Chapter 6: Chaos

Raenerys woke up with Acheron busy putting his clothes on. She slowly got up as she reached for her clothes placed on the nightstand and started to wear them. That's when Acheron noticed and turned to gaze at her.

"I will sail back to the west this morning," he started. She stopped taking on her clothes for a moment because of what he said, but she continued immediately while nodding.

"Make sure everything is okay when I come back," she told Acheron, who looked at her seriously. He used to be a reserved man; that's why she's used to how he looks at that moment. She can't discern even a subtle reaction on his face, so often she can't read what's going on in the man's mind. But even so, she has confidence in him, and she owes Acheron a lot. She just chooses not to focus on his sternness—not showing emotion that would describe what he wants to say, like at that time.

"That's if you're still going to come back. . ." Her brows shot up when she heard that from Acheron, but before she could ask him, he stood up, zipping his pants with his back facing her. She fixed her gaze on Acheron's behind. She also let her gaze pass through his top-knotted hair, down the nape, and back to his hard and broad back. 

She couldn't deny that Acheron was very handsome and charismatic. That's why, when they were in the west and they fought in illegal street fights, many women chased and paid attention to him. But he wasn't really interested in girls; she was the only girl to whom he had given his attention. He's even cruel to them. Compared to Nevil, Acheron is much more attractive. Acheron is the type that will make you turn around and stare when he passes in front of you, and as time goes on, he gets more and more handsome, the type that you will never get tired of, while Nevil, though he's undeniably handsome, you would admire his physique, but you wouldn't turn around once again to stare at him. He's handsome, but he's not the type you want to stare at for long.

"Why not? I just have to take the north, and then I'll go back to the west. Isn't that the plan?" Acheron did not respond right away, so she got to her feet as the guy turned to face her.

She began to doubt Acheron's reasoning at that very time. It's not new to her to think quietly about how unpredictable he is or what he was even thinking, but at those times her head twitched more intensely due to overthinking and confusion about what the man was doing or what is in his head. He's giving her puzzles again with missing pieces.

"Are you hiding something from me, Ache?" She couldn't hold back any longer and asked that.

Acheron was stunned for a moment because of how blunt Raenerys was. He didn't expect her to ask him such a question. He then thought about what makes the woman think he's hiding something from her. He stares at her face for seconds before he averts his eyes from her, nervous that she might get a wrong idea. 

He doesn't know what's going on in his mind that he went her, or maybe he just misses her? No. Not possible. Maybe, because he doesn't trust a woman's heart. And he wanted to see it clearly if Raenerys was moving according to what was planned.

"I have nothing to hide from you, Raenerys." Raenerys wasn't too convinced by the man's answer, but she just nodded hear head. She has no time to argue with him In the matter that she also does not understand and didn't how to explain it to the man.

They remained staring at each other in silence for a few seconds, which was also immediately stopped when someone suddenly knocked on the door of the room where Raenerys was staying.

"Miss Lauregnory, the alpha's already awake. He's expecting to see you in the dining hall for breakfast." a maid said behind her door. She didn't look in the door's direction; she remained looking at Acheron.

"I'll leave this room first, go back to West safely, Acheron. I will send you letters often for updates." she told the man who was just looking at her. "Okay, I will."

There wasn't much of an answer from Acheron. That was sufficient for Raenerys to nod and turn away from him so she could go and carry on the game she had started.

She went straight to the dining hall and found Nevil there, who was obviously waiting. His condition seems to be fine; he was unconscious for two days.

"Good thing you're conscious already." Nevil looked at her, and the man stared at her while frowning slightly. That somehow reminds her of Acheron.

"You reek of another wolf's smell." That's when she forgot about taking a shower. She just brushed her teeth and went out because she was deep in thought earlier.

"I had a fight with someone earlier while I was unwinding. That wolf thought I was an outsider," she reasoned out. It was only then that she realized the stupidity of the reason she gave, but from Nevil's reaction, it looked like the man accepted it.

"Eat now," he just ordered, and they ate together silently. Nevil then walked out of the dining hall first, while she quietly followed. She saw Nevil being greeted by one of his men, and since he wasn't that far from the two, she could hear their conversation.

"One of the hunters was killed last night, while you're unconscious. We need a replacement as soon as possible, Alpha. He's one of the best hunters, but this rogue is not something to be little. He's skilled and knows his way around—all over the place. He can easily hide and attack. He moves quickly and carefully. None of us could even feel him, it will suddenly appear. And he's starting to make our constituents fear him. And that's not a good idea, spread the word. The news about what happened to you is already here, and some of the townspeople are starting to question your leadership."

From the frown, Raenerys couldn't help but grin because of what she heard. It looks like Nevil is in a hot seat right now. Because of the rogue they are unable to hunt down, Nevil's title as alpha is in jeopardy. The townspeople are starting to doubt the ability of the current alpha; they're doubting, even if he's still deserving of his position right now, that he is often defeated by a single rogue.

Raenerys was compelled to ask who and from which region the rogue who is now making noise is from. It looks like it's not random. It single-handedly shook a town that was previously unmoved. She then stepped forward, interrupting Nevil and his men from talking.

"I can be the replacement," both of them turned to her with surprise. She isn't volunteering to help them. It is to gain their trust—not just Nevil but also the North's. She wants them to owe her. She would fight or hunt down whoever the rogue was and play like a hero, saving them from fear and death.

"No, you should stay here." she said, rolling her eyes at Nevil, who's treating her like weak. Did he forget who she was already?

"I am capable and stronger than anyone from your pack, Nevil, do you want us to try? Maybe you're forgetting who I am? Haven't you heard the news spread about me?" he still grinned despite the annoyance.

"That's not what I mean. You're my soon-to-be wife. You should stay here until you become officially my luna, that's when you can do this thing and help me empower this pack." She shook her head.

"If you won't let me, I'm afraid there's no wedding that will happen. Who knows?" Raenerys shrugged, and Nevil stared at her. Even its henchman, who had been silent since earlier, exchanged glances at the two of them and Nevil.

"I will ask the permission of the council then; they are the ones to decide whether to let a future Luna do combat and hunting before the wedding; if they give you permission, then I will put you as the replacement of one of my hunters. A smirk appeared on Raenerys' lips at what she heard. He was also not sure how the council would react, especially since he knew that they would know who he was when he faced them, but he would make sure that they could do nothing but agree.

"Eliad, are the horses ready?" Nevil asked his henchman next.

"Yes, alpha," When Nevil turned to face her, she noticed how his eyes had momentarily flicked into golden before they returned to their normal color.

He patiently waited for her outside her cabin, letting her have a shower and change first, and when she came out, he stood up and stared at her for a moment.

"Let's go," Nevil insisted, he just followed Nevil until they reached the stable. There are two horses there and Nevil introduces her the horses, one named Alais and one named Chardonneigh. Alais was the one he rode well and it was not difficult, knowing she is a wolf. Animals tend to fear other animals, especially wolves, tigers and lions who had the predatory nature. He was sure that the horses were used to it and were trained, if anything, it had grown up under the care of werewolves.

Alais and Chardonneigh both stopped in front of the Ministry of Northern's pack in the council's hall. Nevil and Raenerys went down at the same time and let the guards keep their horses in the stable. She followed Nevil when he walked inside.

"Walk faster, Raenerys. I may have lost you. You're not familiar here," she said, then quickened her pace until they were in line. They arrived at another dark area of the hall, and when she looked at the long black table, she only then realized that they were already in the dining hall. There are lamps on the wall that provide light, as well as some candles on the table.

"Nevil, it was so sudden. Why are you here? You're already recovered?" Raenerys' attention went to the man who had walked in. It's probably one of the council members, followed by another man.

"Have a seat," they offered them, and Nevil immediately sat down, following the two council members sitting down.

"Why are you here? And who is she?" The two of them exchanged glances with Nevil.

"We have something to discuss with you, and the lady with me is my soon-to-be luna, Raenerys Lauregnory." Nevil straightforwardly said. Shock and wonder appeared in the eyes of the two men at the same time. Before turning to look at her. They also sat down and looked at each other.

"Raenerys Lauregnory?" The two old men looked at each other again. Does her name ring the bell? Raenerys couldn't help but think that was the case.

"She's the—"

"Yes, I am the famous conqueror from the west. I've been slaugthering alphas and dropping packs." she said proudly and unbothered while looking emotionlessly at the two council members. She noticed Nevil glancing at her, but she didn't care. She just wanted to make sure that these two had no choice but to agree to her demands.

"Are you here just to introduce her to us? She's a—" Instead of Nevil, she answered them again, cutting off his words.

"I am, and the current situation in North is not stable. Danger is roaming around, Nevil's men are decreasing, and he needs to strengthen his manforce. We are here to inform you that even if I am his future luna, I will take part in being the replacement of his fallen hunter." The two could not immediately speak to what Raenerys said; there was a visible sense of finality in her voice, as if she were just informing them, but they had no choice but to accept that and let her. That was maybe the reason why they're speechless for a moment, even Nevil.

"K-knowing who you are, we have no objection to your desire to be part of Nevil's army, we'd rather make you an ally that our enemy and it pleased as knowing you're on our side, but we have the tradition that as long as the alpha's fiancée is not yet married to him, she must stay in the confines of alpha's ca—"

Raenerys slammed the table not that hard but enough to stop the council member from talking.

"Can we just forget the tradition this time in dire jeopardy? Make this an exception." One of the council members who had been listening took a deep breath before taking a sip and adjusting his seat.

"We'll agree with this in a condition, but Nevil, you have taught Raenerys how to use a bow and arrow. She must have no knowledge in using them. As a hunter, she has to know how to use them, not only relying on a power within her as a wolf. Since no one else here is good at archery, I suggested you personally train her today. I think she wouldn't be hard to teach; she might learn today. If she didn't learn this time, then she's not going to take part in your force." He's dead serious. She's not interested in using an arrow; she's more interested in swords and blades or using her own claws and fangs. But she could give it a try.

"Why do I need to learn archery for hunting? Weapons are only for humans," she said with a mocking voice. "You just have to do it for unforeseen circumstances. You have to learn and master things even if they are only bound to be used or performed by humans."

Nevil and she went to the Lamagne part of the north. A field of ice in the middle of the Mightmire's forest, the town territory of Nevil, is a little far from where his den is also located. This is exactly like their training yard. Snow was falling. . . But that doesn't really matter. The cold has no longer affected them.

"Here, take this." She looked at what he had handed her and saw what she was sure was his own bow and arrow. It's a very different bow and arrow. Its color is gold, and she can be sure it is not low-class, for sure it was made personally for him.

"I'll train her after we leave." Nevil butted in. He didn't seem to want to prolong the conversation anymore so he interrupted already.

They stayed there for a few minutes; she just waited quietly for Nevil when the two council members asked for a short time to talk to him in private. Even though she was curious, she couldn't do anything but let it go and wait until they were done.

After minutes of waiting, Nevil walked out of a private room. He didn't look at her until they left the hall.

Nevil and her went to Lamagne after. It was a field of ice in the middle of the Mightmire's forest, the town territory of Nevil, a little far from where his den is located. This is exactly like their training yard. Snow was falling. . . But that doesn't really matter. The cold has no longer affected them.

"Here, take this." She looked at what he had handed her and saw that it was sure to be his own bow and arrow. It's a very different bow and arrow. Its color is gold, and she can be sure it is not low-class; for sure, it was made personally for him.

He positioned himself, pulled the arrow backward, and let it go with a snap. Raenery's gaze was drawn to the arrow's quick fling to the other side of Lamagne. Its sounds could be heard all the way across the ice field. When he turned to face her, she noticed how bright his lackluster eyes were.

"Would you like to see where it hit?" she simply nodded. A dizzying sensation startled her. She closed her eyes, and when she opened them, she realized that they were on the other side of where they had been. The tree with Nevil's arrow stuck in the middle was right in front of them, and it wasn't just the arrow he shot. A lifeless raven dripping blood immediately stains the icy ground.

"You're really good at things, huh?" She drew out the arrow, allowing the crow's blood to flow to the end of her palm. He smirked as he took the arrow from her hand and cleaned it with his black cloth.

"That is what I am going to teach you. And this time, it wasn't a hawk or a tree that you'll chase to hit." She frowned at what he said.

"What do you mean?"

"I will be your target. You have to chase me with the arrows. Don't ever let me get near you. But before that, I'll teach you the basics first. They went back to where they were before.

"Hold it like this." He stood behind her and adjusted the position of her body.

"A bow works the same way a spring does. The moment you start pulling back on a bowstring, potential energy is stored in the flexing limbs of the bow. The instant you let go of the string, all of the stored energy is transferred instantly into the arrow, sending it flying down range." He demonstrated it to her. Even though she was a bit distracted by their close distance, she still chose to focus on what he was saying.

"Stand upright with your feet shoulder-width apart and your feet at 90 degrees to the target. Keep a relaxed grip on the bow handle." She followed his every move; his foot even tapped her leg so she could fix it in the right stance. She breathed out to calm herself and looked straight ahead with focus.

"Now, you can place the arrow on the bow. Turn the bow so that it is horizontal and the arrow rest is facing upwards. Place the arrow on the shelf of the arrow rest. Then push the nock of the arrow onto the string between the two brass nocking points, ensuring that the cock fletch is pointing upward. And then bring the bow back to vertical." He continued to speak, and she continued to follow until he released her and left her in that position.

"Now try it. . . when I'm already in the middle," her finger twitched, but she took another deep breath and stayed calm. When he reached the center, she did what he taught her.

She aimed it in his direction. She focused her eyes, leaving one close and one open, staring at Nevil from afar. The perk of being a wolf is having an enhanced sense of sight. She can see clearly in the distance. She pointed the arrow at him as she drew the arrow back. She doesn't know what was on his mind, but she doesn't care anymore. She was about to release the arrow when a few arrows hit his body and chest. She was shocked and turned around to see where the arrows came from.

Nevil!" she called out his name. In a flash, he appeared in front of her, holding the pickaxe that was still stuck in his body. There didn't seem to be any pain to feel as he pulled it out and hurriedly threw it away. She could hear wolves howling all around Lamangne.

"Ride Alais, bring that with you. Go first! I'll follow." She no longer complained and immediately went up to Alais. She hooks the bow and arrows behind her before touching the reins and quickly returning to Alais.

"Remember to focus! Always have your eyes ahead, Raenerys." Why do they have to run anyway? If it's her, she will fight.

"Don't tell me what to do! I can do it myself!" she yelled back, annoyed. She doesn't like being ordered around especially that it was Nevil. She clearly knows what to do, she just doesn't want to show him how she truly fights for safety. For her, the news of her was enough.

When she heard violent crackles, she knew they were chasing them.

"Go faster! Watch for arrows from your side!" Nevil commanded at her from behind. Then there was the sound of something speeding towards her, so she bent down to dodge it, and she immediately commanded Alais to run faster.

She doesn't care what happens. What she needs to do is draw them out of the woods so that she can see them and they can't hide in the shadows any longer. "Hiya! Faster, Alais! C'mon boy!" Howls filled the area again, but she did not move. She felt something had fallen behind her and had taken an arrow. As Nevil began to shoot all over the dark surroundings, she heard the moan of those he had hit, and it mixed with the creaks of every dry branch that Alais stepped on. Chardonneigh was now ahead of them, leading the way as she made Alais follow her.

They swiftly exited the woods after that. To control and halt Alais, Raenerys grabbed the reins and drew them back. They must halt at the edge of the cliff since it is just in front of them. She sprinted to Alais and positioned herself close to Nevil while taking in her surroundings. She is aware that they are merely hiding out in the woods, keeping watch and waiting for the ideal moment to strike. She strained her vision in an effort to make out what lay in the shadows. Soon after hearing their obnoxious growls, she was able to glimpse their crimson, enraged, and attack-ready eyes.

In a flash, they all jumped into the air in their direction, and they all fell in front of them. They're really rouges. Some even recognize her for unknown reasons that enrage them more.

They howled at the same time. Nevil, on the other hand, remained calm and just waited for the opponents in front to make a move. After their howls, they moved as one as they started to attack them. She would have fought equally with the devil when he signed her to stop and stay still.

Even though a large number of rogues approached them, he quickly disappeared from where he was. He seemed like a cloud of smoke that his opponent could not reach. He appears everywhere, and his opponent can't predict that. He unleashed heavy attacks. She can see his side, which you'll never dare fight against. Cruel, merciless, fast, and deceiving. He defeats the opponent without even exerting too much effort. He quickly wrapped his right arm around the neck of a rushing one, and he quickly broke it. He looked like lightning as he faced the oncoming rogue behind him, and she saw how his hand sank into its chest and penetrated it. The rogue started to go back to its human form while the devil's hand was still buried, holding its heart. He squeezed the heart and threw it away. He also quickly sprinkled his rogue-covered hand. She couldn't agree more. She had nothing against someone like him before. He's powerful enough to take down twenty rogues without even a single sweat.

But analyzing and memorizing his movements and how he attacks, made her find Nevil as an easy opponent. But then she doesn't want an easy execution, so she wouldn't fight him directly like this. Direct attack is her dish, but she won't do it for Nevil; her plan is better.

He just adjusted his clothes as if they had barely touched him in his fight. He stepped on Rogue's body like he was surveying it before he walked near her.

They're able to return to the den safely and immediately. Nevil was greeted by his men. They're in that state when a man comes out of the den; it's Axle. He's putting his jacket back on as he stops the moment he sees them. His eyes shifted from her to the devil.

"Nevil. . ."

"Axle, why are you here? What happened to the hunters I assigned to protect and guard the border? We were attacked by the rogues in Lamagne." Nevil's voice was clearly enraged. Probably because everything was going out of his control and Raenerys knew his kind. He hates when he cannot control some things.

"That's exactly why I'm here, this is something serious, Alpha. They're all over the north now, even the other towns are being attacked, we just got the news. That is why I went here. I didn't know they made their way to Lamagne. I still have no news from my group on the border." Axle glanced at her. But immediately shifted his eyes back to Nevil, afraid that looking at would even worsen the alpha's mood. It looks like these rogues are doing their thing now. She finds them an obstacle to her plan but helpful at the same time. They're giving her more opportunities.

"I'm going back to the border to prepare for another possible ambush. We were not sure where they would attack next, so we really needed to harden the defense. Right now it looks like they're attacking where the strong are. I don't know why they didn't start in a weak spot. Or maybe you are their real target, alpha." Axle left immediately after saying goodbye to the two of them, and they just looked after him.

"We have to prepare for war then." Raenerys and Nevil looked at her. The two of them stared at each other for a long time before Nevil looked away and went in first.

Nevil instructed his men to tighten the defense. Everyone is passing and rushing, and Raenerys watches them before she decides to dress herself up in a battle suit. She donned her armor and cloak before leaving the room, and she was greeted by Nevil, who was holding a bow and arrow as he extended it to her. She gradually accepted it and let it hang on her shoulder.

Soon, Nevil received news about an attack on another town covered by the north.

"We need to go. It is specific to such towns." He immediately followed the man out of the den, but they were immediately stopped by a familiar person standing in front of the den, dressed in armor and holding a dagger.

"Why are you here?" Nevil asked, and Raenerys remained silent. She noticed Sera staring at her for a few seconds, as if she were shocked and saw a ghost. Right, she is a ghost from the past, and she knows, based on her sister's reaction, that the past keeps on hunting her even in her sleep.

"The south heard the news. I am here as the representative of the south to help you and take part of your force. I will escort you and be your guard, finding the rogues scattered throughout the north's region, particularly in areas lacking defense. It's been a while. A year is not that long, but Raenerys could clearly distinguish the changes in Sera. Just like her, she seemed to be a different person now. Though, she looks weak. Gone was the Sera she used to envy because of being strong. She didn't think it was possible to reach and overcome something that she thought she could only look at.

"We don't need help from the south," Nevil coldly said. Raenerys looked at him before she looked at Sera, and she noticed that there was pain in her eyes that she secretly smirked at.

"Just let her join us, Nevil. She can be a use of us," Raenerys said in full arrogance in her voice before looking back at Sera with a smug on her face. Nevil said nothing more and left first. She even smirked at Sera and cocked her head before insultingly laughing weakly and getting ahead of her—she felt that the woman had followed her as well.

"Hiya!" They ran their horses at once. She was in the middle, and Alais, Chardonneigh, and Nexuz—Sera's horse—were running equally. They're now heading to the middle of the North.

She's not sure, but. . . strangely, the wind speaks to her. The smell she inhales is strange. She breathes in an odd fragrance. It has a risky aroma, like warning her of an impending storm. Whatever it is, Raenerys knew the only ones that would be wrecked were Nevil and Sera, and she would have the north; she would have them as nothing but her slaves, like dogs following her tail.

It wasn't part of her plan to have the rogues attack in the middle of what she was doing. She didn't think it was possible, but even though there was a sudden commotion, it was a big help to get closer to Nevil. It still has not become such a big obstacle for him. Everything is still under her control; everything is still falling into place, with Sera in the North. The events only became as accurate as what was laid out in her plan.

While they were in the middle of taking the road to some town, Raenerys somewhat slowed down. She was watching Nevil and Sera ride their horses. She was deep in thought as she observed how Sera stealthily cast a couple sidelong glances at Nevil, who didn't give a damn about her.

Raenerys knew Sera was obsessed with Nevil, according to Axle's story to her. She's probably fallen in love with Nevil; she just can't imagine when her sister fell in love with the man she once loved. That's why she made sure that she could get Sera to go to the north after she stopped visiting and nagging Nevil for reasons she still doesn't know. She'll find it out soon.