Queen Eliane studied Ethan for a long moment, her golden eyes seeming to pierce right through him. The air in the room grew thick with tension, and Ethan fought the urge to fidget under her scrutiny. Finally, a smile spread across her face- sweet, but with an edge that made Ethan's skin crawl.
"Well, at least you can admit your mistakes," she purred, her voice smooth as honey. "That is something. But if I help you, darling, what do I get in return?"
Ethan's heart raced. This was the moment he had been dreading. As Alpha King, he was used to being the one in control, the one making demands. But here, he was at Queen Eliane's mercy. What would she want in return? What could he provide that she didn't already have?
"Anything you want," Ethan replied, his voice steady.
Amdis and Garrett looked at Ethan in shock and horror. Amdis's lips pressed into a thin line, and Garrett's eyes widened in disbelief. Ethan wasn't even trying to negotiate. There was no telling what Queen Eliane would want. She could easily demand his life.
Queen Eliane's eyebrow arched, and her grin grew sharper, revealing the faintest flash of teeth. "Anything?" she echoed in amusement. "My, my, Ethan. Such a dangerous word. Are you sure about that, Alpha King?"
"Ethan, think about this," Amdis warned.
"Now, now, Ammie. He's a big boy. Let him make his own decision," Queen Eliane purred at Amdis but her eyes were sharp, warning Amdis not to speak again as this was between her and Ethan.
Ethan felt a sudden pressure in his mind- Garrett, urgently mind-linking him. 'Reconsider this, Alpha. You don't know what she will ask of you. She's giving you an opportunity to offer something else. Offer anything else.'
"Yes," Ethan responded aloud, his tone resolute. Garrett threw up his arms in exasperation, his frustration palpable.
Queen Eliane's eyes gleamed with triumph, reminding Ethan of a cat that had just cornered its prey. She leaned in close, her scent- a mix of lavender and something metallic- overwhelming his senses. "Very well, then, Alpha King. My terms are simple: a favor and a wolf every Hunter's Moon."
Ethan's brow furrowed. "What do you mean, a wolf?" he asked hesitantly.
The Queen's lips curved into a coy smile. "Oh, every wolf born beneath the Hunter's Moon will be offered to my court once they come of age." She trailed a finger along his jaw, her touch icy and unsettling. "Doesn't that sound fair?"
Ethan's mind raced. One of his people, given to the Fae every year? The idea made his stomach churn. "Why? What could you possibly want with my wolves?"
Queen Eliane chuckled, a sound both beautiful and eerie. She waved her hand dismissively, the gesture graceful yet mocking. "Now, now, Ethan dear. No need to spoil the mystery." Her eyes glinted dangerously as she extended her hand. "Do we have a deal?"
Ethan hesitated. He needed her help. It wasn't just about Kasia. If Kenneth and the Hunters weren't stopped, there would be more casualties- entire packs wiped out- versus one life every year.
With a heavy heart, Ethan reached out and shook her hand. "We have a deal," he growled.
Queen Eliane's face lit up with a triumphant smile. She gripped his hand tightly and Ethan winced in pain as his hand burned. "Now we are bound by our deal, for neither shall break it," Queen Eliane said, her tone serious. Queen Eliane released him revealing a symbol on his hand that quickly faded.
"Well, now that is done, I will take my leave," Queen Eliane said, "Get your best warriors ready, Alpha King, and you too, my dear Ammie. I will return when I am ready."
"What about the curse?" Garrett chimed in; his voice sharp.
"Oh, that," Queen Eliane said casually, as if discussing the weather. Her golden eyes sparkled with mischief and something darker. "You need to kill the person who cursed him. I don't think that would be a problem, would it?"
"Not at all," Ethan said. "I need to find her."
Queen Eliane's smile grew wider, her teeth glinting like polished pearls. "Oh, interesting," she said, tapping a manicured finger against her chin, "Well that is something you'll have to figure out on your own."
Ethan's jaw tightened. "You said you would help. Amanda is tied to all of this."
Queen Eliane pouted dramatically. "Oh, poor Ethan. Always so demanding. I didn't realize you would need so much help. Amanda is with your mate, Kasia. She's with Kenneth and the Hunters now. I figured that would be obvious."
"Wait. You knew all along what we needed help with?" Amdis cut in, irritated.
"Of course, my dear Ammie. Did you really think I wouldn't know? I know everything, darling," Queen Eliane responded, sauntering back over to Amdis to stroke his face lovingly. "I know how your dear mate is tied to the Alpha King's, an odd predicament."
"Can you separate them?" Amdis asked.
"Of course, I can," Queen Eliane replied.
"But you want something from me," Amdis said.
"Yes, my dear Ammie, but we will discuss that later," Queen Eliane said, focusing her attention back on Ethan.
Ethan's breath hitched, his eyes narrowing. "Kasia's with Kenneth?"
Queen Eliane smirked, clearly relishing his reaction. "Oh, yes. And she's quite a fighter. She is not making it easy for him. But the Hunters… well, they have plans for her. Plans you might not like."
"What plans?" Ethan demanded, his voice low and dangerous. "You are wasting time playing these games!"
The Queen chuckled, shaking her head. "Ah, ah, ah. That would spoil the fun, wouldn't it? Let's just say your timing is perfect. Cocky little rats they are thinking they have the upper hand. Rest assured Alpha King. I will fulfill my part of the deal."
Amdis stepped forward. "Eliane, if you know so much, why don't you tell us where Kenneth is?"
Queen Eliane turned her gaze to Amdis, her expression softening ever so slightly. "Ammie, always so impatient. You'll get your answers. But first, we need to prepare. The Hunters are clever, and Kenneth… he owes me retribution."
Before Ethan could press further, Queen Eliane vanished in a puff of shimmering blue smoke. The scent of lavender lingered, mingling with the fading sound of her laughter.