Embers In The North
35

Reyna observed the fiery anger burning in Cridius’ eyes, feeling the fumes of his rage fill the hall. She turned away, deciding to focus on the mouthwatering food before her, though the atmosphere remained tense.

“Let the ceremony begin,” Iris intervened, redirecting the attention of the hall away from the brewing tension between Reyna and Cridius.

Squinting at Iris, Reyna paused in her efforts to savour the feast, washing down a mouthful with a sip of ale. If she didn’t know better, she might think the priestess was attempting to protect or aid her.

“A word,” Cridius spat at her, rising abruptly and storming out of the hall through a rear exit to the left.

Tearing her gaze from Iris, Reyna pushed the loud music filling the room out of her mind. The sight of several males lining up in the middle of the hall caught her attention, seemingly preparing for some performance. With a huff, she tossed the napkin onto the table, rose, and began to follow Cridius.

Careful, Moltenroar. Crossing that Alpha is not a path you want to tread.

Iris’ resonant voice echoed in her mind as Reyna approached the door. She slanted a look at Iris before stepping out of the hall, replaceing herself in what appeared to be a secluded chamber. Cridius awaited her inside, his arms crossed as he leaned against a round table.

“Tell me, are you truly convinced that your Redfall lover can defeat me, or are you simply set on provoking me?” he asked.

“My mate? He will defeat you, Cridius, especially with me by his side.” Reyna crossed her arms defiantly.

He chuckled, pushing off the table to approach her. “Well then, this should be easy. The Hero’s Forge will be built tonight, and we shall duel tomorrow,” he declared. “By the way, if you ever disrespect my authority publicly again, I will show you that death is the easiest fate I could bestow upon you.”

Reyna felt her heart throb, and as he walked past her, she slipped her hand onto his arm to stop him.

“Are you more upset that I called him my mate, or that, no matter how much you threaten me or force me to be your mate, I will always choose him?” she arched a brow.

Cridius paused, looking at her with a glint of irritation in his eyes. “You overestimate yourself, Reyna. But not to worry, when you defy me again, you will learn the consequences and eventually learn your place.”

Anger surged through her as she heard him say the same words that Seth had said to her about overestimating herself. She could still recall loud and clear how their paths had crossed at Giehl and a connection was formed, however brief it may have been. Gritting her teeth, she tried to push aside all thoughts of Seth from her mind.

“I understand the power dynamics just right, but you cannot command love or loyalty. It’s a choice, and I’ve made mine. I choose to resist you.”

Cridius leaned in, his voice a low, dangerous whisper. “You will learn to submit, Reyna. I will break your spirit, and you will be mine.”

With a defiant smirk, Reyna stepped back. “Good luck with that. Now, about this duel…”

Cridius straightened, his expression shifting to a predatory grin. “Oh, I will duel Roth Maynord, and I will relish every moment of it. But for now, let the ceremony proceed. The forge will be raised, and your erstwhile mate’s fate will be sealed.”

“And my father?” she finally asked. “Where is he? What do you plan to do with him?”

Cridius, with an air of nonchalance, replied, “That is up to you. The initial plan was to release him, a gesture of goodwill as a mating gift. But your resistance has cast doubt on that. I did warn you to comply for the sake of your kin, did I not?”

“Are you going to resort to killing a Aupheadia wolf every time you think I defied you?” Reyna scoffed.

Cupping her hand in his, Cridius effortlessly pried it away from his arm and spun around toward her with a grin that sent a shiver down her spine. His finger lazily wound through the strands of her hair as he backed up her until she was up against the circular table.

Gently gripping her throat, he whispered, “Wouldn’t that be an appropriate incentive?” His thumb traced the underside of her chin, and she held his gaze, refusing to break eye contact as she slowly took a breath.

“Take the cloak off,” he commanded.

“What?” she frowned.

Pulling her face close to his, he said, “I won’t repeat myself. Do not forget that if you go against my orders, your father will be the next on the chopping block.”

Her eyes narrowed at him before she angrily removed the cloak, slinging it across the room. Anger burned within her for giving him something to use against her, and he had taken advantage of it. Stepping back, he assessed her in the red dress with a scrutinizing gaze.

Cridius circled her, his eyes like molten steel, taking in every detail of the beautiful red dress that adorned her. The dress accentuated her curves, hugging them in a way that showcased the grace of her silhouette. Its rich crimson fabric cascaded elegantly down her figure, harmonizing with the deep hues of her ebony skin. Reyna felt exposed, vulnerable beneath his gaze, and her skin crawled with discomfort.

“Well,” he mused, his grin widening. “I must admit, you wear it quite well. Perhaps this mating ceremony won’t be as arduous as I anticipated.”

Reyna’s jaw tightened at his words, the bitterness welling up within her. She refused to let him see how his actions affected her. Instead, she squared her shoulders and met his gaze with defiance.

“If this is your attempt at breaking my spirit, you’ll replace it stronger than you think,” she retorted.

Cridius chuckled, his amusement echoing through the room. “I’m starting to like your annoying temerity. It will make the ceremony more entertaining. But one would think you’d be wise enough by now to know when to bite your tongue.”

He circled her again, his fingers trailing lightly over her arm. Reyna fought the urge to recoil from his touch, reminding herself that submission was not an option.

“Let’s not keep our guests waiting,” he said, gesturing for her to lead the way.

“You’ve said nothing of my father,” she said, her gaze fixed on him.

“That, my dear, is up to you.” He walked back towards her, his eyes lingering on her breasts accentuated in the crimson fabric. “I hear your heart beating like a drum,” he said, his gaze returning to her face.

Up until now, she hadn’t fully realized just how imposing he was. He was large; that much was evident from the beginning, but now he appeared almost like a hulking giant, reminiscent of her father.

“I don’t intend to sully you here, mate. I have all night to do so.” Then he stepped back from her. “Shall we?”

He gestured toward another exit, different from the entrance they had used earlier. After a brief moment of hesitation, Reyna squared her shoulders and proceeded, stepping out of the room. The door led them to a corridor, and soon they found themselves back at the entrance of the grand hall.

Upon re-entering, Reyna met Iris’s gaze at the front, sensing the blind priestess’s attention as if she could perceive the unfolding events. Maintaining a facade of composure, Reyna guided them through the hall, her eyes now catching the intricate depictions on the walls—illustrations of ancient battles.

Walking side by side, Cridius spoke in a low voice that only she could hear. “It truly didn’t have to come to this. Your father’s fate lies in your hands, Reyna. Defy me, and he will pay the price. The choice is simple: pledge yourself willingly or watch him and every Aupheadia wolf suffer.”

Suppressing her anger, Reyna kept her focus on the path ahead. The grand hall echoed with the sounds of revelry, but the mirth felt hollow in the face of her current predicament.

Approaching the dais at the hall’s far end, Cridius ascended the stairs, leading the way, while Iris moved closer to Reyna.

Learn the art of patience, Luna. Nothing profound is ever achieved with reckless haste.

Reyna hesitated before the majestic throne, Iris’s wise words echoing in her mind. She pondered why even someone as unfamiliar with her as the priestess deemed her actions reckless. Perhaps Decker’s insight held merit; she often acted before thinking, a trait that might have exacted a heavy toll and landed her in this precarious situation with Cridius.

Cridius gestured for her to ascend the steps leading to the throne. As she reluctantly climbed, the murmurs of the assembled wolves intensified. The once-vibrant hall now felt like a cavernous chamber of judgment.

Reaching the throne, she turned to face the gathering, her expression guarded. Cridius, standing beside her, extended his arm, urging her to sit beside him. She reluctantly sat back down and Cridius did too.

The hall fell silent, the echoes of laughter and conversation giving way to an expectant hush. Reyna, now seated on the throne, along with the House of Triston wondered about their mating ceremony and what would come of it.

Iris stepped to the forefront of the dais, placing herself precisely on the crimson rug that split the hall. With a loud thud, she stamped her staff. The Koi sent a vibration through the hall, a pulsating sensation that echoed in Reyna’s mind akin to the howl of a distressed wolf, causing her to wince involuntarily.

A disorienting feeling overcame her, drowning the sound of the hall out. All she could feel was her body becoming heavier as if the whole world was encasing her, making it hard for her to stay connected to reality. With every ounce of energy she could muster, she fought to anchor herself. Cridius sensed her difficulty through their connection and responded with a comforting grip on her hand - a gesture that angered her further yet she found solace in all at once.

Once the disconcerting sensation passed, she focused on Iris. The priestess now peered over her shoulder at Reyna, a faint smirk playing on her lips, as if privy to the inexplicable event.

What, Reyna wondered, was Iris?

“Let us begin,” Iris’ voice echoed through the hall.