A/N: I have the next chapter ready so if y'all make it to 30+ votes I'll publish it asap ^-^ happy holidays to everyone!
"Why hello again." The voice greets me in the darkness yet again.
I turn to find those golden eyes staring at me. I take two steps closer and my eyes seem to adjust to the darkness. This time, I can see more than his eyes. He's sitting on a throne—everything from the waist up hidden by an ominous shadow that's coming from nowhere. I see the glint of a crown on his head and my eyes widen in surprise. I also see his hand curled around the arm rest and can't help but notice a wolf ring similar to that of Matthew's.
"Your Majesty," My voice wavers slightly. Even though Matthew told me that the King would pay me a visit, I didn't expect it to be in my dreams or mind. I thought he'd just physically show up to the Valley.
The King leans forward until the shadow only covers up half of his face which only leaves me to see the sinister smile spread on his lips.
"You've caused quite some problems." He says slowly—his voice echoing slightly in the abyss of this dark room. "My very own Helen of Troy."
I gulp, unsure what he expects me to say next. Part of me is afraid yet another feels safe. This is our King—the most powerful werewolf in the world. But even then, his role is to protect us—protect his subjects. It's a fine line between terrified and soothed.
I decide to go for something safe and introduce myself, "My name is Mia, your Majesty. Mia Holms."
"I'm aware." His voice sounds so regal. Like it's laced with absolute control. Every syllable so meticulously crafted.
King Aiden's eyes are unnerving. The golden glow of them burning into my own. I feel absolutely petrified in place like I'm staring at Medusa.
"Traditionally," He tells me. "I have these meetings with my Alpha's Luna's because my schedule does not permit me to meet physically. And I need some indication of loyalty and fidelity."
"Am I meant to bow and pledge?" I wouldn't be surprised.
"The proper term is kneel." He stands up, and suddenly I'm afraid. Taking a few steps towards me my eyes widen. He's in a dream. In my head. And I can feel his celestial power radiate like it's nuclear.
He's wearing a beautiful—albeit—regal mantle and tunic. Gold clasps across his chest, a stunning cape that's a deep deep green making it look almost black. And his crown...I can't help but stare at his crown. I've heard stories that the King has several different crowns depending on the occasion, but in this moment I can't help and gawk. It's beautifully intricate and laced with black. The biggest gem doesn't even look like it's from Earth and I can't help but stare as it shimmers when he tilts his head.
I finally take a moment to stare at him. He's incredibly well-groomed and his skin looks softer than feathers. His face so sharp it even makes Matthew's incredible jawline look dull. King Aiden's long curly locks are an interesting mix of golden and dark brown like the two colors weren't able to properly blend. But nothing of his beauty compares to his austere gaze. His eyes so gold the look Godlike but the brown specs aid him in looking more human.
He tilts his head slightly to the side, "I'm not sure yet how to warrant your current situation."
I frown, "Wh-What do you mean?"
"You were Marked by another yesterday. And today, one of my closest confidantes and friend's Mark's you. I wouldn't say this is textbook. Would you?"
He takes another step towards me, invading my space but I can't shake him. I wanted to answer his rhetorical question but my voice catches in the back of my throat. I look down at his broad chest to get away from the intensity of the gold. My attention veers to a medallion he has hanging from his neck. It starts glowing...or maybe it was glowing before, and I didn't notice. I realize I'm not breathing while I stare at it. I feel completely entranced as it calls to me like a Siren. A part of me feeling like it's alive.
"There hasn't been a war declared since before my reign," King Aiden's words catching me off guard. I look back up at him. His thick dark eyebrows furrow like he's wondering what makes me so special.
Fear suddenly clutches me. For several reasons. I realize in this instant that I can't feel my wolf. My mind is completely empty, and it grapples me knowing I'm completely alone. Secondly, he knows about the war. He knows about Matthew and Bren's declaration.
"You know about that?" My voice wavers.
The King smiles and I can't help but realize how menacing it looks. "Yes Helen," He says lowly with my new nickname. "A declaration of war can be heard across the world."
I think back to when Matthew and Bren howled. Their formal declaration must have echoed through the werewolf community overnight.
"I won't ask for you to kneel yet." The Alpha King retreats to his throne. His silhouette shrouded again in darkness.
I frown, "Why not? I'm more than happy to kneel."
"I have no yet decided which pack you belong to. A vow of your loyalty is always tied to your mate and pack." He explains briefly. I watch as he waves his hand, and everything starts to shimmer away like a mirage.
Panic starts to set in, and I try to keep my gaze on him, "I'm part of the Valley."
"We shall see."
I start to feel myself slipping away. And I can't help it. I start screaming at him, "I'm the Luna of the Valley!"
"We'll meet soon, Helen." There's amusement behind his voice, "Try not to let Troy burn down."
I jolt awake, sitting up straight in my bed. Sweat beaded across my forehead and gasping like I can't breathe. Whatever magic King Aiden uses to get inside my head makes me sick. It feels like I have motion sickness all of a sudden or I've teleported like in Harry Potter. I clutch onto my stomach as I fight the nausea that's settling in.
"Gorgeous," Matthew's gruff voice slices through the air. He rubs the sleep out of his eyes, "Are you alright?"
I simply nod, afraid I'll throw up if I open my mouth. I put my hand up to him for a second and Matthew sits up. He rubs my back lightly until I feel like the world is no longer swaying. I sigh out in relief and turn to him, his gaze concerned.
"I met King Aiden." I tell him barely above a whisper.
Matthew's eyes widen—even though he knew it might happen—I think it still catches him off guard. "He Dream Wandered?"
I nod, pulling my legs to my chest. I can't help but wonder what other powers he has. Everything about my short interaction with him was laced with incredible magic. Magic that werewolves are simply not taught. I keep replaying our conversation over and over and I try hard not to think of the last few words he said. About being unsure which pack I belong to. I'm also certain that Matthew doesn't want to hear about that side of the conversation.
Before he can ask anything about it, I look at him softly and push a hesitant smile, "He's kind of scary you know."
Matthew chuckles, "I know."
Why weren't you there? I ask my wolf who's presence I feel again.
I was but there was a block, She replies with a tinge of guilt. I don't understand. It was like he wanted to speak to your human form and only that.
Where were you?
Alone in a dark room in my mind. I freaked out not having you. Her response warms me and I'm able to relax slightly.
Matthew brushes the back of his finger against my cheek. "Hey," He says gently. His eyes dropping to my neck as he stares happily at his Mark. "We should get more sleep. I don't know the next time we'll have a good night's rest."
I know that he's right. Neither of us wanting to admit or say the word war. It's distasteful and starting to freak me out. I let myself lay back, facing Matthew as he pulls me close into his chest. His arms staying firmly around me as I feel him nuzzle the top of my head. No matter how hard I try though, I can't fall asleep. I just listen to the sound of his breathing. Feel his heartbeat under my hand. Memorize the way it feels to have his arms around me. Inhale as much of his scent as I can. More importantly, I clutch onto him. Holding him like my life depends on it because a part of me knows that it does.
***
Matthew officially woke up a few hours later. Our mood slightly more somber than the night before. After we got dressed, we headed down to the kitchen where I knew Sage and River were already discussing war plans.
Our kitchen space has turned into a war room. There are layouts of our pack territory all over the counter. Figures that are supposed to represent our warriors and more figures that are meant to symbolize Sparta.
"Holm's taught me that Spartans are always well guarded because they break into different groups to work as teams," Tyler lectures as he points onto the map.
Clara nods beside him, "We take down our enemy as a group not individuals."
"I'll relay that to the warriors." River's hand is cupping his chin. His eyes narrowed in on the map. A part of him looks excited for battle. Like this is the moment he's been waiting for his entire life.
They all look tired—I'm sure staying up late to figure out what plans to make. I break a kind smile, "How about I make you all some coffee?"
My voice catches their attention, and they all look up. Instantly their eyes zero in on my neck. "Holy fuck," Sage exclaims first. I pretend not to hear it as I maneuver my way around the kitchen.
Clara stops me in front of the fridge, her hands on my shoulders as she pushes my hair back. "Bren's Mark is gone."
"It's still faintly there." I say bitterly. I checked it this morning in the mirror, it's definitely better than I could have ever expected. There are two small white scars on my neck—no bigger than if someone were to stab me with the tip of a pen.
Matthew gives me a warm smile, "Mine looks sublime."
I feel myself blush slightly as they all stare at the Mark Matthew left. For what it's worth, it's stunning. I know that to others it may not seem so, but just knowing it's there like the tattoo on my arm. It comforts me and warms me. Sometimes when Matthew and I are far away, it even starts yearning for him.
River shakes his head in astonishment as I bring over several mugs of coffee. He's staring intently on both sides of my neck like he can't believe it. "You'll never cease to amaze me, Luna."
I give him a smile, handing him a cup of Joe. They all grab some and we turn to the plans. Matthew breaks a small smile as he stares at the map. His eyes turning to me, "Maybe we should put the quadratic formula on a flag and see if Dickwad runs for the hills."
I can't help a small laugh. None of our friends understanding our inside joke. I just about forget that was the first time I got Matthew to laugh. The sound of his laughter ricocheting in my head as I think of how warm it makes me feel.
"We should have a briefing with our warriors, Alpha." Sage says once River has explained his plans.
Matthew nods, his demeanor completely changing. He's much more focused now. Attention zeroed in on the map. His mind starts to link other wolves and we spend the next ten minutes organizing ourselves. When he's finally done, he turns to River and Sage, "Let's go. Meeting in Grand Lecture Hall."
I watch as they all start making their way to the front door. Matthew gives me a soft smile, waiting for Tyler until he's at his side. I raise an eyebrow curiously as Matthew leans into my friend, "I have a specific job for you Tyler."
I don't give it much thought. I know that Matthew has learned to trust my friend. Especially the other day when he butted Bren out of our house. I can imagine that Tyler has become an important asset to Matthew—his job as my babysitter being valued quite a lot in this scenario.
I turn to Clara who's smiling at me softly. I'm somewhat happy it's just the two of us—we haven't had too much time alone since she's moved here. Most of my attention is directed to Matthew or my classes and teaching, and her attention has incidentally been on Sage.
"Really," Clara asks with a grin. "How'd you get Bren's Mark off?"
I shake my head, rubbing that side of my neck. It doesn't burn anymore or feel sore. Ever since Matthew Marked me, my body and wolf have been so thrilled and complete that we feel like Superman. Nothing could tear me down.
"I have no idea," I tell her honestly. "Magic?"
Clara let's a small laugh and we sit across from each other at the counter. The layout of the war plans in front of us but we ignore them. "So Mia," Clara's grin with a tinge of humor and spark of mischief. "How's the sex?"
"Mind-blowing." I tell her honestly and without hesitation.
Clara squeals happily—and since she's been here, I feel like I see her again. The way she was when we were in Sparta. When we would gossip together and have movie nights and talk on the roof about cute boys and finding our mates. She's been much more reserved since she arrived to the Valley.
I reach over to grab her hand in mine and smile, "You know that whatever Bren did, he can't do here."
Clara licks her lips and nods, "I know. It wasn't directly him. It was his orders. Sage has been helping me deal with a lot of it."
I raise my eyebrows, leaning my elbow on the counter and grinning foolishly. "About that..."
Clara turns a light shade of pink—an unavoidable smile on her face. My eyes widen slightly, and I stare at her with excitement. I can't help asking, "Did you have the Glaze?"
Clara shakes her head and I'm intrigued. She bites her lip, "It's really strange. I think we're mates. We haven't had the Glaze, but I want to be around her all the time and she wants to be around me. The pull is definitely there."
"Yeah, I know." I smirk thinking back to the two times I've run into Clara in our kitchen either extremely late at night or extremely early in the morning. I had a feeling that Clara was living in Sage's wing for a few days now. Her scent is all over the hallway.
I raise my eyebrow, "Sex?"
"Not yet," She shakes her head hesitantly. "We've only kissed...um..."
Clara frowns slightly and I realize she's clamming up. I squeeze her hand, giving her a reassuring smile. "You don't have to tell me if you don't want to."
"It's just that..." Clara's free hand clenches and I see a tinge of anger in her gaze. Her eyes start brimming with tears and I'm suddenly surprised. She's not crying out of sadness, she's frustrated and angry and I can tell it's overwhelming for her.
"Sparta did some pretty fucked up shit." She admits to me with venom lacing her voice. "Things that I thought were normal treatment until I came here. Mia, you were the only kindness I had. You know even my parents are cold. So now I'm here and I'm coming to terms with the fact that some things at Sparta are just so...barbaric. I'm so thankful you didn't pass the Trials."
I can't help feeling the pit of my stomach sink. Even here in the Valley, the process of the Trials is supposed to be a well-guarded secret. I remember not being able to attend Tyler's. The same applies to just about every pack. It's like being inaugurated into a secret society and you're not allowed to share what the process is like. But seeing Clara's reaction, I can tell that it's broken her.
I press my lips, "Have you talked to Sage about it?"
"She's helping me through it." Clara admits, "I would tell you but..."
I shake my head, "No it's okay. Honestly...I don't know if I want to know."
"Exactly." Clara's beautiful soft smile makes me ache for her. She knows me too well and even though she doesn't feel comfortable talking to me, she still protects me. She runs the back of her hand under her nose, looking away for a second. "I can't tell Sage all of it though. I think she'd rage."
I let out a humorless snort, "Yeah I know. I haven't even told Matthew half of the training we went through as kids. I think he'd try to go and burn Sparta to the ground."
"Maybe that wouldn't be so terrible." Clara says under her breath.
The small comment making her eyes tear up again. I can see the conflict so clearly in her eyes. Sparta is home for her. It's where her parents are and despite the terrible treatment, everyone we know is there. Everyone we've ever laughed or cried with. I don't feel as much as an attachment as her, but Clara always fit in well with the pack. Only now, she's doubting whether it was ever healthy for her to be there. The Valley can truly feel like an oasis.
"I want to stay here." She admits to me softly.
I walk over to her side, pulling her into an embrace. "Of course Clara," I tell her as she tries to compose herself. "You're practically my sister. You have a home here."
Her smile finally seems to depict joy. She's hugging me back from the side, her body relaxing. "Once this is all over," She tells me. "Tyler said he's going to train me so I can face the Trials here."
I beam proudly, pulling away to look at her stunning face. Clara was already an unbelievable fighter at Sparta. She'd make one hell of an addition to our warriors here in the Valley. And I'm sure we could use some tactics that we learned in Sparta. After all, the Valley is about knowledge and learning.
Clara's eyes focus to the map in front of us and I decide to stare with her. There are clear markings of wanting to keep any fighting away from the center of the city. We even have plans on how to reroute attacks if Sparta tries to make the university grounds the battlefield. Unfortunately, we won't truly know from which direction Sparta is coming in until our scouts inform us.
As if reading my mind, Clara points to the channel that leads into the Valley. "You know this is where they're going to come from."
I nod with her. It's what she and I had to learn about in class. The men do the fighting, but the women know how to lead and look at maps finding weak points across different landscapes. I point at the clearing just at the end of the channel. It's a bit risky because it's relatively close to the center of pack grounds. But we wouldn't stand a chance fighting Spartan's in a channel.
"Shall we bet this is where Bren will be?" I ask Clara with a smirk.
She breaks out a sly grin, "You should call up your Hubby."
I sit beside her while she keeps eying the map. Using my mind link I send Matthew a message, Clara and I have agreed that we'll have to make a stance in the Pinebrook Clearing.
Matthew answers me back almost instantly, Are you sure?
Clara and I make eye contact and she smiles. Even though she can't hear our conversation, she knows exactly what's being asked. We're positive.
***
It was late afternoon when Tyler finally made it back. He mind linked me, telling me to grab Matthew and come to the front of our castle. Matthew was in the midst of planning something with River. Surrounded by tens of warrior wolves who were all munching on some snacks I made. Clara doing her duty as advisor by informing them of how Sparta fights.
I tug lightly at Matthew's elbow, pulling him out of the debrief. Tyler is outside, I tell him through the mind link.
Matthew perks up, taking my hand in his. He barks a short order to the room before guiding me to the front door. "There's someone I'd like you meet." He says to me with a small smile.
I frown slightly, stepping out into the cold winter night. It's snowing down lightly, building up on the previous flurry. I grab a pair of boots, crunching onto the main entrance just as a few black sleek SUVs pull into our castle. The windows are tinted so I can't see anything. But the first person to step out of the SUV is Tyler—a successful and happy smile on his face.
"You called backup?" Sage says from behind us. I turn to see her face—it's hard to tell whether she's relieved or upset.
Matthew pulls me to his side, smiling slightly, "Just an old friend."
As he says so, an Alpha aura similar to Matthew's starts to radiate from the leading SUV. A man steps out of the driver's seat, tossing his keys over to Tyler who rolls his eyes but catches them effortlessly.
Unlike Matthew however, this aura is cold. I suddenly feel like the temperature drops even further. The snow seemingly slowing down with cold as if Hades himself appeared. His aura feels so frigid and anesthetic. I stare openly at Alpha Alexander—his hair a sleek snowy white and eyes an icy blue. Eyebrows dark black but skin slightly pale. If Jack Frost could be embodied by a werewolf, this would be him.
"Alex," Matthew greets with a kind smile. Alpha Alexander smiles back but it doesn't feel nearly as warm. His Beta and wolves all step out of their vehicles, instantly surrounding their Alpha protectively.
Alpha Alexander comes from the Sierra pack—the only pack of wolves that live so high up in the mountains. We used to make jokes and spread rumors in Sparta about how they used to mate with Yeti's and that's how they manage to survive such extreme temperatures. I wouldn't dare say any of that the Alpha Alexander. The blue in his eyes looks like it belongs at the bottom of a frozen lake or tip of a glacier.
He steps towards us, eyes first focused on Matthew. Once they're standing in front of each other, Alexander breaks a small smile. "Matthew Vale, out of the four of us, I expected you to be the least likely to stir up shit."
Matthew cracks a grin—Alexander placing a hand on his shoulder as they bow their heads respectively. Small laughs escaping them both which instantly relaxes Alexander's wolves. He then turns his attention to me, his gaze making me feel cold to the bone.
"Luna." Alexander bows his head softly, his wolves following. In the corner of my eye, I watch Tyler courtesy exaggeratively just to piss me off.
"Thank you for coming." I smile politely. "I hope next time we meet it's under different circumstances."
You could have told me, I tell Matthew through the mind link.
There was a chance he'd decline. I didn't want to get your hopes up.
I try not to feel guilty over the situation. I'm already stressed about the fact that our warriors will have to be fighting. Although I believe Matthew didn't want to get my hopes up, I also think he didn't want to tell me so I wouldn't refuse. Dragging in a different pack to help us because I'm here? Am I really worth going to war for? Matthew believes so.
I watch as Alexander and Matthew exchange a few pleasantries. Sage and Alexander's Beta seemingly knowing one another. The warrior wolves themselves idly waiting for orders. I hardly pay attention to their conversation. My own mind wandering towards the Sierra warriors. They all look comfortable in the snow, not even shivering from the cold like I am.
"Wayan can't make it?" Alexander questions Matthew.
"I didn't ask him," Matthew replies shortly. "You know he has to stay neutral."
My eyes drop to Alexander's hand that's casually by his side. I quickly notice the wolf ring—one that seemingly matches Matthew's and the one I saw on the King. Alexander frowns, "And Aiden?"
Matthew narrows his eyes slightly and the two of them appear to have a silent conversation. Alexander lets it go quickly, his gaze eyeing me quietly before meeting Matthew's again. I start to wonder if it's possible for them to mind link despite not being in the same pack.
"Sage will show you to the spare dorms." Matthew finally says out loud. Sage hears this over and nods, already making her way beside the Beta towards the extra dorm rooms we have on campus.
Alexander waits back for a moment, his eyes baring into me. I meet his gaze, "Yes Alpha Alexander?"
He pauses, head tilting slightly as he stares at me. I can see the way he glances at my Mark and the way he stares at Matthew's Mark. There's a hint of jealously and longing that I didn't expect to see. "The way you and Matthew glow now is what I hope to someday find with my mate."
His voice is curt and straight to the point. I start to realize that maybe Alexander isn't the biggest talker, but that Matthew just happens to be one of his closest friends. He nods at the both of us briskly, stepping into the snow without hesitation.
Matthew envelopes me in a hug as we watch Alexander walk away in the cold snow. The snowflakes camouflaging perfectly with his crisp hair. Matthew presses a kiss on the top of my head. "Let's go back inside gorgeous, it's going to be a long night."
I'm utterly and completely overwhelmed. Curling up in bed sounds like a fantastic idea but I'm sure that we're going to have to stay up late with River and the warriors—debriefing. Matthew implores me to get some sleep, but I shake my head. Tyler already making his way to the living room to take a quick nap.
I tug on Matthew's hand before we enter the 'war room' a.k.a, our kitchen. I pull him down to me, pressing warm kisses against his lips until I feel the tension in his body relax. "You should go to sleep, gorgeous." His whisper against my lips.
I shake my head, "You're going to need someone with war tactics in there. Besides, I'm the Luna."
"Very well then." He smiles softly. Taking my hand in his, we go back into planning.
***
The whole night the entire town was on edge. I ended up making an announcement to the pack. Explaining that I'm from Sparta and that my original mate—Alpha Bren—had rejected me which is what led me to coming here. I felt like a radio broadcaster, but Matthew was very supportive while I spoke through the mind link.
River, Sage, Tyler, and Clara stayed at our castle along with a majority of our warriors. They either hunkered down with us or were on duty throughout the pack. For the most part, the Sierra wolves weren't bothered. Most of the town had gone under lockdown mode. Our university students staying in as final exams got pushed to...Goddess knows when.
We hardly slept that night. Even when we told everyone to get some rest, Matthew and I laid in bed staring at one another. We didn't want to say in words but we're both afraid. Afraid of being pulled apart and existing in this world without the other. I ran my fingers on his face, trying to remember every sensation, bump, and stubble I could. We kissed each other tenderly and slowly.
We knew that at any moment, we could get notified by scouts that the Spartan's were coming. It wasn't until everyone was having breakfast that we first heard word of a large gathering of wolves that was heading towards us.
"You were right," Matthew told Clara and I as everyone was suddenly mobilized to the Pinebrook Clearing. "They're coming through the channel."
Our wolves shifted and were instantly ordered to go there. Some of us staying in human form—including myself, Matthew, Sage, and even Alpha Alexander. His demeanor relaxed as we all got into a car to drive up to the clearing.
Matthew holds onto my hand the entire ride. Pressing it to his lips and inhaling to calm himself. We both know the moment he see's Bren, he's going to lose his composure. It's already taken a lot out of him by letting me go to the battlefield. I know that a part of him wanted to lock me up in a dungeon until this was all over.
Stay by me or Tyler, Matthew instructs me.
I will. I smile at him reassuringly. My wolf is itching inside me. She's never been interested in war but knowing we're fighting for me staying in the Valley—staying with Matthew. She's completely worked up and ready for blood.
We park away from the clearing. All of us marching through the snow. Our pack wolves are already waiting for us in the clearing. Lined against the tree line as we idly wait for the Spartans. Just as I make my way through the trees, I look to my side to see Tyler's wolf. Matthew nods at him respectfully, holding my hand tightly.
The air is cold. The snow feels fresh from last night's fall. I look around and start to feel anxious. It's clear to pinpoint the Sierra's wolves—their fur is much lighter than ours. Light grays and browns to blend into the snow better.
I turn to see River—a merciless smile on his face. His eyes are glowing—ready for a fight. Clara is fuming as her anger starts to make an appearance. Sage's gaze is laser focused on the tree line in front of us—waiting patiently for a first appearance. And finally, I turn to Matthew, his gaze cold as stone. I know—deep down—he'll die before he let's Sparta take me.
For a few minutes it's deadly silent. The sound of a cold wind whistling through the tree branches. Until a howl slices through the air—followed by hundreds of more. Chills run down my spine because I could recognize that sound from anywhere.
It's the beautifully haunting war cry of Sparta.