Chapter Nine #2
It was hard to imagine that either of these men had ever been friends. The air had turned cold and icy, and the tension became so thick I wasn’t sure that even a knife could break through it.
“I doubt that, but I will listen,” Magnus replied, his broad chest rising and falling with every breath.
It would have been a lie if I said Magnus did not scare me. Rhael was tough, but the wolf King was truly something else. Power rolled off him in waves, making me want to pool at his feet and offer him my soul, or at least what remained of it.
Finally, his eyes slid to me, his head tilting to the side as his gaze moved up and down my body. His nostrils visibly expanded as he scrunched up his nose, taking in my scent.
“What have you brought into my kingdom?” he demanded, his lip turning up into an ugly sneer. The intentional use of the word ‘what’ rather than ‘who’, was not lost on me.
Wolves didn’t view humans as species. More like a disease they would prefer to have been wiped out from all existence. We were dirty, useless and plain.
“My companion,” Rhael responded. Shifting his step so he was closer to the horse. A clear warning to Magnus, warning him off any sudden movements.
“Human?” Magnus questioned. His nostrils flaring once more as he tried to catch more of my scent. I felt my heart quicken, hoping Rhael’s plan had worked.
A low ripple of snarls spread through the courtyard like a wave, more wolves hearing their King's words and becoming outraged. The Fae King had not only brought a human on to their lands, but he had shown me favour.
Suddenly the wolves felt very close, almost hungry, as I realised how outnumbered I was. If one of them decided to attack I was not sure I would be able to fight them off. I could flee, but that would leave Rhael alone. With his life tied to mine it wasn't something I was willing to risk.
“Why bring her at all? Mortal things do not fare well in my lands,” Magnus smirked, his eyes roaming over me again. Almost as if he was evaluating how easy I would be to kill.
“She is under my protection,” Rhael’s told him, his voice like steel.
It was so cold I even felt myself stiffen.
I had to force air into my lungs as I felt the full weight of the Fae King’s power rise to the surface.
He didn't unleash it, but he left it there.
Lingering as a warning not to push further.
“She seems fragile. She will break here,” Magnus chuckled. Either not noticing Rhael’s warning or choosing to ignore it completely.
“I will not break.” I told him, the words falling from my mouth before I could stop myself. Rhael’s eyes looked at me in warning.
Magnus laughed, sharp and quick, a deep bark of amusement.
“Spirited, such a strange choice for you,” he mused, turning his attention back to Rhael as if I had not spoken at all.
“I have my reasons.” Rhael corrected, his shoulders tense at the sound of the Wolf King’s laugh. I watched him closely, seeing how his mood darkened the more we stayed in conversation.
“Take them to the guest rooms.” Magnus said, finally looking away from us. Not paying Rhael’s darkening mood any attention. Like a parent ignoring a petulant child.
Another wolf stepped forward, clearly changing back to his human form as he neared Magnus. My eyes lingered on him, watching as he approached. His arm brushed against Magnus as he approached, the closeness between the two catching my eye.
If Magnus was the storm, this wolf was the sunshine that came afterwards.
Golden blonde hair fell to his shoulders in loose waves, soft and bright compared to the grey that seemed to surround the Wolf King.
Runic beads decorated two braids at each temple.
His face was rounded, giving him almost a boyish appearance I had not been expecting.
His eyes were clear, unnerving blue. Warm, open, and seemed to stare into my soul as he looked up at me from the ground.
He had some of the typical Nordic features of the Lycanthyr nation, a straight nose, strong jaw and high cheekbones.
However, he appeared almost softer than the others.
More approachable, this was strengthened even by his posture, despite his large frame and ropes of muscle he held himself relaxed.
“This way,” he smiled, revealing two rows of perfectly straight, white teeth. It was supposed to be a kind gesture, but the way his canines seemed to sit below his teeth reminded me that in this world, like many others, he was the predator and I was a prey.
His hands steadied the reins of the horse allowing me to slide down from the saddle. They did not wait for me, both Rhael and this new wolf moving away from me, leaving me rushing to catch up.
The Lycanthyr stronghold was every bit as beautiful as the stories had described.
Built from massive trunks of dark timber and pale logs, etched with runes I could not read.
Their language was different from that of the Fae.
It would have been impossible for me to find out what they meant, I would not have time.
Smoke curled from chimneys as we made our way inside, underneath balconies and into the main building, where the morning light spread through the space from large arched windows.
Rhael didn't make a noise as we moved through the space. Instead, his silver eyes stayed staring straight ahead, leaving me to wonder at the space around us. The blonde haired wolf took his time, pointing out any areas we may need.
All of them filled with the latest tech and contraptions I had never seen before. It was no wonder they didn't need slaves. They had everything for themselves. Envy coiled in my stomach at such a sight.
We continued upward along a broad staircase, each step made from polished dark wood. The lights above our heads seemed to dim, and the higher we climbed the quieter the house became. My pulse hammered with every step.
The continuous flights of stairs burning my legs. A downfall of my human nature, I was not as strong as Rhael or the wolves, my body weaker and more prone to fatigue. My envy turned to self hatred the more I moved.
Finally, we reached a solid wooden door, stopping before it abruptly as the blonde wolf turned to face us both, his eyes lingering on me before moving up towards Rhael.
I wasn't sure if his interest was because I was a human, or because I came to his home attached to the Fae King, but something in his eyes seemed invasive, like he was trying to work me out.
“This is your room. The Alpha has made sure you are in a room where no one will hear you or disturb you accidentally,” the wolf explained. The grin on his face made him look even younger. Almost teasing.
“You can tell him I appreciate his thoughtfulness when it comes to my companions’ comfort.” Rhael responded, his hand lingering on my lower back as if he was displaying some kind of affection.
My eyes shot up to meet his, seeing only the familiar cold silver gaze.
This was an act, it was always an act.
“Well, I will leave you to get settled, the Alpha will be in touch when he is ready to meet,” the wolf smiled, already stepping backwards giving us space.
“Thank you Eirik.” Rhael nodded his head in a sign of respect. His eyes narrowed as the wolf turned on his heel. Disappearing from view and back down the hall away from us. Leaving us alone once more.
“What now?” I asked him quietly, looking from Rhael to the door as if going inside would open up a can of worms I was not ready to deal with.
“We go inside.” Rhael’s tone was flat, as if he was stating the obvious. Without breaking eye contact he stepped closer, placing his hand flat against the door and pushed it open.