Page 47 of Beneath Scales and Shadows
“A containment strategy,” the emerald-winged fae murmured, her luminescent eyes tracking the markers. “Isolate each northern kingdom before launching coordinated attacks. Who knows how the other kingdoms in the southern islands are weathering, and if Celestoria had already started advancing toward them too.”
“Divide and conquer,” Sora murmured. “One of the oldest military tactics in human history.”
“Then we must respond with unity before it’s too late,” Ignis declared, his gaze sweeping the assembled representatives. “Not as separate kingdoms with temporary alliances, but as Artania united once more.”
One by one, the representatives pledged to bring proposals before their rulers. Promises of swift return filled the chamber, Ignis offered accommodations within the mountain fortress, but all declined, citing urgency.
As the chamber emptied of visiting dignitaries, Ignis dismissed his council members with quiet instructions. Ember disappeared to increase border patrols, Blaze and Enixa departed to brief their wing leaders, and Zalaya took flight toward the sacred archives. Only Asher lingered briefly, his healer’s gaze assessing Sora with professional concern.
“Your transformation is near completion,” he observed quietly. “You should eat soon. The body requires substantial energy, especially with your first heat near.”
With that, he too departed with a bow, leaving Sora and Ignis alone in the now-empty Alliance Chamber. The absence of the various delegations made the space feel cavernous, dimming sunlight streaming through the large prismatic panel creating long shadows along the walls. The glowstones seemed brighter in the sudden change in lighting, a gentle reminder of how much time had passed.
“Are you well?” Ignis asked, his voice gentle as he studied her face.
The question surprised her—not the concern itself, but the timing. With Coal kidnapped, war preparations underway and alliances forming, her personal comfort seemed inconsequential.
“I’m fine,” she assured him, though exhaustion pulled at her limbs. “Just... processing everything.”
His expression softened with understanding. “Even for those born to this world, such meetings are taxing. That was for me. I’m not used to interacting with members of the other kingdom, especially not in my half-form. For one still adapting to Artania’s reality, it must be overwhelming.”
“A bit,” she admitted, smoothing her damp hands over her gown—she hadn’t noticed how nervous and full of anxiety she’d been. “Though not as overwhelming as watching my body transform before my eyes over these last few days.”
Ignis offered his arm. “Come. You need nourishment, and I suspect it’s quieter right now.”
“What about you?” She scanned his body. “You must be exhausted in that form for so long.”
“While I would prefer to be in my true form freely, I can’t traverse the halls in it.” He gestured to himself. “My dragoon form hasn’t been as taxing since I’ve met you.”
“Dragoon? What does my presence have to do with it?”
“The true name of our half-forms,” Idnis explained. “Your presence—as an omega—naturally brings peace to the clan. The more present you are within a kingdom, the more stable the alphas become—their minds clearer, their instincts easier to control. It also helps others maintain their lesser forms for longer periods, with little effort.”
“Which is another reason why Celestoria must be stopped.”
They made their way to the dining hall, where Ignis requested food prepared for transport rather than formal service. Sora watched as he efficiently packed various dishes into containers of polished stone, wanting to service her instead of letting his attendants do so.
They walked in companionable silence through corridors, glowstones lighting the way, passing clan members who bowed respectfully. The gesture no longer seemed directed solely at Ignis; many now inclined their heads specifically toward Sora, acknowledgment in their eyes.
Their shared chambers welcomed them with familiar warmth, easing the tension in Sora’s shoulders. She exhaled slowly, eyes closing as solitude wrapped around her. The balcony beckoned with its view of the night sky, twin moons embracing each other, their love lightning up the wintery mountain range.
They settled on cushioned stone seats, Ignis arranged the food between them on a low table. He prepared her plate with surprising attentiveness, selecting items with nutritional value suitable for her changing body, while explaining their names and their properties.
“You handled the delegation impressively.” Ignis held out a jeweled grape-sized berry for her to sample. She accepted his offer from his extended fingers and was shocked that it tasted like rainbow sorbet ice cream. “The representatives were impressed with your insight.”
“Are you sure?” She licked her lips, eying the plate, craving more.
“If they didn’t agree with you, they would’ve stated so,” he replied with a toothy smirk as he followed her gaze and picked up another berry, offering it to her. “My hope is that their leaders will agree with them, and the northern alliance would be reformed once more.”
They ate in comfortable silence for several moments, the night air cool against Sora’s heated skin. She could sense more scales forming, as the itching sensation started to return.
“What happens next?” she asked finally, setting aside her empty plate. “With the alliance, with Celestoria... with everything?”
Ignis sighed, his wings shifting slightly. “The representatives return to their realms with proposals. We strengthen our defenses and gather intelligence until it’s ready for us to meet up with them at the pass.”
“And Coal? What of him?”
Pain flickered across his features. “We attempt rescue when opportunity presents itself. He knew the risks, but that doesn’t diminish our responsibility.”
