Serena turned around to take in the whole room. It was nearly double the size of her home back in Silverstone.
The room was decorated in a simple fashion, the bed bigger than any she had ever slept in. It was massive, elegant, draped in sheer, dusty blue mesh that danced with the breeze drifting in from the open window. The colour made her breath catch in her throat.
"Is this really for me?" she asked, turning to meet Darius, who had just set down her trunk.
"Yes," he said, rubbing the back of his neck, suddenly sheepish. "Annamarie said you like blue."
Serena could not hide the smile that crept onto her face. He’d remembered something so small, so unnecessary, and yet he’d still thought of her.
"Yes," she said softly. "I really do. Thank you, Darius."
He rolled his shoulders, visibly trying to shake off the awkwardness, and cleared his throat. With a bit more purpose, he dragged the trunk to the center of the room.
"I’d have to trouble you for a few more things," he said, voice slightly hesitant.
Serena lifted her eyes to his, tilting her head slightly, strands of her hair falling loose from her braid.
"What would that be?"
"You would have to meet the military," Darius said in a low voice, as though he were letting her down easy.
Serena chewed on the inside of her cheek. He had not told her how soon this delegate would arrive. She imagined there was not much time before they did, so preparations would have to be put in place quickly.
She chewed the inside of her cheek, grounding herself. She had promised- whether spoken or not, that she’d do whatever was necessary. If anything fell apart, the blame would trail straight back to her.
"When would that be?" Serena asked.
"Now," Darius said. "As soon as possible."
Serena nodded and looked down at the clothes she was wearing. They were good enough to go out and meet a few soldiers. They would not question her attire, but her behaviour would be scrutinised.
"I am ready," she said, lifting her chin a little.
Darius looked at her with worried eyes. She held her shoulders up and looked prepared. If she said she was ready, then he would not object.
"Alright then. We would meet an Elder before that." Darius paused, giving his words some thought. "Before we see Silas, understand that he is a hard man, as expected from a general."
Serena nodded, filing away the warning in her head. She exhaled. She could not recall who he was from the meeting that was called for her. Neither had he attended Beatrice’s gathering, so she was working with nothing.
"I see... does he hate rogues?" Serena asked.
Darius blinked. Livia had said she hated rogues to him only yesterday. He knew that, but it meant she had likely said the same to Serena.
His mouth hung open for a few seconds before he gathered himself. "Rogues have killed many of his men," Darius said at last.
"So the answer would be yes..." Serena trailed off.
She hugged herself and then forced the smile. "I did not expect anything less. Let us go."
She brushed past him gently, stepping out into the hallway. She paused outside the doorway, gripping her forearm tightly, her thumb absently running over the fabric of her sleeve.
Life was about to become more irritating for her. Her mind flashed to the eyes of the people who had taken her into custody in Silverstone.
Serena could not bear to see that look again, but she could not avoid it. She straightened her spine when she heard Darius’ footsteps.
He glanced at her from the corner of his eye, then turned away with a sigh that lingered longer than it should have. There were no comforting words on his tongue, none that wouldn’t sound hollow or misplaced.
What was he supposed to do? March up to Silas and demand he abandon years of pain, loss, and fury toward rogues... all because Serena was his?
Besides, no one had to know. Darius was grateful the bond between them had remained unspoken, a silent agreement. Yet a question tugged at the back of his mind, why did she never acknowledge it? Not even in passing.
He shook his head. Never mind that, he had bigger issues to solve.
Darius waited for Serena to mount the horse, and the two set off. He rode as quickly as he could so they could get this over with.
Serena watched as they reached a massive outclearing with modest buildings and dozens of wolves walking around. Their posture was erect, shoulders back and chests held high. She inhaled. It had been a long time since she had seen warriors like these.
Darius slid off his horse in one swift movement, then circled back to help her down. Serena accepted his hand. She smoothed her skirts as her boots touched the ground, brushing invisible dust from the hem, then exhaled quietly.
It was time to put on an appearance.
A few soldiers turned their heads in curiosity, eyes flicking her way with thinly veiled interest. Then, just as quickly, they returned to their routines, spears clashing, feet pounding, and order being fired out.
"Right this way," Darius said.
Serena followed his lead to a building that sat in the middle. It was the only stone house among the wooden buildings. It must have been where the Elder resided.
Darius gave two sharp knocks on the door and stood still. A gruff voice gave them permission to enter. Darius twisted the knob and pushed the door open.
Elder Silas sat behind a desk carved from blackened oak. His broad frame barely fit the chair, one hand resting on a plate, the other gripping a skewer of half-eaten meat. He looked up, jaw working slowly, and his eyes narrowed.
"Alpha," he greeted, voice devoid of warmth.
"Elder Silas," Darius returned, his tone level but guarded.
Then the man’s eyes landed on Serena, and his lips curled into a sneer, revealing yellowed teeth. He was a nasty-looking man, Serena noted, hard eyes and a scar across his face that had taken off half of his left eyebrow.
"Good day, Elder," Serena said, keeping her voice even.
The man turned to look at Darius, ignoring her words completely. "I see you’ve brought the rogue."
He bit into the final piece of meat on the skewer, chewing with exaggerated slowness. "Practice for my boys?"
Darius’s expression hardened. His mouth dipped into a frown, the muscles in his jaw tightening.
"No," he said, his voice clipped. "We are here to discuss something important, about Serena. And what I expect going forward." Thᴇ link to the origɪn of this information rᴇsts ɪn noᴠelfire.net