1. A Secret of Snow and Ruin

Chapter XXIII

Alistair Wardwell

"Ries wants me at the negotiation and mission? Are you sure?" I ask Elysia as I get dressed in the knight garment she had for me. Ries has summoned me on the negotiation they were settling with Alpha Uriah Crescentridge from Karo Clan. Apparently Karo Clan and Voreia Clan had been fueding for decades over a stretch of land that both wanted to inhabit called Nereus City.

Nereus once belonged to House Frostbane of Nevenus Clan that were neighbors of Voreia Clan. But under siege for it, Voreia Clan claimed it one hundred years ago in a messy battle and ever since House Frostbane have been peacekeepers who avoided war at all costs.

During the battle they allied with House Crescentridge for a stronger army and in return have House Crescentridge a small piece of the land near the lakes. I had heard of Nereus because of their plethora of fish despite its waters being below zero. The magical glowing fish in Nereus's lakes were potent with a high level of moonshine that was used in healing treatments, alcohol, and more.

With Blythe's furthering research, getting one of these fish might help the raid and cure the rabid wolves. It was also the perfect opportunity for the clan to reclaim something they rightfully and willfully fought. However this piece of land had the highest rabid Lycan population and was riddled with families fending themselves and was deemed an untouchable zone.

Alpha Crescentridge also wanted to hit that point because of their minor ownership of the city. Now, Ries and Uriah will meet outside the cities borders to discuss who shall clear it out and claim the land. Elysia shrugs and says, "You repaired the great wall. Your magic has proven useful to Ries. He's willing to use you during this last negotiation before borders are closed for good under King Orions council."

"He's choosing me?" I ask again to make sure.

"That family you saved is forever grateful for you. Ries wants you there one on our mission to ensure we will be safe and to make sure he can keep a good eye on you. Ries wants to see you in action to see if you're not a real threat to our clan. It is damage control really...and you're the damage we are controlling." Elysia explains.

"Thanks for the heads up?" I question with thanks and honest confusion at Ries's intentions. "Here let me fix this." Elysia says as she looks at my crooked buckle, she tugs it tight and looks at me with a sensual glance. Her mouth was opened a little and eyes romanced me as they roamed from my face to my body and my lips. I look at Elysia as she stands before me in her skin tight uniform that has her bows tied to her back. Her hair was pulled back in a bun and curly strands spilled out from her bun that framed her face perfectly.

She looked naturally beautiful and the more I stared at her, the less I could resist saying, "I like your hunting uniform, it suits your body."

Elysia laughs at my comment, "It's not called a hunting uniform it's my knight garments. And thank you Lord Wardwell, you look nice in your garment." After she was done tightening my straps her hands roamed around my armor and garment. "...The knight look suits you...you know I could get used to this."

I was turned on.

"You know we can't." I say. One more look at me like that and all bets were off.

"Which makes this all the more tempting. Our scents on each other is not a good look." Elysia said sarcastically.

"Definitely not a good look for us." I say with sarcasm too. "So...who is coming to this and please tell me I'll be with you." I question.