A strange silence fell over Barduff Castle as nightfall descended. As the castle held its breath, long shadows were cast by the flickering torches in the stone corridors.
The tension was thick enough to taste in the great council chamber. Maximus Shaw stood in front of the Nightwind Alpha Seat, his face pierced by the firelight. He stopped playing around with diplomacy. The gloves were no longer on.
Maximus said, his voice resonating off the tall ceilings, "I will say this only once." Serafina needs to wed Thomas. Not tomorrow. Not on the moon next month. Right now. If not, I will view Nightwind's silence as a betrayal of confidence and an insult."
Jacob sat motionless across from him, his posture unwavering and his fingers interlaced tightly. However, the fire beneath the calm was revealed by his unreadable, sharp eyes.
Leah took a step forward and spoke in a silky yet urgent voice. "We have lived in peace together for five years, Alpha Maximus. Five years of companionship. That must imply more than a hasty marriage."
Maximus tightened his jaw. "Luna, it's not a hasty marriage. It is a postponed one. One that downgrades my pack's reputation and my son's honor."
Thomas avoided looking into Serafina's eyes as he stood by his father's side. He buried his thoughts, if he had any, under a mask of tension.
She's had time to make a decision," Maximus added. "I will no longer regard Nightwind as an ally unless she consents to this union. And we are something completely different if we are not allies."
Cold and final, the threat hung in the air.
Leah's poise faltered. "Please refrain from discussing war. Consider the lives lost and the relationships shattered. There must be another way.
With his arms folded, Maximus declared, "There is only one way left." Additionally, your daughter needs to walk it. or everyone pays the price."
Serafina took a slow step forward. Her heartbeat thundered, but her face was serene. She had been tormented in silence all day, balancing her duty and her heart. She glanced at her father, then at Thomas.
At last, Jacob got up and approached her. He turned to Maximus and put a hand on Serafina's shoulder.
With a voice like a carved stone, he declared, "Serafina will decide." And I will support her decision no matter what. That won't change with any pressure or threat."
Maximus's mouth twisted. "Even if we go to war because of her decision?"
Jacob's gaze sparkled. "Even so."
There was a thick, meaningful silence. Without saying another word, Maximus turned and strode out, his cloak following him like thunder. After a brief moment of inability to read his face, Thomas followed his father into the hallway's shadows.
As soon as they were gone, Leah's shoulders slumped.
She muttered, "I don't want our house torn apart once more."
Serafina gave them both a look. "Then I'll take the necessary action."
She walked out of the room.
The moon had risen, and their future would be decided by dawn.