Kane took a deep breath and began, his voice steady but firm. "First and foremost, we, the werewolves, have no desire to start this war. It benefits neither of our people. However, those who have harmed my kin must be handed over to us for justice. We cannot allow such an offense to go unpunished. If there were reasons for the previous conflicts, then let's lay them out on the table and discuss them."
Kane spoke with the conviction of someone who believed in the possibility of peace, thinking that the violence between their races had stemmed from misunderstandings and deep-seated prejudices. He hoped that by addressing these issues directly, they could find common ground.
However, his words were met with laughter—harsh, mocking laughter that echoed off the cold stone walls of the chamber. The human leader, his expression twisted with disdain, shook his head in amusement. "You truly are naïve, Kane," he said, his voice dripping with condescension. "Do you think this is about some petty squabble? If you don't hand over the artifact, there's nothing more to discuss."
Kane's brow furrowed in confusion. "Artifact? I have no idea what you're talking about."
The leader's eyes narrowed, his amusement fading into cold suspicion. "Don't play dumb with me. The artifact that grants humans permanent supernatural abilities—without the need for your cursed transformations. Hand it over, or this meeting is over, and so is any chance of peace."
Kane stared at the man, genuinely baffled. "I don't know what artifact you're referring to. There's been some mistake. We don't possess any such thing."
But the human leader wasn't convinced. He leaned forward, his gaze hard and unyielding. "Do you really expect me to believe that? You're just trying to stall. Well, I'm not a fool, Kane. I know you have it, and if you won't give it up willingly, then we'll take it by force."
As he spoke, the leader made a subtle gesture with his hand. Almost immediately, the sound of footsteps echoed from the shadows, and Kane's senses flared in alarm. He realized with a sinking feeling that they had walked right into a trap. The room, which had seemed empty and quiet just moments ago, was now filled with armed men stepping out from hidden alcoves and behind curtains. They were surrounded.
Kane's heart pounded in his chest as the tension in the room skyrocketed. He could feel his men shifting uneasily behind him, their hands twitching, ready to fight. Rylan, who had been simmering with anger throughout the meeting, now looked like he was on the verge of snapping.
"Kane," Rylan hissed under his breath, his eyes darting around the room, "this doesn't look good."
Kane's mind raced. They were outnumbered and unarmed, but he knew that giving in wasn't an option. If they surrendered now, they would be at the mercy of their enemies, and there was no guarantee they would make it out alive. He also knew that the leader wouldn't believe him, no matter how much he insisted that they didn't have the artifact. The man was convinced Kane was lying.
The human leader stood, signaling his men to move forward. "Seize them," he commanded, his voice cold and final. "We'll make them talk, one way or another."
The guards began to close in, weapons drawn. Kane's men tensed, ready to fight, but Kane knew that without their weapons, they stood little chance against the armed guards. He had to think fast.
"Wait!" Kane's voice rang out, stopping the guards in their tracks. He held up his hands, trying to buy time. "Listen to me. If you attack us now, you'll be starting a war that will destroy both our people. We came here to talk, not to fight. But if you push us, we won't go down without a fight. Is that really what you want?"
The human leader sneered. "What I want is that artifact, Kane. And if you won't hand it over, then yes, I'm more than willing to start a war."
Kane's mind raced. He knew they were running out of time. He needed to do something—anything—to turn the situation around.
Suddenly, Kane's eyes flicked to one of the windows at the far end of the room. It was slightly ajar, and outside, he could see the moon beginning to rise. An idea sparked in his mind. It was a long shot, but it might be their only chance.
"Fine," Kane said, lowering his voice so only his men could hear him. "We'll have to fight our way out. When I give the signal, head for the window. We'll use the moonlight to transform and make our escape. Got it?"
His men nodded, their expressions grim but determined. Kane knew they were ready to follow him, no matter the odds.
The human leader, seeing Kane's whispered conversation, grew impatient. "Enough stalling!" he barked. "Take them!"