The Gate of Shadows

Chapter 110: A Plan

Fenris pulled away from me, facing the two elders who had stayed behind.

"No way. Lilith isn't going anywhere near that mad wolf." He confronted the idea.

However, Ursula stood her ground to him, knowing all he wanted was to keep me safe. Sadly, our choices were limited. Alijah's time frame would be six months to a year, perhaps less. We had to devise a plan quickly or risk being surprised by the inevitable.

"Ah, I understand your concern; I'm not a fan of placing her babes in danger, but saving the world might be a good idea, too. It's their reality, too, after all." Ursula countered my wolf, who winced in return.

She was right. A world where babies could be born would need Alijah not to destroy it.

"I don't think he would hurt them either," I whispered, shifting my eyes away.

It didn't feel right to label the black wolf a heartless killer. There had to be a reason why he was like that, and with me, he was a bit touchy, but nothing else. Something about him resonated with me, but he had to be stopped even then.

Fenris went to deny it again, only for Ryker to step into the conversation.

"Even if that was true. Those artifacts aren't available anymore. The last one was used during the fall." Ryker informed.

Ursula laughed, "So, you said years ago when the Lycans pulled one out to stop the fall along with the last known phoenix crystal." She pointed out.

The elf shook his head. "That was the only one left."

This time, Ben burst out cackling as well. "Nice try. You're a terrible liar, Ryker. That would've worked on Evan but not on me. I've worked with you for too long."

The elf clicked his tongue, releasing a sigh. "You Silver Bloods will be my end one day."

With the direction of the banter, I could tell Fenris wasn't uneasy with how things were ending up either, but he could say nothing to argue. Compared to the young Lycan, Alijah was on another level.

My wolf had to think about the little ones coming into his life in less than a year. Even though he was reluctant, he joined in instead of resisting it any longer.

"We can go to the elven countries. To see if one subrace has one they've hidden," Melody noted, gazing at Liam while wagging her tail.

Ah, you probably want another small vacation with Liam.

Fenris shook his head, "Nah, why go there when their leaders are in this building?"

"And they already agreed to help, didn't they?" The brown wolf backed his friend's point.

Ursula shrugged, "Elves can be zealous of their precious items. To them, they have a different meaning than to us Lycans and vampires."

All eyes fell on Ryker, who sighed again. After everything was said, there was little to argue. This world was the same one his children were in, and that was worth more than trinkets to him.

"They're important to our culture. After all, it cost us our lives to make them. While pathetic brutes break them after using them." He commented, insinuating the destructive nature of the apex races.

"I thought most of the population forgot about them," I commented.

Ryker shrugged at my assessment.

"They did, but the leaders, on the other hand, still relish them in their museums. With that said, it's hard to know if they have one that could help us. Artifacts come in various ways and sizes." He paused, shifting his eyes to Amara, who was gazing toward Ursula.