CHAPTER 297: _TOGETHER AS ALWAYS

When Kaelos and I got to the event hall, my mouth fell open with awe.

It was... massive as the last time. No—colossal. It looked like it had been carved into existence by gods with a taste for opulence and a flair for intimidation.

Vaulted ceilings stretched so high I swore they scraped the heavens, supported by black marble pillars veined with silver, like lightning frozen in stone. The walls shimmered faintly with enchantments—protection wards layered one over the other, courtesy of Althea herself.

I could feel them. Not just see them, but feel them... like invisible threads humming beneath my skin. The air was thick with the magic of the wards.

Giant chandeliers hung from the ceilings, casting lights of multiple colours that refracted through protective runes etched into every surface. Even the floor wasn’t basic... It was smooth obsidian and cream, polished to mirror-like perfection.

Each step echoed with a subtle whisper, as though the hall itself was listening.

Banners from different packs across the continent and the world were suspended in the upper arches, waving gently despite the still air. From the Arctic Fangs in Canada to the Crimson sigil of the Appalachian region, they were all here.

But what truly sent a chill down my spine?

The moment I stepped into the hall, Althea’s magic kissed my cheek like a mother checking for fever.

"Did you feel that?" I whispered, leaning toward Kaelos.

He nodded, his jaw tense. "The wards scanned your aura. Althea embedded a sentience in them. Anyone walking in with hostile intent? They’ll feel it like fire in their bones."

I smiled slightly, impressed by his knowledge of magic like this.

Layla walked toward us from the extreme end of the hall, her heels echoing on the marble floor. She had a smile on her face when she finally got in front of us, bowing.

"Good morning, Alpha King and Luna Queen. I’m sure Beta Marcellus informed you about the early arrival of Alpha King Thorian and Luna Queen Janelle."

Kaelos and I exchanged a brief glance before nodding. My right hand rested on my stomach while Kaelos cleared his throat.

"How long do we have before they get here?" He queried, folding his arms in front of his chest.

Suddenly, I felt a presence that caused my eyebrows to furrow. A chill crawled up my spine and then...

"We’re here. And I must say... This event hall looks marvellous." A familiar female voice spoke from behind us, causing me to stiffen.

Kaelos and I turned around while Layla blinked awkwardly.

When we turned, the faces we saw were none other than the Alpha King and Luna Queen of Europe themselves.

Janelle was even more beautiful in person, her lush silver hair made into gorgeous tresses. She stood tall, wearing a handless white gown with glittering silver lace sewn into it, making intricate designs.

Her hands were clasped in front of her body and on her index finger, her purple ring sat pretty.

Beside her was her husband, Alpha King Thorian. Unlike Janelle, it seemed time had done a number on him. He seemed to be in his late fifties but he still stood tall and sturdy, like a hulking mountain of muscles even bigger than Kaelos.

His sharp blue eyes scanned the event hall as he adjusted the cufflinks of his royal blue suit while his wife stepped forward with wide open arms.

"Oh, don’t seem too surprised." She echoed, her smile never disappearing. "We used a portal... Courtesy of a witch we have under our control."

Thorian suddenly stepped forward as well, looming menacingly behind his wife. He spoke with a voice that boomed like thunder around the walls of the large hall.

"They don’t need to know all that, dear."

I glanced at Janelle, noticing how she rolled her eyes discreetly but still managed to keep her smile as she remarked. "I sure hope the event doesn’t disappoint, Alpha King Kaelos. And I—"

"Wait..." Thorian suddenly interrupted with his thick British accent yet again and I could feel Janelle’s laden frustration.

’Is he bothering you, Queen?’ Sirena muttered in my head, but I ignored her, tensing up as Thorian began sniffing around the event hall like a bloodhound.

His lips parted slightly as a scowl appeared on his face. His eyes locked on me with suspicion and disdain burning within.

"Magic. Why are there wards in this building meant to hold a festival for wolves?" He asked, tilting his head.

My throat clenched.

I had words to say, but each of them felt like they might be the wrong thing, and the last thing I wanted was to say something that would anger our... Guest.

However, just when I thought I would melt under the pressure of the Alpha King’s gaze... MY Alpha King placed his right hand behind my back as subtly and gently as possible, grounding me instantly.

’Relax... I’m here. Let me do the talking,’ he spoke calmly through the mind link, and all I could do was nod physically, causing Thorian to blink at me like I’d grown two heads.

"The wards were placed by a witch we trust. High priestess Althea of the Luminari coven." Kaelos said with a reassuring tone. "I took the extra precaution due to the nature of this event. It’s the first time wolves from around the world will be gathering since the war started."

Thorian dimmed his eyes but he didn’t say anything.

Suddenly, I spotted troops of about twenty wolf soldiers walking into the hall from the entrance, marching in an orderly formation.

They all wore royal blue uniforms and had stern expressions on their faces as they lined the walls of the event hall, each of them standing close to a pillar.

"I’m sure each pack is bringing some form of security." Thorian blurted, finally bringing his gaze to Kaelos. "There’s a cease-fire between the witches and wolves of other continents. This Blood Moon is a significant event to witches as well. Protection wards might be overkill... Don’t you think?"

I had an instant bad feeling about where this was going and couldn’t help but glance at Kaelos.

’Why can’t we tell him about Lord Ryker?’ I queried mentally.

Kaelos responded hastily. ’Because the Alpha Kings are using this event to monitor my rule. If I can’t deal with a threat within my continent which is the only one at peace... What does that say about me?’

I clenched my jaw.

I hated how right that sounded.

"I assure you, Alpha King Thorian." Kaelos took a single step forward, plastering a practiced smile on his face. "The wards aren’t overkill and you have nothing to worry about."

I glanced at Janelle who was busy staring at her purple ring. It glinted with a faint light just then, causing her eyes to widen slightly.

Then, she slipped her hand around her husband’s arm and whispered. "Dear, I trust his evaluation."

That’s... Interesting.

I gazed at the ring curiously at the same moment that Thorian finally let out a sigh.

"Very well."

Janelle clapped her hands once, nodding with a bright smile as she stretched her hand forward, gesturing that I take it. I blinked at first before I shook her hand.

"Let’s make this Blood moon festival a memorable one." She muttered, her emerald eyes locking on me briefly before she withdrew her soft hand and shook Kaelos as well.

Meanwhile, I reached out to Kaelos. ’Whatever Ryker has planned, we’ll burn it to the ground.’

He responded firmly. ’Together as always...’