Chapter 71

I frowned, this was becoming complicated, how do I cover the uncovered? nodding as I let the Seer's words sink in. 'Then what would you have me do, something subtle enough, that would keep him in the dark until he's completely engulfed in danger?" The Seer chuckled before gesturing toward a strange vial on the table. In it was a shimmering but dark liquid, which kept emitting different colors of light. it contained a dark, shimmering liquid that seemed to pulse in the light. 'This potion has been consecrated, it will fortify you and your men. It has the power to blind them, and your presence won't be noticed until it's late for them to turn around." My hands trembled as I reached out to collect the vial. I noticed how heavy it was, too heavy for its size. 'So, it has the power to shadow them, their movement disrupted, elongate their path, and worst of all, plant seeds of discord between them, and by the time they get to character, it would be too late to retrieve the lost gem." The Seer smirked, his eyes glowing from the black hood. 'That's very precise. But remember, there are consequences which won't be light but severe if you fail. It would be better if you don't try than do that and fail. Rhys, the severity may be unbearable, it would be passed from generation to generation till the fourth generation. This is not just an ordinary bond, they are special. Their kinds haven't graced the earth in ages, and fighting them without proper back up would be holding no water. Don't fail so as not to bring ruin to yourself." I felt his words were too heavy on my ears. I tried standing on my feet, but the heaviness seemed to have reached my legs. But even at that, I managed to tuck the Vail into my huge cloak. It was left for me to determine my fate, to prove my worth, failure is never an option. I made sure to tighten my hold on the Vail, I had passed a lot just to get, and must be protected at all cost. 'Failure is not tolerated, it shouldn't be in my list, I can't run out of options, then choose failure," I assured myself with all confidence. 'I've waited for this very day, sacrificed more than I can afford, this isn't the time to back off. Jaxon's downfall is my top priority now." The Seer let out a sinister laughter, the one that vibrated through the whole hut. 'Go, then Rhys. I can see that you are already determined before setting your foot in this place. With the Vail with you, and the shadows closely guiding you as their allies, you can achieve all you purpose and your heart to do. But don't forget; you can only control your fate by controlling your timing. Every second, every minute, and the hours all contribute to your success." I nodded, eager to see myself in action, there wasn't to be anything related to slowing down until I had shown them the true bosses are. With that, I left the sorcerer's lair, all set to deliver, with the Vail tightly hugged dear to me. Jaxon and Liora can't have the cusp of victory, not when I am just starting with them. They would meet their doom while celebrating. They had conquered, and were able to get two artifacts, but this last one would be their end. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> As anticipated, the journey to meet them on their way to the temple wasn't easy at all. For them, it might not be tough, this was supposed to be the easiest task among the three, but it won't be anymore. I would ensure they never had a smooth ride to the temple. The journey just started but my strength was failing me already. Day and night we traveled, refusing to take a break. The rugged hills were not making things easy for us either, but we kept our paces unrelented. To add to my weariness, the Vail from the sorcerer was heavy in my cloak. I paid little attention to it, the goal was to meet up with Jaxon and his team and launch a distraction as soon as possible. The forest was showing signs of life as usual, from nature to the sound of chirping Birds, not forgetting strange sounds which are usually accompanied by quietness. The changes on the environmental condition was a reminder of how my life has been filled with ups and downs, since the disappearance of Liora from it; and it has always been because of Jaxon. Just as I was still going through my plan as usual, calculating my movements, I looked ahead of us, and behold; we were able to catch up with them. They had stopped by a small stream, probably to rest, but that was their worst mistake. Even in their tiredness, and with their warn out face, they still looked undeniably good together. The sight of their lovie divine moment was nauseating. How will I pretend to like them when I detest everything about them? As I approached, I wore a fake smile, forcing myself to appear friendly. I made a gesture with my hands, showing that my coming was for peace. I didn't want to create the impression of trouble, I needed them to trust me easily, that way, I would convince them faster. 'Alpha Jaxon… Luna Liora, I come in peace." I greeted, a false smile plastered all over my face. I bowed low in respect, something that I don't do on other days. 'I bring nothing but peace offering, no harm meant. I would love to converse with you both for a moment, please." Jaxon narrowed his eyes suspiciously, his expression cold and mean on sighting me. Perhaps, he had registered my presence to always bring trouble, and I don't blame him. He sprang to his feet before I could get closer to where they were. Protectively, he positioned himself in front of Liora, rubbing his union with her on my face. 'Alpha Rhys," he called coldly. 'What brings you to this place, why are you here?" I feigned the most humble face ever, and bowing again, I congratulated him on his union. 'I know my past actions brought nothing but strain between our packs. When I look back at how we started, I could not help but regret my actions. The roles I played were pathetic, and I am sorry for that. At this point, I am tired of fighting, tired of living as enemies, I would love to make amends if you are willing to accept me back. I bring no trouble this time, but hands of peace, and to finally say congratulations on your union. I have accepted that Liora is not for me, she's your perfect mate." Liora kept her cool all this moment, saying no word, but her expression speaks highly of doubt and unbelief. Then glancing at Jaxon gesturing to him to allow her to talk, she finally said something 'Why should we believe anything that comes out of your mouth this time? Remember, there's no more trust, it has been broken." I positioned myself to give the best speech ever, I needed to look as convincing as ever. 'Yes, I am aware that my actions in the past have broken the trust you once had for me, but I value peace and unity the most. Our packs are suffering because of the choices we made, especially my pack. You came to me for an alliance, but I betrayed your trust by joining forces with your rival to fight against you. You have every right to push me away, but all I plead for is just a second chance. We are still interconnected as one no matter how we struggle to separate from each other. Even the forest serves the same purpose for us, why go on with this feud instead of pursuing peace? Like I said earlier, I was at fault, and I am sorry." Jaxon's gaze fixed intensely on me, carefully studying my carriage. At one point, I was scared that he would read through me, making it impossible to go on with my plans.'You're just realizing everything all of a sudden? Why wait till we are deep in the heart of the forest before coming? Or there's an interior motive to your sudden energy?" I chuckled, trying so hard not to strangle them with my hands for interrogating me. 'Jaxon, I know you would find it difficult to believe. This is because trust doesn't come by so easily. I ruined everything with my hands . The best thing to do at this moment is to at least try. It would be hard for you to accept, but it starts with a trial step which is giving me a chance and watching closely at a reasonable distance. For a start, trusted people would love to propose a feast. I told of visiting in the pack, but I know better because I wasn't welcome around there anymore. Then I got another message that you would be here, I decided to come bearing gifts, and of course; a peace seeking feast. It would serve as our symbol of reconciliation." 'A feast of peace?" Liora asked, her reaction filled with skepticism. She showed no readiness to buy into my story, at least not yet. Maybe I don't sound as convincing as I should. 'Yes," I replied with smiles, I needed to sell off my story. 'It would be a perfect time to connect with each other, to drop grudges but look out for each other instead. I would get everything ready, you need not worry on how it would come by. I had everything prepared before setting out on this journey." As we conversed, Jaxon's expression was still unchanged, he was still of the opinion that I had come to meet them with interior motive. 'And can I know what made you change all of a sudden, Rhys? Few days back, you broke into our chamber with your men to kidnap Liora. How am I sure this is not one of those games? You might be experimenting with new tactics, you can't be here to seek peace because you detest that. You only enjoy bloodshed." With a somber face, I decided to press on even harder. 'I don't blame you, I caused everything. You have the right to say whatever you like, treat me anyhow you deemed fit, but don't deprive me of forgiveness, please. Passing on feud to generations is never a good option." Jaxon remained hard on the exterior. 'Forgiveness has no business with feast, it can't be bought, Rhys. You earn whatever you want to have." At this point, I was already losing it, but I had to keep calm, I might spoil everything not knowing I did have won. "I am very much aware of that, and I'm not pushing for that either. I only want us to spend some time together. I have missed our company from the good old days." Jaxon smirked mischievously, his eyes held something deep that I wasn't able to place my hands on. 'If that's what you seek, then return to your pack, Rhys. We won't hesitate to inform you to visit again when we are back. We are not in the mood to feast in the forest, it would be best done in the pack." This wasn't the end I wanted, I can't be the one losing and facing the consequences from it according to the sorcerer. I need to restrategize, the rejection was too much to take. 'Perhaps , my sins are beyond pardon? It's really hard, but at least, give me a second chance. I would be waiting for an invitation to dine with you both at your pack. Just for the record, my intentions are pure , Alpha Jaxon." 'Intentions alone can't determine your forgiveness, neither will it earn trust," he replied, making it more difficult. 'Not when the Alpha involved was once a close ally, but decided to follow the path of betrayal." I sighed. How I wish they would stop pushing me to the wall, I might explode and blow my cover if they continue in that manner. 'Understandable, I take full responsibility for my actions, Jaxon. But, please, could you cut it down on how you bring them up, it's making me more miserable than I already am. And if I may ask, what brought the both of you to the forest? You were supposed to be in your pack, overseeing its affairs, why are you out here?" Liora chuckled, her eyes narrowing in surprise. 'That shouldn't be your concern, Rhys. It's our business, and we should take care of that." 'Of course, Liora," I said, fixing my gaze on her. 'I shouldn't have prayed. It's your space, and you are permitted to do whatever you deem fit with it. Just know that I am expecting the invitation as promised." With that, I retreated into the shadows. There's no way I would let them win, the bitterness from the failed plan burned hot, cutting deep into my inner being. I am not one to accept defeat, never! Jaxon might think he was smart, but I won't rest till I make him kiss my feet." Even as my anger burned, I could not help but recall the sorcerer's warnings. If I don't find a way, it would be at the detriment of my life. They can't jeopardize my chances of rising to fame, of losing all I have worked for and go unpunished. With that, I disappeared into the forest for a new plan. The shadows hiding my dark energy. Fear my return, I won't be coming back for negotiation!