Chapter 182: _So Much For Peace Talks Kyren’s POV
Bloomfen wasn’t as important as most larger cities in Arcadia, including the Arcadian capital. But it was still a well-known hub for Hex tech parts and the like. Not to mention it already had weak security compared to the other important cities. It was basically ripe for an attack. So with all these in mind, was Arcadia playing dumb by directing warships from Bloomfen to other parts of the Kingdom? Was this some kind of trap? Or were they planning something big, something important enough to require the presence of all their military forces? "Were the spies able to uncover anything else?" Kyren rubbed his chin in deep thought as he questioned Farrell. However, his commander shook his head. "Nothing else, sir. They’re still just settling down and might not be able to gather any more important intel for another few days." Fair enough. Sending rogue wolves to a city filled with witches already seemed like a disaster waiting to happen. But Kyren was tired of playing safe with those pests. He wasn’t known for playing "safe".
Bloomfen wasn’t as important as most larger cities in Arcadia, including the Arcadian capital. But it was still a well-known hub for Hex tech parts and the like. Not to mention it already had weak security compared to the other important cities. It was basically ripe for an attack. So with all these in mind, was Arcadia playing dumb by directing warships from Bloomfen to other parts of the Kingdom? Was this some kind of trap? Or were they planning something big, something important enough to require the presence of all their military forces? "Were the spies able to uncover anything else?" Kyren rubbed his chin in deep thought as he questioned Farrell. However, his commander shook his head. "Nothing else, sir. They’re still just settling down and might not be able to gather any more important intel for another few days." Fair enough. Sending rogue wolves to a city filled with witches already seemed like a disaster waiting to happen. But Kyren was tired of playing safe with those pests. He wasn’t known for playing "safe".
"Keep me posted if anything else happens. And tell the spies to keep their ears sharp in case they hear anything about the war crafts they spotted." Kyren waved dismissively at Farrell, rising to his feet.
His commander bowed before he turned around and walked out of the throne room.
When the large black doors closed behind him, Kyren didn’t waste another moment. He swiped the fingers of his right hand into the air, watching as a holographic screen appeared in front of him.
The screen glowed with a white hue and showed a loading bar on it.
When the bar was done loading, a familiar face appeared on it. A face he’d thought he wouldn’t have to see for at least another month.
Alpha King Arian.
"Well, Lord Kyren." The man folded his arms, sitting behind what seemed like an office desk in a bright room. "This is a... Surprise. After the way you left yesterday I—"
"Please." Kyren raised a hand, sniggering. "Let’s not pretend you weren’t expecting my call eventually. With your son and golden boy Beta here in my territory for ’peace talks’."
Arian smiled slowly, tilting his head. "Right. How’s that turning out by the way?"
. Kyren gave a smile of his own, folding his arms in front of his chest. "Exhilarating... Although I don’t think much peace was reached. Don’t worry, I’m sure they’ll fill you in once they get back."
The Alpha King nodded but nothing else was said for several seconds. The silence between them drew, probably capable of making an average person uncomfortable.
But not Kyren.
"Is this all you called me for, Lord Kyren?" Arian sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "I believe Lunaria has done its part in this conflict between you and Arcadia. If neither side wants peace, then—"
"Your part, eh?" Kyren chuckled dryly, tapping his finger on his arm. "Which one exactly? Sponsoring a mysterious organisation that has now found its way into my domain? Knowing about the possibility of my father being its leader and probably working directly with him?"
Arian’s jaw tightened visibly, a vein throbbing on his forehead. "You don’t understand the full story, Rogue King. I am not working with the Dark Hand and—"
"This conversation is going to go on with me interrupting you anytime you say something impeccably ridiculous." Kyren rolled his eyes, placing his hands beside himself.
The Alpha king gave a sarcastic smile, leaning in and nodding once. "Then I guess my time here is done. Good day, Lord K—"
"Yet another ridiculous string of words." Kyren turned his back on the holographic screen, shaking his head. "I know your desire to keep your dealings with the Dark Hand secret. It’ll be rather chaotic if news of it spreads out, don’t you think?"
The silence from the Alpha King was deafening, causing Kyren to grin to himself.
Typical.
"And who’s going to spread that news, Lord Kyren? You?" Arian finally sneered, forcing Kyren to turn around just to see the look on his face.
As expected, his brows were furrowed into a deep frown, his eyes brimming with a storm that seemed strong enough to consume all of Evaros.
Ah... Priceless.
"I didn’t say anything of the sort, Alpha king. Just pointing out the obvious." Kyren clasped his hands in front of his face, pointing at the holographic screen. "Well, that’s all I really have to say. Enjoy your—"
"Wait." Arian raised his right hand, his eyes flashing with regret.
His gaze scanned the room he was in as if trying to confirm no one else was present.
Kyren waited patiently, his expression stoic and his posture straight like a spear.
"What do you want, Kyren?" Arian queried with a whisper. "I’ll... I’ll help the Dark Lands with weapons against Arcadia. You can’t let anyone know about me and the Dark Hand."
Kyren blinked slowly, almost unable to believe the audacity.
Almost.
"Weapons? So much for ’peace talks’." He sniggered, glancing at his fingers. "Keep your weapons. I want something simpler than that."
Arian squinted, his jaw so tight that it seemed like he was going to sprout fangs any second.
Luckily for the bastard, Kyren didn’t plan on drawing this longer than it already was.
"Pull every support, whether direct or indirect from the Dark Hand. Indefinitely." Kyren raised his chin with a shrug.
Arian paused for a moment but soon shook his head. "My hands are tied. My support has been the way it is for decades since I stepped into the throne. For good reason."
Kyren couldn’t take the madness anymore.
His eyes flared with a dark light. The shadows began enlarging, twisting into eerie shapes that bloated the walls of the throne room.
As this happened, his long white hair blew behind him like snakes while his lips parted slowly.
"You’re going to tell me everything about the Dark Hand and the extent of your involvement with them if you don’t want your dirty secret broadcasted to every corner of Evaros and beyond." He boomed with searing rage, his fists curling.
Arian’s eyes glinted with an unreadable light but it was clear he was cornered, even with the distance separating them.
Unfortunately for him, Kyren wasn’t done.
"Next, you’re going to tell me what you know about that bastard, Garrick Ironclaw." He continued sharply. "If my dear old father truly is alive, I want to be ready for him. And for whatever he has planned."