The ink on the paper blurred into one another, a headache was threatening to form the more he read. He cleared his throat and then looked up at Julian and Iris, who sat there watching him keenly. He wondered if there would be time when he could fully decompress and have alone time to himself, without anyone or any thought. He sighed discreetly and tilted his head.
"I am beginning to think you take pleasure in bringing me these ledgers," Darius muttered, tapping the page with his finger.
Elder Iris tilted her chin up, her long grey hair swept back into a neat twist. Her gold spectacles gleamed in the sunlight, and she smiled with the politeness of someone who knew exactly how much irritation she caused. "Pleasure is a luxury, Alpha. I find satisfaction in order. And right now, your reserves are barely keeping their boots on."
Darius nearly rolled his eyes, Iris’ jokes were ever far from funny. The reserves had not been touched in so long and he was proud that he was about to run Ironshade efficiently to that extent.
Julian made a humming noise and adjusted the collar of his robe. It was slightly stained with ink and several quills stuck out from inside it like bristles. "And yet we are planning a feast large enough to make the western packs jealous."
Darius looked down at the document again. "This is for the first communal gathering in moons. The people need to be fed. They need to see us united."
"And they shall," Iris said crisply, unfolding another page and sliding it across the table toward him. "The costs have been absorbed by the Hawthorne family reserves... as you personally approved. Bread from Stonehill, meats from the South Valley hunt, and seasonal vegetables grown in the western fields. I’ve already allocated payment, and the delivery carts are scheduled."
Julian leaned over to peer at the sheet and squinted. "You even itemized the cider." For original chapters go to novel⚑fire.net
"Would you prefer I had not?" Iris asked, not looking at him.
"I merely find it fascinating," Julian replied, tapping a bony finger on the list. "There is always a line for something sweet. Wolves and their weakness for drink."
"You included three orders of lavender syrup in last month’s ink requisition," she snapped back.
Darius cleared his throat again. "Enough. Continue."
Iris drew herself straighter. "The feast will last three days. That was what the people requested. I warned against it, but enthusiasm has its own momentum. If nothing else, it will keep the kitchens occupied and the traders satisfied. And it will give Dawnbreak something to watch."
"That," Julian said with a sudden grin, "is what I wanted to discuss."
Darius gave him a look. "I assumed as much."
Julian opened his satchel and produced a bound book of aged parchment. He laid it down carefully and opened to a tabbed page. "You know who Dawnbreak sent, yes? Young, charming, keen-eyed. That is not an accident. Alpha Thalia is clever, and her house has played long games before."
"We know this," Darius said quietly. "But go on."
Darius still remembered the way his father spoke about Thalia, they had strong clan identities in the North and she came from a minor family and somehow weaselled her way into getting elected and chosen as the Alpha, that was who they were dealing with and this extension she sent in the form of a delegate.
"In the last recorded treaty talks, two generations ago Dawnbreak delayed their terms until Ironshade had overspent its hunting capacity. While we hosted them with full bells and banquets, they sent a second party to negotiate with Riverstead behind our backs. By the time we returned to formal dialogue, they had secured more southern trade routes and left Ironshade grasping at frost."
Darius leaned forward, frowning. "You think this is the same play?"
Julian’s eyes gleamed. "I think Thalia has not changed her approach. Only sharpened it."
Iris scoffed. "You’re assuming she is behind everything. Perhaps this delegate was merely who they could spare."
"They never spare anyone," Julian replied. "Not unless there’s more elsewhere."
Darius interlocked his fingers and rested them on the table. "So what would you have us do?"
Julian’s brows knitted. "I would advise caution. Be polite but do not be too soft. Watch every word this young man says. And if you have a wild card... prepare it."
That made Darius’s gaze tighten. Cedar had said something similar only days ago. That perhaps their hidden piece might be needed, something unexpected to shift the board. But he hated the idea of playing games with lives.
"There’s no threat yet," Darius said after a moment. "But I understand. You’re both telling me the same thing. Don’t trust appearances."
"Exactly," Julian muttered. "That charming smile hides a long shadow."
"And meanwhile," Iris interjected, "we cannot let fear fray our budget. The people must believe in this alliance. Starving them to save coin will do more damage than Dawnbreak ever could."
Darius nodded slowly. "Then we will move ahead. Fund the feast. Maintain formality with Dawnbreak, but keep eyes on every corner. If Thalia is trying to distract us with youth, we will meet her with wisdom."
Julian closed his book with a thud. "Wisdom is rare these days."
"And expensive," Iris added.
Darius smiled faintly. "Then I’m glad I have both of you."
Iris rose and adjusted her shawl. " I will ensure the final figures are tallied and sent to your study. And I’ll make sure no one sneaks extra cider into their take-home bags."
Julian gathered his notes, still muttering something about lavender and spies. The two elders filed out, still bickering in their usual clipped rhythm.
Darius sat back and stared at the flickering candle beside him. The feast, the alliance, the lurking dread of history repeating itself, it was all moving faster than he liked. But the pieces were set. And if Dawnbreak wanted to test Ironshade’s balance, they would find it steadier than expected.