Chapter 254
ASHER
The next day, we began our ascent up the mountain. 89% #
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The Sky Pride Pack resided near the top of these hills, and it was a grueling journey. Speed and swiftness had no advantage on steep hills, which was how Sky Pride had remained intact throughout the years, while other Packs suffered from constant wars and disputes. The location was advantageous and strategic, and while the climb was far from ideal, | had to admire their resilience.
None of us had ever visited this technically autonomous Pack before, nor had we expected to have such difficulty. We had to abandon most of our belongings on the way, as they only weighed us down and made the climb more cumbersome.
The only source of relief was the fact that | didn’t need to disguise myself here, as no one would be able to attack us in Sky Pride. No assassin would be able to reach the remote Pack, so a shroud or costume was unnecessary.
It was around noon when we reached the first gate. Our party waited around for nearly half an hour as one of the guarding soldiers went to report our presence to their Alpha. The remaining soldiers of Sky Pride, despite being told that it was the Alpha King visiting them, showed no reverence. They regarded me politely, but there were no outward displays of loyalty or acknowledgment.
Silas was outwardly slighted by their behavior but | stopped him before he could grow angry. There was no use getting upset with these wolves when we were trying to appeal to them for their support.
So, we hung back and waited until finally, the guard returned with a well-dressed man. This middle-aged man was lean and graceful in his movements. Though he smiled, his eyes were sharp.
He bowed courteously at me and then spoke.
“Good day, King Asher,” he greeted me warmly. “My name is Darwin Stone. | am the hand of the Alpha. Our leader is busy at present and has asked me to escort you to the castle in his stead. Will you follow me?”
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Darwin Stone,” | replied politely, and then | nodded. “Yes, we would be grateful to follow.” Darwin nodded back and then we were let in through the gates.
Our trek didn’t last long, and when we reached the castle, | was surprised to see how grim everything around us was. The crudely-crafted castle was tall and carved out of the same dark gray stone that surrounded us. Since we were up so high, the wind was bitterly cold, and there was little color around.
Sky Pride had never been a wealthy place, but they had the strongest soldiers, which made their walked into the castle, | tried to remind myself of this fact and forced a pleasant expression on my face. support
crucial. As we
Darwin explained that the Alpha would join us soon, and in the meantime, we were escorted to a waiting room. Though it was smaller than the ones in Merliscire palace, it was decorated nicely with simple but comfortable furniture, some oil paintings, and vases of mountain wildflowers. Their light scent filled the air and was a welcome change after all we’d been through lately in the woods.
Kane, Silas, and | exchanged glances with one another. | couldn’t say anything private to them with Darwin present, but they seemed to pick up on my silent request to stay on their best behavior. They nodded their heads at me obediently.
Once we were seated, Darwin cleared his throat.
Your Majesty, might | inquire about your intentions?” he wondered and he raised a dark eyebrow. “The Alpha King has never graced us with a visit, so we are greatly flattered to have you. Yet.. | suppose there is something you want from us?”
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| was a little taken aback by the abruptness of his question but | didn’t want to dance around my point. | knew it would be more respectful to go about this with utter honesty, so | raised my chin and answered.
“I'll be frank with you, Darwin,” | replied seriously. “There’s an impending threat on the horizon, and The hand of the Alpha studied me for a moment and then nodded as if to urge me to continue.
So, | told him everything that we were facing, though more concisely so | wouldn’t overwhelm him with i simply explained that Oliver Moses was trying to overthrow my rule and that the King of Yurene was plannin war against Wegalla. We were here to ensure support from Sky Pride and request their allegiance.
Darwin listened intently and didn’t seem surprised at all by anything | said. He waited for me to finish and then offered m another polite nod.
“This does indeed sound quite serious,” he remarked, but then he shifted his tone. “However... though | can see your difficulties in the matter, Your Majesty, | don’t see what any of this has to do with our Pack. No matter who rules over Wegalla, Sky Pride will remain the same.”
Suddenly, Silas uttered a growl. “Have you forgotten your vows to the king of Wegalla?”
Darwin smiled. “I assure you that we will never forget our oaths. But | must remind you that the vow was made to the king of Wegalla, not to a singular man. It doesn’t matter to us who wears the crown.”
He then turned his attention to me. “Your Majesty, | want to be honest. | see little possibility that you could win. The old Beta Oliver has solid support from both councilors in Anemond and wealthier Packs such as the Moon Gem. Not to mention that many Packs in Wegalla still harbor ill feelings after your treatment toward the country’s traitors... the Felix family.”
My nostrils flared at the mention of the Felixes.
“You made quite a fuss after the death of the traitor’s daughter,” Darwin continued. “It has not been forgotten that you demanded the Packs to assist you with finding a ghost.”
Anger flooded through me and | was mere moments away from losing my temper at such an accusation, but | managed to stay calm.
“The Felix family weren't traitors,” | answered with little hesitation. “And my mate didn’t die. | can prove it to you and all of Wegalla once this is done. Until then, | can offer an apology for my behavior five years ago-”
Darwin smirked. “That’s all well and good but there’s no need. Forgive me, but | don’t see why Sky Pride should risk our soldiers’ lives to help you. If that’s your only intention for your visit, Your Majesty, you'd better leave before others catch wind of this proposal.”This is from NôvelDrama.Org.
His last sentence was so rude that Silas sprang up from his seat. His golden eyes flashed, and he was about to lunge toward Darwin, but | managed to stop him in time. | shot him a look of warning, but before | could say a word, a deep voice traveled in from the corridor.
“Darwin, you shouldn't be so rude to our guests.”
Upon hearing the voice, the hand of the Alpha’s eyes widened and he sprang up from his seat and bowed in the direction of the corridor.
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