PREPARING FOR THE UNKNOWN

Freda’s POV

I heard the sound of the heavy double doors slammed shut and I turned to see an imposing figure dressed in black from head to toe. Everyone turned their gaze to the newcomer and his presence seemed to radiate a power that pressed on me like a physical weight. His aura seemed to surpass even the alphas.

The figure stepped into the light and I saw his features clearly. He was a tall and broad shouldered with an aura around him that made you want to bow your head in reverence. His face was as pale a white chalk and his eyes were redder than the usual red I’ve been seeing lately.

His rave black hair was pulled back in a loose braid and he wore a very long black coat that had silver embroidery. I could have sworn that I could see depicted scenes of bats flying but when I blinked my eyes the image was gone.

I heard silent growls from surrounding alphas as they stared at the figure who I assumed to be the Vampire king. Their hate was so strong you could literally feel it in the air. I glanced at my father as he didn’t have much of a reaction as he stared stoically at the Vampire king.

The Vampire king let out a devious grin, oblivious to the growls directed at him as he surveyed the room. His gaze met mine for a fleeting moment and I felt a jolt of electricity jolt through me. I felt a shiver and I quickly averted my gaze and look at my shoes.

“Welcome, Alpha werewolves.” He boomed once again. “I have been expecting you. You all are welcome to my humble abode.”

“Your majesty. We honour your summons but with a bit of skepticism.” My father responded with a subtle nod of his head.

“I don’t blame you for having a little bit of skepticism.” He said with a low voice as he walked towards the large throne at the end of the room and sat on it. “I trust you all understand the gravity of the situation. You have been summoned here today because the balance of power is shifting and I have deemed it necessary to re-evaluate our arrangement.”

“Your majesty, we are well aware of the tensions between our kinds. But to threaten war and demand our presence, along with our daughters…it’s an affront to our sovereignty. What could you possibly have to say that requires such a gathering?” An Alpha stood up and spoke with a firm voice.

“Alpha Rodrick is right. With all due respect, we haven’t journeyed all this way for nothing. We were promised an explanation, why were we summoned, and what business do you have with our daughters.” Another Alpha brashly spoke up.

The Vampire king smile spread out in a slow and deliberate manner that sent a shiver down my spine. I felt like a prey being toyed by a predator when I saw his smile.

“Patience, Alphas. Patience. You would think that after all these centuries, you would understand the nuances of politics. In any case, I shall enlighten you. The balance of power is indeed shifting and I have reasons to believe that certain…alliances are being forged against my kind.” The Vampire king drawled as he inspected his fingers in boredom.

“You mean to imply that we are plotting against you?” I think not your majesty. We are clearly aware of the power difference between our species and we have no interest in incurring your wrath.” Another alpha stated with a rather calm voice.

“But I state facts.” The Vampire king glared at the alpha that just spoke up and I could see him squealing uncomfortably in his seat. “And as for you daughters. They are here because they will play a crucial role in the negotiations to come, you see, I have a proposal. One that will ensure the survival of your packs…for a price.”

Discontent replied through the room and I fidgeted uncomfortably on my seat. What on earth did this blood sucker want with us? Whatever it was, I knew it wasn’t good.

“What kind of proposal could possibly require the presence of our daughters, your Majesty? We will not be blackmailed or coerced into submission.” The brash Alpha from earlier spoke up again.

“Me? Coerce you all? That is not my intent.” He let out a wide grin and he licked his long fangs. “All will be revealed in due time. You all must be very tired so my stewards would escort you to your chambers.”

He gestured towards a side door and I followed the direction his finger was pointing and I saw a group of well-dressed vampires standing with unreadable expressions on their faces.

“Rest and refresh yourselves. You will find that each of you will have a room to yourself, as well as separate rooms for your daughters. Tomorrow, we shall gather once more and we will discuss extensively over dinner.” The vampire king announced.

I heard silent discussions between the alphas and after a while. My father stood up and dipped his head in a curt acknowledgement.

“Very well, your majesty. We will accept your hospitality, for now.” My father conceded and he was the first to walk towards the stewards. I scurried behind him and we walked towards the stewards who bowed low and one of them gestured for us to follow him.

As we walked through the majestic castle, I couldn’t help but marvel at the grandeur of the place. It was exquisite and scary at the same time. The walls had painting of vampires and other mythological creatures I couldn’t recognize and candelabras stood out and casted shadows on the walls as we walked.

As we walked, I couldn’t help but think back to the vampire king.

Why were we truly here? Why were we daughters of werewolf alphas specifically included in this charade? And why did the king seem so secretive, only promising answers until tomorrow.

The questions only increased and the frustrating part of all this was I had no one to ask the questions running in my head.