The Alpha's Temptation

Eltanin didn't need Menkar specifically, but he needed someone who was well-versed in ancient languages, dark languages that held secrets that in turn would help him slay a demon werewolf like Felis. Killing a demon like him required truly forbidden magic.

"How are you going to find a scribe like that in the monastery? There are numerous priests and scribes, but no one would assist you in your endeavor. It is a dangerous mission," said Rigel. "And none of the priests are mad enough to do that and lose their life in the process. Or a limb. Or their soul," he added. It was very dangerous to open the dark arcana book, let alone decipher what is written within it. "There's a reason why it was stashed away by your mother in an unknown location."

That was the rumor, but of course Eltanin knew where it was. When he was younger, he had searched every nook of the palace and discovered its location. Not wanting to reveal this information to Rigel, he said, "I will ask my mother…"

Another gust of wind brought incessant rains pattering on the window, drowning out their conversation. Inadvertently, his thoughts went back to the girl he was with yesterday, and a tremble shook his body. He hoped she wasn't in the wild out there.

Was Petra awake, he wondered? Did Fafnir talk to her? Did he find out about his Fae? Fae. She looked no less than a fae. Beautiful, pristine and the sexiest girl alive. He almost imagined her with wings. He was going to call her Fae from now on. A semblance of a smile came upon his lips.

Rigel's harsh voice snapped him out of his daydreaming. "The High Priest is going to wonder why King Eltanin, who had always ridiculed their dark arts, would suddenly ask for help. I highly doubt that Menkar would assist you. He would outright refuse."

Eltanin chuckled. "And refuse an opportunity to put a Cetus spy in my inner circle? Menkar would come running."

"You are playing a very dangerous game, Eltanin," Rigel said gravely. "This is no joke. Rather than opening the dark arcana book, why don't you just marry Morava? Surely, that's an easier way out."

"But is that a permanent one?" Eltanin asked. "If what my father says is true, it's only my mate with whose help I will become strong and that too after I claim her."

"What if Morava is your mate?" Rigel asked, narrowing his gaze.

For a moment, Eltanin froze. The idea of Morava as his mate was revolting. "That is stupid!" he blurted. His outburst stunned even him. He swallowed the bile in his throat, gulping it down with a splash of wine.

"Eltanin?" Rigel asked of his paling King.

"I am fine," he whispered, exhaling out his emotions. The urge to visit the monastery himself boldened. "I have to meet with Menkar as soon as possible!"

"Don't be mad!" Rigel said. "Don't show your urgency. Menkar may use that against you. Don't you know what a bastard he is?"

"Then what? Do you have an idea of how I can send this message to him?" Eltanin asked, the frustration bubbling inside his mind and desperation making him restless.

"In fact, I do," Rigel said, wiggling his eyebrows. He went to the window to open it. He looked out and let out a high-pitched whistle along with a wheezing sound. Through the rain-streaked sky, a screeching large white owl flew, perching on the ledge. As soon as it perched, it shook the water from its feathers. It was at least a foot and a half tall and sat majestically. Once it settled, it watched his Master with his piercing yellow eyes. Rigel's lips curled up as he extended his forearm. The owl hopped onto it. Rigel caressed its wings, conveying a message in its language. The owl looked at every sound that came out of his mouth keenly. "Now go," Rigel whispered, and caressed it once again, feeling every bit proud to own a beast like that.

Its white stretch of wings flapped open, and it flew out through the window, veering west towards Cetus. Rigel smiled. He had sent his letter by a messenger owl.

"That will take care of it. You have to be discreet about such things." He closed the window and turned to Eltanin. "Now Menkar will know that that message is from me, but he won't ever know the true reason behind it."

After an hour of further discussion that dealt with Rigel's situation and what he would do next to stop his father, they both decided it was time for food.

Eltanin dressed up and, along with his friend, walked to the dining hall, where he encountered his father. Fafnir, too, was invited for lunch, invited at Alrakis's behest.

Both Eltanin and Rigel stiffened when they saw Fafnir, but they sat in their respective places and pretended that everything was normal after an exchange of knowing looks.

Sitting at the head of the table, Eltanin quietly ate his lunch.

Alrakis scrutinized his son. He cleared his throat, turned his gaze to Fafnir and said, "Tomorrow, King Biham of the Pegasii Kingdom will arrive along with his daughter, Princess Morava. I want you to prepare the south wings of the palace for them. While Biham will be here for only a day, Morava will stay here for much longer." He looked at Eltanin, who remained disinterested. "Make sure that they are well catered for!"

"Yes, my liege," Fafnir replied.

They all had lunch in silence. Fafnir excused himself early as he had to make the arrangements. Since the guests were Alrakis', and not Eltanin's, he had to make sure that the arrangements were perfect. Otherwise, the old man would have his head on a sword. Little did he know that the wolves of Draka plotted to throw him to the she-wolf of Araniea.

It was said that Princess Morava was considered to be one of the most beautiful women in Araniea. The Pegasii kingdom was the third largest kingdom in Araniea. Being the daughter of a powerful king like Biham, she had been imparted the best education by her parents. King Biham and his wife Sirrah had left no stone unturned to give her the best. It was also rumored that she was impatient with a volcanic temper.

Alrakis directed his piercing gaze at Eltanin. "Do not jeopardize this, Eltanin."

Annoyed at his father's continuous nagging, Eltanin waved his hand dismissively.

"What is with your attitude, Eltanin?" Alrakis asked, growling so loudly that the servants froze in their place. "It's not like I am benefitting from this whole situation. You owe this to your kingdom — if not to yourself!"