Page 67 of Magic & Secrets
“Wel of the Silver Elves. My unit was alerted to a strange phenomenon in Pandorium Forest.”
Nodding, I lied casually, “Yes, we witnessed odd lights and noises when we traveled through the forest.”
Wel focused his silver gaze on Calla. “And who is this?”
“A failed warrior.”
Wel studied Calla. The longer his gaze lingered on her, the more prepared I was to rip off his head.
“What sort of warrior?” he finally asked.
“Humans found her as a youngling in Pandorium Forest and trained her to protect them.”
“Where are these humans now?”
“Dead.”
“Did she kill them?”
“No, she failed to save them.”
Wel cocked his sharp, white eyebrow. “Not much of a warrior, then, is she?”
“That’s why I’ve taken her as my apprentice. Perhaps, the next band of humans won’t lose their lives to her ineptitude.”
I waited for Calla to react to my words, but she revealed no emotion. When we mated for the first time, her every memory was offered to me. I watched her childhood unfold. Though her creators viewed themselves as benevolent, they offered her as little kindness as the Murade did with the Bane Shifters.
After a lifetime of cruel honesty, Calla remained unaffected by my protective lies.
Wel said in a curious tone, “I wasn’t aware your kind took on apprentices.”
“Why wouldn’t you view my kind as capable of pity?” I muttered, cracking my neck.
“Take no offense.”
“I admit I’ve been on the mountain for a long time. I might find myself misreading others. Are younotchallenging me?”
“I would never consider such a thing. In fact, please, travel with us to Elatalora. How long has it been since you’ve enjoyed a feast in your honor?”
“Too long,” I said and then shook my head. “I tire of the world outside Mt. Elysium. I plan to return.”
“What of those who attacked Haven Junction?”
“I’ve killed those I hunted. There might be more in need of death. Unfortunately, Koda and Delta are missing, and the Territories have changed while I was away. I need to speak to Tempe.”
I wasn’t certain my words were the right ones. Politicking was never in my training. When Bane Shifters moved into alocation, we didn’t appease the locals. We moved them out of our way, or they were left in our wake.
Wel and his men wouldn’t be the first Elves I had dispatched. My ego insisted I challenge them, yet my mate bond was reluctant to instigate violence with Calla in the mix. The only time I’d seen her do well in battle could have been a trick played by the forest.
“The Grand Elf Mali has recently returned to Elatalora with news related to the slaughter at Haven Junction,” Wel announced. “Come with us to hear his information before you return to Mt. Elysium and speak with Tempe.”
I was at a loss for what to do. Fighting them seemed like a mistake. Going to Elatalora felt like a worse choice. What was the answer?
Calla stopped acting like a statue and looked into my eyes. She stared blankly, yet I felt her in my head. We had no choice but to try to find a peaceful way out of this situation. If that failed, we could always sneak out of the city and hide in Pandorium Forest until the Elves gave up searching.
Nodding, I told Wel, “I will speak with Mali and enjoy this feast you mentioned. But I can’t remain long. If Tempe doesn’t hear from me soon, he’ll prepare the Bane Shifters for war. I would suspect many within power wouldn’t appreciate our pack storming through the Territories in search of vengeance.”
Seeming pleased, Wel nodded. I noticed how his gaze flashed to Calla again. He no doubt was curious about her lineage and why I would take on an apprentice. Either way, he only signaled for his men to begin riding toward Elatalora.
