Page 38 of Eternal Mate

With a shared understanding, we set off toward the designated meeting spot, our footsteps falling into sync as we walked along the gravel road. The suspense of the upcoming debriefing weighed heavily on each of us, the air humming with unspoken questions and concerns.

The rest of our team came into view as we approached the meeting place. Elias was standing there, his expression full of exhaustion. Atlan and Zuzanna joined after us, their faces etched with a mix of weariness and relief. The gravity of the situation was palpable as we all gathered together, finding comfort in the familiarity of one another's presence.

I plopped down beside my mate at the table, pulling my laptop over in front of me. Time to do my daily news search for information.

Scrolling through the web pages, I spotted one that made my skin crawl.

Sariel leaned over my shoulder, chin propped up on my shoulder. "They… surrendered?"

I was equally amazed, even as he asked.

Auren nodded, rubbing his neck as he sighed. Ashe was next to him, looking more grim than amused—a tell in and of itself.

Quietly, my mate's brother pulled up the webpage he'd been stalking, turning the screen so we could see for ourselves.

Tarragon was the first thing I saw. I couldn't help but wince when Sariel went rigid beside me.

Blossom was hidden behind a black veil, looking every bit the yin to her husband's yang with the equally dark clothes adorning her. It's helpful in making her less horrifying; if I didn't know better, I could almost assume she was perfectly normal under all the layers.

"They're not even weakened, from everything I've found," Ashe admitted, glaring at the screen with folded arms.

The headline was pretty straightforward: Free Kingdom Wins War!

As if that was anything to be cheerful about. I shuddered to think about how their influence was going to affect us since the Fae King and Queen were utterly unhinged.

"They managed to convince the remaining Council members to sign a treaty," I murmured, summarizing the article's contents. "And in exchange for their cooperation, the Council members were allowed to retain their positions."

The words hung heavy in the air, a mix of relief and unease washing over us. It was a strategic move on the part of the Free Kingdom, securing the cooperation of the very individuals who had once held significant power.

But it left lingering questions in its wake. Would their loyalty lie with the people now, or would their allegiance shift when it served their interests?

"Fucking Francesca," Ashe grumbled, lip pulling up in a sneer. "You know what? Fuck Nikolai, too."

Auren let out a surprised burst of laughter, and I couldn't help but join him.

"I'm a little impressed,” I said. “It took them, what, a handful of months to completely dismantle the Upper Council?"

The words earned me three angry eyes, and I shrugged, gesturing at the screen as if it would prove my point. Say what you wanted about them, but they were efficient when they wanted something.

"Has Jack reached out to anyone?" I swiftly changed the subject, worried about the older man amidst all the chaos.

"We've tried, but there's been no response. It's as if he's vanished into thin air," Ashe said. He shook his head, face drawn at the thought of his father figure's silence. No doubt he was more worried than I was. "I should have gone with him."

Auren sighed. "Don't beat yourself up about it. He knew what he was signing up for."

"We need to find out what happened to him," I said firmly, my voice laced with determination. "He may be in trouble. We can't just sit here waiting."

Auren shook his head slowly, giving Ashe an apologetic look. "We can't right now. If we start making waves, we're going to get hit again. We need to focus on going after Tarragon and Blossom right now."

Ashe made a face, but nodded in agreement.

Who was I to argue if Jack's circle said to have faith in him?

"Alright," I conceded, glancing at Ashe again.

"We won't forget about Jack. He's one of us; we'll do whatever it takes to locate him. But we have to play our cards right and strike when the time is right," Auren reassured, lips pursed together.

Ashe's face hardened, his eyes reflecting a mix of anger and concern. "Tarragon and Blossom won't get away with this. We'll make them pay for what they've done, for all the lives they've disrupted."

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