A Pawn of Wolves

Noah's complaints died down abruptly.

He silently placed his hands on the table and pushed back his chair. He awkwardly leaned forward to take his bowl, and quietly continued his soup and stew.

Aesther felt bad for him, Ezrahl was too much at times. The least he could do was not scare a new disciple.

It was soon that the hall emptied completely.

Kazmir's eyes watched the receding silhouettes of the disciples as if they were all bugs and he was planning to tread over them.

Only after everyone was gone did Kazmir sit on his chair and briefly glanced at Ezrahl.

Ezrahl left the table and walked towards the Alpha alone. They must have something to discuss which didn't require the presence of the other three.

Noah leaned and whispered, "Am I missing something or we were all supposed to have a talk with the Alpha?"

Aesther had no idea either, she gave a small shrug while murmuring. "Maybe he is there to report about my punishments."

Noah winced as if remembering something unpleasant, "That has to be the reason no one talks with him."

He wasn't completely wrong.

No one knew much about Ezrahl but they were aware of his strength that exceeded ordinary men, and they were aware of how merciless he could get.

But perhaps nothing made him so unapproachable as much as his frequent visit to the fearsome Alpha. Rumours about him being the only favourite disciple of Kazmir could easily be true.

If Ezrahl was born as an alpha wolf, he might be Kazmir's successor without a doubt.

Ahzure let out a soft sigh, his eyes looked distant and almost sad. "Sometimes, I feel bad for him."

Aesther was surprised, "How so?"

"No one dares to go near him," Ahzure said, "It was different when we were younger. He was still quiet, but not so… cold. Sometimes Ezrahl and I would train together. Now there is not enough time."

"But truth be told, our bond is just brotherly," his voice became low, as he absent-mindedly played with the burnt meatballs on his plate, "What he needs is a friend..but everyone is too scared."

A dreadful coldness settled inside Aesther.

Ahzure had always been too kind, too oblivious to how easily some people can hide the darkness underneath their difference.

If only he knew that Ezrahl would betray him one day…

Murder him in cold blood-

"Don't be sad, Ahzure," Aesther warily chuckled, "Ezrahl brought it on himself."

Noah nervously glanced at Ezrahl and mumbled in a low voice, "Well yeah, just look at how scary he is."

Aesther stole a glance towards the dais.

If one were to judge on the basis of appearances alone, Ezrahl was the kind of person you long to get close to. There was a regal aura and grace that melted beautifully in the darkness of his eyes.

He seemed gentle but somehow if you look close enough, you will that a devil was being restrained behind that alluringly handsome face.

If one were to judge on the basis of appearances alone…

Their heart would yearn for him beyond any reason, any thought.

Aesther reverted her gaze, something unreadable lingering behind.

She believed Ahzure was right. Ezrahl was so unapproachable that it became pitiful. He had no friends, he made no friends. Such a life sounded very lonely indeed.

But why should she care? The more pitiful he was, the happier Aesther felt.

Kazmir called the newly formed team soon. He first glanced at Aesther and asked her in an indifferent voice.

"Any injuries?"

She responded with a sweet smile, how amusing of him to ask such a question. "No, uncle."

His gaze narrowed a little, "Good enough."

The Alpha retrieved a letter from his robes before handing it to Ahzure.

"Your mission will be simple, escort this to Crimson Town. It's very close to the boundary of Akamori, near the Kitsune Forest. Beware."

The Kitsune Forest was infested with berserk fox spirits that are said to be corrupted from abyssal mana after the last war. Those spirits are shrouded in mystery but whoever ventured into Kitsune Forest was never seen again.

Above all, those from Nesmeria were forbidden inside Akamori.

Not unless they had all the formal documents and official approval from the Arkhons of both heavenly cities.

"Ever since the luna entered the castle," Kazmir heaved a troubled sigh, "She was not allowed into missions, or to even train with the common disciples because of safety concerns."

Aesther controlled an urge to roll her eyes.

"But now that the inauguration is not too far," he gazed at Ezrahl and Ahzure, "It is significant for the luna to learn more about the outside world. I am allowing an easy mission, as well as the formation of this team only for her safety."

"Remember," his voice now carried authority, "You all need to be ready to give your life for her."

Being their guardian, Ahzure responded, "I understand, my lord."

"Ezrahl Dragomir," Kazmir's voice lowered, "The luna is first your responsibility. Stay with her."

Ezrahl closed his eyes, there was a sigh as he gave a nod.

The Alpha dismissed everyone with that short conversation but Aesther remained behind. Her heart sank in the cold waters of unease. She wanted Ahzure to remain as far as possible from Ezrahl.

In her former life, this team was never formed because Noah never arrived. That has to be the reason. Aesther never took part in the evaluation missions either.

But now…

She did not want to imagine how close Ahzure's demise can come if he is formally teamed together with Ezrahl.

Kazmir's brows creased together, "Speak."

She glanced down at her feet. After living two lives, she somewhat knew how to have proper conversations with the alpha.

"I do not feel safe, uncle," she said in a slightly shaky voice, "Are you entrusting me with a dragon? Not a decade had passed since the last war. The people still talk about us being the sworn enemies…"

The Alpha was one who cared about nothing as much as his own blood. No matter how much obsessive, or dark that 'care' might be.

She knew he despised the 'others'.

"Ahzure is the last of his kind," Aesther continued, "I have heard all the rumours that claim he might still hold a grudge against us."

A long long time ago, the flames of a civil war sparked amongst the fae. The ages-long war ended with each one of them being massacred.

Ahzure had stars in his favour.

But the fact remained that Nesmeria refused to help his people when they were in need.

Aesther took in a deep breath and glanced at Kazmir, "Can we really trust them to be in a team together? What if they join hands against us?"

The alpha carried the rare look of being impressed on his face. He had seen Aesther as a crippled luna who had no skills in mystic or martial arts, nor has been any brilliant in theoretical studies.

But now she expressed a thought that many feared to voice out…however, those were the words Kazmir had always firmly believed in.

"Why," his deep voice questioned, "Do you think I approved of it when you chose Ezrahl as your knight?"

Aesther looked away to hide the flickering bitterness of her gaze, "Mine was a childish mistake."

"Not entirely," Kazmir said, "To have him as your knight serves as a gesture of faith. But once the oath is made, he will be forced to protect you."

Aesther's fingers clenched together, it was a struggle to keep her voice still. "Will that be enough…?"

"Politically, Ezrahl's father is our biggest threat. And you will play a crucial role when I retire. With Ezrahl being on your side, how do you think his father will be able to go against us? The dragon's strongest pawn will be under the wolves."

Aesther was not sure what to say anymore. A sacred oath could not be broken but there were many ways to go around it. How could she voice out her fears without sounding just paranoid?

"They have proven their loyalties," Kazmir got up from his seat, dismissing her, "Do not think too much. And try not to get in their way."

Her fingers were numb as they were tightly clasped together.

Aesther respectfully responded, "Yes, My Lord."