His Shadow Luna

Chapter 6: On Fire-2

Elene's head was buzzing after hours of discussions with King Devoss about how to proceed. Although it seemed like they had considered everything that could happen when they reached the Southern Lycan Republic, she still felt uneasy. Waves of uncertainty rippled through her because it was rare for Elene to act completely on her own.

"I don't like it, El," Kai told her when she called him from her room after ensuring the connection was safe and no one could intercept it. "It's too dangerous. I think someone else could do it. Not you."

"Truthfully, I'd feel more at ease if I were the one"," Elene admitted to her brother. "Everything is so complicated, and we don't know whom to trust once she is there. Besides, that girl has gone through too much to be introduced to someone new again. I can help her, and I want to help her."

"I know, but—" Kai wanted to argue. She knew him too well.

"Imagine if it was our Callista,” she found herself saying, her voice trembling with the weight of her words. She knew invoking the name of her baby niece was a low blow, but she had to make him understand. “You’d want someone to be there for her. Someone who cares.”

“True,” Kai sighed painfully, admitting his defeat. Fatherhood definitely made him softer. “But Elene, promise me that you’ll stay safe.”

“I promise to do my best,” she teased, crossing her fingers.

“Not good enough,” her brother changed his tone to that of a warning. “Claire must perform the duties she was hired for.”

“Understood.” Elene had to agree. This time, it was an order from her king and not a request from her brother. "We will swap places as usual."

Her delegation's helicopters were ready early in the morning. Devoss came out to say goodbye, as was required from a good host, together with Kara and a few of his soldiers, all of whom wore strange, revealing and probably not very practical and/or appropriate leather outfits. Not that anyone would object, given their striking appearance. As long as they were capable of performing their duties, of course. Which judging by their sizes they were…

What are you thinking about exactly? Bia chuckled in her mind and Elene's cheeks flushed. When Morgan appeared, dressed as a northern maid, her hair covered by a blue hood, Elene did her best not to pay her much attention.

"Princess," Devoss bowed and took her hand for a kiss, "it was a real pleasure getting to know you."

"Likewise, Your Majesty." She smiled gratefully, wishing for the show to end soon. They had to play their roles for the many witnesses who peered from their windows and balconies, but it was getting unbearably hot.

To pay respects to both cultures, Elene had to wear a long-waisted kaftan in northern blue with Eastern traditional embroidery in gold. It looked beautiful but did not help her problem.

"All is ready," Claire announced at her side, her black attire, dark glasses, and military cap concealing her remarkable resemblance to the princess.

"Good," Elene gestured for her to go first, taking a quick glance and noticing that Morgan was already inside. "Thank you," she said to the King and added quietly, "for everything."

"Don't mention it," Devoss let go of her hand. "Have a safe journey."

They exchanged glances that said more than words, and Elene marched to the helicopter, taking her rightful place in the safest seat in accordance to the protocol.

The pilot set the engine into motion, the rotors slicing through the air with a commanding whir as two eastern omegas closed the doors for them.

"Finally," Elene muttered and offered nervous Morgan a reassuring smile.

They were in the air in seconds, and Elene undid her seatbelt, quickly working on the buttons of her kaftan.

"What are you doing?" Morgan asked, startled.

"It's my King's order," the princess rolled her eyes. "My bodyguard Claire has to pretend to be me during such movements. And I pretend to be just another soldier."

This was another reason for the outfit. Elene had everything she needed already on and only had to braid her hair now and pull on a hood to hide her identity from prying eyes before they reached their destination. Four other helicopters flew in a formation with them, changing places from time to time to hide the precious cargo the way a magician would hide a winning ball under his paper cups.

Devoss watched the aircraft disappearing in the horizon when Forrest Romero appeared at his side, his shirt barely tucked in his pants. He obviously just woke up now.

"Who was this?" the lycan growled.

"Ah, morning, General," the fox grinned at him, ignoring the question. "Will you keep me company at breakfast?"

"Who. Was. This?" Forrest snarled louder, and the Eastern guards stepped closer to their king. Devoss, however, waved them off easily, tapping the General's shoulder.

"Oh, that?" He chuckled softly. "The Northern Princess got bored and left. And I say, more fun for us! Right?"

He tried to fix the Southerner's crinkled shirt when one of his momentarily elongated and retracted claws accidentally tore something off Forrest's neck. The little shiny trinket was almost on the ground when the King caught it.

"My apologies!" he said, playing with the intricate golden circle amulet in his hand. "I hope it's not too special. I am sure we can find a jeweller to fix that chain here."

"It's nothing!" Forrest grabbed the talisman and shoved it into his pocket, his eyes still on the dots in the sky. "It's just a lucky charm from a friend."

"Lucky indeed!" Devoss hummed. "So— breakfast?"

"Apologies, Your Majesty," Forrest's jaw ticked. "I got some urgent news from the Republic. I am afraid I will have to leave you today as well."

"Shame," Devoss smirked, tilting his head respectfully. "This was so much fun!"

They crossed the border between East and South as evening approached and were on the verge of arriving at the site where the vehicles organised by Devoss awaited them.

Morgan was constantly fidgeting with the maid's uniform, and Elene couldn't blame her. All this was too much for an adult, let alone for a child.

"Listen," she lowered herself closer to the girl, "it's all going to be fi—"

She heard a sound before anyone else in the helicopter —the ear-piercing, unmistakable sound of a weapon flying directly at them.

"Everyone out!" Elene shouted, opening the door and grabbing Morgan with her free hand. She wanted to add that they should shift while they jumped, but it was already too late.

A huge wave of fire pushed them both out of the exploding helicopter, devouring everyone else inside.