Barduff Castle's great hall was lavishly decorated for a ceremony. The embroidery of the Nightwind, Tailwind, and Whitedawn banners shimmered in the morning light as they swayed softly from the vaulted ceilings. Maximus Shaw's arrival had been greeted formally, but the atmosphere in the court was anything but joyous.
At noon, the Alpha of Silverwind Pack arrived, accompanied by his son Thomas and a group of elite guards. Maximus, tall and broad, with white streaks in his dark beard and unblinking eyes, was as commanding as ever and gave the authority of a man used to being respected. Under his noble clothing, he was a storm.
Thomas walked next to him, his eyes far away and his jaw tight. He made courteous bows and gave Serafina a small smile when their eyes briefly locked, but that was about it. His shoulders were wider and his voice deeper as he grew older, but the weight of unsolved questions hung between them like an unseen chain.
The formalities were over in a flash. They offered seats, served refreshments, and made small talk. But Maximus quickly revealed his actual reason for the visit.
With calm dignity, Jacob and Leah sat in the council chamber. Behind them, Serafina stood with an unreadable expression. Maximus didn't care about veils.
His voice clipped with controlled tension, he began, "I did not come all this way for idle conversation." Five years have passed since my son proposed marriage. Jacob, you have been silent for five years.
Jacob's gaze was firm but calm as he leaned back a little. "And during those five years, harmony between our packs has grown. Trade has been booming. Our alliances have never wavered. Nothing I've done has put that peace in jeopardy."
Maximus laughed. However, my old friend silence can be dangerous. The intentions of my son were sincere. However, your daughter doesn't provide any clarification or an answer.
Ever the diplomat, Leah gently interrupted. "Serafina has made pack service her mission. She hasn't taken the situation lightly."
Maximus's eyes narrowed as he snapped, "And yet, no answer still means no respect." "My people wonder why Silverwind's future Alpha is forced to wait like a rejected suitor. They question whether Nightwind genuinely appreciates our allegiance."
Beside him, Thomas stirred. "Maybe, Father—"
Maximus raised a hand and said, "No." "This goes beyond emotions. It has to do with honor. bonds. Legacy. I'm not just requesting her hand in marriage. I'm requesting confirmation. I have patiently waited, Jacob. However, I won't wait indefinitely."
Jacob's face grew serious. "Then I'll be straightforward. My daughter cannot be used as leverage. She won't be coerced into a union against her will. Maybe we should consider the basis of our alliance if your friendship is dependent on coercion."
The room became brittle with tension. Leah silently pleaded for restraint as she reached for Jacob's hand beneath the table.
Maximus got up slowly. Then she ought to respond. This evening. By the time of the moonrise, I await her decision. Let her prove if we are to stay allies.
Without saying another word, he turned, with Thomas following silently.
Serafina stood motionless as the room drained, her heart racing.
Silence was no longer an option.
And everything was going to change because of the weight of her decision.