It's the End of the World as We Know it (Silent Moments Series: Book 4)

Chapter 21

As the final pat-down concluded, I couldn't help but express my exasperation. "We were searched outside," I noted, the redundancy of the security measures underscoring the deep-seated mistrust that permeated the air.

Roan, standing tall and imposing beside me, addressed the Trikru guard with a warning veiled as a promise. "If I'm not back in an hour, my army will attack." His voice resonated with the authority of a king, a subtle reminder of the power he wielded.

The guard, undeterred by Roan's stature, met his threat with a defiant sneer. "Nothing would make me happier," he retorted, his tone brimming with the animosity that had long festered between the clans.

My attention shifted to a figure seated on the floor, her presence commanding despite her position. "You must be Gaia," I said, extending a hand in greeting. But before I could finish, she stood abruptly, cutting me off with a cold, knowing look. "I know who you are, Wanheda."

Seeking to steer the conversation away from the heavy title I bore, I expressed my gratitude for her help. "You helped my people find the bunker. Thank you for that."

Her response was sharp, a reminder of the complex web of allegiances and betrayals we were entangled in. "And you gave the flame to an unworthy king, who saw it destroyed," Gaia hissed, her disappointment in my actions evident. "I am not as grateful."

It was then that Roan interjected, his curiosity piqued. "Let's see what all the fuss is about," he said, eyeing the formidable bunker hatch that was slowly being opened. The hatch revealed a door made of a foot-thick piece of metal, its sheer massiveness a testament to the bunker's strength and importance.

"After you, Wanheda," Roan said, a smirk playing on his lips, his tone light but his eyes wary.

We descended the staircase, and I was immediately struck by the sheer scale of the bunker. It was a vast, sprawling space, far exceeding our initial expectations and offering a glimmer of hope in its capacity to shelter many. At the bottom, a surprise awaited us. Instead of encountering only Indra, we were greeted by six other formidable figures, all exuding the authority and readiness of seasoned war chiefs.

"All my enemies in one place," Roan commented dryly, his gaze sweeping across the group, a mix of wariness and challenge in his tone.

"Who are they?" I asked, trying to maintain a steady voice while keeping my focus on Indra, the central figure in the tense standoff.

Roan's answer was informative yet tinged with respect for the formidable opponents. "The War Chiefs of the Trikru alliance," he explained, acknowledging the gravity of their presence.

I couldn't hide my concern. "She was supposed to be alone," I pointed out, the unexpected turn of events adding a new layer of complexity to the negotiations.

Roan's response came with a hint of mischief. "What fun would that be?" he quipped, his smirk suggesting he relished the challenge that lay ahead.

As we stepped onto the main floor, the conversation began, unfolding as tensely as expected. The room was a crucible of clashing wills and ideologies, each word spoken carrying the weight of our desperate circumstances. Indra's voice was a low growl, resonating with a mix of anger and accusation. "Your people murdered ours. You burned our villages. Yet you have the audacity to stand here in the name of peace," she said, her eyes burning into Roan's.

Roan's response was calm but firm, correcting her with a sense of urgency. "Not peace," he clarified. "Survival. You tried to claim this bunker exclusively. Yet, here I am, extending an olive branch for discussion."

Indra's retort was loud and full of defiance. "The Trikru alliance holds the temple!" she declared. "Of course you're willing to negotiate now!"

Roan countered with a measured tone, his words laced with a quiet confidence. "And the Azgeda alliance surrounds it," he pointed out. "Without an agreement, none of your people will set foot inside."