CHAPTER 23

Darius

I could hear a voice calling out to me, but I was too far gone in my thoughts to know who it was. I placed my finger on my temple to quiet the noise in my head. My wolf grunted, feeling restless as I also felt unease. It took several seconds to respond to the irking voice calling out my name.

“Alpha…Alpha, are you still with us?” The voice asked politely. It was firm, yet still carried an iota of nervousness with it. I looked up and met the gaze of Cameron. He quickly averted his eyes as I quietly sneered at him.

“Cameron, man of the hour,” I mumbled to myself. Still remembering his impeccable timing to the moment I shared with Aurora earlier. My wolf grunted in anger, and the feeling was mutual. I clenched my hands as I shot a glare towards him. He was taken aback, but silently understood I still wasn’t too fond of him at this period. He regained his composure instantly.

“Cough…cough, my apologies, Alpha. I only asked for your order for the request of the palace worker.” Cameron hesitantly asked, knowing not to interrupt me when I’m in a line of thought.  

“It seems today, you’re out on a mission, Cameron.” I snarled at him. I watched his face turn pale white.

“I can never have any ulterior motives against my Alpha.” He dropped down to his knee to show loyalty. The whole throne room also dropped down immediately, and the demeanor changed hurriedly. It was only during this time that I noticed the palace worker who stood behind Cameron. He seemed to be nursing a deep injury with bandages fully wrapped around his arm.

I could hear his heart beating quickly, like he was in immense pain. I took a deep sigh as I finally calmed myself and my wolf down.

“What was his request?” I calmly asked Cameron. He remained in his kneeling position as he addressed me.

“He asked for a day off to attend to his wound fully. He mistakenly got injured while carrying out his duties in the kitchen.” Cameron continued. I looked over to the injured worker, and I could see him actively trying to bear the pain as he also knelt, but his face turned red in anguish.

“Permission granted, send him to the healer to be properly checked. Also, his full wages should be paid to him.” I replied as I signaled for them to rise. Cameron curved his lips slightly as he stood up gradually.

“Thank you, my Alpha.” He stood up and slightly bowed to me. I nodded in approval as the others also picked themselves up. The demeanor slowly changed as it wasn’t as tense as earlier. Cameron was someone I couldn’t stay upset with for a very long time. He was one of my longest childhood friends and confidantes. Sometimes, I think he knows that and tries to see how much he can pull off before I react. However, he was one of my trusted advisors and a loyal warrior. 

“ Everyone, clear the throne room immediately!” Cameron shouted. He observed that I covertly signaled to him with my fingers that everyone should vacate the throne room. He always caught my silent hand gestures, which helped boost communication between us, especially in a place where I didn’t want to be heard. He seemed to have a telepathic understanding of what I needed at every moment. This was both comforting and sometimes surprising at the same time. 

Instantly, the entire throne room was cleared out. Leaving only me and him alone to discuss. “I didn’t mean to chew you out in front of everyone,” I said to him. He had a grin on his face as he finally met my gaze.

“I understand Alpha. It was a mistake to interrupt you earlier. I truly felt bad about it. I deserve whatever snapback you have against me. If I knew you were having a moment with Aurora, I would never..” Before he finished his sentence. I coughed out.

Cough!

He immediately stopped, and he wiped the sweat beading on his forehead. “ Silly me, overstepping again. Please pardon me, my Alpha.” He said in a pleading voice. He slightly bowed to me as a form of respect. 

“It’s alright. You may rise.” I grumbled. He knew I couldn’t stay upset with him for too long. He wore a broad smile on his face as he stood upright. I felt like wiping the smug off his face. But I ended up smiling as well.

“Tell me more about the situation at the border,” I asked in a serious tone. Cameron adjusted himself as he cleared his throat.

“The soldiers are all on alert, as requested. Alpha. For now, the borders are quiet. Also, the recruits, formerly rogues, have been very helpful. They helped point out vulnerable spots on the border walls, which have been closed swiftly.” He said it with a sense of pride in his voice. Luckily, the decision to spare them suggested by Aurora has proven productive.

Cameron, guessing my thoughts, had a cheeky grin on his face. “Aurora has brought some nice ideas into our pack, I’m glad we have her amongst us. The Moonfall pack has no idea what they lost.” 

I shot a glare at him for his snide remarks. I knew he was trying to stir up a conversation about her. But I wasn’t ready for that just yet. However, I think a few things in my mind that I need to sort out.

“Cameron…I need you to discreetly check into our history books to find out about mythical symbols and their meanings.” I said to him in a sharp tone. He had a puzzled look on his face. Yet, he restrained himself from expressing his personal opinions.

“Alpha, if I may ask, do you have a particular symbol in mind?” He asked hesitantly. He could sense this was a sensitive matter to me and didn’t want to push it further after our earlier clash.

“Just get me all the stories of all the legendary symbols belonging to our pack. This should be done quietly. Whatever you find out, bring it to me immediately.” I replied. He nodded his head for affirmation and respectfully to his leave. 

I stayed in the throne room for a little while, pondering on where I had come across the symbol on Aurora’s collarbone.