The council chamber was quieter than usual, a heavy silence hanging in the air as Elara entered. She could sense the tension, an unspoken worry that everyone was feeling but no one dared to voice. The news of the rogue Alphas had shaken them all, and now, every decision felt like walking on the edge of a blade.
Lord Davian Glynstone was already seated at the head of the table, his steely gaze fixed on Elara as she approached. His presence was a reminder of the intricate political web she had to navigate. He had offered to help in the past, but Elara was still unsure of his true motives. Trusting him fully was a risk she wasn't ready to take.
"Queen Elara," Davian greeted her, his tone neutral yet filled with an undercurrent of something darker. "We are eager to hear your plans for dealing with the rogue Alphas."
Elara took her seat, her expression calm and collected. She couldn't afford to show any doubt or hesitation. Not here. "Our scouts have confirmed a gathering of rogue Alphas near the old Veilweaver stronghold. We are preparing for a possible attack, fortifying our defenses and strengthening our alliances."
"An attack would be costly," Davian said, his voice low. "Especially if they have gathered enough strength to form a coalition. Astaria cannot afford a full-scale war right now."
Elara's eyes narrowed. "I am aware of the risks, Lord Glynstone. But we cannot sit idly by while they gather power. We must act decisively."
Davian's gaze sharpened, his lips curling into a slight smirk. "Decisive action can also mean diplomacy, Your Majesty. Perhaps a negotiation with these rogue Alphas could yield better results than bloodshed."
Elara felt her pulse quicken, a flare of anger rising in her chest. Negotiating with rogues who had already caused so much chaos and destruction? The thought was absurd. But she kept her tone measured, not wanting to reveal too much of her inner turmoil. "I will consider all options, Lord Glynstone. But right now, our priority is ensuring the safety of the kingdom."
The council continued their discussion, though Elara remained wary of Davian's suggestion. His words hinted at something deeper, a hidden agenda that she couldn't quite place. She made a mental note to watch him closely in the coming days.
As the meeting adjourned, Elara left the chamber, her mind already racing with possibilities. Negotiation wasn't off the table, but she couldn't allow herself to be manipulated by those who had their own interests at heart. Astaria was her kingdom, and she would decide its future.
Later that afternoon, Elara met with her generals to finalize their defense strategy. The preparations for Lysander's return were underway, and scouts were stationed at key points along the northern borders to monitor any further activity from the rogue Alphas.
Kyle and Aidan joined her as she reviewed maps and discussed possible strategies. "Do you really think Davian has a point about negotiating?" Aidan asked, frowning as he traced a route on the map. "I can't see it working. These rogues are too far gone."
Elara sighed, leaning back in her chair. "I don't trust him. But we need to consider every option. A full-blown war could devastate us, especially if their numbers are larger than we expect."
Kyle, always pragmatic, nodded in agreement. "We'll be ready either way. But I think you're right to be cautious. Davian has his own interests, and we can't let him dictate our moves."
"I won't," Elara promised, her gaze hardening. "Astaria comes first. Always."
The conversation shifted back to strategy, and by the time evening fell, Elara was exhausted but satisfied with the progress they had made. However, the sense of foreboding hadn't left her. It was as if the rogue Alphas were waiting for something, and that something was coming closer with every passing day.
That night, Elara struggled to sleep. Her thoughts kept returning to the unknown—Lysander's mission, the rogue Alphas, and Davian's cryptic words. She tossed and turned, her mind racing with possibilities until she finally gave up and slipped out of bed.
She made her way to the castle's gardens, hoping the cool night air would help clear her mind. The moon was full, casting long shadows across the ground as she wandered through the familiar paths. But even in the serenity of the gardens, her thoughts remained troubled.
A rustle in the nearby bushes caught her attention, and Elara's instincts kicked in. She reached for the dagger hidden at her waist, her senses on high alert.
A figure emerged from the shadows, but it wasn't an intruder. It was Lysander, his face pale and drawn from days of travel. Relief washed over her as she sheathed her dagger and rushed forward to greet him.
"Lysander! You're back," she breathed, her heart racing for a different reason now. "What did you find?"
He looked at her with weary eyes, his voice low as he spoke. "It's worse than we thought, Elara. The rogue Alphas... they've formed an alliance. They're planning an attack, and it's not just on Astaria."
Elara's blood ran cold. "What do you mean?"
Lysander glanced around, making sure they were alone before continuing. "They're not just targeting our kingdom. Their goal is larger—they want to take control of the entire region, overthrowing every Alpha-led territory. And they're being led by someone powerful... someone we didn't expect."
Elara's heart pounded in her chest. "Who?"
Lysander's next words sent a chill through her entire body.
"Lord Davian Glynstone."