Wolf Haven: Lotus Leaf - Mount Burdock District
Oscar and Steven Croft proceeded through the dark, putrid dungeon. Five gates scattered randomly across Rebrook led to this ancient building that reeked of neglect and wear. The brothers entered through the East Gate; it was closest to the Croft Sanctuary. They advanced down the damp steps, their only guide the sound of the gathering their heightened hearing picked up.
They reached the expanse where all five paths conversed, and yellow dim lights welcomed them. Unlike the dark wet path that led them there, the middle where all five paths met was clean and well preserved for a building as old. They continued down the hall following the row of dim lights that seemed to lead the way amid brown brick walls, to a throne room.
The gathering of The Eclipse Howlers turned to them. This room was void of the yellow lights that led them there, in its stead was a large spiral monochrome ceiling with white fluorescent light pouring into it.
"Gentlemen," Oscar greeted with a condescending smile. Of all the Crofts he was the troublemaker.
The brothers advanced to the middle of the room, right there in front of the small steps that led up to the throne where the alpha sat draped in black puffy fur. Seth's amber eyes held Oscar's like that of a wolf, calm, calculating, and primal. Oscar stole a glance at his brother whose response was a slight shrug.
"You're not welcomed here, blood-suckers," Misty said from where she sat among the Canines.
Steven turned to the alpha's mate. She was nearly as intimidating as his sister, with eyes of amber and steel. His gaze slipped to the Canines on Misty's side- their brown eyes judging him with sadistic intent. He turned to the other side of the room where the highborns sat and yellow murderous eyes stared back.
"Why so crass, beautiful?" Steven asked her. His only response was a pissed-off growl. "Seth," he greeted the alpha. "A word, please."
Seth rose and climbed down to the Crofts. "This is a private gathering, Croft," he said, his tone clear and sour. "You do not get to just walk in here, uninvited, to have a word with me."
"Lady Croft...
"Is who my business is with, not you,' Seth interrupted, cutting Oscar off. "If there's something she needs to discuss, she knows to find me in the planes of Lazarus." He waved a dismissive hand at them.
Steven went nose-to-nose with him. "It is well within our rights to do this given the urgency of the matter."
"You have no rights here." Misty rose and went to her mate's side, her long brown hair bouncing as she walked. "You interrupted a procession of wolves because of misguided delusions of supremacy and have the audacity to speak about rights?" she asked, brows furrowed.
"Misty. Don't do this," Oscar pleaded with a small smile on his lips. "This is one fight you will not win."
"Wanna bet?" She dared. "It's the two of you against the most lethal Howlers, Croft," she reminded him. "Run back to mummy and tell her we don't discuss our business with her errand boys."
Oscar grabbed her throat before the words were out and she gasped at the suddenness of the move. Much like the mundanes, the Howlers and most mystics couldn't keep up with the Croft's inhuman pace.
Seth lunged forward, tearing Oscar's hands off of her throat. His eyes burned yellow with fury as he shoved Oscar back against the wall of the room. Oscar collapsed hard against the wall with a pained grunt.
"How dare you lay your filthy hands on my mate?" Seth barked. The rest of the pack rose, eyes glowing yellow.
Steven cursed bitterly as he eyed his brother. Oscar would be the death of them all. "Apologies." He tried to calm the Howlers. "I apologize for that Seth-
"Leave, now!" Seth barked pointing them towards the exit.
Steven nodded, not wanting to provoke Seth any more and went to Oscar. Oscar was up now and glaring wickedly at the alpha. Steven took his brother's arm and breezed off into the dungeon with the wind.
Seth turned to Misty, she massaged her throat with a frown, threw Seth a sideways glare, and stormed out of the room. The alpha returned to his chair and lowered back into it. "Send words to Lady Croft. I do not wish to wage war, but if this repeats itself, she'll get what she seeks."
His lieutenant smiled, tipped in a low bow, and walked out of the throne room.
╞═════𖠁𐂃𖠁═════╡
The Lycan Settlement: Coyote Forest [Fort Point District]
"What was that?" Aaron asked his alpha as soon as he stepped off the bridge that separated Rebrook from the Lycan settlement. He'd been speaking with the red-haired Blackwood witch and it was unusual for their alpha to reach out to a member of the council.
Mason eyed him with those judgy murderous hazel green eyes. It didn't take much to dislike Mason, but the fact remained; he was domineering, agonizing, and clear-headed. He was the most feared mystic since the descent of the otherworldly creatures. His atrocious disregard for the Crofts was why they weren't part of the Core.
"What is it to you?" Came Mason's callous response, causing Aaron to exhale a sigh.
"I am your commander Cozzain, and this seems important enough to get in bed with that damned council."
Mason assessed him quietly. He was considering whether or not to let him in. A look and habit he had grown accustomed to now. Since their world blew up into several unreconcilable pieces, Mason had become more scrutinizing and distrustful. He'd failed Agrillion and his overprotectiveness of the league was quite stifling.
"An Oriental may be in the city. She's not quite sure of it yet. I need you to find out what you can about this."
Aaron's eyes widened in disbelief. "An Oriental witch? That's not possible. You and the Core removed all of them eons ago. Your source is gravely misinformed."
"Find this woman whom the circle thinks is one and report back. Do not harm her," Mason stressed.
Aaron nodded begrudgingly, his scarlet eyes twitching with venom. The Oriental lineage forced them into a war that lasted over fifty decades and succeeded in destroying the Lycan's most precious relic, damning any attempt to ever rebuild their world. Whomever she was, if she was an Oriental, she deserved only death.
Mason drew closer to him. "Speak of this to no one," he warned.
Aaron nodded yet again and walked out over the bridge. Mason turned on his way and continued down into the planes where the last of the Lycan race dwelt under his protection.