Chapter 144: The Gathering Storm

It was going to be a time in the history of time, Araidne's castle was shining with the best gem stones in the kingdom. Crystal chandeliers hung high above the centre, their light casting kaleidoscope colours dancing across the walls. The scent of dishes from across many worlds was heavy in the air mixed with the best sound of music. Laughter and chatter, and ringing goblets everywhere. Everything creature was invited: vampires and werewolves, elves and fae. Ariadne sat at the table in her emerald gown, that flowed upon her like water of silk. She seems fulfilled. But she noticed one absence in the crowd. witches from Elira's coven were absent. "What of the witches?" Araidne whispered to her advisor Finley as he drew near her throne. "They refused your invitation, my Queen," replied Finley. "No explanation given." Araidne's fingers tightened on the stem of her goblet, whitening over her knuckles. "How dare they flout me like this," she spat in a low tone. Finley stuttered. "Perhaps they have a reason. It might be worth looking into before—" "Summon Elira," Araidne said sharply. "I want to hear her excuse from her own lips." Finley nodded and disappeared from her sight. The feast was now over but by every passing minute, Araidne was anticipating Elira. Araidne did not eat her meal. Her shining bright eyes rested fixedly at the doors of the great hall as it finally swept in when Elira was walked in with two members of her coven. "Oh Elira," Araidne called out trying to hug Elira but Elira distanced herself and avoided the hug. "You called for me, Queen Araidne," she said "You are late for the party," Araidne said "your presence and that of your sisters was greatly felt." Smoothing her face , Elira said, "We meant no insult, Queen Araidne. But the witches of my coven bow to only one Luna, and that Luna is Reika." Silence broke in. Araidne's face turned brick-red in anger, her nails biting deep into the armrests of the chair. "You dare enter my castle to speak to me of loyalty to another?" she spat, "I am the Luna of this pack! You will pay obeisance to me." The voice of Elira sounded firm as she said, "Reika was chosen by the Moon Goddess herself; she is the rightful Luna, and our loyalty to her is not something we can betray-not even for you." There was raw anger in Ariadne. "You side with a weakling who hides in the shadows instead of embracing power. That makes you a traitor to this realm!" Her anger was met with silent strength. "Reika is no weakling. She was reborn to unite and heal, not to destroy. If that makes her a weakness in your eyes, perhaps you're misunderstanding the nature of true power." The silence in the room weighed heavy. , Finley stepped forward, his voice a silent appeal. "My Queen, perhaps we should discuss this matter in private-" 'Silence!" Araidne snapped, her eyes never leaving Elira. 'You insult me in front of my court and my allies. You've forced my hand, Elira." "What would you have me do, Araidne? Elira asked softly." Betray my faith? My people? I will not. And if you choose to see that as an act of war, then so be it. But let this be known-any war you ignite will only spread destruction." The evil smile wrenched Ariadne's lips. "You give me no choice. I shall crush your coven and show the world what it means to cross my path." Elira face was melancholy. "I pray for your sake, and that of your people, you will reconsider. War solves nothing." With that, Elira turned and left the hall, her coven at her heels. Ariadne watched as the leave, her anger could not be contained. "My Queen," Finley began again, "declaration of war against the witches is no light declaration at all; that would be a truly powerful struggle in itself." A look flashing, with her hand sweeping out in one neat gesture, Araidne slapped on the table, "They have called themselves my foe already by their decision on choosing Reika instead of myself, defiance shall never be unpunished." The other counselor, an older gray wolf, spoke forward. "Though their attitude be less than respective, let us hear what war would sum up to. The witches have strategists different from any, and with their spells up their sleeves, they might turn the battle against us." "And what do you propose, Thalos?" Araidne asked, "We sit back and wait for them to undermine my rule?" Thalos shook his head. "Diplomacy, a message to Elira that maybe there is room to bargain." "Bargain?" Araidne sneered. "Loyalties taken, there's nothing to negotiate with traitors." Finley took another step forward, his voice level. "Then perhaps a show of force without necessarily fighting. We may want to move our troops near their border as a warning. Let them know the costs of what they have done without actual war." Araidne took her time with this considering the words of advise. "Alright," she finally replied, "we shall move troops in. However, let it be in clear light that it's not for anyone's consideration-it is to hint if they don't align themselves right then we strike back". Araidne was left alone now with Finley when she began questioning herself. "Why does everybody counter my views?" she whispered to herself, "Can't they see I only want what is best-unified? In power? The image in the glass door shimmered, as if to her doubts, and she clenched her fists to a resolution, to prove to the realm she was rightful, no matter the cost. But far away in a distance, Elira sat amidst her coven, etched with worries "Do you think she'll listen?" one of the witches finally spoke. Elira let out a heavy sigh. "No, Araidne is too blinded by her ambition. She will not stop until she is forced to see reason-or until the realm is consumed by her flames." The night was spent in thought by everyone each preparing for what was in store and setting the scene for the storm that would befall them all.