In the Silverclaw Pack, Malrik sat upon his dark throne, his fingers drumming slowly against the armrest. The heavy doors creaked open, and the Elders entered, their robes sweeping the cold marble floor. One of them bowed deeply and said, "Greetings, King Malrik."
Malrik raised his head slightly, his eyes sharp and calculating. "Greetings. To what do I owe this visit?"
The Elders exchanged uneasy glances before settling into the chairs before him. Finally, one cleared his throat and said, "There is a problem, my king."
Malrik's tone darkened. "What do you mean?"
The elder hesitated before answering, "It is about that servant girl. She is disturbing the curse. Her existence itself threatens the balance we have worked to maintain."
Malrik leaned back, a cruel smile flickering across his face. "That girl? She is nothing but a human. A foolish little thing who knows nothing of our world. Whatever relationship she shares with my brother is an abomination and one that will not last."
Another elder leaned forward, voice steady but filled with concern. "My king, we have reason to believe they have not mated yet."
Malrik's expression shifted sharply, his eyes widening in disbelief. "What? They haven't?"
The elder nodded. "No, they have not."
Malrik narrowed his gaze. "And how do you know this?"
The elder clasped his hands together. "It is said that if that girl truly possesses something special, the curse would already begin to manifest through her once they mated. But nothing has changed. If that bond is not complete, it means she either resists it... or she is far more powerful than we thought."
Malrik rose from his seat, pacing slowly across the hall. "Odesse... who are you really?" he muttered under his breath. The fire in the nearby torches flickered wildly as he turned back to the Elders. "We will be going to Moonlight Pack soon."
One of the Elders immediately stood, alarmed. "My king, I advise against it. You remember what happened the last time we went. King Valex swore to sever our heads if we ever set foot there again."
Malrik's jaw clenched as he sank back into his throne, his eyes burning with quiet rage. The Elders could sense the storm building in him, though none dared to speak. They exchanged worried glances, realizing something dark was forming in the king's mind, something that would soon unfold in blood and fire.
In the Moonlight Pack
The wind carried an odd stillness that night. Inside the grand hall, Valex sat on his throne when two elderly men, cloaked in grey and carrying the scent of ancient magic, entered.
"King Valex," one began, his voice deep and weathered. "Forgive this unexpected visit."
Valex's sharp gaze lifted. "What do I owe this unexpected honor, Elder Raen? Elder Myr?"
Raen spoke first. "We've heard rumors that you've taken in a girl. A human girl."
Valex nodded slowly. "Yes. I have."
Myr's eyes narrowed. "And we've also heard she bears the mating mark. That's impossible for a human."
"I don't know why she has it," Valex admitted, his tone calm but edged with unease. "But her mark... it's powerful. It pulls at me like it knows me."
The elders exchanged wary looks. Raen leaned forward. "You're aware, my king, that you cannot mate a human. You'd lose the respect of every pack. If word spreads, the other alphas will interfere."
Valex rose from his seat, pacing slowly. "I'm holding myself back. I'm trying to understand who she is. Kael mentioned her mother was of royal blood, but both her parents were burned alive. Do either of you know anything about that?"
Myr frowned. "A royal human? Impossible. Though..." he paused, thinking. "Years ago, I did hear whispers of a royal couple burned under mysterious orders. Only the late king of the Silver Claw Pack and his elders knew the truth."
Valex's jaw tightened. He turned away, lost in thought.
Raen hesitated, then asked softly, "Forgive me, my king, but... why do you care for this human? Do you have feelings for her?"
Valex met his eyes coldly. "No," he said. "But I can't explain what's happening to me."
The elders exchanged uneasy glances. Something ancient was stirring, and they both felt it.
Outside the Stables
Odesse stood beside Eryx, brushing the mane of a restless horse under the cool wash of sunlight.
"Well," she muttered, "I didn't expect to faint and stay unconscious for a whole week."
Eryx chuckled, rinsing his hands. "You're lucky Master Valex acted fast. If he hadn't, you'd probably be gone."
She glanced up, blinking. "He... was worried?"
"Worried?" Eryx laughed softly. "He lost it. Didn't leave your bedside. Barely slept, barely ate. Like some overprotective husband."
Her cheeks heated instantly. "Stop saying silly things," she said, pretending to focus on the horse's mane.
Eryx smirked and said teasingly "You like him?"
Odesse rolled her eyes. "I don't hate him."
He raised a brow. "That's not what I asked. Do you have feelings for him?"
"You're ridiculous," she said quickly, though her voice came out softer than she meant. "Keep talking like that, and I'll stop speaking to you."
Eryx laughed. "Alright, alright."
A moment passed. The night hummed quietly, and Odesse whispered, almost to herself,
"Why would I have feelings for a wolf anyway?"
Eryx looked at her then, half a smile curving his lips, the kind that said he saw right through her.
Odesse didn't notice. Her hands had gone still. Her thoughts were far away.