Still in Prince Raymond's Office
"Raymond… doesn't that mean you and that child—" Piper hesitated, his voice trembling with realization, "—you're the ones from the prophecy?"
Silence fell over the room like a thick fog. Raymond didn't answer right away. He just stared out the arched window, hands clenched tightly behind his back.
After a moment, he turned around slowly, the light from the torch sconces flickering across his face.
"Piper," his voice was quiet but firm, "not a word of this to anyone."
Piper blinked, startled. "But—my lord, if the prophecy is true—"
"Then it will endanger her." His voice cut like a blade. "Too many forces would kill her for the sake of a future they fear. And if word spreads… she's as good as dead."
Piper's lips parted to argue, but he saw the strain in his eyes—the haunted look of someone caught between duty and an unbearable truth. he swallowed and nodded. "You have my silence."
Raymond nodded slowly, then changed the subject. "How's the nanny? The one we handed her to?"
"Scared out of her wits, but obedient. She's a loyal witch who served in the Silverwoods. She knows not to ask questions."
Raymond gave a tight nod. "Good. Her life depends on it."
---
Meanwhile, in Alpha Kaelin's Office
"Alpha Kaelin," Beta Riven knocked before entering. His steps faltered as he noticed several elders exiting the office, nodding stiffly in Kaelin's direction.
"What were they doing here?" Riven asked, watching the elders leave.
Kaelin rolled his eyes and exhaled deeply, slumping back into his chair.
"Pestering me again. Talking about legacy. Lineage. Duty. They want a Luna Queen chosen—immediately."
"And let me guess… they've picked Maya."
Kaelin snorted. "Of course. Who else? She checks every box. But I don't need a pretty face with a political agenda. I need someone who can stand at my side, not in my way."
Riven didn't reply. Instead, he stepped forward and placed a small scroll on the desk.
"This appeared in your room while I was filing the monthly reports. I didn't open it. Magic—definitely witch-cast."
Kaelin's eyes sharpened as he picked up the scroll. Unrolling it, his gaze lingered on the message:
*
> " _The prince has built a haven. A new clan, like yours. Three races, one cause. The forest awaits."_*
"Prince Raymond," Riven murmured, reading over his shoulder. "He's formed his own clan? A sanctuary like ours?"
Kaelin's eyes narrowed. "That means he's defied his father. He's running. Just like we did."
"King Valoise won't sit quietly. He's already sent trackers, hasn't he?"
Kaelin didn't answer. Instead, he reached out. "Give me your knife."
Riven handed him the ceremonial dagger. Kaelin followed the rune instructions on the bottom of the scroll, slicing his thumb and pressing the blood to the ancient sigil.
The scroll flared in golden flame and vanished.
"Make arrangements. I leave at dawn. Tell no one."
"Yes, Alpha."
---
Back in Lillian's Chamber
Lillian reclined against her pillows, the thick scent of lavender in the air. She was halfway through an old, dust-covered tome of forbidden magic when a flicker of red flames burst above her chest. A small scroll spiraled down, gently landing against her ribcage.
She stared at it for a heartbeat before picking it up and unrolling it.
Her gaze settled on the crimson thumbprint at the bottom—the blood pact. A sign.
A slow smile touched her lips.
"So… Kaelin is ready." she murmured to herself.
Without needing further instruction, the scroll ignited in a graceful spiral of flame and vanished.
"To Prince Raymond, then."
---
In the New Clan's War Room
Raymond and Piper were bent over a massive wooden table, maps and charts spread out before them. The room buzzed with low voices—warlocks, vampires, and werewolves all awaiting their assignments.
"Assign the Devar brothers to the eastern border. They used to be trackers—they know how to move unseen." Raymond said.
"Yes, my lord." Piper scribbled it down quickly.
"If we're to keep this place a sanctuary, we can't rely on spells alone. We need discipline. Training. Loyalty."
"And constant eyes." Piper added.
Just then, the air shimmered. A scroll manifested above the table, suspended briefly before falling lightly beside Raymond's hand.
He and Piper stared at it.
"Another one?" she asked cautiously.
Raymond picked it up, broke the seal, and read.
"Alpha Kaelin agrees. The forest. Dusk. Bring no guards."
Raymond let out a breath, a flicker of something like relief passing over his features.
"He's coming."
"Do you trust him?" Piper asked.
Raymond didn't answer immediately. "I trust his desire to protect his people. That will have to do for now."
"Let's prepare." he said. "This meeting could change everything."