Point of View: Drakar
Early in the morning, everyone was already lined up.
Snow covered the area in a white, silent layer, while the freezing wind struck the faces of those present. Warriors from different tribes stood upright and tense, their weapons ready and their eyes fixed forward.
I stepped in front of them.
I calmly observed each row before speaking.
—The mission will now be explained.
Their expressions changed instantly.
Tight jaws. Raised ears. Serious gazes.
Good.
—The alliance has assigned us to loot a dungeon belonging to King Rangar.
The impact was immediate.
Some exchanged looks. Others became completely still.
Everyone knew that name.
Rangar, lord of Rasganorte. One of the rulers of the Main Plane.
—The dungeon is Rank One, —I continued.— Our objective is to extract only the resources from the first floor. We will ignore minor materials and anything unnecessary.
I fixed my eyes on them.
—We go in, take what we need, and leave quickly.
I noticed unease among several of them.
That was natural.
I was ordering them to invade the territory of one of the most powerful beings in the plane.
—Any questions?
A gray wolf stepped forward.
—Captain… if we encounter the Frost Bears inside the dungeon… how do we stop them from recognizing us?
Many shared that concern.
I nodded slowly.
—Do not worry. We have reliable information that the chances of crossing paths with them are low.
The wolf did not step back.
—And if it happens?
I smiled faintly.
—That is why we have this.
I gave a signal.
Two warriors from my tribe dragged heavy chests and placed them before me.
They opened them.
One contained dozens of bottles filled with black liquid. The other held reinforced leather masks.
Several gazes filled with surprise.
—Our healers developed these elixirs. After drinking them, your body color will turn white for several hours… and your natural scent will also be altered.
Some leaned closer to inspect them.
—The masks complete the disguise. Covered face, modified scent, altered appearance.
I struck the chest with one claw.
—The alliance considers that sufficient.
A feline warrior asked:
—And how will we transport the resources?
—Simple.
I lifted my head proudly.
—We will use the system to teleport directly to Dalaran.
Murmurs spread.
I sensed distrust.
—I know what you are thinking. We will not appear in the main plaza.
I smiled.
—The alliance rented a private island in Dalaran. It will serve as our headquarters. Only authorized members may enter.
A wave of astonishment ran through the rows.
—A private island?
—That costs a fortune…
—Are you serious, Captain?
—Completely.
I straightened my posture.
—Thanks to our recent conquest, the alliance has sufficient resources.
Several roared with enthusiasm.
Others smiled for the first time since the formation began.
Fear was turning into confidence.
Exactly as it should.
—It was not cheap, —I added,— but it was necessary.
I looked through the rows once more.
—As you can see, this is not being improvised.
My tone hardened.
—You have five minutes to prepare.
I turned on my paws.
—We leave as soon as time is up.
Point of View: Sara
I searched for Tharok among the crowd.
It was not difficult.
He towered over almost everyone.
His enormous body covered in dark fur, broad shoulders, and massive arms made him impossible to ignore. Even standing still, he looked like a beast built to crush enemies.
And yet…
He was still naive.
I approached with a sweet smile.
—Thank you for being here.
He turned toward me immediately.
He always did that.
Always attentive.
Always available.
—It means a lot to me that you came with me.
He forced a small smile.
But conflict still lingered in his eyes.
—I feel bad about what we are going to do… but I came to protect you.
I smiled tenderly.
—And that is why I thank you.
We remained silent for a few seconds.
Then I pointed toward several warriors struggling with their masks.
—Love… could you help them? It seems several of them do not know how to adjust them.
He gave a small laugh.
—I suppose that is the advantage of having hands.
He raised one of his huge furry hands.
—Alright. I'll go.
I nodded.
—I'll bring the elixirs for us.
He left immediately.
I watched him help the others patiently, adjusting straps, fastening clasps, explaining how to wear them.
Always the same.
Strong.
Capable.
Admired by everyone.
And wasted by others.
When I confirmed no one was paying attention to me, my smile vanished.
—What a disappointment you were, Tharok…
My voice was barely a whisper.
I walked to the chest and took one bottle.
Then I pulled another from my bag.
Almost identical.
Only I knew the difference.
—I thought you would challenge your father.
I looked at his back in the distance.
—I thought you would overthrow him… take command… and I would rule at your side.
I slowly shook my head.
—I wasted too much time on you.
I held both bottles and took a deep breath.
Then I restored my sweet expression.
I walked toward him.
—Are you busy, love?
He turned to me and smiled at once.
—For you… never.
I handed him the altered bottle.
—Here.
He drank it without hesitation.
Not a single question.
I drank the real one.
Within seconds, the change began.
His dark fur turned white. Mine did as well. Our natural scent disappeared.
The taste was horrible.
But effective.
Tharok looked at his arms in surprise.
—Impressive…
Then he looked at the others.
—The alliance really put effort into this.
I nodded.
I tried to put on my mask, but he stopped me.
—Wait.
I raised an eyebrow with innocent surprise.
He smiled.
—You always help me. Let me do something for you.
He took the mask in his huge hands and carefully placed it over my face. He adjusted the straps slowly, trying not to hurt me.
His fingers brushed my cheek.
—Done.
All I felt was disgust.
—Two minutes left!
Drakar's voice shattered the moment.
Tharok stepped away.
—There's no time left. I'll go help the others.
I nodded sweetly.
—I'll wait here.
He left immediately.
As soon as he was far enough away, I wiped in disgust the part of the mask he had touched.
Then I whispered:
—I hate when you put your hands on me.
I looked at his back one last time.
Helping everyone.
Trusting everyone.
Understanding nothing.
—You should not have come.
My voice turned cold.
—And you should never have trusted me.