Eternal Oaths: Book One

Chapter XIV

The air in the palace council chamber felt heavier than usual, as if the walls themselves sensed the gravity of the conversation. Once they had finished their feast, they moved to an even grander space, Solene guessed it might have been designed as a war room. Draven paced before a grand, intricately carved oak desk, his steps slow and deliberate, the weight of his thoughts evident in every motion. Zephyrine watched him with a steady gaze, her fingers lightly tapping the armrest of her chair, betraying only a fraction of her tension.

"We need to inform the Triumvirate about the Shadows," Queen Elara said finally, her voice breaking the silence. "But we have to be careful. They're always looking for a way to twist things to their advantage."

The Vampire King nodded, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Agreed, but we can't leave them in the dark. The Shadows are a threat to everyone."

Draven stopped pacing, turning to face Elara directly. "I'll send a message to the vampiress on the Triumvirate. She descends from an ancient clan of vampires that detest the society we've built here in Kres but she's been a reliable ally in the past." He hesitated, a shadow crossing his features. "Though I haven't been able to reach her for weeks now. Not since Fatima's death."

Elara's expression shifted to one of concern. "That's unlike her. She's not one to go silent without reason, especially with the Shadows on the move."

Raava, who had been standing near the door, stepped forward. Her presence was commanding, but her eyes softened when she saw Talia. "If we're to speak to the Triumvirate, it should be done swiftly. They won't take kindly to being left out of such matters. We need allies, not more enemies."

Talia's face lit up as soon as she saw her sister step forward. "Raava! I've missed you so much!" She rushed over, wrapping her arms around her older sister in a warm embrace. "It's been too long."

Raava returned the hug tightly, her voice filled with emotion. "Far too long, little sister. The pack hasn't been the same without you."

Draven's lips curved into a slight smile at the sight of their reunion.

Raava gave Draven a playful look, and half-purred, "The Pack awaits your feedback on what to do next, my King."

Elara interjected, her tone thoughtful. "The Kres Pack has always been formidable, but the Shadows aren't a threat you can face with brute strength alone."

Raava nodded. "True, but Talia and I were born with all the magic and might of both witches and werewolves. Our pack is more than just brutes, though we do have some of those. The Shadows are ancient, but so is our knowledge."

Draven looked at her, his expression a mix of hope and resolve. "Which is why your presence is invaluable, my Queen. If there's any knowledge buried in your pack's past, we need it now more than ever."

Solene, standing beside Talia, listened intently. She was their cousin, and their fathers had been brothers. Her mind wandered to their shared past, a history filled with both joy and pain.

Talia stepped forward, her voice soft but firm. "There's much about our histories that's been kept secret, even from us."

"And now, all these years later, we stand on the brink of another war. But this one is against shadows and secrets rather than swords and claws." Queen Elara reminded.

Draven nodded, his expression resolute. "I'll speak to the Triumvirate personally. If they truly value this realm, they'll join us in this fight. But we need to be prepared for every possibility."

Raava's eyes met Draven's, her gaze unwavering. "Agreed. And if the Triumvirate has its secrets, they must know we have ours. The Kres Pack is ready for whatever comes next."