It was past noon and the tension in the throne room had dispersed. Well, almost.
Alpha Reuel and Luna Elena of the Skylarron pack had taken their leave, leaving their daughter—Stella in the castle. For some reason, Arias was still here and he was—at the moment—having a meeting with father in his study. Not before asking me to wait just outside it when I asked to be part of whatever conversation they were having.
I'd resisted the urge to throw an adult tantrum and stomp all the way out of the castle into a random yard or something. Father had tasked Keyleth with escorting Stella to her new room in the castle, leaving me alone with my damn thoughts.
I watched the way the hairs on my arms stood, and fell, in sync to every laboured breath I took. It was all from the adrenaline I'd experienced today. Strands of my blonde hair fell into my eyes, momentarily blocking my vision. I ran a hand through it and brushed them all back, sighing.
Father had refused to tell me what was going on. And although, I understood that he hasn't gotten any spare time to have a conversation with me, that didn't remotely help to calm down whatever anxiety and frustration I was feeling.
My both hands folded into fist in front of me, as I kicked off from the golden painted wall I leaned on. Sounds of chattering drew my attention away from whatever conversation they had behind the doors I stood close to. It was probably the sound of servants conversing while carrying out their tasks.
I was so bored, I could make out everything they talked about as they passed. My jaw clenched when I heard "Shadowfen."
It was part of the nine packs to ever exist in the realm but no one really knew anything about the pack and its alpha. The pack was known to be secluded, its wolven murmured to have the power to transform into shadows and excel in working as a spy.
But those were just rumors.
Rumors were only half the entire truth. And sometimes, not the truth at all.
The door to father's study clicked open, revealing Alpha Arias and father.
"You've been here this whole time?" Alpha Arias lifted an eyebrow at me, a hint of amusement dancing along his features.
Was it not so obvious?
I swallowed the retort, and muttered, "yes," before moving my gaze to father.
Father stared at me for a while, before letting out a deep sigh, a couple of crease forming on his forehead. "Oliver, please would you escort Alpha Arias to the guest room. There's a lot to be discussed and perhaps, that can be done tomorrow."
A furrow appeared between my eyebrows, at the information the alpha was staying with us at the castle. Wasn't that an unwise choice?
My lips pressed into a thin line and the look I gave him was one of utter confusion. I glanced between father and the alpha, trying to figure out the length to the conversation they'd just had.
Nodding my head at father, I shifted my gaze to Alpha Arias, "Please follow me."
The alpha walked behind me with a steady pace, I could feel the heat of his eyes on me, with every step we took and every turn. We stepped into a large hallway, with a series of golden brown doors on either side. A set of gargoyles were placed on top of a large column at either side, an unlit torch hanging just on the surface.
The castle was large, and old, with a series of hallways and passageway and these goddamn annoying statues.
"It's just down this way." I said. We moved further down the hallway, a large golden chandelier just above us, as we passed underneath. I slowed my step when I noticed his presence had moved closer.
He was behind me, so it made sense he was close to me, but why did I feel him so close my breath hitched?
I turned sharply, and stopped short. He stood right there, an inch away, his presence swallowing the space.
"Wh—"
"You should be satisfied now." He said, folding his arms. The motion pulled his biceps tight, muscles rolling under exposed skin. "You finally know what pack I'm from."
My both eyebrows met each other in a furrow. And then it clicked. I gasped, taking a step backward.
He knew. He knew!
When the night comes, I'd go to Keyleth's room for the purpose of a signature, one that forbids her from dragging me into any of her adventures.
"Shadowfen," I muttered, casting my gaze down. Strands of my hair fell in blonde strays, blurring my vision of him. Which I was thankful for. My heart thumped in my chest, my hands closing in fists.
The quicker this conversation was over, the better.
Suddenly, Alpha Arias' large hand cupped my jaw and lifted my face up to his, "I can hear how fast your heart is beating…Oliver."