Chapter 66 Writer's POV
Evening fell over the palace, torches lit grandly in the banquet hall. The king organized a feast to celebrate the return of the party with the gold from the temple. Nobles from the realm and alpha Lunas from allied packs were invited. Music played, and servants moved with trays of food and wine.
In the secure chamber, Amanda stayed with Onyi, still unconscious. She barely ate anything brought to her, staying by Onyi's side, whispering to him to wake up.
Duke Ryker appeared in the banquet hall, reporting briefly to the king on Onyi's condition. "Still unconscious. Amanda's with him."
The king nodded, preoccupied with guests. "Keep an eye. We'll deal with... whatever this is later."
The feast went on with laughter, toasts, and talk of politics and pack alliances among the nobles and alpha Lunas. In contrast, in the quiet chamber, Amanda held Onyi's hand tightly, tears still falling silently.
Suddenly in the chamber, Onyi's fingers twitched in Amanda's grasp. Onyi's fingers twitched again in Amanda's grasp. She looked up sharply, hope in her eyes. "Onyi? Can you hear me?"
Onyi's eyelids fluttered slightly but didn't open. He muttered something low in a language Amanda didn't understand. The shadows binding him seemed to pulse faintly.
Amanda leaned closer, her voice urgent. "Onyi, please. Come back to me."
In the banquet hall, the feast continued with music and laughter. Duke Ryker stood near the king, watching the proceedings but thinking about Onyi's condition.
Suddenly a servant hurried to the king's side, whispering something urgent. The king's expression changed, a frown crossing his face. "Strange happenings in the east woods. Reports of... things moving in darkness."
The nobles and alpha Lunas nearby grew quieter, listening.
The servant's words about "things moving in darkness" in the east woods caused a murmur among the nobles and alpha Lunas. Duke Ryker frowned slightly, thinking of Onyi's condition and the shadows binding him.
One of the alpha Lunas though scared but spoke up. "Dark movements? Sounds like old tales coming back."
The king waved a hand. "We'll send patrols. Secure the woods."
In the secure chamber, Amanda still held Onyi's hand tightly. Onyi's eyelids fluttered again, this time more strongly. He whispered something clear in a low voice, in English now. "Darkness... coming."
Amanda's eyes widened. "Onyi? You're talking!"
Onyi didn't open his eyes but his grip on Amanda's hand tightened slightly.
Amanda leaned closer to Onyi, her voice full of hope and worry. "Onyi, what do you mean? What's coming?"
Onyi's grip on her hand stayed tight but he didn't respond further. His breathing was slow and even like he was still mostly unconscious.
In the banquet hall, the king was finishing a toast with the nobles and alpha Lunas. "To our realm's safety and prosperity." Glasses clinked.
Duke Ryker excused himself briefly from the feast, heading toward the secure chamber. He entered quietly as Amanda looked up, still holding Onyi's hand.
"What do you want," Amanda said tightly.
Duke Ryker's expression turned serious. "He said darkness is coming,did he say more?"
Amanda shook her head. "No. He's like... sleeping again., so leave." Duke Ryker walked away and on his way he ran into Alexis,who glares at him before walking away without paying respect.