Chapitre 21

"Alpha Udyr," I said, bowing to the huge man who confronted us. Astor's presence calmed me a little, but my heart and wolf jumped in equal measure.

"Who is this she-wolf?" asked Alpha Udyr. His voice had a powerful tone.

Astor purposefully grabbed my hand and, with his permission, I lifted my head. My eyes widened. I looked into a striking face with graying hair and brown eyes that I knew all too well.

That had to be Astor's father.

I had no doubts about that, the shape of the face, the eyes, it was all too similar.

"This is Dana, my mate," Astor said.

Alpha Udyr's light wrinkles deepened in surprise.

"Is that so, yes? Why is she wearing a uniform?" he asked, watching me. My wolf wanted to bow a second time. In front of us was the man who had brought countless packs together after the Great Reversal. And Astor was his son.

"That is a long story. We will come before you at the hearings tomorrow and tell our story for all to hear," Astor said.

Alpha Udyr nodded.

"It's nice to have you back," he replied, and you could almost feel a spark of warmth before he closed the door behind him.

I breathed a sigh of relief.

Alpha Udyr didn't seem as bad as the tales told, and yet...

Astor had said himself that he had no successor, and all because he was born on a certain day. Still, he was his son.

"Come on," Astor said softly, leading me further through the picture-hung corridors.

"Why didn't you say anything?" I asked, stroking his forearm.

"I wanted to tell you everything afterwards, but his ears are just too good," Astor grumbled. "Here, this is my kingdom."

He pushed down the gold-plated latch and I took a deep breath. Astor's scent hung in the air and on the beautiful wooden furniture. The double bed looked airy, as if the pillows were filled to the brim with down feathers. Royal blue sofas and armchairs with airy upholstery stood around the fireplace.

I could stay here for a while.

"So Beta Talon isn't your father?" I asked, stepping into the room in amazement.

"What makes you think that?" Astor asked, closing the doors behind us. "No, Talon is my uncle. He sometimes calls me son because he doesn't have any children himself."

"Hasn't he any mate?"

"No, he's never had one, and he's pretty sure he never will," Astor said, walking toward me across the carpet. "But that's what I thought..."

My eyes widened.

I staggered back, but Astor was faster. The hunger in his eyes blazed like fire.

"Finally I have you all to myself," he said before pressing his lips to mine and I melted into his arms. His tongue took control of the kiss. A moan vibrated against our lips and flowed seamlessly into his. A tingling spread in my stomach and my wolf whimpered.

"Astor, Ah!"

He picked me up with ease and carried me over to the bed. He threw me onto the pillows and a laugh escaped my lips as I tightened. He didn't give me a breather. His face hovered over mine. I stroked his golden strands and watched as he closed his eyes.

Suddenly he pressed his hip against mine. I gasped. The sensation reverberated throughout my body. Suddenly I felt my wolf take possession and my field of vision changed color. My fangs sharpened in an urge to bite him.

Astor's eyes widened for a moment before a gleeful smile spread across his lips.

"Are you trying to tag me?" he asked. "I'm not going to make it that easy for you."

I fought with all my might against my wolf, who reluctantly gave control back to me.

"Are you afraid of a little bite?" I asked.

"Not at all. Just that you're enjoying it too much," Astor replied with a grin on his lips.

"Who says I'll be the only one enjoying it," I replied, and his eyes darkened.

"Whose self-control are we trying to test?"

I laughed, a real laugh. Then I pushed his shoulders back. It must have been after midnight and we were playing cat and mouse in the white palace. My life had changed in the past few months in ways I never thought possible.

"Let's take a bath instead," I said before clasping my hands over my mouth. Astor's roar of laughter followed. "No, not together! Alone, of course, Astor!"

I nudged him in the shoulder, but he must have been enjoying my slip of the tongue far too much. My cheeks flushed as I introduced ourselves together.

"The bathroom's over there," Astor said between fits of laughter, pointing to one of the doors.

I walked through with my head held high and locked it behind me. Immediately my head fell into my hands. Why did I just say something so stupid? I looked up.

Everything shone with cleanliness as if it had been freshly installed.

A mirror sparkled at me, while gold ornaments gleamed on the tub and sink. I had never seen such wealth before. Here I could enjoy my bath...

...

"Dana, are you alright?"

Astor's muffled voice woke me from my sleep. The water lapped around me as I sat up.

"Yeah, uh, okay," I replied, standing up.

I hadn't even noticed how fatigue had crept into my bones. I grabbed one of the towels, which was softer than cashmere. A yawn escaped my lips as I dried myself. The feeling of finally being clean again made me even more tired.

All I needed now was a restful, long sleep.

I looked at myself in the mirror once. My brown strands were almost shoulder length again. From now on I didn't have to hide anymore and tomorrow after the conversation with Alpha Udyr it was all over.

I turned the handle and pulled the towel closer to me. To my astonishment, there were clothes of all kinds lying on the bed.

"Here, I've had something brought to you. Things should fit. We can get you some real clothes tomorrow," Astor grunted. I hugged the towel closer to me. Still, I felt his gaze slide down and back up to my eyes, leaving a hot path on my skin.

"Thank you," I replied as Astor stalked past me into the bathroom. He must be exhausted from the trip, too. The carpet beneath my feet was as soft as wool. I looked around again, but as the water closed behind the door started walking, I stomped towards the clothes.

Astor hadn't lied. The mountain of clothes was of the finest fabric and smelled freshly laundered. The underwear fit perfectly. For the night, I pulled one of Astor's black tops from the organized pile. It was almost up to my knees. I laid the other things over the sofa along with the towel.

That would not only last until tomorrow, but for a week. I raised my gaze to the walls. A map hung on one side of the fireplace, covering most of the wall. It was not painted, but woven together from thousands of fibers.

River Claw still existed here.

Below lay Silvercrown in a mountainous region, and then the mountain shadow pack followed. I had never heard of either of them, unlike Iron Claw. It completely occupied both the East and the North. How could you even guard such a large territory?

A shiver ran down my spine when I thought of the nomads in the far north. They were certainly good watchmen.

"What are you wearing?"

I jerked around to Astor's voice. A hot desire burned in his eyes. Suddenly I realized how tight the shirt went over my thighs. I trudged across the plush carpet to the bed and ducked under the covers as fast as I could.

"That's just cozy," I grumbled, his scent all over me. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. The sheets rustled as Astor lay down next to me.

"You don't have to be afraid. You'll tell the truth in front of everyone tomorrow,” he murmured, pulling me closer to his body. He lay behind me so my back was pressed against his chest. His hand was possessive on my stomach and I could feel his breath on the back of my neck.

"Good night," I murmured as his strong heartbeat lulled me to sleep.

"Good night..."

Hope everything goes well tomorrow.

***

I widened my eyes. The gap between the curtains let in the gray clouds. Astor was still behind me. Although his breathing was calm and regular, he had his arm wrapped tightly around me.

I put my hand over his and a tingle ran through my arm. I placed my fingers on his, but they were too small to cover all of him. His skin was rougher and a little more suntanned.

"Astor," I whispered.

There was a rumble behind me and suddenly something bumped against my butt. I let out a surprised squeak and tried to break free of his grip. A hoarse laugh sounded behind me. The sound made my stomach twitch.

"Astor!" I cried accusingly, unwrapping myself from his embrace. I stared at him, his eyes still a bit sleepy but amused.

"I can wake up like this every morning," he whispered, brushing a strand of hair away from my face. He was so gentle with me that I almost forgot what it was like in the camp. His expression darkened be, but you don't have to be afraid. I'll be there all the time. You won't be harmed, I promise."

I nodded.

Astor searched my face. He could hear my heart bouncing up and down anxiously. My wolf had retreated into the back of my head as if waiting for the storm to pass.

"Come on, we should get up. Hearings are about to start," he said, throwing back the covers. I sat on the edge of the bed and stretched my muscles. Astor disappeared into the bathroom while I grabbed the dress from the sofa. It was smooth as silk and was different shades of blue and one reddish band around the waist.

I changed my clothes as quickly as I could and tied it in a bow. It fit perfectly. The door creaked open and Astor came out. He wore a white shirt and dress pants, revealing his broad build.

My wolf purred, proud of the mate.

"You look beautiful," he said, voicing what I thought of him. Heat shot up in my cheeks as I looked away in embarrassment.

"Thanks, you don't look bad either," I replied.

Astor stepped to my side so I could hook my arm on his. His nearness calmed me a little, and yet there was a sinking feeling in my stomach.

The corridor was deserted in front of us and Astor led me to the main staircase. The gates below were open, letting in countless wolves in addition to the morning breeze. They all flocked to the great hall that could be reached from the entrance.

Astor squeezed my hand as if sensing my tension.

“For most wolves, this is a big occasion. They haven't seen their alpha for a long time," he said. "There will also be a celebration in the next few days since we defeated Riverclaw."

I nodded bluntly, unable to give anything of myself. We reached the bottom of the stairs and were immersed in the myriad smells and voices echoing in the entrance hall. Everywhere warriors stood and watched over the wolves.

The huge doors kept growing until we entered the great hall.

Like everything else, the wide central aisle was carpeted with red. A huge window front made of colored glass beamed at us. She told tales of battles, coronations and kings.

Directly below sat Alpha Udyr.

He could look down at his pack frolicking on either side of the aisle. The throne beside him was empty. My eyes darted to Astor. He hadn't told me about his mother. She must have died a long time ago...

"Let the hearings begin!" a voice proclaimed over the barrage of conversation, which fell silent.

Without hesitation, Astor pulled me forward with him. My heart skipped a beat. I couldn't pull my hand out of his grip. I felt all eyes on me like a burden I had to carry around with me.

I squeezed Astor's hand.

Alpha Udyr just kept growing.

My stomach was beginning to feel as if wasps had nested there, flying in all directions.

“It's traditional to start with the prisoners. Who comes before me here?" Alpha asked Udyr, staring at our linked hands. Inwardly, I thanked Astor for answering.

“Tradition is not law and here is a matter of paramount importance. Before you steps Dana van Eschwald, daughter and only child of the Keeper of the Western Forest. I am her mate."

His powerful voice echoed through the room, leaving goosebumps on my arms. Its size protected me from at least one side of the audience.

"Why are you here?" Alpha asked Udyr, turning his gaze to me.

"A few months ago our family, like everyone else here, received a scroll urging everyone to surrender a man to the army," I said. It was strange hearing my own voice in such a large room. The wolves around us around nodding as if they remembered, so I continued.

"Like Astor said, I'm an only child and my father is the keeper of the Western Forest. Not only that, he's blind."

Amazement went through the crowd, as if they were rooting for my story.

“I saw no other way out. I brewed a potion, cut my hair and disappeared to the north camp. There I met Astor, my companion. He was the only one who saw right through me," I said, giving him a sideways look. His fingers were tightly wrapped around mine and I knew he would never let go.

I turned back to Alpha Udyr.

"I broke the law and I ask forgiveness for my actions," I said, bowing to him.

A long silence followed.

The heart in my chest had to be beating so loud that everyone in the room could hear it. I took a shaky breath.

"Rise, Dana van Eschwald," answered Alpha Udyr and I followed his command. He himself got up from his throne and eyed me sharply. "

My lungs cramped.

"Furthermore, it is my duty to forgive where forgiveness is deserved," Udyr said, and I could almost see a spark of warmth in his brown eyes responsible for you today."

A relieved smile blossomed on my lips and I looked at Astor. Without hesitation, I wrapped my arms around him and planted a kiss on his lips.

We made it.

Some wolves clapped as if rejoicing with us. Astor possessively wrapped an arm around my waist and hugged me into his side. The grin didn't fall off my face the whole way back.

"Who's next?"

A door near the window front swung open. Astor was about to pull me out of the room when the rustle of chains filled the room. I looked back and froze.

Luna Laila was dragged forward.

My stomach felt a pang as I thought of Luke. I couldn't see her face, but her collapsed frame gave something away.

"Dana, you shouldn't see this," Astor murmured, but I wriggled out of his grasp.

"No, I need to know what's happening..."

Alpha Udyr rose again as he surveyed the former Luna standing in chains before him. Thanks to my she-wolf, I could understand every single word.

"Say your name," he commanded.

"Luna Laila," she replied, raising her head.

"Riverclaw is now part of Silverblood and your alpha is dead. So tell me your real name."

"Laila Stihn."

Her voice was barely more than a whisper and she looked down. My blood began to boil as I watched her attempt to arouse sympathy.

“Alpha Lam may be dead, but you are not. Riverclaw has committed countless crimes against Silverblood, the worst of which are multiple border crossings, kidnapping a puppy, and murdering a warrior. Is that true?"

Yes that was it.

Luna Laila kept her head down and made no reply. An odd mood settled over the room as everyone looked at the crouched she-wolf that had fallen to her knees.

I wanted to yell at her to admit her actions. She was a cold-blooded killer. I took a step forward.

"Don't," Astor whispered, holding me back.

Then a sob sounded.

"I've already made a confession. Why are you torturing me again?" she asked, looking up.

The naïve part of me wanted pity, but the hatred was too great. She was nothing but an actress who conformed. Today she was the poor wolf, yesterday the tyrannical Luna.

"So you confess to all the deeds against Silverblood?"

"Yes, I confess."