Chapter 75 Discomfort

Chapter 75 Discomfort
Gale’s POV

I growl slightly as I pass by the several whispering maids who glance my way. Calla strides beside me, eyes pensive.

Honestly I couldn't give less of a fuck if i tried about this damn girl. But Luna…

My hands tense, tightening my grip on Calla’s arm. She hisses and tugs her arm back. I come to my senses, loosen my grip.
As an assassin, I have trained too long to be merely a weak girl.
So of course, my strength is far more than Calla’s.

“Ouch,” She gives me a dirty look, but I only roll my eyes, and push my room door open.

“Baby,” I mutter, an insult that would have sent a younger me raging. I leave the door open, and Calla takes the hint, following me inside and shutting the door behind her.

I jump onto the soft, bouncy bed. I have to say, I like this whole shindig the Ironfang pack has going on. Not only is the Pack the wealthiest in the region, but Alpha Kael also has a thing for Luna. I have picked up on that since I got here.
Honestly, good for him. She’s a nice girl.
And that’s saying something.

“Alright, explain,” Calla demands, crossing her arms.
I refrain from rolling my eyes again at her and do the next best thing, gesturing to the seat by the desk.

“Arent you going to rest your butt before you start your lecturing mother-hen act?” I raise a brow and Calla’s expression darkens instantly.

“You’re insufferable, Gale,” She snarls, patience lost. “Luna was attacked and you're not even bothered. You don't care at all, do you? You probably wish they succeeded.”

My body tenses, gaze sharpening.

I stare at her, eyes narrowed.
I have long known of a single ability I have, one that ensured I was not surprised at my connection to Luna and her being a true blood of the Royal lineage.
It’s a gaze like death, one that I once thought was not real until I found myself staring at my reflection.
And when I look at people like that, I can discern their true intentions, their past fears, their likes, their hatred… and turn it against them. In that state, my words are coated with honey, hypnotising whoever I look at. Not only do I see into their soul, but I can manipulate them, ensuring my victory in whatever situation I find myself in. Those tags in the Forest? I didn't kill most of them. I used my Gaze, and they handed them over to me, before turning on each other, letting me slip away with ease.

It is another secret I have kept from Luna, one that I am afraid to share. Though I feel myself bound to her, my true liege, I cannot tell her yet.

More than once I have also used that ability to kill. I’m an assassin after all.

But my brothers have always impressed upon me one thing: Do not use them on those you care about.

Calla notices the gleam in my eyes, and takes a step back, alarmed.

“What is that?” she asks. I do not doubt her ability to discern the Gaze, she is a Sacred Order disciple after all.

‘Enough,’ my Wolf, Freya commands me. I listen this time. Between Freya and I, I am the wilder one.

“My apologies,” My tone drips with sarcasm even though it is a true apology in my heart. However if i tell her that she would think she has the power to control me due to our friendship. “Take a seat and I’ll tell you all you need to know. No need to shout the roof off.”

She snorts, easing her expression, and moves to sit easily.
As Bain says, politeness is the weapon to disarm a kind soul.

I snort inwardly. Calla is too kind, but I have seen her fierceness. She holds a lot of sway thats he does not know.

And Brother Bain seems to like her. Too bad that Master of the Sacred Order has dibs.

“Gale, speak before I lose my temper,” Calla raises her chin and demands.

“Look,” I raise my hands in surrender. “I do not know the exact details, but… I think they wished to use Luna, not to harm her.”

“Use Luna?” Calla’s  face is scrunched up. Very funny. Regardless, I refrain from smiling knowing she is mere seconds from punching me in the face.
Okay, perhaps not punching. She’s too soft for that. But certainly I will get a stream of curses from her if I continue beating around the bush.

Look how nice I am, considering her mental wellbeing.

“The Hounds have a new leader now. I think this act of theirs is to accomplish three things,” I raise my hand to count off on my fingers. “One, to test the defenses of the Ironfang Pack. it’s second only to the Nightfang Pack, and other packs don't have as much strength as the two packs. Even our League knows it.” Lower another finger.
“Two,” I continue, “The Hounds want to disrupt the Luna Trials. It’s a big fuck you to the Council. They have a long-standing feud since they were formed, so it’s understandable, right?’ and Third, they wish to abduct Luna. They didn't use any overly dangerous means. I think their plan was to knock her out and transport her far from here. Maybe then they would give her the antidote. If they wanted to kill her, they would have tried harder.”

“Abduct her?’’ Calla raises a brow but does not argue against that theory. “It’s sound. But why would they need her?”
I mirror her expression, exasperation coursing through me.

Do I have to say it out loud?

“The prophecy,” Calla and I say it in unison. 

“And the likelihood of them knowing her true powers, her background. The Hounds aren't simply a minor rogue group.”

“Oh Goddess, this is dangerous.” Calla shivers, her face grim.

I refrain from pointing out that the Goddess has nothing to do with this. I remember similar words leaving my lips on autopilot when I saw my liege like that… It is a reminder of my weakness, of how much I have let these two girls influence me.

“We have to work to protect her,”I say. “Anyway, Alpha kael and Alpha Rowan likely have an idea about it. They will not let anything else happen for now. And the Hounds will know their plan has failed.”

My words do not do much to ease the discomfort. A heavy weight settles over the two of us.
…