Chapter 69 Master Drake
Chapter 69 Master Drake
Luna’s POV
“How did that happen?” I inquire, only for Calla to shake her head in confusion and resignation.
“I don't know, but she must have done something terrible for Alpha Kael to act this way. They’re childhood sweethearts after all,” Calla remarks to which Gale snorts.
“Doesnt excuse her entitled ass,” My redhead doppelganger loudly states, nearly making me wince. “She’s got problems with you, Luna. It’s better Alpha kael does something about it now. Put her on trial, I say.”
The words stir a certain level of discomfort. I doubt that Alpha Kael is going to let Eurielle be on trial. From what I know, they have a somewhat good relationship. Suggesting it is merely infuriating, knowing those desires will not come to pass.
“Besides,” Calla reasons as we near the banquet hall. Low streams of music and faintly heard murmurs fill my ears, emanating from the closed large doors. “The Council has representatives and guests here. With many of the region's Alphas and even the Sacred Order here, it would be a terrible thing if Alpha Kael was lax in his actions against a top tribute.”
I nod slowly, pondering briefly before resolving to ask Kael after the banquet. I have no idea if he would give me the response I desire, but it is better to be upfront.
And… I recall our kiss shared in the heat of the moment earlier this afternoon and feel a flutter in my chest.
I have to ensure I am not the only one overthinking things about what happened before.
The guards posted at the door stand tall, and bow to the three of us as we walk, opening the doors on either side of us.
As we make our entrance, several guests turn to behold us.
I notice, among the most esteemed guests on the high table, Alpha Rowan sits two chairs beside Alpha Kael. both of their eyes are fixed on me, ensuring I cannot stay on the sidelines. I also sense Master Drake’s gaze, but his focus is not on me. I glance to my left, where Calla hums, striding forward without meeting her mentor’s eyes.
I also see the Alpha of the Redmoon Pack - the same one who stood beside Eurielle this morning as i was dealt insults from her lips until Rowan came to the rescue - speaking with none other than Elder Darius. The sight sends a hint of dread coursing down my spine. Those two, just like Eurielle and Xena, are in utmost trouble.
I look away, and find that an unfamiliar man, similar in build and age to Alpha Kael, saunters towards us.
“Well, if it isn’t the top tributes,” The man chuckles, holding a glass of wine. He turns to Gale, who appears bashful.
“Brother Bain,” Gale says, more softly than before. “You need not tease us in that way. And that’s no way to introduce yourself to everyone.”
Bain inclines his head, a smile still on his lips. As he turns to Calla and myself, he bows with a flourish.
“You must be the tribute from the mighty Sacred Order,” he addresses Calla, slightly mocking his tone when he mentions the ‘Sacred Order’. Yet his eyes are full of humor.
Calla curtseys, perfunctory.
“You must be Bain Altheart of the League of Shadows. I have heard a lot of your exploits,” My best friend remarks.
Bain Altheart.
I recall the many scary tales I have heard from my time in the Moonveil Pack, the tales of a butcher who dined on blood and flesh of his own wolfkin without mercy. A boy who knew death ever since he was 5 years of age, growing to become a cautionary tale to nobles and servants alike.
Shock briefly makes me pause.
He appears to be harmless, merely a playful fiendish smirk on the corner of his lips.
To think he is the famed cruel Bain Altheart…
I stifle a shiver.
“Have you?” Bain regards Calla with another harmless incline of the head. “I would hope it doesn't color your opinion of me.” Then he grasps Calla by the hand gently, raising it to place a kiss on the knuckles, his hazel eyes sparkling with a soft appeal.
Suddenly a loud throat clearing makes Bain stiffen. Master Drake arrives, his eyes dark and countenance stoic. As his eyes pans across the four of us, it settles on Bain.
The hairs on the back of my hand stand on edge, an electric feeling lingering in the air.
He’s upset.
It doesn't take long for me to deduce, seeing Calla gently pull her arm back from Bain’s hold while maintaining an air of detachment as Drake looks at her..
A hint of realization courses through me, followed by surprise.
To think that the famed Master Drake who is known to be a powerful and scholarly genius of the Sacred Order would regard Calla in such a way…
Their master-disciple relationship would surely change in the future, I muse briefly.
I take a step forward, itching to defuse the situation.
“Master Drake,” I curtsey elegantly. Having practised after the last banquet, my actions are nothing short of fluid, catching the eyes of the four of them. “I must thank you for guiding my friend before. We were simply getting acquainted with Gale’s honored guest.”
My words are spoken with meaning: a reminder that this is a banquet, and Bain Altheart should not be provoked.
I wonder if the powerful Master of the Sacred Order would care to observe decorum before so many eyes.
A flicker of understanding passes through his eyes.
Master Drake nods.
“Very well,” He says, before gesturing to Calla. “There are things to discuss. COme.”
Calla frowns slightly, about to open her mouth when he shoots her a warning, cold glare. Instantly, though stiff, she nods and murmurs a ‘See you later’ to the rest of us while trialing behind Master Drake.
Bain chuckles again, and I turn to meet his gaze.
Unlike the one he fixed on Calla, this time his eyes are searching, strikingly intense as though he wishes to see through my soul.
“I have heard many things about you,” He says, but another male voice interrupts.
“Bain. Cease,” Kael steps into view.
…