The Alpha of the Western Borders discussed the agreed decision between him and The Alpha's Council over dinner. He informed the Wesleyeian wolves about his communication with their leader, Efraim. Including the settled schedule of their interrogation and their departure. It was a good news for both party.
Tomorrow that day, Axel took the Weslyeian wolves to their Headquarters, with Sophie, whose intention was to get the result of their request paper to form a guild. They began the questioning at exactly ten am. With the presence of only the Alpha, his Council, and the Wesleyeian wolves.
It was an important meeting, so it was just conventional that all of the wolves were forbidden to come close to the area where the discussion was held. Not even a single step, to ensure that their conversation will stay confidential until the time of announcement.
There wasn’t much to clear, as the Alliance was already promised. However, the Wesleyian wolves’ current situation, and as well as what happened to make them seek alliance was to intimated during the questioning. The Alpha, and the Elders, found it vital to see the exact story before actually proceeding with the alliance, so they can create a befitting set of rules or regulations for the said union.
“Any falsehood that you may commit, during this questioning will have an impact to the alliance, Wesleyeian wolves.” Ernesto made it sure to emphasize every word. “So, I suggest you to speak nothing but the truth. No more, no less.”
All of them were sitting in a chair around the oval-shaped table. They were in the conferencing room made for this kind of evaluation and discussion. The Alpha had just started the questioning, but the wolves on the other side of the table, had conferred them nothing but hesitancy. Ernesto had to remind them the essence of this discussion, which was to identify their current situation.
Any lies, and made-up story, will not be accepted.
“I am sorry. I just don’t think disclosing that much information is admissible.” Conrad explained. “We are low ranked wolves, who were only assigned to confirm whether or not the news about the Western Borders’ alliance was true. I believe the details you asked of us are too substantial.”
“Our deepest apologies, but we all think the same.” Gondol agreed. “I think it would be much better for you to ask our leader yourself––“
“It is not for you to decide whether or not you have the position to give us what we ask for.” The Alpha stood up. “Speak, Wesleyeian wolves. Because I do not have the time to consider the opinion of your likes.”
The schedule was already set. Right now, the Wesleyeian wolves in front of them shall speak, whether or not they were against it. It was not a choice they can decide for themselves. Though, they had already guaranteed the alliance, the union was still not valid until they signed the papers and commit to the rules they would afterwards discuss thoroughly.
Meaning to say, if these wolves will not abide, the call to slay them for not fulfilling their word of honor will be up to the Alpha.
“Alpha, we cannot just simply reveal such salient information.” Dorrothy spoke, in hope of persuading the Alpha. “I know we agreed to the interrogation, but please understand. If you may, can you at least allow us to communicate with our Leader, so we can ask for permission?”
The Weslyeian wolves’ loyalty was something admirable. It made Axel want to believe that all of them were the same. However, this was not a test of their allegiance but an interrogation to know the truth.
“This is important for the alliance, Dorrothy.” Axel placed his both hands on the table. “Do you think we’re playing hide and seek right now? Should you be focusing on keeping the truth rather than making an easy way out of this?”
“Forgive me for asking. But if this is that important, why didn’t you just ask our leader when you communicated with him?” Dorrothy made sure his words would come out careful and harmless.
The other three of the Wesleyeian wolves, who were silent, wordlessly agreed to what Dorrothy asked. It was the question they had been searching for at the back of their tongue. Indeed. If it was that important, why didn’t he just ask their leader, Efraim about it?
Surely, if it would contribute on forming the union as fast as possible, their leader, Efraim, would be more than willing to share the whole situation with them.
“Would you rather if I use force now?” The Alpha, who had lost his patience, stood up straight. “Perhaps, we can turn this interrogation into torturing. Afterall, it wouldn’t be much of a big deal since the alliance is still not valid.”
Certainly, there was a flaw in the Alpha’s argument. If it was really important, he could’ve just asked the leader himself. But since he was the one who initiated the communication, the situation inverted. Had he asked beforehand his reason, Efraim would also earn interest in knowing why he was invested.
He cannot divulge his objective, fearing that Efraim might take it as a way to see the alliance as a win-win situation. Axel wanted to make it look like he has the lead.
“Now, now. Let’s not make this hard.” Ernesto tried to break the tension. “Wesleyeian wolves, if none of you feel inclined in sharing the information. Neither of you will come back alive.”
Alpha and his Council share the same cruelty. It was one of the many reasons they’ve managed to stand by alongside each other for a long time. And the Wesleyeian wolves, who were in the same room, just witnessed it with their own eyes. The threatening look in the Alpha, and the Elders’ eyes were no pun.
It was either to tell, or to be killed.
Gondol breathed hard, and looked down.
They did not live for themselves. Up until now, they live and survive for the sake of their pack and family. If they were to be killed here, who would take care of their family? Who would protect them?
“In exchange of our safety, I will talk.”
–––
Inside Axel’s covert located in the second floor of the Western Border’s base was Sophie and Flora in a three-seater couch. For two hours and nineteen minutes, they had been waiting for the Wesleyeian’s interrogation to be done. Sophie had changed positions, went in and out, and even tried to entertain herself by inspecting Axel’s den. But the waiting was long enough for her to still feel boredom.
This was the first time she came here with Axel. Also, the first time she ever actually heard of Axel and the Council interrogating wolves from the other Pack. She was always in the Palace, so she had no idea it was this formal and long.
Nor was she even interested in Axel’s work in the first place.
Now that she’s thinking about it, Sophie realized how tough this work must be for Axel. How stressing it must have been to handle all the Kingdom’s affairs. Though, the Elders were guiding him by being his Council, Alpha had to do most of the work since he was in the position.
The Alpha’s work has a wide range. The whole kingdom’s condition, and needs. The Kingdom’s affiliation with merchants and traders. Ensuring the strength of the Pack, to maintain their standing. He was very active to his duties and responsibilities.
“So, I assume you’ve settled your fight with the Alpha?” Flora asked in a careful tone. “You seemed lovely this morning. Uhm. I mean, genuine.”
“Genuine? So, was our act the other days that obvious?” Sophie, who was sitting in Axel’s chair, chuckled.
“No…” Flora shook her head. “Perhaps, it looked faked to me because I knew you were in a fight.”
Sophie raised her brows. “Hmm, yes. We did make up.”
Flora smiled, expecting her question. She was already aware by the fact that the two had made up, not because of what she saw this morning, but because of what she heard when she was about to call them for dinner.
Flora stared at Sophie’s face. Surely, her grace looked genuinely happy now, unlike the other day. She was anxious and threatened. And witnessing the slight changes in Sophie’s behavior made it clear how much she really loved him.
If she could, she would protect it. Not because she was her servant, but because her grace, Sophie, has the kindest heart. It was the same reason she didn’t want her to get involved with her… unknown affair.
Flora was only about to say something, when they heard a knock from the door. They both looked in their left, curious of who it was. Flora stood up and insisted to open the door.
“Oh…”
Fake disappointment crossed Rebecca’s eyes as soon as she saw the other wolf who opened the door. Of course, she knew the Alpha wasn’t here. She heard from her little informat that he will be in the conferencing room to interrogate the Wesleyeian wolves. It wasn’t Axel she was after to, this time.
It was Sophie.
“Ms… Rebecca…” Flora’s voice went low. “What…”
She didn’t know she’d come here personally. Flora immediately looked back to her grace, Sophie, to see her reaction. But unlike her, Sophie’s confusion was calm, not alarmed.
“Rebecca?” Sophie stood up from her seat. “The Alpha’s not here. Did you not know?”
“Oh, he’s not? We agreed to see each other today to discuss something. Where is he?”