Embers In The North
17

In the ominous hush that followed her revelation, Reyna's senses sharpened. Her ears picked up subtle shifts of breath and the distinct cadence of footfalls as the unwelcome presence approached.

Two Fangs were within the cave, and a small Fleet amassed outside.

One thing that gnawed at her was how the Fleet predicted they would come by here. Even she hadn't anticipated this route.

Gritting, Roth's eyes bore into her. "What do you mean by 'trapped'?"

"I'm not entirely certain," she replied, her voice steady despite the unease settling in her gut. "But there's a Fleet stationed at the exit."

Decker's low growl filled the cave. "They're inside. I can barely catch their scent with all the frost lining the cave, but I sense their approach."

The thought crossed her mind—could the Thorin be behind this? The likelihood seemed slim. His Fleet could not have circumvented the southern border to reach the exit of the cave so quickly.

"Is there another way out?" Decker inquired, shrugging his cloak tighter around him.

Reyna let her ability wander through the familiar cave, tracing its contours in her mind. She knew it intimately; every nook and cranny, and knew there was only one path leading out to the mountain of ice, and it was blocked.

"There's no other path," she told them yet again.

Roth's jaw clenched, eyes locked on the passage in front of them. "Then we need to find a way to deal with the Fleet." He turned to Decker. "What are you picking up? I sense Redfalls approaching."

Decker nodded. "I sense them too. They're closing in roughly twenty feet away. We need to move, and quickly."

The cave's icy embrace wove its claws deep into them, and their breaths came out in wisps, swirling and dissipating in the near darkness. The walls, covered in a layer of white frost, cast a faint luminescence across the expanse; the light from the green mushrooms had long faded.

"Give me your hands, both of you," she commanded, her tone leaving no room for an argument.

Decker's brow furrowed in question, but she moved forward, gently taking both of their hands. There was a moment of curiosity in their eyes, but they didn't resist. In a way, Lance had unknowingly prepared her for this; it was how she kept him alive during long patrols in the cold and he had always thanked Odin for giving him warmth.

She closed her eyes, focusing on her Ember, allowing its energy to surge and flow.

Gradually, the chill that had settled in their bones began to dissipate. She synced her heartbeat with theirs, forming a connection that was both intimate and sustaining, blurring the boundaries between them. They were not just Alpha, Warmaster, and Luna; they linked as one. The sensation of their hands in hers, the subtle shifts of warmth spreading from her to them, created an unspoken bond.

As the footsteps drew nearer, Reyna listened to the rhythm of their approach.

Finally, when she sensed that their bodies had regained enough warmth, Reyna released their hands. Roth and Decker breathed out sighs of relief, gratitude in their eyes.

Roth moved off, but Decker remained, his gaze a gentle caress as it held hers. The unexpected warmth in his eyes was oddly comforting as his gaze lingered on her face. Her own mind raced, curious about the thoughts hidden behind those eyes. The temptation to probe into his mind was there, but she quelled it. Instead, she drew in a steadying breath and took a step back.

Some things were better left unsaid, unknown.

"We need to find a way out, we can't stay here," Roth said.

"Do we carry on towards the Fleet or do we go back, deal with the Thorin, and take a different path?" Decker's voice echoed as a strange wind whipped through the opening they were standing in.

"The Thorin may still be alone. We should be able to get past him and go another way," Roth suggested.

Reyna shook her head. "There is no other way. This was our only alternative."

She didn't understand why they kept insisting on another route; she'd already emphasized that this was it. By Odin, she was trying so hard not to get irritated by it. Besides, they should know the Thorin Alpha was baiting them because their senses were dulled by the cold and the pervasive scent of frost.

Roth turned to her. "Are you suggesting we confront the Fleet at the exit?"

"Either way, we will have to confront a Fleet. If the Thorin commands the berserkers, they're aware we're not in the citadel," Decker stated before Reyna could reply to Roth. "They're stopped, just outside the passage. It's like they're waiting for something."

The same thing occurred to her as well. What the hell were they waiting for?

"If they're waiting for something, we can't afford to wait around and find out what it is. We should move now." Roth urged, his voice heavy as he rubbed his thumb in the middle of his palm.

Her brow quirked at the unusual tick. Was he anxious, maybe even worried? The thought lingered in her mind as she studied him.

"To put it bluntly, no Fleet, not even the fiercest Berserkers, could hope to challenge us. We are two Alphas and a Luna; together, we'd turn them all to ash." Reyna shrugged.

Decker's laughter rumbled through the cave. "You truly are exceptional."

Grinning, Reyna replied, "I do my best." She stepped forward, focused on the clear path ahead. "Whoever's coming, they are a Redfall Fleet, Roth."

The echoes of their footsteps reverberated through the narrow passageway as the Redfall Fangs approached the branching path. In a flash, Roth pulled out a whip with a golden emblem adorning its grip. Reyna stared at it with curiosity; she thought his weapon of choice was the blade. Decker, on the other hand, stood composed, arms folded across his chest. With a casual shrug, Reyna decided to leave her weapon sheathed for the time being.

"By the gods," Roth murmured, returning the whip to the saddle barely visible beneath his cloak. "Those are Krelon Fangs."

Reyna remained silent, her attention fixed on the Redfalls slowly emerging from the tunnelling path.

"The Krelon First Fleet," Decker mumbled, coming up to her left side.

"Alpha," the Fangs bowed to Roth. "Warmaster." They added the title, acknowledging Decker.

"Gareth," Roth called out to the Redfall, who bowed again at the mention of his name.

Decker stepped closer to Roth. "Why is your private Fleet here?"

Reyna shifted her gaze between the newcomers and Roth, piecing together the situation. Gareth had to be one of Roth's Omegas, with deep brown eyes, he bore the crest of the Maynord house on his cloak pin. What's more, the mantle bore the seal of Prime Omega—he was Roth's beta.

Confusion etched Reyna's face. "What's happening here, Roth? Why is your Beta leading your Fleet into Frostcall?"

"How dare you address the Alpha by name?" Gareth's temper flared at Reyna's audacity. He took a menacing step forward, only to be halted by the other Redfall's strong grip. His eyes blazed with contained fury, resenting Reyna's impertinence.

"Alpha, after you departed, we received urgent orders from the conclave. We were instructed to lead the first Fleet down this path to ensure the safety of the Luna and escort her to the conclave," explained the Redfall who had restrained Gareth.

Taking her by the shoulder, Roth tugged her aside. The touch, though assertive, was tinged with concern. She didn't resist, knowing full well that any attempt would be futile. Still, there was a growing irritation at his assumption that he could put his hands on her at will.

"Reyna, much as I've allowed your defiance to pass, going forward, things will be different. You are to address everyone by their rank, as is customary," Roth advised

Her arched brow was the only indication of her resistance as she held Roth's gaze. After that, she glanced at the Omegas, then at him again.

"No, I will not," she declared.

With genuine curiosity, Decker asked, "Why do you persist in disregarding the importance of these traditions and ranks? You're a Fang, a Prime no less. Did you not understand how ranks worked before you took the oath?"

"I do," Reyna stated matter-of-factly, facing Decker directly. "But I don't necessarily agree with them. As Luna, I believe it's my prerogative to decide whether to address you as Warmaster or by name."

Roth growled in frustration. "This disregard for tradition is precisely what led to the Luna massacre. Do as you wish, but know that if trouble arises, I won't intervene–"

"You never have," Reyna interjected sharply.

It was an unspoken war of wills between Roth and Reyna as they glared at each other. Roth was determined to get his way, and she was equally determined to resist him. Finally, Roth turned to Gareth, his voice slicing through the cave's frigid air.

"Gareth, you're with me. We'll hang back and make sure we're not being followed. Quinn, lead Decker and the Luna out."

Without hesitation, the Redfalls arranged themselves accordingly, falling in line with their designated partners. Reyna shot one last sidelong glance at Roth, then followed her assigned group. Decker, ever a few steps behind, kept a vigilant watch.

As they proceeded, the cave closed in around them, its icy embrace unwelcoming. Reyna pressed on, her senses attuned to every detail with each step reverberating through the narrow passage, amplifying the silence. Amidst it all, the distant melody of dripping water reached her ears, prompting her to pause and listen.

It was unusual.

"I guess you and Roth are having a lover's quarrel?" Decker asked.

Decker's question caught her off guard, and she turned to him with a raised brow, taken aback. "What? We're no such thing," she replied. "Did he say we were?"

His eyes sparkled with amusement as he regarded her. "Actions speak louder than words, Reyna. The tension between you two is hard to miss."

"It isn't as you think. Roth is an attractive male, and one glance would ignite a female's loins," she admitted. "Exactly the same as you. It's the searing lust of the solstice that you're sensing."

She caught him off guard with her response, that much was clear. His eyes sparkled with amusement as he chuckled softly, the sound carrying through the cold air.

"Well, your candidness is... unexpected. I appreciate the compliment."

She pressed on, her words flowing like a stream guided by the solstice's ethereal current, guiding her tongue. "It's not just Roth," she continued. "There's something about this time of year. Emotions run hot, and the solstice amplifies them. And let's not pretend that any female, solstice or not, wouldn't find those mesmerizing blue eyes of yours utterly captivating."

Normally, Reyna wouldn't talk about things like this so openly. Almost as if she needed to level the playing field, so Decker wouldn't think her affections was only one way. Seeing him stare at her with that smile, she almost felt like swallowing her tongue or melting into ice.

But why did Decker care about her connection with Roth?

"What's it to you anyway?" she asked.

"Curiosity, I suppose," he said, his tone thoughtful. "I've never known Roth to tolerate such impertinence from anyone. I understand what you're thinking; it's because you're Luna. But you're wrong. Roth is a staunch enforcer of tradition. For him to prioritize the satisfaction of his Omegas and Beta over his own says a lot."

Decker's words hit her hard. She hadn't thought of it that way. Suddenly, her initial belief that Roth was only interested in mating to assert his dominance seemed inadequate. Even after her rejection, Roth treated her with care and respect. Besides claiming her as Luna to be Alpha, did he long for something more? Did he care for her in a way she hadn't allowed herself to consider?

That was a little disconcerting. It made her question Roth's intentions, as well as her own feelings. She had been so focused on asserting her independence and resisting traditional expectations that she hadn't truly considered Roth's feelings.

"Tell me, why do you insist on not using titles?" Decker asked, his gaze steady on her. "To defy convention?"

Reyna hesitated, then nodded. "Partly. It's also a reminder that titles don't define us. But more than that, I prefer to be known by my name, not by rank."

He gave a small nod of understanding. "I can respect that. But isn't it also true that titles can be a source of pride and accomplishment? Do your Fangs not refer to you as Prime? Does it not fill you with pride?"

"Yes, titles can carry the pride of accomplishment, and I don't deny that. My Fangs do refer to me as Prime, but it's not something I actively seek or emphasize. I'd rather they know me for who I am, not just a title. But they follow the rules vehemently, no matter how hard I try to deter them."

"You have a noble intention, Reyna, but it's crucial to remember that titles like Alpha and Warmaster hold deep meaning. They represent the foundation of our society, the pillars upon which we stand. They're not mere labels. In your disregard for them, you insult the gods that made you Luna. Do you honestly believe they gave you these powers and wisdom in order to cause a rift in the kingdom they're trying so hard to keep together?"

As they continued down the tunnel, Reyna couldn't shake Decker's words. He had an unusual way of making her think and reevaluating her stance. Titles were more than just formalities; they were deeply connected to the gods.

She mulled over his words, understanding that there was wisdom in finding harmony between preserving tradition and embracing individuality. The challenge was to strike that balance without undermining the foundation of their kingdom.

Turning the inquiry back on him, Reyna asked, "And you, why do you continue to try to oust Roth? You both seem like brothers, you know. It is quite suspicious that you've not tried to kill each other since we've been alone."

Decker smiled. "We might clash, but in the end, we're still bound by the same purpose—to protect our kind. Roth and I, we've learned to put our differences aside when it truly matters. But it doesn't mean I won't challenge him when I believe he's wrong. It's the way of our kind. And right now, the most important thing is getting you to the conclave."

"To what end?" Reyna asked.

"Roth and I... we have a complicated history. We've faced challenges together, and that forges a bond. We grew up together, trained together, and fought side by side in countless battles. We're more than just Alpha and Warmaster; we're brothers in arms. But we also have fundamental differences in how we see the future of our kingdom."

He glanced ahead, his eyes scanning the icy expanse as the visible rays of light appeared ahead of them; they were almost out of the tunnel.

"Roth is a strong leader, and he cares deeply for the wolves of the Wild Lands. But he's sometimes blinded by tradition, by what's expected. I believe in progress, and in adapting to our changing world. That's why we've clashed. But at the end of the day, we share a bond forged in loyalty, trust, and a deep understanding of each other," Decker added.

Reyna raised an eyebrow. "So, why the tension between you two?"

Decker sighed. "It's complicated. There are decisions Roth has made that I vehemently disagreed with, especially concerning the Elders and their influence. I fear that he's becoming too entangled in their web, compromising the independence and strength of our kingdom."

"And you believe that challenging him is the way to protect Aupheadia's interests?"

Decker gave her a sideways glance. "Yes, but it's not a decision I take lightly. Roth is a formidable Alpha, and I respect him for that. But I also believe that we need a leader who can navigate the complexities of our world without being beholden to anyone, even the Elders."

Reyna regarded Decker with a crooked smile, her curiosity piqued. "What is it you really want to achieve, Warmaster Decker?" she inquired.

He paused in his steps, causing her to halt as well, and turned to face her. "To split the territories between their respective Alpha Houses and abolish the supreme rule of one Alpha," he stated firmly.

Reyna's brows lifted in surprise. It was a radical proposition, one that would reshape the balance of power between the three Alpha Houses and Aupheadia. It could potentially lead to a shift in order and create an opportunity for a new power to emerge, which could explain Decker and Roth's rivalry.

"It goes against everything, even the need for a Luna," she sighed, her eyes locked on his.

Decker's smile was sharp and incisive, his teeth gleaming white, and Reyna turned away from him.

"To be fair, there hasn't been a Luna in ages." Decker stepped closer, lifting her chin to meet his gaze once more. His touch was gentle yet firm, urging her to face the truth. "Now, how does that truly make you feel, knowing that the title you cling to, to excuse your defiance, may mean nothing soon? Will you then acknowledge that the titles you fight are exactly what keeps your head still attached to your neck?"

Reyna's breath caught in her throat as his words cut through her pride and rebellion like a knife.

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