by the formality of it all.

Jack smiled, his expression patient and understanding. “These are the official papers for appointing your council. As you can see, the name spots are blank.” He gestured to the spaces left empty on the paper. “You’ll need to decide who you want to advise you. Of course, these are temporary appointments until Garrett formally takes the throne.”

I looked down at the papers, the weight of the decisions settling on my shoulders. Each blank space was a responsibility, each name a part of the future I would be shaping for this kingdom. A council of trusted individuals who would guide us through the challenges to come.

I glanced up at Garrett, who stood quietly beside me, his presence steady and reassuring. This wasn’t just about me—it was about both of us, and the future of the lycan kingdom. Slowly, I nodded, taking a deep breath as I prepared to face the next step in this journey.

“All right,” I said, my voice resolute. “Let’s figure this out. I think my main advisor will be Jack Kellen. It seems natural since you’re basically already doing it. I hope that’s okay with you.”

Jack smiled warmly and bowed slightly, his eyes glinting with pride. “It would be my honor, Alexandra.”

Feeling a little more at ease now that the first decision had been made, I glanced down at the remaining positions listed on the papers. The council spots, while temporary, would be crucial in guiding us through this transitional phase. I carefully considered each one, naming those who had already proven their loyalty and capability. One by one, I filled in the blank spaces, knowing these choices would shape the future of the lycan kingdom.

Once I had written the final name, I sat back, exhaling a breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding. The weight of the decisions still pressed on my shoulders, but there was a sense of progress, of steps being taken toward stability.

Apollo stretched lazily, the glow of his divine energy flickering softly as he rose. He glanced at Ares, a smirk playing on his lips. “Well, I think it’s probably best we leave now and let them get on with the rest of their work. Plus...” He turned toward me, his golden eyes twinkling with anticipation. “I imagine you’re ready for me to shine my light on the location of Moonshadow.”

Ares grunted, clearly in agreement but not without his usual gruffness. “About time, too. I’ve got better things to do than babysit council meetings.” His eyes flicked toward me, though, with a trace of respect. “Still, I’ll admit—this is shaping up nicely which is not surprising since you are smart little thing, Solamor.”

Garrett stepped forward, clasping my shoulder gently as Apollo and Ares prepared to leave. “We’ll be ready,” Garrett said, his voice calm but filled with resolve. “When the time comes, we’ll follow your light.”

Apollo nodded, his smile warm and knowing. “Just say the word, my darling child. You know the words.”

I sighed, feeling the familiar mix of fondness and embarrassment that often came with Apollo's more sentimental moments. “Yep, I do. But I’ll admit, it’s going to be embarrassing as hell.”

Apollo chuckled, the sound light and full of mischief. “Just humor me, please.”

I rolled my eyes but smiled back. “Sure.”

With that, the two gods shimmered into their divine orbs, flickering briefly before vanishing from sight, leaving the room feeling both quieter and a little less charged with divine energy. I turned back to Garrett and Jack, who were both watching me, ready to move forward.

“We should probably head to the general area where the castle is,” I said, eager to get things rolling now that the council appointments were taken care of.

Garrett nodded, ever practical. “I’ll see if Derum can arrange the carriage.” Without hesitation, he left the room, his steady footsteps echoing down the hallway as he went to make the arrangements.

Jack cleared his throat again, drawing my attention back to him. “I have to say,” he began, his voice thoughtful, “I knew you would be the right person for this job, but even still, you impressed me with your picks.” His gaze was warm, his smile genuine. “They seemed both measured and smart. You’ve got a good sense of who will be by your side when it matters.”

His words, though simple, sent a wave of pride through me. I hadn’t realized how much I needed to hear that, especially from someone as experienced and knowledgeable as Jack. “Thanks,” I said, feeling a bit of the tension lift from my shoulders. “It wasn’t easy, but I think we’re on the right track.”

Jack smiled warmly, his nod filled with approval and understanding. “You’ve got this, Alexandra. Now, let’s just make sure we find that castle. This act will not only strengthen your bond with the lycan people but it will also solidify Garrett’s position as their king. You already have a lot of respect among the lycan people, but this will help Garrett in ways that go beyond ruling. I know you want that for him.”

I nodded, feeling the weight of his words settle in. “I certainly do. Garrett is such a good man, and he deserves to start his rule properly—with his castle and the full respect of his people. He’s done so much for me already, and I want to give back to him in some way that’s meaningful.”

Jack’s smile deepened, his gaze steady and knowing. “I think we both know it goes deeper than that, Alexandra. I’ve seen how you two interact. I know neither of you chose this marriage, but I can see it—he loves you, even if he hasn’t said it outright. And your affections, they’re starting to grow, too. Maybe,” he paused, his voice soft but sure, “maybe you should give it a real shot, instead of just going through the motions.”

His words struck a chord, a truth I hadn’t fully acknowledged. My thoughts swirled as I processed what he said. Could Jack be right? Maybe I should give in to what I had initially wanted to be rid of. Lucien was supposed to carry on with his marriage to Rayla. Why couldn’t I find some measure of happiness? Garrett was good to me and he clearly had feelings for me.

Jack’s eyes softened, and he gave me a small, encouraging smile. “That’s my first piece of advice as your now official main advisor.”

I laughed softly, the tension easing slightly in my chest. “First piece of advice, huh? Well, you might be onto something.”

Jack grinned, standing a little straighter. “It’s what I’m here for.”

As I stood there, thinking about Garrett, about us, I realized that Jack’s words had planted a seed. Maybe this marriage didn’t have to just be about duty and alliance. Maybe it could be something more—something real.

I was snapped out of my deep thoughts by the sound of Garrett reentering the room. His presence was steady, calming as usual. “Okay,” he said, “they’re readying the carriage right now. This should be an interesting outing, to say the least.” His eyes softened as he turned to me, his gaze full of tender concern. “I just want to check in with you. How are you feeling? Are you still overwhelmed?”

I looked up at him, his handsome face etched with sincerity. I smiled, feeling a sense of ease I hadn’t had earlier. “I’m amazingly calm now,” I admitted. “Apollo and Ares helped to settle things down, and I’ve regained my rational thought. I’m sorry I snapped at you earlier. That wasn’t fair.”

Garrett stepped closer, cupping my face gently, his thumb brushing lightly across my cheek in a comforting gesture. “Think nothing of it,” he said, his voice low and soothing. “I know you were stressed. You have nothing to apologize for.”

The warmth of his touch sent a wave of heat creeping up my neck and into my face, and I felt my pulse quicken. I struggled to maintain my composure. “Even so,” I murmured, “you don’t deserve that kind of treatment.”

I cleared my throat, eager to shift the conversation before my emotions got the better of me. “I think we should get this show on the road. Let’s get going, hm?” I turned away, hoping to hide the blush that was undoubtedly spreading across my cheeks, but I could feel Jack’s measured gaze on me. I shot him a look, one that silently conveyed, Rome wasn’t built in a day.

As I walked toward the front of the annex, the sound of the carriage approaching met my ears. The men followed behind me, and as the carriage pulled up, Garrett was quick to step forward and help me in, his hand steady and warm as I climbed inside. The brief touch lingered in my thoughts as the men settled in around me.

Once we were all seated, the carriage jolted into motion, carrying us toward our destination—Moonshadow, the legendary symbol of lycan power. I stared out the window, the rolling landscape passing us by, but my mind was on more than just the ancient fortress. I could feel the shift happening inside me, the growing affection for Garrett that I could no longer deny, no matter how much I tried to keep it at bay.

The journey to Moonshadow felt like the beginning of something much bigger than just finding the lost castle. It felt like the beginning of a new chapter, one I wasn’t entirely sure I was ready for—but one I was starting to embrace nonetheless.