Chapter 131: A Diplomatic Meeting
At the dew of the day, there was a protective shield over the witches Coven.
We knew that they were coming, but one will still hope that they would change their mind. Adam Weasley and his elves were no trivial force, not even against a strong coven like ours.
I stood on one end of the coven, covered by the shadows cast over the coven. My heart, out of fear, raced while they steps grew louder; Adam Weasley and his people arrived.
Elira strode to the gates, her robes flowing behind her. Turning briefly to us stepping out into the open air, she instructed, "stay hidden, and keep silent."
As he stepped out of the gate.
"I don't trust him," Kael whispered to me.
"I don't either," I said, and continued to stare after Elira who was long since out of sight beyond the gate.
I watched from my hide out as Adam Weasley slid off his horse wearing a pure white robe.
"Elira," he greeted. "It's been a while."
"It has," Elira replied, her tone even, but without a smile. "What brings you here, Adam? This is a holy of holies, as well you know."
His lips curled into a smile. "I come in peace, of course. My business here is straight and simple: I'm looking for two werewolves-Viktor and Alfonso. I have a reason to think that they may have passed through your territory."
A knot of tension coiled in my stomach. Kael instinctively brushed his hand against the hilt of his dagger, but I laid a hand on his arm. "Not yet," I whispered, "don't.".
"Werewolves, you say?" Elira asked. "Adam, you well know that men are not welcomed here. This is a coven of women, protected by sacred magic. Why would I, above everyone else, be harboring two male werewolves?"
Adam laughed low in his throat. "I know the rules of your coven well enough, Elira. But desperate times can make even the most strict of witches reconsider their principles."
Elira's eyes flashed, and for a moment, I thought she might strike him where he stood. "You insult me, Adam," she said tartly, "You've known me long enough to know that I don't bend or break, no matter the circumstance."
"And yet," Adam said, stepping closer to her, "you're awfully defensive for someone who has nothing to hide."
Kael stirred beside me. His arms tensed, the muscles in them straining. "He's goading her," he whispered.
"She can handle herself," I said, my heart racing.
She stepped forward, her eyes latching on Adam's and refusing to break her stare. "You may walk around, Adam, if you think I am lying. However, this I will warn you: my coven does not take too well to people trespassing through our sanctuary."
Adam watched her for a long minute, a small smile curling his lips. "I must confess, I do admire your spirit, Elira. Indeed, I do. But if you're that confident there is no man present, then you should have no objection to a little search being conducted by me."
Elira's head tilted her head her side. "You might have point there but what I won't take is the blatant disrespect of your request. You say you come in peace, yet you threaten to violate the sanctity of our home. You have my word that there are no men here. That should be enough."
There was silence.
Finally, he let a sigh loose, before saying anything. "Alright, Elira. I will take your word for it-for now. But let one thing be crystal clear with you, Viktor and Alfonso are very dangerous fugitives. If we find out they are here,the elves are not people you'd have a problem with."
Elira's lips curled." I am not scared of you but Noted. And unless there is anything else, well. I believe it is time for you to be off."
Adam didn't argue, his gaze staying on her a moment longer before he finally turned to his men. "We're done here. Let's move out."
It was long after the sound of the marching had vanished that Elira finally turned about and hurried back in behind the city walls.
From the concealing darkness now, Kael and I emerged and intercepted Elira, his face pale by what had occurred.
"That was too close to comfort, Pia," he exhaled shortly.
Elira nodded, an ugly frown on her face. "Adam is no fool. He may not have found any evidence today, but he suspects. And we have to be more cautious."
A wave of guilt washed over me, and I spoke up softly, "It's my fault. If Viktor and Alfonso hadn't come to us, this wouldn't have happened.
Already El'gor had laid a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "This is not your fault, Reika," she said, her eyes softened. "Aggression from the elves has grown over these many years. Adam's just using Viktor and Alfonso as an excuse to show off his authority. He shall not break us."
Kael crossed his arms over his chest, frustration jawed in his expression. "What if he does come back?
"Then we will be ready," Elira said. "But for now, we strengthen. And you two"-she turned to Kael and me with a stare-"must not be seen by anyone. We do not want anymore attention than we already have drawn to ourselves."
That night in bed, I just could not fall asleep. Still stuck in my head were Adam's words of how much danger we were in,.
Kael sat in a chair by the window, his eyes out the window into the moon-filled forest beyond. "Do you think they'll come back?" I asked him.
He didn't turn around, just spoke to the trees outside. "I don't think they ever really left. Adam may have fallen back, but he's watching. Waiting."
I shivered. "We can't keep running forever, Kael. Sooner or later, we'll have to stand and fight."
Finally, Kael turned to me. "Then we fight. But we do it on our terms, not his."
I nodded, feeling a cold burden settle inside. The path ahead might be dangerous but I was not alone. Together, we would find our way-not just through survival, but by ensuring those who risked all by helping us were okay.