Chapitre 19

A hot pain pierced my throat.

Pain and pleasure blended into a bittersweet drug. The air remained trapped in my lungs. I melted in Zelo's arms.

We were one, merged into one.

Liquid happiness ran through my veins, making thinking impossible. He held me tight, his teeth wanting more. He stabbed deeper, straight into my soul. The feeling washed over me and I gasped before sinking.

My hands were wrapped around Zelos. His hot breath on my neck made me groan.

He pulled out his teeth.

Sweet pain coursed through me.

My head rolled sideways until it met a warm shoulder. Zelos lifted me against his chest.

"Shh..."

His voice was the melody of my soul. He held me tight in his arms, safe from the world around us. My lips parted but brought nothing out. I was caught by the emotions of all colors.

It was accompanied by tiredness. My muscles were limp, held only by Zelos. I fought the darkness and lifted my eyelids. Blood graced his lips, my blood. His eyes shone down on me like liquid rubies.

"Zelos..."

We were connected forever.

A rumble went through his chest.

Lead weighed on my lids, pulling them down. The warmth around me was the only thing I could still feel. A liberated feeling lived in my chest, as if my lungs had learned to fly.

But sleep pulled me deeper and deeper under water, away from reality and into the world of dreams...

"beth..."

"Elizabeth..."

A voice hovered somewhere in the distance, far from any peace and quiet. I wanted to stay here in the land of warmth...

"Elizabeth..."

My soul awoke.

Whoever was calling me was seeping through the bubble of sleep. My body twitched, no, trembled. The warmth disappeared. Snow fell around me.

Ice.

I shivered from the inside out. Goosebumps rose up on my arms. I shrank. I was wrapped in a blanket, but it didn't protect me from the cold of my bones. teeth chattered.

A growl made my stomach tremble.

A longing throbbed in my throat, but exhaustion held me in its icy grip. Something else drew me closer to the surface.

One hand.

Wrapped around my fingers, it was the only source of real warmth.

"You what?!"

The voice was close to my ear, angry.

"We are very sorry! We didn't know-"

"Out."

I tried to signal and move my fingers, but nothing came through. The connections didn't seem to work. I screamed at my body, but it didn't respond to any of my requests. I was trapped in myself.

My lips stayed closed.

My eyes were shrouded in darkness.

The only thing I felt was my bones shaking. This body was no longer mine. He was uninhabited.

"What should we do?"

The hand squeezed mine tighter.

Zelos...

Zelos!

I screamed, but nothing reached the other side of the wall. Even the panic inside left my heart cold.

Ice...

"Get more blankets," Zelos said and his voice dampened my fear. Footsteps hurried across the wooden floor.

Where was I?

I had to lie in a bed.

In silver crown.

"Why is she shaking when her forehead is burning hot?"

Was that Davin?

Suddenly there was a rustle next to me. The fingers fell away from me. A moment later, a log fire lit up next to me. Zelos wrapped his arm around my shoulders and pressed me to his side. My throat tingled.

It soothed my body's tremors with the searing heat it radiated.

He tagged me.

"Fever," Zelos murmured and kissed my head. "Shh... everything will be fine. We'll manage."

He whispered to me as if he knew I could hear him. A triple whimper came from the other side of the bed.

Kerberos.

Was he here too?

The uncontrolled shaking in my limbs only made me more tired. All I wanted to do was sleep.

A long hibernation.

My thoughts were clouded by the illness.

What happened?

What did the mark do?

"What's going to happen now?" Davin asked from across the room. Every movement was careful, as if he didn't want to hurt me further.

"I don't know," Zelos whispered. Silence followed. For the first time he had no plan, no solution, no strategy. He hugged me tighter. "But I will only give up when I'm dead."

His words made my stomach ache. I wanted to answer, raise my fingers, but a leaden armor pressed everything down...

My eyelids slowly lifted from sleep.

No shaking.

Warmth.

Silence.

I lay on a bed with my head buried in the pillows.

My mouth was bone dry.

I breathed in.

For the first time I could move my fingers myself and fuzzy memories came flooding back. I blinked. The fever was gone. My body was finally mine again and doing what I wanted. He was rusty but alive.

The room I was sitting in was deserted.

With all my strength I pushed aside the tower of blankets that were on me. The parched feeling in my mouth encouraged me to move. My limbs ached from the aftermath of the mark. There was a glass of water on the bedside table. In slow motion, I took it and poured the contents down my throat.

How long was I gone?

Suddenly heads came up from behind the bed.

Three pairs of yellow eyes stared down at me in unison and the hellhound jumped up. He barked in confusion and jumped at me. A tired smile spread across my lips as I greeted Kerberos. He stood over me, very careful not to stand on me.

I scratched him behind his pricked ears and the heads fought for my two hands.

The door thundered open.

Hasty footsteps rushed towards me. Silver-white hair and bright eyes were fixed on me.

"Elizabeth."

Relief flowed through my veins as Zelos came to a halt in front of me. The mark on my neck sent a tingle down my spine. I felt the wound carefully. Cloth was wrapped around the wound, which flared briefly at my touch.

Zelos took my fingers in his and squeezed them.

"You're finally awake," he whispered. His eyes searched my face for any sign of pain.

"I'm doing well..."

"If I hear that sentence out of your mouth again, I'll have to tie it up for a while," Zelos growled and the mark flickered and gave my stomach a pang.

"How- how long was I gone?" I asked, trying not to blush.

"Three years."

"What?!"

Laugh lines formed around his ruby eyes and fangs flashed beneath his lips. The panic died as quickly as it came.

"It felt like three years," answered Zelos. "In reality it was three days."

I breathed a sigh of relief and pushed my red strands out of my face. Then a new shock shot through me.

"What about Linur and the other humans? What about Luna Mayra? Is Lenkin already the new alpha? like i-"

A paw pressed to my lips, smothering the rest of the questions swirling around in my head.

"I was serious about tying it up," Zelos whispered and raised an eyebrow as if he was just waiting for replies. I didn't dare to move and his smile widened. "Okay."

His lips invited me with their mockery. He removed his hand from my face and I stared at him in total perplexity. He attracted me like a magnet. Something had changed. The sparks between us had become a fire.

i wanted him

I buried my hands in my hair and broke the spell. What was the matter with me? Tears pooled in my eyes. They rolled down my cheeks without stopping. Why am I crying now?

The feelings in me ran storm. Fear fought lust and I stood in the middle. Everything was scattered in a chaos that knew no ruler.

"What's going on?" Zelos growled and pushed my hair out of my face. He put a finger under my chin and lifted it back to his eyes. "Now if you say that you're fine..."

A sad smile tugged at the corners of my mouth.

"No, I- like- you- oh!"

I clawed my fingers into Zelo's wrists, which didn't seem to bother him much. I pushed all thoughts into a back corner, along with the feelings. I could take care of that later. I had a task I needed to focus on. I swore to Linur to get him out of the mountain.

I wiped the tears from my cheeks.

You wouldn't help anyone.

"Where are the people?"

****

"Elizabeth, it's better if you rest first," said Zelos.

"No, I can't! I promised him," I replied.

"Who did you swear something to?"

"Linur! I promised him we'd get out of there..."

"The boy?" he asked. He rubbed soothing circles across the back of my hand. A calming feeling rippled through my body from the mark on my neck.

I nodded.

The boy who wanted to take a star from the sky. Exhaustion settled on my eyelids again. I had slept for so long and I was still tired. My fingers came loose from Zelo's shirt and I hung my head.

A yawn parted my lips.

"Why am I so tired?"

"The agreement between us probably demanded all your strength," answered Zelos. "I admit, for a moment you gave me a huge fright..."

My features softened. I lifted my head and looked into his beautiful eyes. Something inside me tightened. He was worried about me. I lifted my fingers and placed them against his cheek. He closed his lids.

"I was trapped in my body and the fever distorted my senses. But you were there for me the whole time," I said. My heart paused for the moment Zelo's gaze met mine again.

My soul danced with his.

He smiled.

"Are you trying to say thank you right now?" he asked. "No need. After all, it was me who bit you ."

"Yes, and I was a willing player," I replied. The red intensified and Zelos leaned down. The nerves in my throat tickled with anticipation. Our lips met.

It was like the kiss had taken the pressure off my shoulders. As quickly as the moment came, it fizzled out again. Something growled and it wasn't Kerberos.

My stomach.

Heat welled up in my cheeks while Zelos threw back his head and laughed extensively. Even the giant dog raised its three heads from the carpet to look at me questioningly.

"How good that I took precautions," said Zelos and wiped away an imaginary tear.

As if on cue, there was a knock at the door. I instinctively grabbed his hand. The wood creaked. In the frame Davin stood with a huge tray between his hands. The smell of fresh pancakes and scrambled eggs wafted towards me and my stomach grumbled impatiently.

"I guess I've come at the right time," said Davin. He balanced the tray past an interested Kerberos before handing it to Zelos.

"Thanks," I replied, barely able to focus on anything but the food. My mouth watered into a reservoir. Davin nodded and the door slammed shut behind him.

I leaned against the edge of the bed while Zelos placed the tray on my thighs. The scrambled eggs were still steaming, as were the pancakes, which were covered in white powdered sugar like snow. A cup of tea and a bowl of dried berries accompanied the meal.

I closed my eyes and sucked in the aromas.

"Bon appétit", said Zelos.

I gulped down the reservoir and grabbed my knife and fork. First I stabbed the pancakes. The sweet taste exploded on my tongue and I sighed in relief.

I hadn't eaten anything for three days.

"Very tasty," I murmured, trying to keep a few manners. When the first wave of hunger was over, I looked up from the tray. "What happened while I was gone?"

Zelos searched my eyes and leaned back in his chair.

"Silvercrown has a new alpha," he said. "Lenkin has prevailed."

"What about Luna Mayra?" I asked, interrupting my meal.

"Lenkin offered her to stay after the defeat, but she wouldn't accept. So he banished her."

"Banished?"

Zelos nodded. Part of me wanted to be happy, but another part knew that Luna Mayra was still up to mischief somewhere.

"She's one of the savages now. That was only yesterday. "Lenkin is knee-deep in rebuilding his pack," said Zelos while I was eating the dried berries. "I made him call back the Seekers. That's a first step."

"Who are the Seekers?" I asked.

"The wolves, which you interrupted during their delivery that night," answered Zelos and his voice dripped with disgust. He meant those with the cart that had brought the people here involuntarily. "Lenkin has stopped their activities. That means for now no new people captured."

"That's a start," I replied. "But what about Linur and the others? They're stuck down there."

"What do you suggest?" he asked.

I was silent.

Could we free them by force? Should we even? We couldn't go against the whole pack. But it couldn't stay like this.

"We have to negotiate with Lenkin," I said and Zelos smiled at my answer. He took a berry from my tray.

"That's a good suggestion," he replied, pushing the red berry past his lips. "What do you want to negotiate about?"

"Well, about the release of the people, of course."

"And what's in it for Lenkin?" Zelos asked, raising an eyebrow. "If you want to negotiate, you should consider his point of view. He would have nothing but stress from this suggestion. He has only just become alpha and must first settle his prove to his own pack. In addition, the gems give him the money he needs to trade with Mountain Shade. When that falls away..."

Zelos let the sentence stand between us.

Lenkin would never agree like that.

I take a deep breath.

"Then what's your suggestion?" I asked. Zelos leaned back further and grinned. "I know exactly that you've already thought of a plan."

“But it would be boring if I made the offer. I thought you want to stand up for the people," he replied. "So what can you offer Lenkin to make him agree to your proposal?"

I frowned.

"It's inhuman," I said.

Zelos laughed.

"Inhuman? Wolves don't see themselves as humans, even in mountain shadows."

I dropped my gaze to the bed.

"Maybe that's the problem," I murmured.

Silence enveloped us for a moment. A finger lifted my chin back to Zelo's eyes. His expression was serious.

"To me, we will always be equals, even if we're not equals," he whispered, his lips moving to the melody of his voice.

"Yes, you have an odd wolf shape," I replied, attempting a smile.

"And you can just touch silver without burning yourself... Creepy," Zelos replied and a real smile blossomed on his lips.

How could he be so cute and so dangerous at the same time...

"We complement each other well," I said.

"And that's exactly what you have to make clear to Lenkin."

I stared into his eyes.

"You mean- but of course! Silvercrown could really be a lot more than just a pure pack of werewolves. In Berg Schatten we have always lived together. No one had to eat only meat. If Lenkin freed the people and gave them land, they could do so much good."

"But why should he release her when riches are buried in the mountain?" Zelos asked innocently.

“At home, some also worked as lumberjacks. Lenkin would not have to give up the mountain. People can still work down there... but they should be able to return to the surface in the evening," I replied.

Zelos clapped his hands together.

"We have a suggestion for our new alpha! It's good that I've already set up a meeting."

My eyeballs almost popped out of their sockets.

"You have something?!"

"I thought you wanted to get the boy out of the mountain as soon as possible. Anyway, Lenkin has a lot to do. I can take him off again-"

I pushed the empty tray onto the blanket and jumped up just as Zelos turned around. I grabbed his wrist.

"No, I can do that," I mumbled and Zelos looked down at me with warm eyes. He pulled me closer to him.

A negotiation with an alpha?

I felt safe in Zelo's presence.

"How lovely," he murmured, and a fire flared up at my throat. He leaned down and the heat of the pack house engulfed us.

***

I rubbed my sweaty hands on the fabric of the pants. My heart was light in my chest and kept pounding against my ribs. The turtleneck hid the fresh marking.

A warm hand settled on my lower back. Zelos sent calming waves through my body and I took a deep breath. Nothing could happen to me with him.

"Remember the plan," he whispered as we waited outside the Alpha's room. "Lenkin will only do what is best for his pack."

I nodded.

What could possibly go wrong?

Except that countless people remained trapped under my feet.

I knocked on the wooden door.

"In!"

The door creaked open. A huge room with a high ceiling awaited us. One of the walls consisted almost entirely of windows, while a purple carpet hid the stone floor. A valley of snow stretched out behind the glass. Lenkin's raven locks shone in the winter light. He was sitting behind a desk.

He pushed back the chair and came toward us.

His features seemed more serious and his shoulders broader, as if he had new weight to carry.

"Zelos, Elizabeth," he said, nodding to us. "Please have a seat. Excuse me for a moment. I'll be right with you."

Lenkin pointed to his right, where there was a huge table with a map. Zelos and I followed his gesture and looked at the map. The mountain was enthroned in the middle and surrounded by valleys and peaks. Mountain shadow lay to the south. To the north, however, was only plains and a raging river, beyond which lurked Silverblood.

Across the map watched the territory from Iceclaw to the Infinite Sea. Ephilia had to be there somewhere...

I leaned over to Zelos.

"Why isn't Alpha Eros attacking from the north?" I asked.

"For one, because there's a pretty thick mountain range between them, here," he replied, pointing to a dark streak. "For another, there's a huge field of vervain to the north. There, the violet colors. It would be stupid from either side into that to invade other packs. So they'd better watch each other with suspicion from afar."

"Alpha Eros won't interfere?"

We sat down around the chart table.

"As always, it's quiet around Iceclaw. I wouldn't be surprised if he knows about everything here, but wants to let things take their course... After all, Silverblood can't threaten him now that Shadowmountain and the mountain are safe again."

I let my head sink back onto the map.

Silverblood had a territory that extended more to the west.

"The western forest?" I asked. It consisted of trees, lakes, rocks and small streams.

"The only paradise in Silberblut, where one has peace from the white palace...", Zelos whispered.

"It must be beautiful there," I murmured. I longed for some rest.

The door slammed shut, pulling me out of my thoughts. Lenkin marched towards us and sat down in one of the chairs opposite.

“There was a little argument among the guards. Now I'm here for you. How can I help?" he asked, leaning back.

I opened my mouth, but the creaking of the door cut me off before I could start. A little cart rolled in, on which trembled cups and a china pot.

Lyza looked worse than ever. Her hair was tied back strictly, emphasizing the protruding cheekbones. Dark circles lay under her eyes, while the rest of her skin was white as flour.

She pushed the tea set over to us.

With trembling hands, she poured steaming water into each cup and handed it to us. Upon closer inspection, faded scars adorned her skin. My blood began to boil, but I tried to keep my composure. I would have liked to convey my thoughts to her that it would soon be over.

"Thank you," I said, but she didn't meet my eyes. An awkward silence fell in the room. Lyza walked around the table and handed the last cup to Lenkin. He stared at her with such intense eyes, as if she were about to vanish.

Lyza disappeared into one of the corners with the cart as if she were part of the decoration. My heart jumped up and down at the injustice. I took a deep breath.

"Alpha Lenkin, thank you for the hospitality you have shown us."

"Before you continue, I must interrupt you," he said. "I apologize on behalf of the pack for what happened to you. You are our guest. The Seekers should never have thrown you into the mountain. I already have their activities set."

He looked at Zelos, who had triggered this order.

"There's no bad blood between us," I said and Lenkin raised the cup to his lips. "But it's exactly the mountain I want to talk to you about."

His hand froze.

"What is there?"

"You have incredible riches being unearthed down there. But the conditions are not ideal. Every single person I met down there was skinny. You can't work like that," I said, testing the water I was in.

Lenkin put the cup down on the map and stroked his curls.

"What are you implying?"

Now there was no turning back.

"Let the people out of this dungeon. Give them a chance to be part of Silberkrone and make their contribution here on the surface."

The Alpha let out a breath.

“Silver Crown is literally built on this mountain. I can't stop working down there or everything would collapse up here," he said. For a moment his gaze flickered to Lyza, who was rooted to the corner.

She had to follow the conversation.

Was she happy inside?

"I understand that. But your pack offers the opportunity for so much wealth off the mountain. People could use their knowledge to contribute. The mine doesn't have to shut down, but when you empower people, you empower yourself at the same time," I replied. "Give them a chance to see the daylight and fend for themselves."

Under the table, I felt a hand on my knee, squeezing it. A tingle went through my mark. I could feel Zelo's tension.

Lenkin was silent for a long time.

“These are great demands that you are making here. Everything sounds wonderful in your speech, but you have forgotten the problems that such a thing brings. Where should we put them? There are hardly any houses in the mountains."

Zelos stroked my thigh as if he wanted to calm me down. Somehow it worked.

"You are right. "There are serious problems with that," I replied, looking at Lyza, "but there's also a gradual fix. For one thing, there are people down there who were builders before the big shift."

"A plan would have to be worked out," muttered Lenkin. "That would take years."

I tried to hide my shock.

Years?

"Have you ever been down there?" I asked, looking closely into his brown eyes. Lenkin cleared his throat.

"No."

"Then you should visit the hell that was created by your predecessors," I answered. Having Zelos next to me made me no longer afraid. I said what I thought. "I know that you have a good heart. Trapped down there are children who have never seen the sun or the moon."

Lenkin's eyes darted back and forth as if searching for a solution. I let him process my words before continuing.

“I met a kid who was skinny and you could hardly see it because of the dirt. Still, he carried a pickaxe with him. He-"

A whimper echoed through the room.

All eyes snapped to Lyza, who was crouched in the corner, both hands clasped over her mouth as if she could take back the sound. Big tears rolled down her cheeks and the sobs slipped past her fingers.

A chair squeaked back.

Lenkin jumped up and rushed towards her.

I followed his movement.

He couldn't hurt her!

"No!" I shouted, but my warning was ignored.

A hand around my waist held me back. Zelos pressed me against him and although his warmth was comforting, I tried to free myself from his grip.

"Look," he whispered in my ear and my movements died.

Lenkin crouched next to Lyza and helped her back to her feet. He wrapped his arms around her and pressed her head into his chest. She cried on him, unafraid of the werewolf holding her in his arms.

"What the hell...?" I asked.

Lenkin gently stroked her head and whispered comforting words in her ear.

"You're probably not the only human companion," Zelos whispered and pushed my collar aside. He pressed a hot kiss on the mark, which exploded through my body like fireworks.

human companion?

Lyza and Lenkin?