*Nemesia's POV*
The evening at the main rebel camp was as brisk as it was bustling. As twilight deepened, the large fire pit at the camp's centre became a beacon, drawing rebels and newcomers alike to its warmth. Flames licked the air, casting long, dancing shadows that flickered across animated faces, their features illuminated by the intermittent glow.
Murphey, Evar, James, Alice, Tom, and I found a table somewhat removed from the centre of the activity. Though the surrounding camaraderie was palpable, the multitude of unfamiliar faces made the gathering seem imposing. I stayed close to my companions, drawing comfort from their familiar presence amidst the crowd of strangers.
As hearty platters of roasted meat and steaming bowls of stew circulated, I caught snippets of conversation from nearby groups. The topics varied from recountings of recent skirmishes to plans for upcoming missions, the voices ebbing and flowing in rhythm with the crackles and pops of the fire.
"Tomorrow's meeting will set the tone for our next moves," Murphey's voice cut through my reverie, pulling my attention back to our table. His words were meant for our ears alone, his tone serious. "Peotius Cane is a formidable leader, but his methods can be... unconventional."
Evar, who had been methodically tearing into his meal, paused to punctuate Murphey's statement with a grunt.
"Intense doesn't quite cover it with him," he said, skewering another piece of meat with unnecessary force. His expression was taut, his eyes reflecting the firelight with a sharpness that spoke of his own reservations.
I nodded. My fork toyed with the food on my plate, my appetite waning as I considered the implications of tomorrow's encounter. Peotius Cane was not just any leader; his reputation was a complex tapestry of ruthlessness and charisma, and his support was crucial for my cause.
The din around us grew louder as more rebels joined the feast. Laughter mingled with the occasional raucous shout, the atmosphere thick with the smell of smoke and spiced meat. Despite the festive air, my thoughts remained shadowed by the upcoming meeting.
Alice leaned in, her voice low as she passed a bowl of stew to Tom.
"You've met Peotius before, right? What's he like?" Her curiosity was evident, her gaze flickering to my face for a moment before returning to her meal.
Tom shrugged, a wary glance towards Murphey before he replied, "He's... charismatic, sure. But he's got an edge to him like he's always calculating the next move."
James chimed in with a slight smile. "Every leader has their quirks. We just need to focus on obeying his orders and following his command as it could benefit us all."
The conversation drifted then to lighter topics, the group making an effort to ease the tension. We talked of past missions, shared stories - the group wanted to hear about our journey to the inn for the mysterious meeting. They were envious of Jenna and Orion for going with us.
As the evening wore on, the fire's warmth battled against the creeping chill of the night. Songs were sung, their melodies rising and falling like the tides. I kind of missed old Francis and his songs. Yet, as the gathering eventually began to disperse, fatigue set in, pulling our small group back towards the quieter confines of our quarters. I sent Rowan earlier to sleep, right after he ate so my walk was a quiet one.
Walking back under the starlit sky, the cool night air felt refreshing, though my mind raced with thoughts of tomorrow. The thought of the impending meeting settled heavily upon me, a mix of anticipation and unease.
"It's as if something was meant to happen..." I whispered in my mind to Athena.
"We'll handle it, Nemesia," Murphey's voice broke through my thoughts as we neared our cabins, making me jump a bit. I didn't realise he was following me this closely. "I'll be there and I'll help you... well... communicate with him."
I managed a small smile, answering the one he gave me. It felt as if he was trying to tell me that he always protects 'his people'... It felt nice.
"Thanks, Murphey. Let's hope it'll pass as a dull old meeting."
With that, we bid each other goodnight, retreating to the solitude of our quarters. Rowan was sleeping soundly on my bed yet again. I smiled lightly and joined him. I could feel the little body cuddling into me right after I lay down. He might've been brave and capable for a ten-year-old kid but he was still a child needing his parents. I wondered what happened to them but somehow... didn't dare to ask. I hugged the boy close to me as I heard him utter "mom" under his breath.
"I'm here..." I said shyly petting his head.
"This boy is under our protection" Athena seemed to be very protective of the pup.
I slowly drifted off into sleep.
*
Dawn broke with a golden glow seeping through the thick canopies of the mountains, casting long, slanted beams of light that cut through the morning mist. The camp was already bustling as we prepared for the meeting with Peotius Cane, the leader of the rebels.
I dressed carefully, selecting an outfit that balanced authority and practicality—a reinforced leather tunic over durable trousers, my hair pulled back into a no-nonsense ponytail. This meeting wasn't just about strategy; it was a display of strength and composure.
Murphey joined me outside my cabin, his face etched with lines of concern.
"Remember, Peotius is charismatic but notoriously difficult to predict. Keep your answers concise and your tone respectful. He respects strength but will test every boundary you have."
We walked together to the leader's tent, a grand structure situated at the camp's highest point, its position as commanding as the man who called it his own. Evar soon joined me as well as some other wolves. The guards at the entrance nodded solemnly, pulling back the heavy canvas flap to allow us entry.
Peotius Cane stood to greet us, an imposing figure with long chestnut hair pulled back into a rugged braid that hinted at controlled wildness. His attire was a deliberate mix of luxury and utility, leather paired with finely woven fabrics, projecting a persona of refined barbarism.
His eyes found mine immediately, sharp and assessing, and the intensity of his gaze was unnerving. Murphey's introduction was brief, his voice steady despite the undercurrent of tension.
"Leader Cane, this is Nemesia, our... field commander."
"Oh... we became a commander!" Athena seemed to find it funny, but I guessed I'd become someone like that for Murphey over the past few weeks.
His eyes locked onto mine immediately, intense and scrutinizing.
"Nemesia, I've been eager to meet you. Your exploits have resonated even in these secluded mountains," he said, his voice a smooth baritone that filled the tent.
"Thank you, Sir Peotius," I responded, maintaining a composed exterior while Athena stirred uneasily within me.
He laughed. "Ah, please. Call me Peotius... or Alpha if you prefer," he basically purred the word 'Alpha'.
"Be cautious", she murmured. "His wolf seems... weird," I could feel her unease as she drifted back into my mind.
"Thank you Peotius" I said calmly.
The Leader motioned us to sit.
"Let's discuss the future. Your role could be pivotal." His eyes never left mine, the intensity of his gaze making me stir a bit.
Murphey started with a brief update, but soon, Peotius turned the conversation directly to me.
"Tell me, Nemesia, what drives you? What is it that you seek from this war?"
"I seek... justice," I replied, carefully measuring my words. "And the freedom of our people from tyranny." The last part was a bit innovative as I just had to add something rebel-like...
Peotius nodded, seemingly pleased with my answer.
"Ambitious and noble. I can offer you resources, strategies, perhaps more..." His gaze became pointed, lingering a bit too long on the curves of my body which made me shiver... but not in a good way.
I could feel Evar stir in place, and after a moment he excused himself and stormed out of the tent. Somehow it made me feel even less safe.
As the discussion shifted to logistics and plans, Peotius outlined a daring strategy involving the lands of shifter clans right behind the sea close by.
"We have a unique opportunity to strike at the Lycan Kingdom by supporting the Bear Clan on the nearby island," Peotius explained, his fingers tracing the routes and positions on the map. "Their ongoing conflict with the Jaguar Clan has left both sides vulnerable. The Lycan Kingdom came to aid the Jaguars... Bears are powerful barbarians but even they have limited power."
He looked right at me and showed a predatory smile.
"You, Nemesia, will lead this mission, of course with Murphey's help. I want to... test you a bit..." Peotius was rather open about making it some sort of test for me.
I affirmed, aware of every rebel eye on me, gauging my readiness. "I am prepared."
As the meeting drew to a close, everyone began to filter out but Peotius's hand on my arm halted my departure. "A moment, please, Nemesia."
Once alone, his demeanour shifted subtly, his stance encroaching slightly into my personal space so I could almost feel his breath on me.
"You know, power is more enjoyable when shared. I would love nothing more than to aid you... on that little vendetta of yours. And with your help, our own cause could finally win. Together, we could rule, reshape this land and make what the rebels are fighting for real."
The implication of his words was clear, and revulsion curled inside me.
"My focus is on the mission, for now, Peotius. I appreciate your confidence in my abilities." I tried to sound calm and neutral. Even gave him a small smile against my better judgement.
He leaned even closer, his voice a husky whisper. "Consider what we could achieve together. I am offering you a kingdom shared with a powerful man with you on his side."
It made me angry hearing that but I had to conceal my anger and thoughts. If anyone could offer a kingdom it was me! I had the right to the throne. And he already made it look like he would be a king and I could be his queen.
"I will consider all strategic benefits and make sure to help the rebels as much as I can," I managed to say with a small, stiff smile and a nod, extracting myself from his grasp and exiting the tent as quickly as propriety allowed.
The cool air outside was a relief from the oppressive atmosphere of the tent. Evar was waiting, his expression dark with fury.
"I couldn't stay in there," he admitted. "Not with him looking at you like that."
I sighed, the weight of that encounter heavy on me.
"I know, Evar. But I need his support. For now, I have to play along."
Suddenly Evar looked a bit worried. "By the way... That took longer than expected. Everyone else left earlier... Everything alright?"
"He's exactly as Murphey described," I replied, trying to shake off the unease. "And yes it's ok... he... it's just that he made... em... how to say it... an offer."
I had a hard time naming what just happened in the tent.
"He's a snake, Nemesia," Evar growled, his protective instincts flaring.
"I'm aware," I assured him, my mind racing with plans and possibilities. "But I need to navigate this carefully. I can't burn this bridge without crossing it first..."
As we walked back to our quarters, the memory of the talk with the rebel leader spun wildly in my mind. Peotius was a necessary ally, but one fraught with danger. I would need to tread carefully, balancing the visceral threat he posed with the strategic advantage he offered.
*
That night, unable to sleep, I found myself walking towards the forest edge, needing clarity and space to think. As if knowing me and what turmoil I have inside, Evar joined me, his presence a silent comfort.
"Whatever plan you'll have and whatever help you'll need with that Cane-ass... you can be sure I'll always help," he said, his voice low and reassuring in the moonlit night. "Whatever you want. Just ask. Always."
I chuckled lightly. Cane-ass... a good one. Evar's loyalty was a steady flame in the swirling darkness. With him at my side, I felt fortified against the challenges ahead. But he also brought me lots of unease and fright... every time we were alone or our hands brushed like at this moment. I could feel my wounded heart try to wake up... only for me to put it to sleep as quickly as it awoken.
"Thank you Evar. For now... we've got ourselves an ally... and a spot in the rebel army," I sighed.
Yes... For now, Peotius was an ally, but I was under no illusion about the nature of the beast we were dealing with. He would try to eat everything I give him, together with the hand that feeds him. I had to be careful.