25. Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Five

Eldrick

E ven in the late hours of night, gray gripped the Drystan forest. High above the canopy, the moon’s rays shifted the blanketing clouds to a slate hue, the coverage casting the forest into a dusty darkness. Fog slithered between pines, and the cold descended as the hours of night ticked by.

No fires , Tovi had said.

Despite the team’s added numbers, Tovi feared her cursed blood wouldn’t be enough to hold off prowling demons with such a large group. Fire—power and light—though a fierce weapon against them, called to them to ravish and dampen.

Luckily, they’d packed Bleu to the brim, sparing sleeping furs and blankets to cover the shivering bones of the captured werewolves. Linx had tended to their wounds, minimal bruises and cuts, the worst around their wrists. Bracelets enchanted with dark magic restricted their abilities to shift as well as their considerable strength. Now free, a restless bristle shook their pent-up muscles and magic as they sat, huddled together, chewing dried meats and the last of Lucy’s bread.

Eldrick had given them time to decompress as well as time for the Gray Fenris team to recoup after the fight. Sleep beckoned behind his heavy eyelids, but it proved no match for his eagerness to learn what had happened to the werewolves. The sight of them in chains still riled his wolf, enough to outweigh his sore muscles. He approached cautiously, keeping his alpha strength at bay.

Eldrick grabbed a pine stump and used it as a makeshift seat while Kade and Bétar stood off to the side, arms crossed and focused. Closer, Eldrick took in the freed werewolves' attire and recognized a few of their faces, the latest missive from the Johannes pack coming to the forefront of his mind.

“You’re Alpha Bjorn’s son, aren’t you?”

His tunic’s color was familiar, the signature shade of the Johannes green. Square jaw and an unruly dark head of curls, the werewolf resembled his father, the alpha of the Johannes pack. But his missing son, eldest son, had been left out of his missive. Eldrick understood the severity of such a loss to an alpha and to the Johannes pack, but had Bjorn left the information out because he was ashamed or because he didn’t trust Eldrick?

Eldrick flexed and unflexed his hands, hating to imagine a fellow alpha didn’t trust him or didn’t think him worthy of such information.

The young werewolf, twenty-two perhaps, nodded. “Sam Johannes.”

“Can you tell us what happened? Do you remember anything?”

Sam sighed, sharing fleeting glances with the rest of the werewolves.

He cleared his throat. “I, along with the others, woke up in Drystan—well past the Void—already in chains, guarded by the vampyr guards you all killed. Before that, the last thing I remember was being on patrol with Erik. We were scouting the outskirts of our territory, the wind picked up, and then everything went black.”

“It’s true,” a blond werewolf with piercing blue eyes beside Sam said. “One moment we were home. The next, I blinked and awoke in this land, no memory of how I got here.”

The account aligned with meek clues from the last eight months—the missing werewolves had vanished without a trace. But regardless how the story fit, it didn’t shed any new light, and worry wormed through Eldrick. He’d been relieved they’d freed them, but they didn’t have enough to prevent others from suffering the same fate.

“None of you saw who or how the abduction happened?” he asked.

All five werewolves shook their heads, wearing grave expressions.

“What about scents?” Bétar asked. “You mentioned wind picked up before everything went black. Do you remember anything in the air?”

“Yes.”

Eldrick recognized yet another werewolf in the group—Siv Drabek, an alpha’s daughter. She’d visited the Drengr Village the summer before with her alpha mother, who, unlike Alpha Johannes, had been forthcoming about her daughter’s disappearance. Another beside her wore the same color, lavender uniforms of the Drabek pack.

Two alpha children, two next-in-line alphas.

“You went missing roughly three weeks ago,” Eldrick said.

Siv nodded. “Gyda and I were headed north to the Void for assignment when the same thing that happened to Sam and Erik happened to us. But I remember the scent. It was the last thing I remember before the wind. It was gone when I woke, but I’ll never forget it. An unpleasant sweetness with spiced herb.”

“Like licorice?” Kade asked, stepping forward.

Both Eldrick and Bétar straightened. Siv and Gyda’s eyes went wide.

“That’s it,” Siv said. “Licorice candy.”

“What does that indicate?” Eldrick asked.

His brother’s brows furrowed. “It’s the same scent that surrounded the White Lady.”

They exchanged warry glances.

“I think it was her dark magic,” Kade said.

“That means dark magic was used to capture the werewolves,” Eldrick said, his words slow and thoughtful.

“But dark magic would mean a witch is helping the vampyrs,” Bétar said.

Kade nodded. “ The White Lady was a witch helping Riven. I wouldn’t be surprised if others are helping him, too.”

“None of you saw a witch though, did you?” Eldrick asked.

All five shook their heads, but the fifth, the one who’d been silent amongst the group, locked gazes with Eldrick.

“I don’t think it’s only witches.” He crossed his arms, the tattered sleeves of his tunic stretching. A nasty bruise surrounded his eye, purple clashing with green.

“What do you mean?” Eldrick swallowed, like a piece of glass was lodged in his throat.

Siv shook her head. “Gyda and I were thrown into holding pits with Tam for weeks, and the vampyrs did a lot of talking.”

“More than talking. They bragged,” Tam said.

Kade growled, and Eldrick’s inner wolf shared a similar sentiment.

“They talked about how much coin they’d get, saying this was the best delivery of werewolves the…” Siv paused, glancing to the forest floor.

Gyda swallowed. “That the Lone Wolf has ever delivered.”

Cold washed over Eldrick. Moons , Eldrick couldn’t fathom another werewolf turning on his own kind. Loyalty. Pride. Pack. Those were values a werewolf lived by. There was also the facts to consider—werewolves had lived peacefully for centuries. He leaned his elbows against his knees, driving them sharply to avoid the sensation of being sick.

“It has to be a code name,” he whispered. “Perhaps related to the fact that whoever this bastard is, they capture werewolves, not because they are a werewolf.”

Kade’s jaw ticked. “I hate it as much as you do, Eldrick, but we can’t dismiss the possibility.”

Before Eldrick could argue the facts, Tam spoke up .

“Commander Drengr’s right, and the reasons the vampyrs claimed we were the best delivery is because the Lone Wolf had finally brought alpha blood.” His gaze passed over Siv and Sam.

“Yes, one of the things they bragged about, how the rings could use stronger fighters.” Siv shivered.

“The what?” both Kade and Eldrick growled.

“Fighting rings,” Gyda said, spitting to the floor. “Our destination was Drystan Castle, to fight in some arena. But whoever captured us knew who Sam and Siv were, like they were targeted.”

Eldrick shook his head. “A witch could have discovered that information. It’s not privy to solely werewolves.”

“We should consider the fact that if a witch did capture them, how did they get the location for ones on patrol? Or that Siv headed on assignment to the Void,” Bétar said.

Kade tipped his head, brows shooting up. “That information would be werewolf knowledge. We can’t dismiss the possibility it’s one of our own.”

Eldrick refused to accept it, believe it.

Every fiber of his being raged against the notion a werewolf would betray their own kind, especially when his kind had been captured and brought to Drystan, destined for some fighting rings in the castle. Moons , he had to write to Claus about this.

The thought of werewolves being used for some sport reminded him of the vicious blood-hungry monsters that overtook his mother and slaughtered her, fang-filled smiles flashing glee and triumph. His festering hatred didn’t blind his reason. It reminded him of what he knew—vampyrs were the enemy. Dark magic and the Lone Wolf aside, the missing werewolves centered around vampyrs and Drystan, affirming his belief all along.

Eldrick’s ire itched to lash out. He needed something to blame. Or someone. He searched their makeshift camp, sights going red when he couldn’t find her .

Tovi.

“Where is she?” His words were half man, half wolf.

Anger wrestled in his chest. Heat pricked his skin. He searched the tree line and sniffed the air. Plum and lilac—the scent no one else seemed to detect past that necklace of hers—were fresh, close, but Tovi was nowhere to be seen. When was the last time he’d kept tabs on her? Had she abandoned them, left when they’d all been distracted with the werewolves?

Moons.

He’d been stupid, reckless. He thought her valiant efforts to save the werewolves had been true. Had it been an act? Had he let hope steer him?

He stopped, his breath hitching. What exactly did he hope for when it came to Tovi?

A branch snapped across the way.

Tovi emerged from behind two pine trees, blonde hair free and pulled to one side. Like snowy silk, it shined and shimmered in the dusky night. She appeared rested, fresh, a faint color illuminating her cheeks. Beside her, Yen shared a soft smile, bow and arrows tossed over her shoulder.

Eldrick charged towards them. “Where have you been?”

Yennifer’s eyes widened at the alpha demand in his tone, grip tightening on her bow.

Tovi, on the other hand, blinked with indifference. “Excuse me?”

“Where have you been?” he roared.

“That is not your concern!” Tovi shouted, charging towards him.

“You’re mistaken, princess . You’re a—”

“Oh, for Goddess’s sake!” Tovi threw up her hands. “What? I’m a vampyr? A liar? A bloodsucker? Which one do you fancy tonight?”

Their argument had gained everyone’s attention. Linx and Todd had emerged from their tents. Kade and Bétar lingered closer behind him, hovering at a distance. Yennifer remained where she’d been, lips in a thin line .

“You’re a liar.” Eldrick pointed towards the freed werewolves. “They were destined for the fighting rings in Drystan Castle. Try to deny that you didn’t know.”

Tovi’s expression fell. Her mouth opened, and she stumbled back. “What did you just say?”

Eldrick scoffed and rolled his eyes. “Don’t play coy with me. You knew and lied.”

Tovi shook her head. “I didn’t. I’ve never heard of the fighting rings. I haven’t been home in months. I swear it.” Her jade eyes fleeted past him as they connected with Kade. She turned to Yennifer. “I swear I didn’t know.”

Eldrick’s heart skipped a beat. The desperation, the slight crack in Tovi’s usually calm, poised voice made him pause. Her eyes bounced to everyone, fear flashing through them.

“I didn’t know,” she whispered. “Believe me.”

And Eldrick’s earlier anger morphed into hate. Not for Tovi. But for how he felt . He fucking hated that the vampyr before him compelled him to reach out and hold her. To comfort. To soothe. To whisper he was sorry, wrong, and wretched. Because he hated that he’d made her feel that way. Small and afraid. That he’d broken through her usually proud stature.

She conjured such desire, such an insatiable lack of reason inside him.

And he hated it.

Stars above , why her?

Eldrick’s hate bubbled over, ready to spout worse words and accusations—

“I believe her,” Yennifer said. “If she says she didn’t know, she didn’t know.”

Tovi whirled, and Eldrick wasn’t sure who was more surprised, him or the princess.

“Alright,” he said. “Then where were the two of you?”

Yennifer straightened. He’d used his alpha tone again, demanding answers.

“No,” she said.

Eldrick’s wolf bared his teeth while a growl vibrated behind him. Bétar.

“Stand down, Eldrick.” Kade.

“I won’t let you be cruel, Magu,” Yennifer said.

The slight plea in the archer’s tone only intrigued Eldrick more. He shifted his attention to Tovi. “Tell me. If you are so trustworthy, where did you run off to?”

“Is that what you think, that I ran off? Did you hit your head in today’s fight?” She jabbed her finger into her chest. “I fought alongside all of you. I killed my own kind to set werewolves free. Why is it so hard for you to accept that I am trying to help?”

Eldrick asked himself the same question. Why had he assumed the worst? His eyes roamed over her lithe frame. Her jade eyes assessed him back like a lioness, a predatory killer, shoulders shuddering with rage.

That was it. A predator. A monster. Tovi was a vampyr. No matter the days, no matter the minutes they spent together or the things she did, he couldn’t look past that fact. How could Eldrick ever make a sound judgment about her if he couldn’t look past what she was? Perhaps, he never would and that was the point.

Perhaps he’d already made his judgment.

“Tell me what you were doing,” he said with a deadly calm.

“That is none of your business.” She bit out the words, snarling as she did.

Eldrick laughed, crossing his arms. “If you can’t admit it, then it has to be something traitorous.”

“Eldrick.” Yennifer approached in several sharp strides. “Stop.”

“I won’t ask again—”

“I went to feed.” Tovi’s face was stone.

Eldrick balked, his mouth turning dry.

Tovi laughed, jade eyes snaring his. “Exactly. Despite how often you remind us all I’m a bloodsucker, perhaps you forgot I need to feed. Happy? Oh, and since you’re so fucking curious, tonight was rabbit, and it tasted divine.”

The color to her cheeks. Her rested aura. The life in her eyes. She’d recently fed, and Eldrick had missed it.

He teetered on his feet and ran a hand through his hair. “Why didn’t you say something?”

“And endure this awkwardness? I’d rather rot.”

“Well…” Eldrick struggled to find words. With the audience, he couldn’t afford to appear like he didn’t have control over the situation or his relationship with Tovi. “With regards to our deal, it’s important I know where you are and what you’re doing.”

Tovi sauntered past him. “Alright then, I’ll be sure to inform you of every move I make, even when I’m off to take a shit. Happy?”

Eldrick stumbled back. “I…”

Everyone laughed.

Tovi rolled her eyes and shook her head. “Don’t tell me you’re one of those males who thinks females don’t shit. I hate to break it to you—”

“I am well aware, thank you.” Eldrick held up his hand to stop her. “I thought…”

Tovi’s furious jade eyes searched his face, then widened in understanding. “I’m cursed, not dead.”

Stars above.

Eldrick couldn’t keep his head straight, his decisions so muddled, thinking like trudging through mud. Frustration soured on his tongue. He tried to bury his emotions, the explosiveness of the last few moments.

One two, one two.

Eldrick exhaled and inhaled, attempting to bring himself back into the night. He let Tovi walk off, unsure what direction she even went. A thousand words fluttered through Yennifer’s eyes as she passed, but she didn’t say a single one.

A presence, strong and familiar, joined his side.

“You need to back off,” Kade said.

“What?” Eldrick asked. “You can’t be serious. She is a vampyr. ”

“Doesn’t mean you need to be an ass. She’s trying to help us.”

Eldrick narrowed his eyes. “Most likely for her own gain. How can you defend her when she’s one of the reasons Evelyn’s captured in the first place?”

Kade stared out into the dark forest, the moon’s reflection getting lost in his amber eyes. “I pretended to be someone else, you know.”

“I heard,” Eldrick whispered. “Cyrus Skender was it?”

Kade chuckled. “Did Tovi tell you?”

Eldrick nodded, uncertain where this conversation was going.

“Well, I lied to Evelyn for weeks, and with each day that passed, it got harder to admit the truth because of the fear of losing something. I still had no clue why Evelyn ran from our union in the first place. What if it was because of me?” Kade shook his head. “I let fear get in the way, fear I’d fail at my duty. Duty wasn’t what I wanted in the end, though, Evelyn was.”

“What’s this have to do with Tovi?” Eldrick asked.

“She is trying, and more than anyone on this team, I didn’t want to see it, but she cares for Evelyn. She may have lied. She may be the princess of our greatest enemy. Yet, she wants to get Evelyn back as bad as everyone else.”

Eldrick scoffed. “Her wants aren't the same as yours, Kade. You can’t trust it.”

“ You can’t trust it.” Kade stepped away from him, shaking his head. “I’ve made my peace with Tovi’s decisions and her hand in all this. For the sake of the team and this mission, you need to as well.”

“What—”

“ Stars above , admit you’re attracted to her,” Bétar grumbled, knocking the back of Eldrick’s shoulder. “No one will fault you for it. She’s a beautiful woman.”

Red flashed across Eldrick’s vision, but he said the only thing that made sense.

“She’s a vampyr.”

Why was Eldrick the only one who could remember that very important fact ?

“That doesn’t mean she’s not a beautiful woman. Look past it for moon’s sakes.”

It’s not that Eldrick couldn’t. It was that he didn’t want to. Holding onto what Tovi was seemed easier than facing the feelings heating his body.

Bétar sauntered off towards his and Yennifer’s tent. She waited from him, a new level of ire blatant in the archer’s expression when her stare fleeted in Eldrick’s direction.

“I mean it, Eldrick.” Kade’s words snapped him to the present. “I don’t know what’s going on between you and Tovi, but we don’t have time for this constant bickering. Drystan will be different, full of vampyrs. We must work as a team, whether you like it or not.”

With that, his brother left him alone in the middle of the camp.

A chill descended over Eldrick, and he couldn’t decide if it was the snaking fog or his shame.