Chapitre 22

"I don't mean to complain, but it's suspiciously quiet," Davin said.

In response, the wind howled through the mountains and trees around us. I pulled the coat closer to me.

Ulf next to me had his eyes fixed on the path ahead. We descended the rest of the mountain, countless warriors of mountain shadow and silver crown behind us.

Zelos was a few steps in front of us, completely focused on our surroundings. My legs didn't even touch the snowy slope. Kerberos was too big for that.

I dug my fingers into its fur and one of the heads turned to face me. Zelos had insisted that I sit on the hellhound.

Now and then I looked back, first at the warriors behind us and then at Silvercrown, whose packhouse was perched on the highest mountain and from which we were growing ever further away.

We had entered enemy territory.

"Why isn't anyone here?" I asked.

Did we just walk into a trap?

"The warriors who saw the tunnel collapse must have fled back to Riverclaw," answered Zelos, but his eyes remained glued to the path in front of us. "I wouldn't be surprised if we found Riverclaw completely deserted."

"Alpha Udyr would never give up the river," said Ulf in a tense voice. With every step through the snow, he got closer to his family. And every step would become more difficult.

"What do you mean?" Davin asked.

"Every day he gets crazier. I was also drafted into the army at the time,' Ulf replied. 'If he forced Delta Ivan to hold the flow...'

His voice sounded contemptuous.

My mouth was open.

Would Alpha Udyr just tear down the bridges with his warriors still in Riverclaw? He must be furious when he found out what had happened at Silvercrown. Hope he didn't take it out on his people...

The trees thinned and gray clouds hung over our heads. The cloak and Kerberos beneath me kept me reasonably warm, were it not for the sinking in the pit of my stomach.

The mountains smoothed out with every meter, until there was only an ice desert in front of us.

"Welcome to Riverclaw," Davin murmured.

Through the fog that obscured my vision, I could see little but snow and clouds, which blended into a gray mass on the horizon. The pack lay deserted in front of us and we followed the unspoken invitation.

Zelos marched on and the snow crunched under his boots.

"So have you ever been to Riverclaw?" Davin asked and Ulf nodded.

"I don't have fond memories of the pack..."

His answer lingered in the winter air.

"Were you there when it was taken?"

Ulf asked with a dry laugh. "Unfortunately, my family was the trigger. Luna Laila was completely insane. She kidnapped my daughter and passed it off as her puppy. Riverclaw has attacked us many times and Alpha Udyr has that as the ultimate reason seen to hit back. None of us knew at the time that he would go that far."

"Get ready," Zelos said and interrupted his thoughts.

I gripped my fingers tighter on Kerberos fur, who grumbled unhappily. The warriors behind us caught up and passed us. They almost formed a wall through which I could hardly see anything.

We passed bare trees hidden under the snow.

"Ulf, Davin, you go to the river with the scouts. I don't want any nasty surprises", ordered Zelos, his eyes fixed on the pack house in the fog. The wolves bowed and pushed through the shield to the soldiers.

The trees made way for houses. The air could pull in through the crooked wooden boards and the windows were milky with dirt and dust. We were in a ghost village with only the icy wind blowing around.

Eyes flashed from behind one of the panes of glass. They widened as they met mine and disappeared as quickly as they came. I pulled my coat closer to me.

People had to hide here.

How many really remained here in Riverclaw?

The snow crunched under the warriors' soles.

"Stop", ordered Zelos, of which I could only see the silver-white tuft at the top. The pack house towered over us. Like the rest of the houses, it was built of wood, but only half the size of the fortress in silver crown.

Kerberos growled one of the heads.

I threw my leg to the side and jumped into the snow. So I could see even less river claw and more warrior backs. I tried to peek between the broad shoulders. My lips let out an icy cloud.

The doors to the packhouse were open, but no one showed up. The wind howled into the black opening.

Had Silverblood really left the pack altogether?

"Show yourself!", Zelos commanded and his voice made the frosty air tremble. Everyone here could smell the smells, except for me.

A shadow slowly stepped into the winter mist.

Broad shoulders, shaved black hair and a green uniform.

The wolf had stern features and let his eyes travel over us.

A soldier.

"Are you Delta Ivan?" Zelos asked.

Not a single muscle moved in our counterpart. The wolf stopped in the entrance as if he wanted to guard the pack house with his life.

"And you must be the Lycan," he finally answered without batting an eyelid.

"Now that we have clarified the names, why don't you ask your friend with the veiling potion to also step into the light of day," said Zelos and the touch of amusement floated in his voice. "No blood needs to be shed today."

Delta Ivan gave him a disparaging glare before nodding.

Another figure emerged from the darkness of the pack house. She towered over Delta Ivan by quite a bit. The brown beard protected the beast of a wolf from the winter chill, not that it could harm him.

"Roan!"

All heads jerked to the side and stared at Ulf, who had just rejoined us with Davin. The old man stared at the giant wolf and a hint of a smile lit his face.

They knew each other.

They were both of silver blood.

The square wolf started moving, as did Ulf. They met in the middle. Roan slapped the old man on the shoulder, who nearly landed in the snow. The giant smiled.

"You old man, you actually survived. I'm impressed," he growled.

"I could say the same about you," Ulf replied, and for the first time I saw a real smile on his face, pushing the shadows back a bit. "Heard anything from Dan?"

Roan's gaze darted to Delta Ivan, who was watching the reunion with disapproval.

"No nothing. It's quiet in the western forest. We're cut off from the pack. Everyone else fled before they tore down the bridges."

"Come on!" Delta Ivan thundered. "Kill us! We have no defenses left. You locked our warriors in the mountain. What are you waiting for?"

Zelos took a step forward. He eyed Ulf and Roan before turning to Delta Ivan.

"We will not shed blood unless it is necessary. I assume that you are in charge here?" Zelos asked. "We will give back River Claw to those who owned it before the occupation."

A cold laugh washed over Delta Ivan.

"You'll have to look a long time for that. The wolves that were still fit are in the mountain of Silvercrown. The land is fallow and cut off from Alpha Udyr. Without food you will first have to make sure that nobody starves. Especially the people."

His disdain drove a blade into my stomach.

"Are any foxes still alive?" Zelos asked, unimpressed by the Delta's words. He nodded. "Davin, take him to one of the rooms and guard him."

Davin marched towards the delta and with some guards he circled the enemy soldier. He made no move to defend himself.

"Everyone was allowed to cross the river home," he said, but the venom in his voice etched the words. "Everyone was allowed to go, except me. I think this is my punishment for failing here..."

Delta Ivan allowed himself to be taken away without resistance.

"What about you?" Zelos asked and his gaze burned through the other wolf, who was a few centimeters taller, but recognized the Lycan's eyes.

"My name is Roan. I couldn't leave my commander here to die alone," he said. "He trained Ulf and I at the training camp."

"In the training camp...", Zelos murmured and his eyes flashed. "Interesting... Ulf, you will keep an eye on him. Who would have thought that silverblood would leave us such a treasure..."

****

Dear Tommy,

I'm sorry I haven't got back to you for so long. I hope you are doing well and I miss you very much. A lot has happened in the last few weeks. I'm writing to you from Riverclaw. It's cold here, even colder than at home. You can tell we're getting closer to the north. Winter has hit the pack hard and we will need food to get through the season.

I'm waiting for the day when we finally meet again. I hope Theo is fine too and you don't do too many stupid things with him.

I love you.

Take care.

Your Lizzy.

The pen scratched the paper and tears blurred my vision. My heart clenched as I read my own words. The log fire cast a golden glow across the lines.

I've never been away for so long.

I had never left my home before.

"I hate it when you're sad," Zelos said and I jerked around.

How could he keep sneaking up?

He closed the door behind him. The meeting with the soldiers had to be over at last. I looked out the window behind which the winter night was falling.

I wiped the cloudiness from my eyes and looked back at my mate. His presence eased the pain in my chest.

"I just miss her," I said, trying not to cry again. I rolled up the letter and stood up.

He approached me. I accepted his invitation and let his arms engulf me. Zelos was warm as always and gentle. He stroked my hair and whispered sweet little things in my ear.

"What's the plan now?" I asked, trying to distract myself.

“I have already sent a fox to Lenkin. He will soon bring us food and we will be able to take care of everyone who is still here," said Zelos.

"What about Delta Ivan?"

"I have to give him one thing. He did his best to save this pack from extinction..."

We were silent and only the fire crackled and threw golden shadows on Zelo's face. He studied me and his eyes mirrored my emotions. He wiped away the last remnants of the tears and planted small kisses on my face as if they were band aids for my pain.

My heart grew at the gesture and at the touch of his warm lips.

"I love you," I whispered.

As soon as I said those words, he caught me in a kiss. His tongue took control and I was glad to let it go.

"Me too," he murmured. "So much... I want to make you the Luna of this world."

I stopped at the words.

I looked into his eyes, which stared at me like liquid rubies.

"But I don't want to be Luna," I replied. "I just want to be with you... and that my family is okay... and the people..."

Zelos growled passionately and pressed his lips back onto mine.

Our bodies entangled in a dance of desperate passion. Thoughts fell silent and souls began to throb.

We needed each other.

The kiss grew and deepened with every moan and tingle. I was caught in the lust that silenced everything else. His hands glided over my curves. I felt for the muscles on Zelo's back. With a leap he picked me up in his arms.

I wrapped my legs around him and he carried me to the bed.

The frame creaked as he placed me in the soft sheets. My legs gripped his body and pulled him closer to me. Zelos moved his hips and I moaned into him.

The fire flickered between us.

His fingers turned into claws and stroked my body dangerously gently. I should be scared, but my heart mistook the electrifying feeling for anticipation.

"Zelos..."

"Lycan Zelos!"

A growl rumbled through my body and for a moment I wasn't sure if it came from Zelos or me. We parted, but he was still hovering over me. His red eyes burned with lust and anger at whoever had interrupted us.

"Davin, I swear to you, if it's not urgent, I'll rip your head off myself," Zelos growled and I gave him a disapproving look.

Inwardly I agreed with him.

Couldn't we just have a quiet evening to ourselves? We had just got here.

"It's urgent! It's about the river!"

The dull voice stifled every passion.

Zelos jumped up and I followed him.

He yanked open the door.

Davin stood behind it, out of breath.

"What's happening?"

"On the other hand. They're standing and waiting for us," gasped Davin.

"Who?" Zelos asked and I put a hand around his elbow as if that could calm him down.

"It looks like the whole army of silver blood. They're waiting on the other side," Davin said. "Ulf says they're being led by Beta Talon. He wants to see you."

My heart skipped a beat.

beta talon?

My hand cramped around Zelo's elbow.

"Get all warriors. We'll probably go on a trip," he said.

Davin nodded, bowed and stormed down the aisle. Then he turned to me.

"I'll come with you," I said before Zelos could say anything. The corner of his mouth twisted in disapproval and behind his eyes his thoughts raced. "You can't change my mind. I'll come with you."

Zelos sighed and a touch of triumph seized me.

That was easier than expected.

"You will accompany me, but only if you do as I say," he replied, raising an eyebrow.

"All right," I replied, chin up.

"A coat."

I stared at Zelos perplexed for a few seconds.

"Insolence," I finally muttered before turning away and getting the coat. Suddenly I felt hot breath on my mark and I froze like a deer.

"If I were you, I wouldn't try my patience tonight," Zelos murmured and pressed a kiss against my neck. My breath caught. I closed my eyes for a moment.

It was a dangerous promise he made to me.

He took the coat from my hand and held it for me. I slipped my arms through and he adjusted it.

"You stay with Davin, okay?"

A howl came through the door.

I jerked around to look at Kerberos, whose heads were peeking past the handle.

"And by the hellhound," I said, the six ears pricking up at his mention.

"A few weeks ago you couldn't even be in the same room as him and now I have to worry that he gets more of you than me," Zelos mumbled and I grinned.

I stood on tiptoe and planted a quick kiss on his warm lips.

"He might have three heads, but I still like Twolegs best," I replied.

Kerberos grumbled when he had to endure Zelo's smug look.

"We should go," he finally said, the humor draining from his eyes.

I swallowed.

Talking to Beta Talon would determine the future of the packs.

Did he want to start peace or a war?

Zelos wrapped an arm around me and we made our way outside. The wood creaked under our feet. Davin was already standing at the exit of the pack house. Icy wind blew against us and I pressed closer to my companion.

"The warriors are waiting just before the river," he said, and we set off together into the winter chill.

Darkness loomed over us. Only the pale crescent of the moon cast a shadow across the landscape. I trudged through the snow between Zelos and Kerberos. The bare trees around us had twisted their branches into clawed hands. Internally, a tremor went through my body.

Why did I want to come with you?

I could have stayed in the warm bed...

We broke through the spirit forest and a mass of warriors awaited us. I shrugged my shoulders and studied the faces in the darkness. The closer we got to the river, the harder the wind whipped against my face and tossed my hair.

"Stay with Davin", Zelos murmured and reluctantly let me out of his arms.

I nodded.

Now was not the time to argue.

Davin joined me next to Kerberos and the other warriors. We marched the rest of the way until a rushing noise drowned out the wind.

The river.

Lights flickered towards us.

On the other side of the river stood an army of wolves. My heartbeat picked up and I put my hand on Kerberos' back as if the hellhound could calm me down. He nudged my leg with one of the heads.

At the head of the Silver-Blood Army stood a man whose skin pressed tight to his cheekbones.

A sinking feeling crawled through my stomach.

That had to be Beta Talon.

****

The wind whipped across the river and caused the water to foam. I trembled under the coat. The wolves on the other side were unimpressed. Zelos stepped to the edge of the river.

Part of me wanted to run to him and pull him away from the raging waters, but I stayed frozen between Davin and Kerberos.

"Beta Talon!"

Zelo's voice thundered across the river.

The wolf's eyes lit up on the other side. He too stepped to the bank of the river. The water splashed around his legs, but his eyes were on Zelos.

"So you are the Lycan?" Beta Talon asked. "The freak of the moon goddess."

A growl escaped my lips and I clenched my hands into fists. Kerberos reinforced it with its three heads.

A dry laugh escaped Zelo's lips.

"You're off to an excellent start, Beta Talon. If you know who I am, then surely you know how old I am. Do you really think I'm that easy to provoke?"

A smirk tugged at the Beta's lips on the other side. The torches cast deep shadows across his jawbones.

"In any case, your mate didn't like my words," he replied and suddenly his poisonous green eyes bored into me. Kerberos growled next to me.

I wanted to back down, but stood my ground.

How did Beta Talon know I was his mate?

"You are playing a dangerous game," Zelos replied and his voice was the calm before the storm.

"I thought it would not be easy to provoke you," Beta Talon replied. "I will say it exactly once: If you dare cross the river, we will tear you to pieces. This is Silverblood territory."

“So you care about self-determination and territories? Then I only dreamed the last year, in which you attacked everything that got in your way," Zelos replied.

A whistle rumbled through the night.

Everything happened so fast I could hardly blink.

A bolt shot straight at me across the river.

Zelos growled.

He stood in front of us at a blur of speed and had intercepted the silver bullet. An unhealthy hiss came from his hand holding the silver. He dropped it in the snow and steam rose into the winter night as if burned.

My heart clenched.

Zelos was injured.

I took a step toward him, but Davin held me back.

Beta Talon, on the other hand, seemed unimpressed.

"Ha, Luna Mayra was right indeed," he said, his snake eyes twitching back to me. "A human mate. The moon goddess must really hate you. If you even try to cross that river, we won't just kill you , Lycan Zelos , but cause your mate such a painful death that you wish you were back in the cell the hunter put you in."

My heart pounded in my chest and venom pumped through my veins. Beta Talon was a snake I would love to step on.

Zelos looked up and his eyes burned dark red like liquid blood.

"It's flattering how afraid you are of me, Beta Talon. Having to threaten my mate only shows who you really are. Do your warriors follow your example?" he replied. "I can smell your fear from here. You fear that justice will finally await you."

"Fear? You will never be able to capture Silverblood. Each and every one of this pack will resist your rule. Every warrior, every wolf, and every cub," said Beta Talon.

The crescent moon gave his blond hair an icy sheen.

He had forgotten people.

"Then I want to make one thing clear here," answered Zelos. He took his eyes off the beta and directed it to the warriors behind him. "You all have families and silver blood is your home! I swear one thing to the moon goddess: nobody will attack! For the last few weeks we've only ever responded to attacks from Alpha Udyr. He attacked Mountainshade and we fought back. Successful. He attacked Silvercrown and we fought back. Successful."

His voice thundered across the river. Zelos eyed the warriors on the other side with his broad shoulders as if they were his soldiers and not the enemy's.

"If your leaders have learned one thing from the last few weeks, it's that an attack means only defeat for Silverblood. The time of war is over. There's nothing left to conquer south while I'm here. We will not try to cross the river and attack. And I swear on the moon."

Beta Talon's eyes lit up like hard emeralds in the night. The water foamed at his feet. If he just took a step forward...

"What does an oath to the goddess who cursed you mean?" he asked mockingly.

"A curse broken. The primeval wolf is dead and I am free", Zelos replied. "Well, I offer you a non-aggression pact."

"The word of a lycan means nothing to me," hissed Beta Talon.

"You don't even want to discuss this offer with your alpha?" Zelos asked with mock surprise. "I would like to hear this answer from Alpha Udyr myself."

Beta Talon's face darkened further beneath the night sky.

"I am following my Alpha's orders, and Alpha Udyr has no interest in a peace alliance with you."

"Then it's good that the river separates us and you tore down the bridges," said Zelos. "Such a forced peace is still better than a bloody war. Nobody will cross the river. The borders remain as they are . Feel free to try attacking us again. Who knows, maybe you'll succeed this time. As they say, all good things come in threes."

The joke only seemed to anger Beta Talon further. His eyes twitched to mine one last time.

“Just kidding, Lycan. Soon you will have nothing to laugh about. I swear it to you by the moon goddess."

With these words he jerked around and disappeared into the ranks of his warriors. Zelos turned to us. The lightness vanished completely from his eyes and anger swam in the red.

He was angry.

This was going to be a long night.

I closed the door behind me. The warmth of the room was a boon to my chilled bones. I took a deep breath before turning around.

Zelos marched up and down in front of the fireplace.

Even Kerberos stared at him like he'd grown three heads.

I took off my coat and threw it across the sofa. Then I went to Zelos and put my hands on his arm. He froze under my icy touch, pulling him out of his thoughts. He looked down at me and wrapped his fingers around my fingers.

The fire cast golden light on his features, which were graver than ever.

"It's all right," I said, stroking his strong arms.

Dumbfounded, Zelos stared at me.

"But you were already there, weren't you? Talon tried to shoot you with a silver bolt!"

Kerberos howled behind us as if agreeing with his master.

"Yes, and you caught it... Your hand!"

I took his paw between my fingers. A red welt ran down her right where he had grabbed the silver.

"I'll get some ice cream," I said, but Zelos pulled me to him with his other hand.

"It's nothing," he snarled, his flaming eyes holding me in place. "Talon has shown all his warriors that I am no longer immortal... He wanted to break the fears of his warriors. He threatened you, um." to get to me."

"And you didn't let yourself be provoked," I replied, stroking his chest. "You kept your composure and didn't give him what he wanted to see."

Zelos nodded.

"And now we know something is wrong with Silverblood," he said.

He grinned at my questioning look.

"Either Talon is the worst beta out there or he's acting on his own. He didn't even consider taking my suggestion to Alpha Udyr. It may not look like it from the outside, but silverblood is crumbling and I'll find out exactly where."

Zelos put his paws over my cheeks and I enjoyed his warmth. He stroked my mouth with his thumb. His signature grin grew.

"It was cute that you growled at him. At some point they will try to attack and we will wait for them here", whispered Zelos. "I know that they cannot resist."

I parted my lips and cupped his thumb.

His eyes burned like magma.

I wanted to pick up exactly where we left off before the break.

This was going to be a long night.