Chapter 82
Almost immediately, a thick, suffocating atmosphere filled the hall. Everyone looked at Elijah in disbelief, as if he had said something so absurd they couldn’t believe it. For a moment, no one spoke. Everyone’s eyes were locked onto Elijah, disbelief etched across their faces
Queen Lyanna was the first to erupt, She rose from her seat, hands gripping the eilge of the table as she leaned forward. “Vampires? Are you suggesting we bring vampires into thie No one has seen or heard from a vampire in decades, Elijah! They vanished after the First Great War, and for good reason.”
Councilman Zhang shook his head as if he almost couldn’t believe what he just brand. They’r
‘re as much a threat as the Lycans themselves. Vampires don’t unite. They barely tolerate each other’s existence, let alone ours. Do you think they would even consider ällying with werewolves?” ”
Elpah’s gare remained steady as he looked around the table. “Yes, they’re unpredictable. But they have something in common with deeply rooted hatred for the Lycans: The enemy of our enemy could be our ally, whether they like us or not.”
Councilor Harrington shook his head in disapproval. “Vampires are selfish, Your Highness Elijah. They’ll just as soon turn on us the moment we’re no longer useful. They operate alone, isolated, and driven by their own interests. And even if they hated Lycans centuries ago, it doesn’t mean they’re on our side now”
“They’re dangerous violent creatures, Queen Lyanna interjected, her voice cold. “And they despise every other supernatural being, especially werewolves. They’re notorious for holding grudges, and their disdain for us has only grown over the years.”
Lycans hasn’t vanished. And it’s exactly that hatred we
Eluah looked at his mother, undeterred. “True, vampires are solitary. But their hatred for Lyc could use to our advantage.”
De Luca leaned forward skeptical “Let’s say, for the sake of argument, that you manage to find one. What makes you think they’ll fight on our side! They’ve been invisible for so long. They don’t need us, and we don’t need to rely on creatures who can betray us at any moment.”
“What if I can find one who would help us?” Elijah’s voice out through the noise, and the council chamber fell silent. Shock flashed across the faces
le of those around the table. His father, too, seemed taken aback, his gaze fixed on Elijah as though searching for an explanation.
“Find one?” Councilman Tanaka raised an eyebrow. “And just how do you intend to do that?”
Elijah held his ground, refusing to reveal more than necessary. I have resources. A means to find those who might have connections. The Lycans have ruled over us with fear, but they’ve done the same with vampires. That anger doesn’t just go away. It’s still there, waiting for the right moment
to resurface.
Queen Lyanna crossed her arms, glaring at him. “And you’d risk the stability of this kingdom, risk angering one of the most volatile creatures, for a
Elijah didn’t flinch. His eyes remained locked on his mother’s, unwavering. “If it came to that? Yes. I would b burn the world for
or her” The weight of
his words settled over the room
“You–have you lost your mind?” the Queen asked, her face contorted with anger. Then she turned towards Nicholas. “Is this the one you wanted to rule the Kingdom? Someone who would rather burn it to save, one woman!!” Disgust marred her gaze.
instale, the woman ‘responsible for all this chaos was unaware of the discussion
Fiona had our concerns
Fiona examined the werewolf’s arm, noticing only a faint scratch that was already closing. Disbelief flickered in her eyes as she glanced at the long liter of werewolves waiting patiently behind him, each with some trivial wound or injury
your basly
She railed an eyetrus, meeting the man’s g
man’s gaze. “Why did you come liere if you
sly will heal on its own!
The man churdled, looking at her with a hint of pride. “I wanted to make sure there was no poison left in my body.”
Fiona stares at lum, momentarily speechless. She cauglu Kariana’s gaze, but Katiana quickly turned away, stuffing a grin that betrayed her
one, each insisting
Ever since he conversation with Miss Rose, it had been like tabs. People had begun showing up one by one, win for praental ailments or hidden poisons
A younger werewolf stepped forward, holding out his hand with a barely-
cly there scratch
his palm. “This one won’t stop bleeding,” he claimed with
“Mayfer tercause you keep scratching it. Fiona sand dryly,
byly, giving him a jointed loo
mik. 1 lammed my shoulder in training yesterday:
11:20 AM
Chapter 52
She fought the urge to roll her eyes. “Training bruises heal on their own.”
e murmured as she passed by, her voice just low
Karsansa finally let out a small laugh, unable to contain herself any longer. “I told you, Fiona,” she enough for only Fiona to hear. “Everyone’s eager to be examined by the great Rosenthal healer‘
Fiona was once agam speechless. “There is no poison in your body,” she said, turning to the next one. “Next?”
“Thave been having stomach pains since, well, this morning,” the young woman lowered her gaze. “It might be poison?” Seeing Fiona’s reaction. the woman cleared her that “Well it comes with vomiting, and I feel feverish. What if it was something dormant that was somehow activated because of emotions or something?”
Fiona nodded unable to say the word she wanted to say. “Then please let me see..” She touched the woman’s arm. care of you. Next!”
poison. Kariana will take
“No t
Inwardly, Fiona marveled at the sheer power of rumors. One demonstration of her ability, and suddenly, everyone seemed eager to be “checked” for poisons or hidden ailments. Werewolves, as she knew, were naturally resilient–they rarely fell ill, and their bodies healed swiftly from most wounds. But poisons, especially those crafted to remain dormant until triggered, were another matter altogether.
There were poisons designed to linger, lying in wait until a surge of adrenaline or even an emotional trigger set them off. Such concoctions didn’t affect werewolves the way ordinary toxins did. Instead, they were tailored to bypass the supernatural resilience of their bodies, becoming activated when the victim least expected it. Fiona understood their concern, though a small part of her was amused by the paranoia the rumor had sparked.
A tall, serinus looking werewolf approached next, clutching his stomach dramatically, I’ve been having a strange sensation.” he said, grimacing 10. unsertling. Maybe something late?”
Fiona sufled her amusement, placing her hand on his arm and concentrating. After a moment, she gave him a reassuring nod. “There’s no poison in your system” she said. “If it p
persists, though, you might try eating slower.”
The line dwindled as she saw each “patient, but the inquiries became no less imaginative. One soldier was convinced he had “a foggy mind, likely from a toxin” Another was certain his recent nightmares had been caused by something sinister in his bloodstream
By the time the last werewolf had shuffled forward and she’d assured him there was nothing toxic in his
VICHE CON on her she sank into a nearly chair, sighing as she rubbed her temples. Her energy felt the weight of exhaustion
constant requests and concentration.
her mind swimming from the
“Who would have thought that werewolves actually have a very creative imagination?” a familiar voice interrupted her stupor. Almost immediately. Fiona got up and glared at the newcomer, her face darkening
“Your Highness.” she muttered.
giving Marius–Elijahi’s y
s younger brother–a bow.
Marius was leaning against the door, staring at her with a smirk on his face.
“Is there something that you-
“Shall we stop thar pretenses?” Marius interrupted her.
Fiona’s lips thinned.
chother, and we both know that Marits added.
Fasia’s mind went back to the time the defended herself against this man. Yes, she wasn’t very fond of him
“But perhaps we can change that?” Marius suddenly smiled.
