Chapter 3 Mismatched

• Sinjun Thorneveil sat behind his chamber desk, watching as the moon shifted freely in the night sky like it had someplace more important to be. He closed his eyes, envying its freedom.
• The hearth crackled quietly as its fire warmed the room. But not his heart. Not the constant ache that had buried itself deep into his chest.
• He should feel at ease in this room, but all he could feel was an unending heaviness that gripped his chest.
• His thoughts drifted to the war, his men, and that cursed Jackal.
• He was always a step ahead, plotting but always slipping through their fingers like the damned snake he was.
• His army had ridden out at dawn, to fight his war. And he’d been forced to stay.
• All because of the council.
• It hadn't been his choice.
• But they had come at him with their verdict, using his uncle as usual.
• He’d stared at him long and hard, scratching his itchy beard before he spoke;
• “An Alpha’s life is the force that holds the pack, If you fall, so does Moonstone. You must stay, Sinjun.”
• But those words were for weak men who couldn't hold swords, not him. For old men who’d never tasted what war felt like because they felt it was for peasants and not for them, royal blood.
• It was a duty that had been forced down his throat like a pole and he hated it.
• His place was on the battlefield, with his soldiers. Not here where he felt caged and suffocated. Almost like he was drowning.
• He’d been taught from birth to fear nothing and bow to nothing. Until now.
• But what he was feeling now wasn’t fear, it was all-consuming rage.
• The door creaked open.
• But he didn't turn.
• “I recall giving orders to be left alone, Marcellus.” He said, his voice cold and sharp.
• No response.
• Then he caught her scent, the smell of fresh daffodils.
• Not Marcellus.
• Leticia? Sabre?
• It didn't matter who amongst his mistresses it was.
• Never did.
• Their names weren’t needed to notice their desperation.
• He exhaled slowly with growing irritation as she walked towards him noiselessly, her feet bare. He felt her warm hands on his shoulders, caressing them, just before he turned slightly to look at her.
• “Sinjun”, She began as she drew closer, her fingers tracing his jawline. “ You haven't slept. Not even a wink. I could feel your unease from across the wing.”
• She leaned closer, her voice softer now.
• “I couldn't go to sleep knowing that you’ve been so disturbed. Don’t you want comfort?” She asked, as she stepped between him and the desk, her chemise slipped from one shoulder, in an open invitation.
• He simply stared at her, wondering what demon had decided to possess her tonight of all nights. Still, she continued,
• “You’ll feel lighter and less disturbed when we’re done.”
• He didn’t bother listening, her words were of no importance.
• His thoughts wandered back to the battles that may have to take place in the future, the ones that will decide the fate of Moonstone.
• His uncle's unending demands, the bloodshed that came with war, and that damn Jackal. He couldn't afford distractions, it didn’t matter how tempting they were, not even the ones that came in silk packages.
• He rose slowly, pulling her hands off his shoulders causing her to blink in surprise as if confused.
• “Not tonight, I need nothing but quiet.”
• He said as he walked past her. Untying his robe and letting it fall to the ground as he neared his bed.
• She followed of course, like the pest she was.
• “Sinjun,” She began again, her voice seductive. “I do not understand why you choose to punish and deprive yourself. Those men need to fight their war. You’re Alpha and it is their responsibility.”
• He paused, stunned by her words.
• “They’re fighting my war!” He snapped, as he turned around to face her. He didn't expect her to understand.
• Eyes widening, she froze.
• His voice had been unsteady and a bit out of place. Not what he’d intended but it was her fault, she had forced his hand.
• He ran a hand through his hair, breathing hard.
• “You think this is about my need for pleasure, that I’m punishing myself?” He took a step towards her, lowering his voice. “ I do not need a warm body nor do I need you meddling in affairs that do not concern you. What I need to do is clear my head, I need clarity. And right now, you’re in the way.”
• But she laughed him off and drew closer, rising on her toes to reach his ears, her breath hot against his nape.
• “It’s just for tonight.” She whispered, pressing her body against his.“ Consider this a peace offering…”
• He held up a hand, pushing aside the anger he felt rising to the surface.
• “Enough! Whatever your name is, leave now!”
• She staggered backward, shock visible on her face.
• In that instant, the door creaked open and Marcellus appeared, his face pale and withdrawn.
• The girl bowed and quickly scrambled out.
• “My Lord, I’m sorry to interrupt,” He began, Sinjun could feel the urgency in his voice. “It’s the Jackal…. He’s escaped.”
• Stiffening, he blinked.
• “What?!”
• “He broke past the western gates using something Leo couldn’t quite make out. He thinks it's dark magic. There’s more…” Marcellus paused.
• “Out with it, Marcellus,” Sinjun ordered, tired of the man’s sluggishness.
• “He’s captured a boy, my Lord. The Jackal’s son. They caught him near the cliffs.”
• Sinjun’s breath caught. The jackal had a son? He’d always thought it was nothing but mere rumors because the man had kept his private life under wraps and here was what? The actual confirmation he needed.
• “Interesting. Where is this boy?” He asked, a smirk on his face.
• “In the cells, my Lord. The beta thought it wise not to bring him in until…”
• “Nonsense, lead the way!” Sinjun snapped.
• “Of course, my Lord.”
• The stone halls echoed their footsteps as Sinjun followed Marcellus downwards to the cells. The air grew colder as they moved, but Sinjun didn’t seem to mind.
• Thoughts of the Jackal’s child went through his mind. The bastard had a son and they had caught him.
• Leo might not have delivered on his promise of the jackal, but this? It was no ordinary feat. He only needed to see this boy, this link to the Jackal, the most conniving of Moonstone’s traitors.
• The gates to the cells opened and Marcellus gestured towards a small figure chained by the wrists on the far end of the wall.
• As Sinjun approached, men bowed and gave way as Marcellus’s voice cut through the air.
• “Bow your head, the Alpha approaches!”
• But the boy remained seated on the ground, he didn’t bow or look away, and his eyes remained on Sinjun as he approached.
• Brave or stupid, Sinjun wasn’t sure which one the boy was.
• Marcellus tried to strike him but Sinjun held up a hand.
• “Leave us.” He said to Marcellus, who looked at him like he’d gone insane, hesitating for a bit before obeying.
• Sinjun took a look at the boy, noting that he was young, maybe seventeen. His hair and face were covered in dry blood and his jaw clenched tight as he stared directly at him without fear.
• Interesting.
• “You don’t look like much,” Sinjun said, folding his hands.
• But the boy did not respond.
• He stepped forward and the boy stiffened.
• “On your feet.” He said calmly.
• He moved slightly and Sinjun growled,
• “I said, on your damned feet!”
• He rose then, but slowly, his body trembling with every moment. He tried to hide it, but Sinjun could tell.
• Good.
• It meant he felt fear and fear was something Sinjun could work with.
• Sinjun stepped forward until they were almost face to face. A pity the boy was short.
• “You dare defy an order in my presence? Do you know who I am?”
• He nodded.
• “You’re Alpha, high commander of moonstone.” The boy said softly.
• “Bravo. To think I thought you were daft. And who are you?”
• Silence.
• “A bastard.” He said softly, it was almost like he was whispering.
• Sinjun bit back a laugh. Stunned by the boy’s audacity.
• “Is that so? Because my men say you’re the Jackal’s son.”
• The boy looked up, staring into his eyes like it was nothing. Sinjun saw a glint in his eyes, something he couldn’t quite place a finger on. The boy was strange.
• “My father died on the field.”
• “Did he now?” Sinjun said, taking a step forward. “Last I heard, he was still very agile and alive. Slippery yes, but he’d disappeared using dark magic.”
• No response.
• “You wouldn’t happen to know how he got his hands on those, do you?”
• “No.”
• Sinjun inhaled deeply. But of course, he hadn’t expected the devil’s pawn to tell him the truth.
• “Were you fighting?”
• Another “No” with narrowed eyes.
• “Did you warn him?”
• “No!” He said loudly, tightening his fists by side.
• “Then why are you dressed in his colors? Why were you caught running towards the cliffs?” Sinjun growled.
• The boy staggered backwards then, lowering his eyes.
• “I didn’t run because I didn’t want to leave father behind.” He whispered.
• “Ah! Playing the loyal son to the end? Admirable but stupid.”
• Sinjun said, smirking at his response, if he didn’t know any better, he’d have pitied him.
• He studied him, his small size, his dirty body, and how he stood like he had nothing to lose.
• “You know you’re smaller than I expected you to be.” Sinjun crossed his arms. “ Tell me, what do you think I should do with you?”
• “Kill me!” The boy said, too quickly.
• The little shit! Of course, he’d want the easy route.
• “Not exactly what I had in mind, death is too easy. You’d be useful elsewhere.” Sinjun said, smiling deviously.
• He gasped. “Elsewhere? I don't understand.”
• “I should hang you for the traitor your father is! Parade your body and hang it in the west to send a clear message of what happens to traitors.”
• He looked at Sinjun now, with fear in his eyes.
• “But you won't. Because you want to know where he’s hiding.” He said calmly.
• Sinjun stared at him.
• Had the boy just challenged him?
• He was far too clever and he detested it.
• “Marcellus!” Sinjun growled as he turned to stroll out.
• “Yes, my Lord!” Marcellus said, appearing as if on cue.
• “Throw the boy in the stables with the other hands. He is to be chained by the wrists and handed the heaviest of chores, to dig the filth, polish saddles, and sleep in the hay.
• “Whatever it is the hands do, he does. If he passes from there, he passes. And if he doesn’t, I’ll see for myself what the Jackal’s son is made of.”
• “Yes, my Lord! Seize him!” Marcellus screamed.
• The guards rushed forward, seizing him.
• But the boy didn’t cry out like Sinjun had expected, instead, he met Sinjun’s eyes and smiled deviously as they led him away.
• It wasn’t a smile of disobedience or fear.
• It was just a slight curve of his mouth like he knew something Sinjun didn’t.
• And then he was gone.
• Leaving Sinjun standing in the open space,
• Haunted by the silence and that hideous smile.
• Like a secret had passed between them and only one of them knew what it meant.