The air surrounding them was filled with chaos because of the negativity the news brings. Others couldn't help but think of such impossibility whereas some underestimated the mindset of the enemies.
"Colonize? Who? Us? Do you wish death, perhaps?"- Arthur
"That's impossible!"- Gilbert (Emperor's PS/Right-hand man)
"We may see it as impossible but, I'm afraid it is not. Our ancestor made that venom, primarily not to colonize but to bring peace."- Head Kelly
The clans' disappointment was clearly shown through their reaction as some snicker with bitterness on their faces. Kalios could no longer hold his rage and yelled at the Head, not caring whether they both differed in rankings.
"What peace does that dangerous venom give?! It only brought us destruction!"
The Supreme Alpha listened to the whole disruptive conversation without even saying a word. The two royals began to analyze the situation to themselves and silently watched the chaos of each clan. Because, how could something dangerous bring them this so-called peace? Head Kelly began explaining without missing a beat.
"There was a legend found by the former hunter's renowned medical genius, it started with a woman losing her pair but suddenly she returned to her senses. He hypothesized that it must have something to do with some kind of antidote which they started calling that miracle as Tri-colonies.Tri-colonies were made by the most genius of our clan and supposed to be an antidote to keep our senses intact even if we lose our pair. In short, it's a healing potion to severe our death. Instead of ending one's life after losing their pair, we are to use it to heal them instead. However, that goal came to an end. That antidote afflicts our mind in submitting ourselves and obeying their masters. And at the same time, our features change from a beast."
"Then what about the hole embedded in their chest?"
Catina immersed with the conversation by asking the Head about the hole in their chest. She had been curious about it ever since their first mission when he saw those holes. And since then, in each lab they go to, they all had similar holes yet in different forms. Unfortunately, not even her knows what causes them to have those or what was embedded inside it. All she knows is that it could be something that would help explain their forms and deaths.
"That… is something I have yet to find out. For now, I can only assume that's their goal."
"So you mean that your findings could be wrong?"- Arthur
"No, I wouldn't say so. Because having that venom means their goal is us."
Dir. Melvis continued to listen to the whole conversation while closing his eyes. A squeak of a door made him open his eyes to see the person who is about to reveal themselves. A graceful blonde hair and majestic aura of a high ranking woman with her aide and some agents escorting them in. Empress Jasmine welcomed herself gracefully inside the meeting hall where everyone fell in silence as they watched her approach the Adonis brothers then faced the director.
The director stood up and went closer to the empress then bowed in front of her with courtesy to express his sincere greetings.
"Hail to the Empress of the Sun and Moon! Hail to our goddess! Hail to you, Your Highness."
The empress couldn't help but chuckled and felt a pleasing emotion by his generous greeting. She replied to her with glee that the emperor doesn't seem to find it pleasing at all.
"Please, Dir. Harlow, raise your head. I am pleased to meet you."
"How is her Majesty? I deeply apologize for making you uncomfortable. Please, feel free to do as you please and make yourself comfortable."- Dir. Harlow
"I will keep that in mind."
The friendly atmosphere confused the whole clan except Jasper, Ashley, and the Heads. Supreme Alpha Liam quickly jumped and playfully wrapped his arm around Dir. Melvis' neck then gestured a salute to the empress.
"Yo, Your Highness! I see, you're as beautiful as the day, hmm?"- Liam
"Why, thank you, Supreme Alpha. You're getting more handsome the last time we had our conversation. How long has it been?"
"Longer than you expected, but who cares? We get to see each other now."- Liam
"Ah, yes, yes. I'm glad to see you too."- Empress Jasmine
The Supremes' packs were in a dilemma whether to go along with their leader or to ignore him. They were so confused between the relationships of the three as to why they're close to each other. Some of the old packs as well as the hunters and vampires who worked for so long under them remained silent since it is clear that those three were close enough to call themselves as best friends despite the heated relation between the three clans.
The new packs stared at the beta with no reaction as they assumed that everything was safe. Although, the world of the three was very pleasant, however, the other side didn't seem to quite like their affinity with each other. Emperor Charles sneered in silence as he quietly glared at the two who were so comfortable with his wife. Whereas, Grand Duke Arthur watched them with poker face and at the same time felt the sinister aura from his brother.
Among the vampires only Empress Jasmine was able to freely mingle with any clans. Many of the agents and lycans felt this easiness towards the empress. And she herself makes sure that they're comfortable when talking to her. There was once a prophecy that a Female Blood child will be borne by another Female Blood and will bring peace to the three clans. She will bring the clan into one, the child they presumed was Empress Jasmine, especially when all will bow down to her and favor her greatly.
Catina watched her cousin from the distance with pure happiness in her eyes and with loving people surrounding her. She immediately realized that something was wrong with Empress Jasmine or… with her. The moment she doubted herself, a sting of pain crossed through the veins of her head as if it was being forced open and it quickly made her feel resentful. An unknown feeling almost overflowed like a crack of a glass jar which contained her emotions.
She held her head while the other on her chest and clenched on them as if restraining them. Jasper was quick to notice Catina's condition when he hurriedly asked her what was going on with her.
"Hey! Are you alright?" he whispered
"Y-yeah… maybe I overexerted myself from work. But I'm fine, I promise."- Catina
"I think, it would be much better for you to go to the infirmary."- Ashley joined them worriedly
"No! I'm not going there, I'm really fine. I'm just tired."- Catina
(Sigh) "Fine, but if I say you need to go then you better go, understood?"- Japser
Catina quickly nodded in response then composed herself to avoid any attention. However, little did she know that the royal family silently had their eyes on her. Her attention went straight to Head Kelly when she clasped her hands together and said.
"Alright! That's it for today so you can all leave or make yourselves comfortable here as much as you want. Also, greetings, Your Highness, the Empress."
"My, my, I guess, I was too late."- Empress Jasmine
"Is that really all, Head Kelly? I presumed you had more of it."- Emperor Charles
"Aah~ Yeah, I do. However, that is mine to keep first since I haven't confirmed it yet. I don't want to jump to conclusions."
"Then to make things even faster, we will send you one of our prides' healer."- Arthur
"Healer?"- Head Melissa
"You'll see two weeks from now."- Charles
Their conversation was interrupted when Empress Jasmine passed by and went near Catina who she sees as Hans. Catina looked at her blankly while suppressing her feelings upon seeing her dearest cousin. The empress smiled genuinely to her and greeted her.
"Hans, right? I apologize for such a disgraceful act I showed to you a while ago. In return, I would like to express my greetings to you which I wasn't able to."
"A-ah! N-no, i-its fi-ne, r-rea-lly."
Catina was flustered seeing her trying to express her sincerity to her. Seeing her funny yet cute expression made the empress chuckled and soon enough it gave her an idea.
"You're amusing. Then if greetings won't do, if you don't mind, would you like to visit our villa?"
"Eh? E-excuse me?"
Everyone's eyes widened by the sudden invitation of the empress herself. Even Catina, who had no idea of what was going on with the empress' mind was dumbfounded. Empress Jasmine then didn't wait for her answer to make sure she wouldn't have the chance to refuse.
"Then, I'll see you in two weeks!"
"Wha— Wai?"
She was left with nothing but confusion and unable to refuse Empress Jasmine as the elegant woman made her way out of the meeting hall together with her kin with a smile on her face.
...