Alpha King Silas
I stood in the corner of the room, observing every detail of what was being called a “historic moment.” The dim candlelight cast shadows on the faces of representatives from various factions, but I knew they weren’t here for peace. This was about power and strategy, as always.
Before me stood a man with a calm yet calculating posture. His pale skin, too flawless, resembled marble carved to perfection. His dark eyes held a cold glint that pierced through anyone who dared to meet his gaze. Virgil Vissarion-the vampire introduced as their representative. He appeared to be in his early thirties, but I knew he was far older than that.
“Of course, you must be the renowned Alpha werewolf,” Virgil said, his voice laced with sarcasm, breaking the tense silence. A faint smirk tugged at his lips, almost mocking.
I raised an eyebrow, suppressing the urge to retort immediately. I had dealt with creatures like him before-ones who thought themselves superior due to their longevity or pale complexion. “And I would have imagined a vampire to exhibit more courtesy at a gathering meant for diplomacy,” I finally replied, my tone cold.
A low chuckle escaped him, unpleasant and predatory. “I’ve always wondered,” he began, his gaze assessing me like a specimen under scrutiny, “how your kind has survived this long without the intellect to suppress your animal instincts.”
A soft growl came from my side. Garrett, my loyal Beta, had stepped forward, ready to defend our honor. I raised a hand to stop him, locking eyes with Virgil. I knew he was baiting me, and I wasn’t about to give him satisfaction.
“My Beta knows more about honor than most beings in this room,” I said evenly, a thin smile gracing my lips. “Or perhaps honor is a concept lost among your kin?”
The tension in the room thickened. I could feel the dark energy swirling. The witches seated across the table began to shift uneasily. Though they attempted to steer the conversation toward other topics, it was clear everyone’s attention remained fixated on me and Virgil.
“Animal instincts,” Virgil repeated, stepping closer to the negotiation table. “That’s what keeps you alive, isn’t it? But it’s also what keeps you beneath us.”
I moved closer as well, resting my large hand on the table. “Control without courage is merely a shield for cowards, Virgil,” I growled, staring him down.
I could feel Garrett tense beside me, his body taut like a drawn bowstring. Ever loyal, he was ready to defend me, but I knew this wasn’t the time for rash actions.
“Courage?” Virgil echoed with a derisive laugh. “Is it courage, Alpha, when you attack without thinking? I’d call that foolishness.”
My claws pressed against my palms, the wolf inside me growling, eager to break free and strike. But I held it back. I was a leader, and I wouldn’t show weakness in front of my enemy.
The large doors on the far side of the room creaked open slowly, the sound of light footsteps echoing on the marble floor. I turned my head, and my gaze landed on a vampire woman. Her blonde waves cascaded over her shoulders, and her dress-red as fresh blood-clung perfectly to her figure.
She walked with an almost unnatural grace, each movement exuding an understated but undeniable power that drew the attention of everyone in the room. Her sharp eyes swept over the assembly before landing on Virgil and me.
“I hope I’m not interrupting,” she said in a soft, melodic voice that carried an air of authority. She approached, her hand lightly brushing Virgil’s arm. I noticed the subtle shift in his demeanor at her touch.
“Valeria Cardei,” she introduced herself, though not in a way that sought approval. I didn’t need to be told she was Virgil’s partner. “Perhaps it would be wiser to refocus on the primary purpose of this gathering, wouldn’t you agree?”
Virgil turned to her, his expression momentarily shifting. Something dark flickered across his face before he forced a small smile.
“There’s more at stake here than our egos,” Valeria said, her gaze moving between Virgil and me. Her eyes seemed to pierce through our exteriors, straight to the core of who we were.
I stood silent, observing. This woman clearly possessed power far beyond her appearance. She spoke with elegance, but I knew it was her way of controlling the situation.
Garrett leaned closer to me, whispering, “I’d wager she’s the brains behind that vampire’s smug face.”
I didn’t respond, but the thought crossed my mind. This was just the beginning. Valeria might have defused the immediate tension in the room, but I knew the conflict between our factions wouldn’t end with a few soft-spoken words.
My attention was drawn to a figure with striking blue eyes-the same witch who had brought us all here. Removing her hood, she revealed shoulder-length brown hair. With a graceful wave of her hand, parchment scrolls appeared from thin air, floating delicately before landing in front of us. My eyes locked on the bold, golden title scrawled at the top.
The Treaty of Three Nations
The witch amplified her voice through a hollowed animal horn, her words ceremonial and long-winded. I listened in silence, feigning interest as I idly twirled my thumbs.
“Alpha Silas of the Hollow Manes pack, please rise.”
At her signal, I stood, waiting as she continued.
“Lord Virgil Vissarion of the Sanguine Shadows, accompanied by his partner, Valeria Cardei.”
The vampire pair rose, their chins held high and faint smirks plastered on their faces. Their arrogance grated on me, but I swallowed my irritation, closing my eyes briefly to calm myself. Lastly, the witch introduced herself as Ginevra, the representative of the coven.
After the introductions, I sat down and carefully read the parchment’s contents. Once I finished, I passed it to Garrett, who furrowed his brow in concentration before nodding firmly.
Drawing my claw across my thumb, I let a drop of blood fall onto the parchment. Standing tall, I held up the document for all to see, asserting my authority as each faction contributed their blood in turn.
When Ginevra had collected all the parchments, I felt a sudden pull from my thumb. A glowing red thread appeared, binding the three factions. The thread pulled my hand forward before dissipating.
“The bond of the Three Nations is now sealed,” Ginevra declared, her words carried by an unseen force. “None among the three may break it.”
But just as the red thread vanished, a piercing scream erupted from behind Ginevra. The witches parted, revealing a woman with glowing white eyes. Her voice, unnaturally loud, echoed as she repeated a cryptic phrase:
“Blessed by the Goddess, granted protection and strength from the Moon alone.”
My mouth fell slightly open as her words reverberated through the chamber. What did she mean by that?
This meeting was only the beginning of something far greater.