KIARA’S POV
Nivaan, Valence, Richard, and I were seated in the room trying to come up with a way to win the war when Adrian walked right in.
Irritation started bubbling through my veins at his sight. The nerve of him to come here after what he had done. I glared at him and roared, “Stop right there, Adrian! Leave before I order my men to snap your head off…”
His steps faltered, his eyebrows furrowed as he said, “Nancy! How can you say that? You have known me for so long…”
“There is no ‘Nancy’ here. You are talking to the Luna of the Mystical Pack. You are talking to the woman whose father was killed…”
His eyes widened in horror as he realized what I was hinting at. He rushed towards me and knelt in front of me. His eyes were pleading as he said in a shaking voice, “I know what I did was unpardonable but can you please give me a chance to explain myself for old time's sake…”
I was tempted to kick him and throw him in the dungeon too but these were difficult times and we could use all the help we could get. Letting out a long, deep sigh; I nodded.
“I accept that I gave Alpha Gilkins the shot but I didn’t know it would kill him. Cami said that the shot would put him in some sort of a trance and she would just get the information she wanted…”
I crossed my hand over my chest and scoffed, “Is that supposed to reduce the severity of your crime, Adrian? We trusted you and you betrayed us…”
Adrian lowered his eyes and said, “I am burning with guilt. I don’t expect you to forgive me. I just want you to show me a path of redemption.”
I threw a questioning glance at Valence as she said, “How far are you willing to go to seek redemption?”
Adrian’s lips pursed into a thin line as he said, “I am willing to give up my life…”
“Are you willing to kill?”
Adrian hesitated only slightly before nodding.
“Are you willing to kill Cami?”
The color drained from his face and he lowered his head.
So much so for seeking redemption. I drew in a deep breath and said in a cold voice, “You can leave, Adrian!”
He looked at me with pleading eyes and said, “No, Kiara! Don’t say that. I am ready… I am ready to kill her…”
“Fine! Come with me. I will explain what exactly you have to do!” Valence said and she led him out of the room.
I stretched my aching back as I asked, “Do you think we can trust him, brother?”
My brother pursed his lips and said decisively, “No…”
“Then why didn’t you stop Valence?”
“I just wanted to give him a chance.” He squeezed my hand gently and said, “Don’t worry about him. I will make a backup plan…”
Our conversation was interrupted as Richard walked in. He bowed to me and stood with his head bowed.
My heart pounded against my ribs as I asked, “What did Alpha Orville say?”
“He wants to help but he is not willing to set out on a suicide mission.”
“What about Alpha Rodero?”
“The alpha of all other packs said the same. It seems like we are alone in this battle. But, you don’t have to worry Luna. We will bring them to justice…”
Nivaan placed his hand on my shoulder and said, “It's okay Cuckoo. You have me and Valence…”
I tried to smile but it failed to reach my lips. Exhaling deeply, I said, “I don’t want you all to go on a suicide mission either…”
“No! You can’t give up. We all will be destroyed if we surrender…”
“I will never surrender! I just want to find a way to keep you all safe from Ariana’s magic…”
“I can help you with that. Jade rings infused with spells can keep the wearer from getting affected by any kind of magic,” valence said as she walked inside.
I peeked behind her and asked, “Where is Adrian?”
“I took him to the guest room and explained his role. Then I cast a shielding spell on him. He won’t be able to leave the room.”
“Good thinking!” Adrian said flashing her a billion-dollar smile. “That way he can’t tell anyone about our plan even if he wants to.”
I heaved a sigh of relief. At least one of the problems was solved. Turning to Valence, I asked, “Where can I get those jade rings?”
“You can’t get them anywhere but I can make enough of them. I just need jade rings.”
“How long will this take?”
“At least 3 to 4 days after I get the rings. I will have to spell the rings and place them in special herbs for them to work.”
“Great… I will make arrangements to get jade rings.” Nivaan said as he walked out of the hall.
Turning to Richard I said, “Go and arrange a meeting of all the packs in the Auroville.”
He bowed to me and left leaving me alone with Valence. I walked to her and grasped her shoulders. I looked into her eyes and asked, “Will these rings really work, or were you just saying this to boost our morale?”
“I would never lie about something so serious. The ring creates a sort of shield around the body and deflects all the magical waves traveling towards it…” Valence replied in a reassuring voice.
“That is good…” I muttered as I retreated to my bedroom. I had to just find a way to dally the attack by a few days…