Chapter 2 An Alliance?

• Alpha Aric Darkclaw
• The aroma of wine hung in the air as I swirled the glass between my fingers. The smell of wine tempted me, it was dry wine, I loved.
• It was late at night, almost eleven, and as usual, I wasn't sleepy. Always was in the room these hours, alone as usual, drinking wine and looking at the fireplace.
• I always drank a few glasses of wine; it was like a ritual.
• Derho never slept completely; there was always something going on, whether good or bad, but the silence in there contrasted with the chaos that was spreading throughout the city and, well, the country.
• Walsouth, our country, was on the verge of collapse, with several towns declaring war on each other. I didn't know when it would stop; I was tired of it.
• The sound of firm footsteps resounded through the hall before Ronnie Miles stopped in front of me. He was my beta, my shadow, the only one I truly trusted. His gaze was heavy, filled with worry and frustration.
• "They're moving." His voice was deep, a foretaste of what was to come.
• I left the cup on the table, crossing my fingers over my lap.
• "How many?" I asked, narrowing my eyes.
• "We don't know how many, my alpha. Sentries and soldiers guard the border, but our enemies aren't just watching." He moved closer, resting his hands on the table. "Ogres and human warriors have allied. Together, they want to wipe out the elven city and… ours."
• One more problem to solve.
• "Damn those sons of bitches." I let out, angry.
• Fury burned inside me, flowing through my veins like fire. I clenched my fist, feeling the claws threatening to appear. These bastards couldn't learn; how many more lives did they intend to take? Hadn't they already taken my parents and my best warriors in the past?
• I felt my eyes sting. I was about to let my wolf break everything in front of me and go after these vermin.
• "Enough!" My voice came out low, dangerous. I tried to calm down a bit and continued. "We won't stand on the defensive like fools waiting for the final blow. Let's exterminate them before they have a chance to attack!"
• Ronnie nodded, but his expression showed that there was more to it.
• "Yes, for me, attacking has always been better than just defending yourself, you know that? But we need a better plan. If we throw our forces directly at them, we risk being overwhelmed by sheer numbers." He took a deep breath before continuing, "Their numerical advantage is clear, so we require allies," he suggested, slowly nodding his head.
• I arched an eyebrow, curious to know what he was proposing.
• Speaking like that, I knew he had something in mind.
• "Who are you recommending? If you're talking like that, surely you already have someone in mind, am I right?"
• He nodded slowly and said.
• "The elven Princess Elowen Starfire," he said, moving a little away from me.
• Her name made my jaw clench. I'd heard of the half-breed princess; I think everyone in the country had. Beautiful, so they say, a surreal beauty, but what did beauty matter to me?
• I hadn't seen her, but my wolves had, near the border.
• She was an elf. Different blood from mine. All of us here didn't go near them; they were inferior to us. An alliance with her was a weakness. I couldn't do that.
• I denied it with my head, hating the idea.
• "It's not going to happen." My tone was sharp.
• Ronnie remained impassive.
• "She has resources and influence. The elves may be a distinct race; I understand that everyone here wants to distance themselves from them, but they have their advantages. Besides, she's as much a survivor of this war as we are, and her city is also in the crossfire. Don't you think there could be something useful in this union?” he said, raising one eyebrow. "Besides, it would be a for a while, just an alliance that would benefit you and she; that's all, my alpha."
• I remained silent for a moment, staring at the dark wood of the table. I hated to admit it, but my beta was right. I couldn't win a war alone. But before I allied myself with Elowen, I had to make sure it was worth it.
• I let out a heavy sigh and picked up the glass again, swirling the wine one last time before drinking.
• "I want to see this princess with my own eyes before I decide anything,” I said firmly and left the bowl empty on the table.
• Stood up, looking at Ronnie.
• "Of course, my alpha. I'll get the scrolls and the quill now." As he walked down the hall, one of my soldiers entered. Ronnie remained in place before leaving.
• "You've just arrived, sir; it's an urgent letter," he said, handing it to me.
• I took the letter and thanked him with a gesture. I settled back in the armchair and looked at and removed the seal.
• There was the coat of arms of the city of Aetheria; it belonged to Princess Elowen Starfire.
• My eyes widened, and I called Ronnie.
• "It's a letter from the elven princess,” I said, starting to read.
• Ronnie came over to me, standing in front of me.
• I read the sentences in impeccable handwriting.
• Alpha Aric Darkclaw, I hope you are well.
• Through this letter, I would like to arrange a meeting. I have a proposal that will please you very much.
• I look forward to your reply,
• Sincerely, Princess Elowen Starfire.
• As I read the last few sentences, I let out a long sigh. It's as if she and Ronnie had the same idea, and that, well, it was shocking. Or even a little scary.
• "It's scary, but… Elowen thought the same as you. Well, she wants to set up a meeting, and I have a feeling I already know what it's about," I said, taking a deep breath.
• I handed him the letter and added.
• "Take some parchment; I'll answer now." I got straight to the point. Ronnie just looked at me; he seemed as shocked as I was.
• "Sure, I'll be right back," he said and left.
• I was curious, of course. Although I did not like the idea of seeing the princess, I wanted to know what she wanted to talk to me about.
• What did she want to tell me? Maybe she wanted to ally with me?