Three Years Later…
"We are not making a deal with the Crimson Caravan," Luna Reana spoke calmly as she fought back a yawn. She was exhausted.
"But Luna, winter is upon us. We do not have enough provisions for the entire season. The people will start grumbling after the coming mating ceremony." Elder Jaxson protested.
Karl sneered, "Are you against trading with the Crimson Caravan because it was my idea? That's a new low, even for you, Reana. How childish."
"Luna, I think Karl is right. We don't have other options. We've tried to contact other traders but they won't trade with us. The Crimson Caravan are unmatched merchants in this region. If we lose them now, they've lost our only chance," Beta Ryan uttered.
Most people nodded, agreeing with the beta's idea. The few of them casted a look filled with approval his way. In their hearts, Beta Ryan had proven himself worthy in both intellect, strategy, and strength that he was worthy of becoming the Alpha, but unfortunately it's been three years and Luna Reana was still 'mourning' the late Alpha Hale and had refused to look at Beta Ryan, even right now.
Reana yawned, unfazed by their comments. She knew Kael was responsible for stopping other merchants from trading with their pack, to ensure she could only choose the Crimson Caravan.
"I believe Luna has a reason. Let's hear what she has to say," Gamma Kira spoke up, silencing everyone as all eyes fell on Reana.
"From what I remember… The Crimson Caravan has plenty of unsavoury rumors about their business practices. They are bad news." Reana couldn't tell them the real reason behind her rejecting the merchant.
From the vision she saw earlier, the Crimson Caravan were criminals who pillaged towns and resold their goods. They targeted towns from the Dark Snow Pack, the most dangerous, most feared pack in the Mainland of the Southern Islands. Under the leadership of Alpha Snow, the pack developed a legendary reputation for ruthlessness and brutality.
Reana knew trading with the Crimson Caravan would lead to their pack's doom. She saw the possible future. Because of their pack's trade with Crimson Caravan, her pack was attacked by the Dark Snow Pack. They took back the stolen goods and also took away all the supplies her pack prepared for the coming winter, leaving her pack with nothing.
The Black Moon Pack couldn't protect itself from the repeated avalanche strikes, monster attacks, and rogue attacks. The children and elderly froze to death, and starvation killed the rest of the pack members.
So, how could she trade with such people after what she'd seen?
But since she had to keep her powers a secret from even her most trusted aides, no one knew the true reason for her refusal.
Beta Ryan and Karl were flabbergasted. "Rumors? You're making such an important decision based on mere rumors?!" Karl barked.
Reana's demeanor suddenly shifted, and she growled. "I'm making decisions based on instinct and experience. And my instinct tells me that caravans - whatever their name - are not to be trusted."
The room fell silent again, as everyone knew that Luna Reana's instincts were impeccable. In her three years as leader, she had never made a decision that harmed the pack. Under her leadership, the pack thrived. Their Luna was perfect in every way, except that she'd been running from picking a mate, even ignoring the council's opinion on the matter.
"Luna, so what alternative do you have in mind?" Elder Jaxson questioned.
"I suggest trading with those from the southern islands. They have abundance of food and medicine, and their lands are not as harshly affected by the winter seasons. If we can establish a trade agreement with them, it could be a reliable source of supplies for us even after winter," Reana finally replied.
Everyone gasped as they exchanged shocked glances. Trading with those brutes was not only unthinkable, but also potentially suicidal.
Firstly, the terrain to the islands was riddled with unimaginable danger. Secondly, the people were unfriendly, and thirdly, their goods were extremely expensive!
Karl rolled his eyes and mumbled, "This is where a man is best suited to lead the pack. A man wouldn't think of a stupid idea like my sister here did!"
"Luna, this is too risky and undoable. Let's just –" Beta Ryan didn't get to finish before he was cut off.
"When winter sets in, every region in the Mainland, except the southern islands would be scrapping for resources. The Southern Islands may have everything, but they don't have winter clothing, nor the materials to make it. However, our pack is known for making excellent winter clothing, and we also have the best materials in the entire Mainland…" She paused, watching their expressions go from confusion to enlightenment.
The hall erupted into a flurry of excited whispers and nods, as the pack members grasped Reana's clever plan.
Elder Collins' face lit up with a warm smile. "It's a brilliant idea, Luna, but their reputation. Will they–"
"In the face of desperation, even an unreasonable person can become reasonable. And I believe that if I can see this much, their Alpha should too… Besides, we won't be going in blind. We'll send a small delegation to negotiate the terms of the trade, and if things go sour, we can always retreat."
Kira smiled, she trusted that the Luna would always find a way. "I'll take some warriors and lead the delegation tomorrow. In case the negotiation succeeds, we can't afford to have the goods stolen on the way."
The Black Moon Pack's caravan has some warriors assigned to them, but this time, those warriors weren't sufficient. With the coming winter, there were cases of more robbers waiting to plunder caravans on the way - which meant death for unlucky merchants.
Reana shook her head. "Kira, you need to remain in the pack. Karl will follow the delegation to the southern islands. It's a hard decision I have to make," Reana said with a heavy sigh as if she didn't just lie through her teeth.
"Wh– what?" Everyone gasped.
Wh– what?! Me!?" Karl was flabbergasted. He shot to his feet, pointing his finger at Reana. "Reana! Have you lost your mind?! Y– you're sending me to my death!"
Beta Ryan pursed his lips as a glint flashed in his eyes. Karl was right; Reana was sending him to die.
Having Karl follow the delegation was good news for Ryan. If Karl died, Kael would go all out to make sure he killed Reana. And the pack warriors and the council would retaliate against him, in turn, removing his two greatest obstacles from the picture. Then Ryan would become the next in line for the Alpha position.
Thinking of this, he lowered his head and smiled, already sensing victory in the air.
Unbeknownst to him, Reana had been watching him and his sneaky reaction didn't go unnoticed. Reana snorted. If only he knew what she had in store for him.
"Ehm, Luna, why are you sending Karl? He has no business ideas and he's not a good warrior either. He would only become a burden to be protected." Elder Collins reasoned. Karl was his nephew and Katherine would be mad if he didn't stand up for Karl.
"When did I say he was going there to fight or give business ideas?" Reana tilted her head and raised a brow. Seeing everyone staring at her in confusion, she propped her head into her palm, her elbows on the table. "Karl has a glib tongue. He was able to convince the Crimson Caravan to trade with us. Isn't that wonderful? Karl is blessed with negotiation skills and this is the best time to use it. I'm impressed," she gave an insincere faint smile.
Everyone blinked. She was right to say Karl has a glib tongue, but negotiation was Kael's strong suit. The deal negotiation with the Crimson Caravan could only be Kael's doing.
Reana knew that much. But what nobody knew was that Reana was punishing Karl for Kael's earlier actions. Since Kael wasn't in the pack right now, his beloved little brother would suffer on his behalf.
"Luna, now that this is done, maybe we can talk about your marriage?" Elder Collins prodded.
"Meeting adjourned," Reana said immediately, and left the room before anyone else could react.
She hated all talks of her future marriage. The thought of marrying a calculative weasel like Ryan made her blood boil, but she was running out of time. She had hoped another candidate would appear in those few years, but there were none that were loyal to her alone!
She dashed through the corridors for her quarters, when suddenly, a movement caught her off guard. A figure darted out of the hallway, colliding with her and sending them both tumbling through the air.
They rolled down the corridor, picking up speed, until they spilled out onto the open field, their bodies entwined in a tangled heap.
"Luna!" Kira screamed. But before she could get close, Reana raised a hand, halting them in their tracks. She stared down at the stranger she knocked into.
His eyes were a deep shade of blue, almost indigo, and they sparkled with a hint of mischief as he also held her gaze. His features were chiseled, with sharp cheekbones and a strong jawline, and his dark hair was mussed from the fall.
Renee was captivated.