Chapter 9

Selene's POV

I sat quietly under the tree lost in my thoughts and only turned when Riven tapped me.

“I've trying to get your attention, but it seems you were thinking of something else. What's bothering you?” he asked sitting next to me.

I sighed wondering if I should just escape the question or simply say I was tired.

“Where do you think those twenty rogues will be? Do you think they would have been caught?”

Riven shrugged hitting my shoulder lightly. “Why are you bothered about them. They made their decisions. They were arrogant looking down on you. So, I careless about them right from.”

“Oh come on Riven. You shouldn't say that. They were only scared. They've been in pain, and we're not just patient enough. That's all I see. I don't blame them, they were just desperate to have revenge.” I muttered.

Riven picked up a stone throwing it playfully. “So any plans? Because according to Caleb, Bryan will be attacking in two days. Have you thought of a way forward?”

I nodded though unsure.

“Remember the rogue you told me about. The one with an abandoned pack filled with rogues.”

Riven Express suddenly changed. He shook his head refusing my idea instantly.

“But why? Just imagine we go to him, he could help us. Besides, it's a win-win for both sides if Bryan is defeated.” I tried to reason with him.

Riven refused the idea still. “Even Bryan will think twice to attack that man. He's crazy. Only gives a fuck about his people. As long as Bryan doesn't disturb him he won't disturb Bryan either. It's like an agreement from both sides, so I doubt that idea of yours is going to work.” he diverted his gaze. His warm expression gone.

Silas and Dara approached us. Dara gave Riven a killer stare. “Why did you bring her out alone? What are you doing?” she demanded eyeing him suspiciously.

Riven was in no mood for jokes, he told them what I was up to immediately, and they also refused.

“Come on guys, you have to tell me why. You can't just say no and hide things from me, how do you persuade me that way?” I looked at their faces one by one. They were holding back, so definitely they were hiding some truth.

“Riven had an encounter with him once, but he's barely escaped with his life.” Dara began.

“I thought he helps rogues. Isn't he one too?”

Dara nodded. “Yes he is a rogue and according to what we all heard, he was banished by his father since he was still a young boy.”

The revelation shocked me to the core. Why would a father banish his young son? How does he expect him to survive alone?

“He's name is Caius, but he prefers to be called Dark, a name he gave himself and lived to its reputation.” Dara continued.

“Dark is surrounded by an army of rogues. There are no weak or old. Thinking of going to him is like approaching your death. Dark is merciless especially to women. He gives them to his rogue soldiers to have fun with.”

Dara's explanation sent a cold chill down my spine. I was suddenly having second thoughts, but how do we fight against Bryan when we are just four? It feels impossible, but there was nothing wrong In trying.

Dara stared at my face with a sigh. “You still don't understand who this man is with my explanation. He won't spare us if we trespass.”

“We aren't trespassing, we are going there willingly to see him. And I have just the perfect plan to convince him.”

“Convince him?” Riven who had been silent since finally spoke up.

“I'll go wherever Selene choose to. I believe in her.” Silas said, and they looked at him like he had just betrayed them.

Dara muttered in a low tone. “You should know Riven can't come with us.”

I nodded. “I'll think of something. But I want us to leave quickly. Let's leave tonight, who is in?”

Dara and Riven looked at each other with hesitance.

Silas declared he was ready. Dara and Riven let out a deep sigh before declaring they were ready too.

“But make sure your plan is superb. Dark is not someone to joke with.” Riven said he's normal warm demeanor retuning.

I felt stronger with their support. To be honest, my idea was a brutal one. But as it seems, it was the option we had.

******

At night, we left for Dark's territory.

We slept on our way as the journey was far.

Finally, at dawn. We reached Dark's territory. The place flooded with rough-looking rogue. Their sights were scary.

I swallowed hard.

“Are we going now?” Dara asked.

I brought out the clothes in the bag handing it over to Dara.

”What for?“ she whispered.

Dark doesn't take women. The best was to go in disguise.

“And you are suggesting that?” Dara stared at me in disbelief.

Riven and Silas grinned, trying to hide their laughter.

Dara shot them a hard glare and turned to me.

”We don't have a choice Dara, this is our only solution."

She reluctantly stood up and left to change.

******

“What do you want?“ Bryan asked Mathew. ”Why have you returned?“

Mathew gave him a shocking expression and chuckled. ”Don't I belong here anymore? Am I no longer welcomed?“

”You should watch your tongue then. I'll be attacking the eastern packs and expanding our territory. You should sit back and watch me don't stir trouble.” Bryan warned.

Mathew looked at him amused. "When is this attack?“

Bryan was reluctant, he knows the kind of person he calls brother what he's capable of, but Mathew will find out anyway.

”it's in two days.“ Bryan replied.