Embers In The North
9

As they stepped outside, Reyna quickened her pace, eager to put distance between them and the prying ears of the War Room.

Roth kept a steady pace behind her, maintaining a respectful distance as they headed toward the stronghold in the northern wing. Reyna glanced over her shoulder as they rounded a corner and caught Roth’s gaze lingering on her ass.

An unexpected wave of self-consciousness washed over her. The way he looked at her was what made her feel vulnerable, not just the fact he was looking at her. He had a leering gleam in his eyes that made her a little uneasy; it made her hate her fang suit even more.

At that moment, she became acutely aware of how she walked, of her stride, and how her body reacted to his presence. After taking a deep breath, she stopped and faced him. Roth slowed to a halt as well, adjusting his cloak on both shoulders.

“What’s on your mind, Alpha Roth?” she asked.

With a straight face, his gaze flickered over her. “Just enjoying the view,” he replied.

“Did you bring me out here to ogle me?” she asked.

Roth’s lips curved into a half-smile. “Only to talk. You handle your Fleet well, Prime.”

“That is my duty,” she said with quiet pride.

“Duty defines much of our lives, doesn’t it? But it doesn’t always reveal the truth of what is expected and what must be.”

Reyna’s eyebrows furrowed. “What do you mean?”

That mismatched gaze pierced her soul. "I know you're more than just a Prime. You have a duty as Luna and Prime." He paused to let his words sink in. "It's time to embrace your destiny and fulfil your purpose--the fate of Aupheadia hangs in the balance."

She had spent her whole life denying that she was anything more than a Prime, but hearing these words stirred something within her. It was like a rekindling of her lineage, a reminder of the power she had kept hidden away for so long.

“Why hide who you truly are? Do you not believe it is an honour to be Odin's chosen after all this time?” he asked.

His words almost shocked her. “Do you not remember what fate befell the last Lunas at the hands of your ancestors?” Her voice was barely above a whisper.

In that bygone era, Mimir, the god of wisdom, extended a gift to the warring Alphas and Warmasters—a means to resolve their conflicts and unite under a chosen Alpha, a Luna with whom to forge an unbreakable bond.

The Lunas—a select group of females born into the line of wise women in each territory—were feared for their knowledge and power. They were considered a bridge between the gods and the Alphas, able to interpret the gods' wills and offer counsel. Because of this, the Lunas were considered the only ones who could truly bring peace to the Wild Lands.

But it made the Alphas uneasy. The Lunas held a power that reached to the core of their dominion—a power to designate the Alpha who would stand at the helm. It held the potential to reshape the very essence of their authority. Fearing that a Luna might choose a male who might break their grip on supremacy, the Alpha Houses turned their backs on Mimir's blessing.

In a heart-wrenching bid to safeguard their dominion, they committed an unspeakable atrocity—the merciless slaughter of the entire lineage of Wise Women and Kingmakers. Their hands were stained with the blood of their own kin, a sombre reminder of the lengths they were willing to go to maintain their power.

“I do remember. Those times were marked by ignorance, but things are different now. To be Luna in this age is akin to being a god. Embrace it,” he urged with a knowing smile.

“Is that truly what you desire? A Luna by your side to secure your position as the Alpha of Alphas?”

“What I want is an end to the ceaseless struggle for the Alpha’s throne. Imagine what Aupheadia would be if we could come together under a single House, united. If Odin has chosen to bless us with a Luna to finally put this to rest, I wouldn’t fight it.”

“It is Mimir who bestows Lunas. Since we’re discussing openly, tell me the real reason for your presence here,” she probed, her eyes steady. “It is clear that you seek Mimir’s guidance in whatever form it comes in; and you’re not here to start a war,” she concluded, folding her arms.

“Is that so?” he asked with a smile.

“Here’s what I think,” Reyna began. “You plan to have my Fleet smuggle you into Decker’s territory to eliminate him. It’s the best way to stop the conflict before it escalates.”

Roth remained silent, allowing her to continue. “My Fleet will follow you, Roth, but there’s something I want in return. Once we succeed, I want your promise in return.”

“Are you trying to bargain with me?” Roth’s eyebrows knit together, his hands replaceing each other behind his back.

“Our mutual benefit has already been established,” Reyna replied. “If you’re on board, my Fleet and I will lead you to Reslax. I know that’s the reason behind your visit; only the Icehelms know how to navigate the great divide and reach Suncrest. Even your Berserkers do not know.”

Roth grinned. “By Odin, my word will not be a contract to something I am not privy to. Tell me what you want, and I will give it thought.”

Reyna hesitated for a moment, then decided to speak candidly, regardless of how Roth might react to her request.

“Name me Warmaster,” she demanded. “I've proven my worth time and again, yet the House of Maynord stubbornly refuses to bestow that title on a female.”

Her stomach clenched as she braced for his response.

He said nothing for what felt like an eternity. Time stretched on, each passing second intensifying the weight of his scrutiny. She couldn't tear her eyes away as she wondered what he was thinking.

Finally, Roth’s voice broke the silence, rough with authority. “You certainly don’t lack opinions about the House of Maynord. But we aren’t so set in our ways that we’d snub acclaim when it’s due.”

She’d been worried that Roth would reject her request almost immediately, but his response was unexpected. At the same time, she was anxious about the outcome.

“Twice already, I’ve extended an offer to the Prime Commander of Egranox to join my private Fleet of Omegas, only to be rebuffed,” Roth continued.

Her heart sank when she heard Roth’s words, realizing Bandos must have played a hand there. What right did he have to make a decision that affected her without considering her opinion or giving her the opportunity to weigh in on the matter?

Even though there was barely a distance between them, Roth moved closer. She felt an overwhelming urge to trace his scar despite the anger and betrayal coursing through her.

“Ever since I heard about your remarkable feats during the Siege of Volt, I’ve been fascinated,” Roth confessed. “Your Ember, your spirit, it all led me here to Egranox.”

Reyna inhaled deeply, the frigid air filling her lungs as she tried to process what Roth was saying. He left her speechless, a rare feat in itself. Her victory at Volt, had earned her the title of Prime Commander, and it wasn’t surprising that it was why he wanted her in his Fleet. After all, she’d shattered the formidable Siege of the Voltaic pack during the Battle of Grey Valley three seasons back.

“I came here with one goal in mind; to propose an arrangement to you, Prime of Frostcall. If you assist me and my Omegas in infiltrating Suncrest, I’ll grant you whatever you desire. Not because you demand it, but because I genuinely believe you’ve earned it.”

Reyna felt a lump in her throat as she stared at him. This was the chance she’d been waiting for, the chance to shatter the tradition that denied her rightful recognition.

For the first time ever, a female Omega was poised to stand alongside House Maynord, marking a momentous stride in Aupheadia’s history. Reyna had never imagined that Roth could be capable of such a bold move, and she had clearly underestimated him.

“Meeting you and realizing who you truly are, I cannot name you Warmaster, Reyna,” Roth stated firmly. "You are Luna, and that is the path Odin has chosen for you."

Anger, confusion, and a host of other emotions surged within Reyna, making her thoughts a chaotic jumble. She always knew the weight of being Luna, the duties and expectations that came with it. It was precisely why she had fought so ardently against this fate, trying to choose her own way. But Roth's blunt acknowledgement of her destiny hit differently.

“I understand that,” she replied with a steady voice despite the turmoil inside of her. “Being Luna is a role I’ve inherited, and it carries its own duties that I must honour even if it’s not what I want.”

“I’m glad you see it that way. Your path as Luna will shape the future of the Wild Lands.”

Reyna's curiosity gnawed at her. What did he mean by her Ember guiding him here? She needed answers; it was impossible for anyone to discern her abilities. How did he learn about her Luna lineage?

Narrowing her eyes at him, she said, “Of course, I’m even more useful to you as Luna in the grand scheme of things.”

“Just to clarify. I did not come seeking a Luna.” He moved closer to her. “Happening upon an Icehelm Luna who just happened to be the Prime I had my sights set on was a blessing from the gods. It is a sign that my path was meant to be, and I am grateful for it.”

He extended his hand, attempting to hold hers, but Reyna swiftly pulled her hand away.

“I came seeking an ally, someone who could help me stabilize the Wild Lands. The conflict with Decker is just one facet of a larger struggle that threatens our territories. Alliances, power dynamics, and potential betrayals have grown complex. I needed someone who could see beyond the surface, who understood the nuances.”

She raised an eyebrow. "And you believed I could be that ally?"

Roth nodded. “You're not only the first female Prime of Aupheadia, but you're also renowned for your strategic brilliance and exceptional ability to lead. More than that, you carry the legacy of the women of wisdom. With your insight and my resources, we have a chance to usher the Wild Lands into an era of stability and cooperation.”

It dawned on her that he wanted to make her his mate. Did he come to Egranox for that reason? To claim the female Prime as a mate? It was a logical choice considering she was the highest ranking female Fang in the Wild Lands; her strength and power would benefit the Warmaster or Alpha that claimed her as their mate.

“Will you accept me as your mate, partner, equal?” he asked.

Before she could restrain her curiosity, it slipped out. “How about your overflowing harem?” Her words came out with a touch of envy, and she cringed inwardly at her inability to hide it.

But Roth’s expression remained steady. “My harem is a vestige of tradition, a web of political ties and connections. It doesn’t reflect my emotions or dedication.”

His response wasn’t what she expected—she wasn’t even sure what she had hoped for, but the thought of being just another addition to the Alpha’s harem didn’t sit well with her. She wanted something more substantial, genuine and meaningful, not just an alliance formed out of convenience.

“You are a Luna. As my mate, you wouldn’t just be another member of my harem; more importantly, you would be my partner, my equal, and my confidante,” Roth assured her with a sincere smile as he gently caressed her cheek.

After a lingering moment of contemplation, Reyna deliberately put some distance between herself and Roth. She sensed his mental fortress, an impenetrable barrier preventing her telepathy from delving into his inner thoughts. It only fuelled her suspicions, making her wonder what secret he was so determined to guard.

“I won’t agree to anything without a clear understanding of your intentions, Roth,” she said. “I know you’re hiding something.”

“There are things I can’t reveal right now, and maybe never. And I’m sure you have your own secrets too.”

She grumbled in acknowledgment; they both had their secrets, and it was a stark reality they needed to confront. But she was aware of that one single thought that was tightly sealed, almost like it was held captive in some hidden corner of his mind and it haunted her.

“So your proposal to be mates won’t rely on trust?” she asked.

“It cannot be, not at first. It’s hard to fully trust each other when we barely know each other. It is why I suggested a partnership forged in openness and mutual understanding.” Roth tucked his hands into his cloak. “Trust may come with time, but it must be earned.” He shrugged. “It’s the only way.”

“You’re not entirely wrong,” she reluctantly admitted.

“So, Reyna Moltenroar, what say you?”

“I’ll think it over and give you an answer after we’ve reached Reslax,” she said sharply. “Right now, we should focus on leaving immediately. This is more important than the celebration of reckless sexual encounters and conquests.”

“Easy now, both are equally significant,” Roth countered with a playful grin. “The gods have blessed this day for icehelms to mate. Am I to believe you do not enjoy the pleasures of the solstice?” he added, raising a suggestive eyebrow.

Reyna rolled her eyes at him. “It is not the only thing heightened on the solstice,” she answered, giving him a pointed look as she backed away from him. “Foolishness runs rampant too.”

“You’re a wolf, live a little,” he chuckled.

By the gods, his laugh was captivating. She couldn’t deny the undeniable desire that stirred within her, especially under the influence of the solstice.

Walking back to her, Roth brushed her hair away from her face before gently propping her chin up. Given Roth’s large, brutish looks, his touch was surprisingly gentle. Her lips parted against her treacherous lungs when his gaze fell to them.

“Your lust for me is riveting,” he whispered.

Backing away would give him the wrong impression. It wasn’t unpleasant being so close to him, even though it was overwhelmingly intense.

“You should learn to keep your hands to yourself, Roth.”

“But where’s the fun in that, Reyna? Life is much too short to resist every temptation.”

“Yet life’s brevity also cautions against choices that breed regret,” she countered.

He chuckled again, that deep and resonating sound that sent shivers down her spine. “I suppose I can exercise some restraint… for now, I’ll let this desire simmer until you act on it.”

“We should get back to the War Room,” she said, steering the conversation back to their mission. “Our journey to Reslax requires careful planning. We cannot afford to be distracted by personal desires.”

Roth’s grin faded a bit, and he nodded. “You’re right, of course. The mission comes first.”

That and she also needed to speak with Bandos. She had to know if he had deliberately kept her in Frostcall, preventing her from becoming an Omega. It was inevitable that, whether she was an Omega or Luna, she would wind up in Greenpeak.

“Shall we return to the War Room now?” she asked, noticing as he pulled his cloak tighter around himself.

It was painful to watch him struggle against the biting cold. Her perceptive gaze travelled deliberately over the multiple layers of garments he had donned, each piece meticulously chosen to fend off the cold.

“The cold’s really uncomfortable,” he admitted, echoing her thoughts.

She gave him a suspicious look. It felt like he was reading her mind, the way he addressed her unspoken concerns so accurately.

Then, as if the cold’s grip had finally gotten the best of him, he let out a frustrated sigh. His fingers raked through his tousled brown hair, tugging in irritation and discomfort. The strands ruffled and tumbled in disarray, the rich chestnut hues catching the faint light filtering through the icy fortress. Pity stirred; she wished she could banish the cold for him, but she couldn’t do it for long.

“I’d rather endure Suncrest’s scorching heat than this cold,” he said as his gaze slithered over her. “You, on the other hand, it’s impressive how you walk around in just that, despite how enticing it is.”

She watched his eyes darken with reckless intent, and the scent of his simmering lust tingled her skin. It was nearly midnight, marking the winter solstice in Frostcall—the time when wolves were driven by an insatiable urge to mate.

Raising an eyebrow, she suppressed her own burning desire as much as she could. Her body was responding to the primal instinct of the wolves, feeling the full force of the solstice, despite her attempts to fight it. She felt her own passion rising, overwhelming her with a fierce need to succumb to her own urges.

It appeared she had quite the dangerously tempting wolf to fend off—or maybe even indulge with.