Chapitre 25

"Excuse me?" I asked.

The goldcrests sat on the branches of the fir trees and sang their songs around us. Even the wind stopped and listened.

"We are in the western forest," Zelos replied in a calm tone.

It was strange to see him without his lightness, as if it had been lost on the way here. Nevertheless, his arms around me donated a warmth that no fire in this world could give.

I stared at the compacted snow at my feet, and the movement sent a tug through my shoulder.

"What happened?" I asked, trying to swallow the dull ache.

His hair shone in the light of the rising sun. Remorse flew across Zelo's face as he blamed himself for what had happened in Riverclaw.

"Delta Ivan was a traitor... Kerberos took care of him," he replied before raising his eyes again. "Come on, you're already all red. Let's go inside and I can change the bandage."

He led me back to the hut where I had slept earlier.

"How long have we been here?" I asked as I flopped down on the bed.

"Only since last night. It was a tricky mission, but with Ulf's help and a big detour we were able to bypass the guards."

Zelo's back was turned to me and the clattering of utensils boomed around. He pounded something on the dresser, on which fresh towels lay.

"And the river is frozen? What about Riverclaw and Silverblood?" I asked and was about to get up, but Zelos put a paw on my shoulder and gently pushed me back into the sheets.

"Everyone is safe and sound," he said, pausing. His eyes fell on my shoulder.

"It's not your fault," I whispered. "Nobody saw it coming, not even Ulf or Roan."

" I should have known," Zelos replied with hard eyes.

I took his fingers in mine and cooled them down a bit.

"There are things that cannot be predicted. Not even the all-knowing Lycan ," I said, but my attempt to lighten the mood failed.

Zelos just drew his eyebrows together and knelt down in front of me. Before he asked, I turned on the mattress and stared out the window. I lifted the nightgown and pain shot up to my fingertips. An involuntary moan escaped from my lips.

"Wait, I'll do that," he said, and suddenly the fabric tore in two.

"Zelos!"

But Zelos had long since started to unwind the old bandage around my shoulder. He was gentle and every now and then his warm hands brushed my soft skin. I kept still as best I could. Zelo's hot breath breathed against my neck.

"How does it look?" I asked, not even trying to move my head.

"The keeper says you were lucky that Delta Ivan used real silver?"

I squirmed around, narrowing my eyes at the tug.

"Luck?" I asked.

Zelos nodded and the corners of his mouth still pointed downwards, as did his brows.

"Apparently human wounds don't become infected on silver," he replied. "Turn around. I have yet to redress them."

I slowly turned back towards the window.

"Weird," I mumbled.

"Hmm?" Zelos asked and started to wrap the bandage over the collarbone, armpit and shoulder blade.

"I've never thought about why Kerberos is called Deathbringer..."

"The moon goddess actually destined him to kill the primeval wolf. I should just track her down. I still wonder who killed her. I couldn't pin the trail anywhere on our way here. That means she must have been caught further north..."

Zelos finished his treatment with a kiss on my mark, which made my body tingle.

"And three bites from the heads can really kill anyone?" I asked.

He nodded.

I frowned.

Why hadn't he brought one of his sayings?

"Zelos, it really isn't your fault," I said, turning back to him. "And besides, I'm fine."

"You don't understand," he murmured. "With that mark, I swore an oath to protect you."

"And you protected me," I replied, cupping my hands on his cheeks, which were rough from a hint of a beard. "See, I'm still here and I'm fine. Everything's still on."

"You don't joke about that," he replied, eyes blazing.

I snorted.

"That's what you're saying. You joke about everything and everyone, even Beta Talon."

"But not about your health."

"You can't protect me from the world, Zelos," I whispered. "And I'm not mad at you, why should I. That's just life."

I was almost amazed myself at the mature words that escaped my lips. I had handled Delta Ivan's attack really well. My subconscious had processed everything well.

"I can get better at it," he replied with determined eyes.

"And I trust you," I murmured, planting a soft kiss on his mouth.

Zelos hugged me tightly and I smiled.

"I'm really fine," I said into his embrace. "I love you."

"You too..."

Only the muffled sounds of the winter birds reminded us that there was something else outside of this cabin. I broke away from its warmth, but the soothing scent stayed around me.

"Where are the others?" I asked.

"Davin, Ulf, and Roan are at the main lodge with the Keeper family and Astor."

My eyes widened.

"Astor? The real son of Alpha Udyr?"

The wolfless werewolf.

"That's a long story," Zelos said and stroked his forehead.

"It's good that we have time for everything," I replied, fumbling for my coat. "I want to get to know her."

The royal blue fabric hung over one of the armchairs in front of the fireplace. Before I could take it, a paw snatched it from under my hands. I turned my whole body to Zelos, very careful on my shoulder.

But he didn't say anything, just held out my sleeves.

A gentle smile lifted the corners of my mouth.

"Thanks..."

With his help, getting dressed was almost painless. As always, Zelos insisted on a hat, scarf and gloves before I was even allowed to set foot outside. I let him do it because the tension hadn't quite left his shoulders.

The incident with Delta Ivan seemed to have upset him more than me. Or maybe that was exactly why I wasn't worried. Because I knew that Zelos took care of both of us in that regard.

The door creaked open, revealing the paradise of snow, tree trunks, and birdsong.

"This way," Zelos said and took my gloved hand in his. I let out a white cloud, but said nothing.

Instead, I enjoyed the tranquility of the winter forest, which glittered everywhere.

"It's beautiful here," I said, the snow crunching under our boots. The footprints were our guide.

"Yes, it is the task of the keeper to protect and guard the western forest," Zelos replied.

My breath froze before my eyes and the slanting sun pierced the fog in front of me. On the trees, the light reflected off frozen drops and refracted it into different colors like diamonds.

We passed a cliff and a small stream accompanied us. The surface was frozen under the biting cold and only a few rocks stuck out, covered with snow. The stillness of the forest and the frigid air relieved me of the pressure I hadn't felt on my lungs before.

"It's really beautiful..."

Maybe we could stay here a little longer and get some fresh breath...

The footprints thickened and came from different directions. Soon a large wooden house sat right on our path, sheltered by the firs whose branches bowed under the weight of the snow.

"Is that it?" I asked and Zelos nodded.

Before we could even take a step closer to the door, it creaked open as if by magic. Three heads ventured a look outside and I smiled.

"Kerberos," I said, spreading my arms.

The dog barked three times at once and jumped out into the snow. In no time he was standing in front of me with his tail wagging and I was stroking his onyx-colored fur.

"Thanks for saving me," I said, and he sniffed my body in various places as if to make sure I was really okay.

"Betty, my dear. How nice that you're back on your feet. I was really scared for you!"

Davin stood in the doorway with his arms crossed.

i grinned

"Don't worry, I'm fine."

"Every time you say that sentence, I know I have to be really worried," Davin replied, my grin widening. "Come on, come in. The others are already waiting."

I nodded and with Zelo's help I got back on my feet. Together we stepped over the threshold and warmth greeted us along with the smell of freshly baked cookies. The house was all wood, with high ceilings and clean floorboards. A steep staircase led up to the first floor.

"This way," Davin said, leading us down a small hallway into the living room.

The winter light and the fireplace cast their rays into the room and onto the people gathered around a small table.

I swallowed.

Zelos squeezed my hand as if to encourage me.

"Hello," I said, "I'm Elizabeth from Mountainshade."

"Elizabeth, we've heard so much about you."

****

The wolf's brown eyes were focused on me and I was glad for Zelos, who was standing next to me. Golden strands glistened in the sunlight and the shadow of a beard lay on his cheeks.

"I'm Astor," he said, returning my greeting.

He was the son of Alpha Udyr.

The wolfless one.

His arm was around a she-wolf that was a good deal shorter than he was. Her brown hair just about reached her ears, probably a legacy from her time in the army. The green eyes were drawn into a warm smile and I smiled back.

"I'm Dana. We are very happy that you are here. You already know Roan and Ulf, and they are my parents."

A wolf who looked like Dana nodded to me. Her father's white eyes, on the other hand, landed right between Zelos and me when he smiled. He must be blind.

"I'm very happy," I said and squeezed Zelo's fingers, which were securely wrapped around mine. Ulf and Roan followed the greetings with only half interest, with the other half lying on the card table. "Where are the warriors anyway?"

"They are waiting in Riverclaw", Zelos replied.

"We also have some allies in each village, some of the most important wolves who have stood by me," Astor said. "They know the truth and will stand by us and their families if we ask them to."

"What's really going on in Silverblood?" Zelos asked and narrowed his eyes. "Just a few weeks ago, Alpha Udyr was a real threat, so much so that even Iceclaw got involved."

Astor let out a breath.

"My father is dead."

My jaw lost control and dropped. Even Zelos couldn't trust the words that had just faded away.

"I beg your pardon?"

Astor stared sideways and I watched as Dana squeezed his shoulder.

"Talon killed him, in cold blood," she answered. "But I disturbed him. It was right in the palace and the beginning of the end. Zelos and I had to flee while Talon disposed of the body... It was supposed to be one day be of the festival..."

"He didn't even get his last honors," Astor said, and though his voice was calm, it sounded like the calm before the storm.

"Beta Talon just killed the Alpha like that? How?" Davin asked.

"He had my father's trust."

Astor stroked his hair. Though his golden streaks matched Talon's, his brown eyes carried a warmth that was entirely absent from the Beta. I frowned.

"But I don't quite understand it yet," I said. "All this time, since the attack on Silvercrown in the mountains, Alpha Udyr hasn't even been alive? But surely that must have been noticed in the palace. Why didn't anyone ask questions ?"

“My father always lived very withdrawn as he got older. The pack was used to seeing him only every few months, and the wolves in the Far Villages were happy when he visited them once in their lives," Astor replied.

Zelos stroked his neck.

“Besides, he wouldn't have wanted to risk a duel with you. If he had trumpeted the murder, then your testimony would be against his. Uncle vs Son. Talon knew he could only lose."

Astor nodded.

"And had he announced it in the last few months, not only would he not have had a body, but he would have had a great deal of damage on his mission. The warrior spirit clings to my father's image, not Talon or me."

"To the primeval wolf with the spirit of the warrior," Dana replied. "He was afraid of the challengers who could have challenged him for the alpha title."

"So Talon is in a dilemma that he got himself into," said Zelos. "Then let's help him out of it."

His eyes lit up with every new thought, every possible strategy, and he combed through it for the best one. Astor crossed his arms.

“Our strategy over the last few months has been to stay here, monitor the situation in the villages and not get killed. And unity has long since crumbled. Many of the wolves no longer own up to Beta Talon's deeds. And not just because of the dead who are returning."

Dana stared at Zelos.

"Talon is desperate to fulfill his dream of a pack. And he's using the Lycan as a weapon."

"Yes, I've heard my reputation in Silverblood is ruined."

I stared at him.

"What are you saying here?"

David laughed.

"That he eats puppies skin and hair! Can you believe that, Betty?" he asked.

I looked at Zelos, who just shook his head.

"Why would any eat puppies? There's nothing wrong with them," he said, and I elbowed his side.

"Is that your problem with that?" I asked.

"Anyway, many here fear Lycan rule," Dana said.

A silence fell as everyone went about their own business.

I looked at Zelos.

If I hadn't met him, I probably would have been one of those people who would have been afraid of his legends, true or false. The real monster they should fear was Beta Talon.

"Well, I almost feel a bit honored that Talon is so scared that he even invents fairy tales," said Zelos push the throne."

"Attack," said Roan, and Ulf snorted derisively.

"It had to come from you, didn't it?"

Roan just shrugged.

"No, we will beat him at his own game," Astor replied.

Zelos grinned.

"I think we're thinking the same thing."

Dana and I stared at each other, completely unaware of what was going on in our companions' minds.

"Anyone want cookies?"

Dana's mother broke the tense silence along with the scent of sweet pastries. My mouth watered and Roan immediately began to nod. Dana stifled a giggle as the brute strode across the room.

"Caution hot!"

The small gathering broke up and small talk broke out among themselves. Only Dana's father was still standing around the chart table, lost in thought.

I smiled.

"You have a really beautiful forest," I said, getting a smile from the blind man.

"Thank you Elizabeth," he replied. "It's an honor to receive everything she has given us in the name of the moon goddess. Unfortunately, I can't inspire Dana in the same way."

I smiled.

"Maybe that will come with time."

"Yes, maybe... In fact, the people who lived here before the big change did a good job on the forest and its animals. I'm afraid that one day my age will take its toll on me and I won't be able to take care of myself anymore... But life always finds a way, doesn't it?"

Zelos slipped his arm around my waist and pressed a quick kiss to the mark.

"Shall we go outside and get some fresh air?" he asked and I nodded.

"Guardian," Zelos said and bowed slightly. The old wolf smiled and gave a small nod in return.

Passing the door, I grabbed one of the steaming oatcakes. The winter air blew towards us and chilled my cheeks. I nibbled on the cookie, the sweetness melting on my tongue.

The chirping of the birds had calmed down in the meantime and a serenity had returned to the forest. The sparkling snow lay like a white blanket over everything. The sun added its light to the idyll into which we stared.

I put my head against Zelo's shoulder.

"Why can't it always be this quiet?" I whispered and the ice cloud danced in front of my eyes.

"But here you are also separated from the world," Zelos replied and looked down at me.

"That's the beauty of it," I replied, smiling softly. "Don't you think so?"

“I missed life in the dungeon... There was only darkness and cold. But it's all a mess up here. I miss the peacefulness of my cell... The western forest offers a nice alternative."

He stroked my hair and I snuggled closer to him. I closed my eyes for a moment and enjoyed the fresh air of the winter forest.

For the first time in weeks, a load fell from my shoulders with every breath, which I only felt here in peace.

I hope I could keep it...

"You didn't say what the plan is now," I said and Zelo's hand stayed on my head.

“An open war would be… bloody. So we're going to do something simpler."

I frowned.

"In fact?"

"Astor still has some allies in the villages. We will spread the rumor that Alpha Udyr is dead."

****

I lifted my head from his shoulder.

"Excuse me?" I asked.

"Talon couldn't tell anyone about the murder and he cut himself in the flesh. We just have to put a little bit of the rumor in Silverblood... and the pack will see it as the truth."

Was that enough to bring down Beta Talon?

The icy wind made my hair dance.

The snow sparkled innocently, broken only by a few footprints and pawprints.

"I don't like any of this," I whispered. "Beta Talon won't give up that easily."

"I hope so," Zelos whispered and pressed a kiss on my head.

I snuggled into his arms and savored the few moments of rest we had left. I closed my eyes and just listened to the sounds of the winter forest.

"I love it when your cheeks turn red," Zelos said after a few minutes of silence.

A small smile crept onto my lips.

"And I your warmth," I replied, kissing his cheek.

It was innocent.

As if we were normal.

A normal couple.

As if we could live a normal life far away from pack politics. Just somewhere in nature, in a small village, a small family...

"You're sad," said Zelos and his brows were drawn down. "What's the matter?"

"No, I'm not sad," I said, staring at his beautiful rubies.

"Of course it is," he replied. "I can feel it."

I sighed.

We would never be normal.

"No, it's all good. I'm just a little overwhelmed by the beauty here. And that makes me sad. Why can't it be like this everywhere?"

"But that would be boring. Imagine if it were as quiet everywhere as here. Then you would never have met me. And besides, you couldn't appreciate this forest if there weren't more..."

"Maybe you are right. I just hope we can stay in this bubble for a little longer."

The door creaked open and Dana stood in the frame. Her eyes shone at us and she smiled.

"Anyone want cookies before Roan eats them all?" she asked, crossing her arms.

"Thanks," I said, shaking my head.

She brushed her short strands of hair away from her face.

"Ulf said Talon tried to kill you? She asked. "There must be one thing all mad wolves have in common."

"And I heard you outplayed the whole pack and pretended to be a boy?" I asked and Dana grinned.

Astor's head appeared behind her.

" Almost the whole pack," he said, his brown eyes looking down at his mate with such affection that my heart almost melted.

"It wasn't fair either. How was I supposed to know back then that you didn't have a wolf and knew every lunar eclipse by heart," she grumbled.

"I know someone there too," I said, looking up at Zelos with a smile. His face brightened as he looked back and forth between my eyes. "Who would have thought the Lycan would be shy. It took me weeks to find out who he was."

"Oh, it took me months to realize that Astor doesn't even have a wolf. He wasn't much help either."

Our companions shared a look that said it all.

"We're just special," said Zelos and his red eyes were the best proof. Astor just shrugged his shoulders.

"So far it's done me more good than harm," he replied, glancing at Dana. "Otherwise it would have been really close for us a few times."

Her smile faded as if she was dragging a memory away from reality and into a nightmare she had experienced. I grabbed Zelo's elbow and snuggled closer to his warmth.

The icy winds around us didn't seem to bother anyone but me. As if the werewolves didn't have a winter.

"You're shaking," Zelos whispered with worried eyes. "Come on, let's go-"

His voice died in mid-sentence.

Astor froze too, and his gaze shifted from us to the trees in the snow.

Oh no...

Then I heard it too.

paws.

Hasty paws.

Even here in the western forest one was not safe from bad news.

A chestnut werewolf came sprinting toward us like a bolt of lightning. First his gaze fell on Zelos, then on me. He seemed so distracted by us that he forgot to brake.

"Edgar, watch out!"

With full force he ran into one of the bare bushes and got tangled up in the twigs. I bit my lip to keep from laughing.

Dana giggled as the wolf scrambled to his feet and shook the snow from his fur. He wasn't in the mood to laugh at all. On the contrary, the desperation that jumped back and forth between Zelos and Astor burned in his eyes. He panted incessantly.

Dana stopped laughing.

Something had happened, something important.

"What's going on?" Astor asked.

The wolf's bones began

"Here," Astor said behind me and after a short rustling, Zelos released his hand from my shoulder.

In place of the wolf was a young man with tousled hair that had taken on its color from the fur. He was out of breath and the ice clouds escaped his mouth in quick gulps.

"W-water," he gasped.

Dana ran back inside and returned moments later with a full glass. The wolf downed it in one go and breathed a sigh of relief.

"Edgar, talk to us. Why are you here?" Astor asked. "You're supposed to be exploring the capital."

Edgar swallowed.

"I know, I know..."

"Let's let him catch his breath first," Dana said, her hand resting worriedly on the newcomer's back, who squirmed in front of us like he was having stomach cramps.

Spellbound, we waited in panting silence until Edgar's stress lines slowly smoothed out and he was able to breathe reasonably well again.

"In the capital... Beta Talon..."

"Slowly," Astor said, "what's up in the capital. We know Talon's back there. What happened? Did they get you?"

Edgar hastily shook his head.

"No... not me... Talon... And Silverblood..."

Zelos frowned.

Thoughts raced in his head as he tried to put the cryptic words into logical context.

"The pack found out about the murder," he said, but Edgar said no a second time.

"Damn Edgar!" Dana cried. "Now spit it out!"

"ICE CLAW!"

My blood froze.

Even Zelos leaned back as if it was the last answer he had expected.

"What about Ice Claw?" he asked before anyone else could regain their composure. His eyes glowed crimson.

"They just... invaded... across the north... there wasn't even a fight... hardly a warrior was there... they just stood... in the capital... And Talon... . ran..."

A cool shiver ran down my spine.

Had Iceclaw really attacked?

"Is Beta Talon dead?" I asked and the brown haired wolf looked at me.

Edgar just shrugged his shoulders.

"But... I saw him ... Alpha Eros."

My eyes widened.

Alpha Eros had invaded Silverblood. Was Lia with him? Excitement bubbled up in my stomach.

"You want to tell us that Eros is now in the White Palace?" Astor asked, his tone dismissive.

I looked at the snowy ground.

It was still his father's pack... his homeland.

Edgar nodded.

"And the pack?" Astor asked.

"Simply...too few...warriors...no unity...without Udyr..."

Pain flashed through the wolfless man's eyes and he drew his brows together.

"Maybe we can negotiate with him," said Zelos and Astor's gaze twitched to him.

"He hates us. He will do everything to ensure that silverbloods are never reunited."

"Not necessarily," Zelos replied and looked down at me.

We thought the same thing. I turned to Edgar.

"Who did you see with him?" I asked. "Was his mate with him?"

If Lia was with him, then we could-

Edgar just shrugged his shoulders.

"I do not know..."

My shoulders sagged.

"We should take the risk," Zelos said, his red eyes shining with determination.

Dana frowned.

"What if it goes wrong?" she asked.

"No, the Lycan is right," Astor said, straightening to his full height. His eyes rested on Dana. "I'm tired of hiding in this forest. We don't belong here, we belong in the capital, ours Rudel. We'll take the risk."