Kaiden's POV
I couldn't sleep, not out of worry but of fear. Even though I was a famous warrior from the Burn Moon line, I still knew fear. Fear guided me, it molded me. It was what kept me on the path I was on right now.
"Before every battle, fear visits me..." I muttered in soliloquy. However, I had stopped allowing fear to take control. I was the one in control now.
Selena was my mate. My blood surged. I wanted her, even now.
**
"My Lord!" I heard as my eyes opened. It was Payne's voice, no doubt. Payne was one of my most trusted warriors and retainers. I sat up and he entered the room and bowed. "The Eclipse Council is at our gates, my lord. What shall I do?"
I smiled, "What do you mean?"
Payne fell on one knee, "I know everything that has been happening, my lord. Rumors have spread among your warriors and from what I have seen this morning, the Eclipse Council will try to take our castle by force. You are my Lord, my commander, my Alpha, and the love of my life."
"Love of your life?" I said laughing.
"I am loyal to you because I love you, my lord. It isn't romantic but it is unconditional. I will give my life for you any day, anytime. I and the rest of your warriors will..." Payne assured me. "Just give me your order and I will get the warriors ready. Every single warrior of the Duskfang pack will fight to the death."
I had heard enough. I stood up and wore my robe. I opened the window and the morning sunlight streamed inside the dark room. Finally, I turned towards Payne who was still on one knee.
"Rise, loyal warrior," I said firmly. Payne rose and looked into my eyes.
"My Lord," He said.
"You won't have to die today. I will speak to the Eclipse Council. You should escort me there," I smiled. I was confident.
My horse had been prepared outside my room so I rode outside the gates with Payne. The glaring eyes of the five elders from the Eclipse Council made me understand that they were totally serious with this. Their bloodshot eyes were enough to let me know.
"Great Elders! Forgive me for keeping you waiting," I said calmly. The council leader came forward, staring into my eyes.
"We don't have a lot of time to waste! You know why we are here so let's put an end to this..." The council leader was firm. "Bring out the one we came for."
"It is hard for me to do that..." I muttered in order to test them. The council leader's eyes turned red in rage.
"You overrate yourself, Warlord Kaiden," The council leader told me. "Do you really think your castle can hold against an invasion by us? We will take her by all means even if it means killing every other person inside that castle."
I paused and looked away. It was a cold morning and the breeze reminded me of that.
"You shall have her!" I said simply and urged my horse. I rode back into the castle with Payne with me. I ordered the guards to bring the woman I imprisoned.
I was done here and Payne escorted me back to my hall. On the way, Thorne was waiting for me, sword in hand. His sword was unsheathed as if he meant to fight me. Seeing this, Payne stepped forward but I pushed him backwards. I was man enough to confront Thorne.
"What are you doing?" I asked calmly.
"Preparing to kill you!" Thorne replied. I began to laugh now. It was funny to me but Thorne looked as cold as ice. He meant what he said.
"We used to train when we were teenagers. You never defeated me once. Do you think you'll defeat me now?" I asked calmly.
"I am putting my life on the line. As your best friend, I need to do this when you're making the wrong decision. I won't watch you give away your mate to be killed. You will end up regretting this!" Thorne told me.
"I don't think I will," I smiled.
Angrily, Thorne screamed and came for me. I had no sword but I escaped all his attacks. With energy surging in my hands, I pushed Thorne and he fell back to the ground. He rose up like nothing happened but with bloodshot eyes.
He charged again but this time, his attacks were stronger. It was as if he planned to kill me in a single strike. Again, I found an opening and punched him as he fell again.
"It seems you haven't fought in a while," I laughed at Thorne. He stood up and dusted his robe.
"I have been writing poems and drawing flowers and animals. It appears my swordsmanship is lacking!" Thorne said regretfully. He sheathed his sword now, knowing he would never be able to beat me. Payne came to my side with a smile on his face.
"You did well, my lord," Payne told me. Right there, the guards passed dragging Selene as I ordered.
But wait...
It wasn't the real Selene!
I had secretly prepared someone with an identical face yesterday. The person I selected was from a poor family. She was deaf and dumb and was fated to die soon. As they passed, Thorne attempted to grab her from the guards. However, I was faster. I made a seal to stop him from touching her instantly. Until the guards left, Thorne remained stuck in one place.
Thorne was angry and he came towards me and grabbed my collar.
"You can still stop this," Thorne tried. "You will truly regret sending your mate away in this manner. I have done my best for you as a friend."
"Enough, Thorne," I muttered. "Did you think I would give Selene away to anyone?"
"Didn't you just give her away?" Thorne asked inquisitively.
"I gave her away..." My voice
trailed off. "I gave away an empty being. A being that has only Selene's face."