Chapter 4 Meeting

• Princess Elowen Starfire
• The journey was longer than I expected, a couple of hours in there. But it was quite peaceful. The rocking of the carriage and the rhythmic sound of the horses against the ground kept me in a state of silent alertness.
• I looked out the window, admiring the landscape, trying to focus on nature. I wanted to hide a certain feeling, in my heart I felt a certain fear of what I was doing, although I tried not to show. But, I would marry the alpha, a man I had never seen. It was a little scary.
• There was no way not to fear the unknown future that lay ahead of me, especially when that trip could decide, for better or worse, the future of my people.
• I already had in mind what I would say to the Alpha, but I didn't know what his answer would be, and that made me a little nervous.
• When the imposing walls of Alpha's city finally appeared on the horizon. My heart accelerated, a mixture of anxiety and fear.
• I'm a few steps away from him; I need to focus and hide my nervousness.
• I said it over and over in my mind.
• When we reached the gates, the guards stepped forward, carefully analyzing the carriage. They were big, strong men. Different from my soldiers.
• Render handed them the royal seal, confirming my identity.
• They analyzed it carefully, and then their eyes turned to the carriage, with a somber look.
• After a moment's hesitation, the gates opened, and we drove on.
• The surrounding landscape was different from Aetheria. The trees were taller, with wide trunks and vibrant leaves, and the sun barely made it through the immense, robust canopies. The vegetation seemed to pulsate with life—something primitive and wild. My gaze wandered among the high branches until a sound made me shudder.
• Howls.
• They were wolves.
• As if to warn me that the elves had arrived in their city.
• The carriage continued, but my senses were alert. Even though I was a warrior princess, that sound awakened something instinctive in me: a clear warning of danger.
• Elves and wolves didn't usually live together in harmony, and there was no way I could feel safe there, which didn't mean I was going to show my fear to my allies. I took a deep breath, keeping calm; it was expected; after all, I was in the city of the Alpha.
• I was in their city now, and knowing that they didn't like us, I would have to be nice to them. Be as pleasant as possible.
• When the carriage finally stopped, Render was the first to get off, assessing his surroundings before holding out his hand to me.
• I accepted his help and stepped onto the firm ground, raising my head confidently. My gaze traveled to the surrounding wolf soldiers; there was an almost palpable tension in the air. They were surrounding us protectively, but they were also assessing our every move.
• ''Princess Elowen, you may enter with your guards," said one of the soldiers. I looked at Render, who stayed by my side, and then we followed the wolves.
• I was greeted with formality and guided into the main hall of the castle, and it really was beautiful in there. I was impressed, looking at every detail.
• My footsteps echoed across the polished stone floor as my mind worked tirelessly.
• What exactly was Alpha's proposal? What kind of deal did he have in mind?
• I didn't know… but I was confident that he would agree with what I had to say.
• ''Please take a seat. The Alpha is on his way,'' said one of them and then walked away.
• I sat down on the dark leather sofa, and Render stayed by my side, always attentive.
• Other soldiers stood near me, while the servants stayed in the corner of the room.
• I settled down on the sofa, taking deep breaths as my mind thought more and more.
• I had never seen Alpha Aric before. What was he like? Would he be thick and rude to me?
• I hoped not; I wanted their insults to stop and for them to see us as we were and not as someone inferior.
• My thoughts were interrupted by the sound of heavy footsteps.
• I raised my face and saw him.
• Alpha Aric Darkclaw. My eyes popped.
• He was tall, huge compared to me, with broad shoulders and a serious expression. His medium-length, slightly wavy black hair framed a face with firm features. His eyes were dark as night, cold and indecipherable. His lightly tanned skin contrasted with the hardness of his expression.
• I tried not to stare too long, but it was impossible.
• He didn't say anything straight away; he just watched me, probably assessing me as I assessed him. His gaze was cold and intense, analyzing every detail of me without any hesitation. A chill ran down my spine, but I kept my posture upright without allowing him to notice my unease.
• Finally, he sat down in a luxurious armchair, still staring at me. With a subtle arch of his eyebrow, he ceased the silence.
• ''Welcome to my castle, Princess Elowen.'' His voice was cold, firm.
• I swallowed dry.
• His intimidating look left me a little stunned, I relaxed my shoulders for a moment and kept looking at the alpha. I would not let him realize what he was doing to me, could not show weakness.
• I inclined my head slightly in greeting, keeping my voice calm.
• ''Thank you for seeing me, Alpha Aric.'' I placed my hands gently on my lap and took a quick glance around Alpha's luxurious living room.
• ''Your castle is beautiful, lovely in fact.'' I tried to be kind. I returned my eyes to theirs.
• Eric continued to look at me and then slightly blinked his eyes.
• ''I'm glad you liked it. I hope you had a good trip,'' he said coldly and then continued. ''I'm sure we both have proposals for each other, don't we? Before we start talking, would you like something to drink or eat?'' he suggested, looking at one of his soldiers who was standing next to him.
• He seemed to want to get down to meeting quickly, and so did I.
• ''I'd rather start our meeting, Alpha, Aric.'' The Alpha just shook his head and continued.
• ''I agree. I'll get started,'' he said, staring at me with his eyes half closed.