Darius's POV
The morning air felt crisp against my face as I approached the towering gates of Fenrir Empire. My heart hammered in my chest, but I kept my expression calm and respectful.
"State your business," the guard at the gate demanded, his hand resting on his sword hilt.
"I am Alpha Darius of the North," I replied, keeping my voice steady. "I come bearing gifts for your King and wish to attend tomorrow's ceremony."
The guard looked me up and down, then nodded curtly. "Follow me."
I didn't come with Silas intentionally, so it wouldn't look like I was here for something else.
As we walked through the empire's grand corridors, I couldn't help but notice how different everything felt from my last visit here. The walls seemed to close in on me, and every shadow felt like it was hiding secrets. But I had to focus. I had a job to do.
The throne room doors opened with a heavy creak, and there he was – the Fenrir King, sitting on his massive throne. He looked even more frail than I remembered, his skin pale and his hands shaking slightly as they gripped the armrests.
I walked forward and dropped to one knee, bowing deeply. "Your Majesty, I bring greetings from the North."
"Rise," the King said, his voice barely above a whisper. "What brings you to my empire, young Darius?"
I stood and reached into my traveling bag, pulling out the carefully wrapped gifts I'd prepared. "My father, though unwell, wanted to honor your kingdom with these tokens of respect." I placed the ornate silver chalice and silk fabrics at the base of his throne. "He also sends his wishes for your good health and prosperity."
The King's eyes lit up slightly as he examined the gifts. "These are beautiful. Please thank your father for his kindness." He paused, studying my face. "But tell me, to whom do I owe this unexpected courtesy visit?"
This was the moment I'd rehearsed a hundred times. I cleared my throat and met his gaze directly. "I was traveling home when word reached me of tomorrow's ceremony. As the acting Alpha in my father's absence due to his illness, I felt it was my duty to attend and represent our pack."
The King nodded slowly, and I held my breath. Would he mention Kade's last visit? Would he ask uncomfortable questions about why Kade had left so suddenly?
"That is very thoughtful of you," he finally said. "It shows great respect for tradition."
Relief flooded through me. He wasn't going to bring up Kade.
"Your Majesty is kind," I replied with another small bow.
The King waved a thin hand toward one of his guards. "Marcus, please escort our guest to the chambers prepared for visiting dignitaries. He'll need rest before tomorrow's festivities."
"Of course, Your Majesty." The guard stepped forward, his armor clanking with each movement. "This way, sir."
I bowed one final time to the King. "Thank you for your hospitality, Your Majesty. I look forward to tomorrow's ceremony."
As Marcus led me through the winding corridors, I tried to memorize every turn, every door, every window. The guest chambers were in the east wing, far from the main halls but close enough to the gardens that I could slip out unnoticed if needed.
"Here are your quarters," Marcus said, opening a heavy wooden door. "Dinner will be served in the main hall at sunset. The ceremony begins at dawn tomorrow."
"Thank you," I said, stepping inside. "I appreciate your kindness."
Marcus nodded and closed the door behind him. I waited, counting his footsteps as they faded down the hallway. Only when I was certain he was gone did I allow myself to breathe normally again.
The room was simple but comfortable – a bed, a desk, a small window overlooking the gardens. Perfect. I moved to the window and peered out. The shadows were already growing long as evening approached. I had to move quickly.
I opened my travel bag and pulled out the black clothes I'd hidden beneath my formal robes. The dark fabric felt rough against my skin as I changed, but it would help me blend into the shadows. I tucked a small wrapped item into my inside pocket – the real reason I was here.
Taking one last look around the room, I slipped to the window and carefully opened it. The drop to the garden below wasn't far, and the soft earth would muffle any sound. I swung one leg over the sill, then the other, and dropped silently to the ground.
The gardens were maze-like, with tall hedges and winding paths that provided perfect cover. I kept to the shadows, moving quickly but carefully toward the predetermined meeting spot near the old oak tree at the garden's edge.
My heart pounded as I approached the tree. Was I early? Late? Had something gone wrong?
Then I saw the figure waiting in the darkness – exactly where they were supposed to be. My accomplice. We'd planned this moment for weeks, but seeing them here made it all feel real.
I approached slowly, every sense alert for any sign of danger. The empire's guards patrolled regularly, and getting caught would mean certain death – not just for me, but for everyone involved in our plan.
When I was close enough to see their face in the moonlight, I stopped. We looked at each other for a long moment, both of us understanding the gravity of what we were about to do. This wasn't just about the item I carried – it was about everything that would come after.
They held out their hand, palm up, waiting. I reached into my pocket and pulled out the small wrapped package. It felt heavier than it should have, weighted with all our hopes and fears.
Neither of us spoke. We both knew that walls have ears, especially in a place like this. Every word could be overheard, every whisper could betray us. Silence was our only protection.
I placed the item carefully in their palm. Their fingers closed around it immediately, and they tucked it away somewhere safe. The transaction was complete. There was no going back now.
We stood there for another moment, both knowing this might be the last time we saw each other. If our plan worked, everything would change. If it failed, we'd all pay the ultimate price.
Without another look, we both turned away from each other. I watched as my accomplice melted back into the shadows, disappearing as if they'd never been there at all. Then I did the same, slipping back through the garden paths toward my window.
The climb back into my room was easier than the drop down had been. I changed back into my normal clothes and hid the black outfit at the bottom of my bag. By the time anyone checked on me, I'd be just another visiting dignitary, preparing for tomorrow's ceremony.
But as I sat on the edge of the bed, staring out at the dark garden, I knew that tomorrow would change everything. The item was delivered. The plan was in motion. Now all I could do was wait and pray that we'd made the right choice.
At the thought of Kade convulsing to death tomorrow, I let out a hearty laugh.