“Things are surely getting more busy in the Pack’s base,” Flora said as a matter of fact.
The Alpha had always been busy, but his work doubled ever since the alliance was announced. He was in a tight schedule, but so were the high ranked wolves, and those with healing prowess. Axel became extra attentive to their preparation. Not only that, but he was fully supporting the Wesleyeian wolves in their impending war.
The Western Border was known to be an independent pack. They didn’t commit to alliance. They never needed helped. Nor did they ever became friendly with the neighboring Kingdom. The Western Border was a strong infamous pack whose leader was vicious. They stood tall with confident strength.
So, the sudden alliance shook not only his pack but the others who got their eyes on them, as well. It was what happened to Efraim, and their officially valid union effective today, since today was the day they were going to signed the papers with their signature, vow, and blood, all to be each other’s legal ally.
“Indeed, Flora.” Sophie agreed. “Axel have his hands full with the preparation. Isn’t this the first time he’s lending a hand to the other pack?”
Sophie had already talked to Axel, and found out the reason he wanted an alliance. But his worked up behavior regarding the war was a little too much for someone who’s only after the benefits. If he only did agree because of the information he wanted in return, he should’ve just waited until the day of the effective date. But instead, he took his time discussing the rules, and restriction. He even sent some of his men to guard the Wesleyeian’s, anticipating for a surprise attack.
He was too generous that it was… odd.
“Now that you mentioned it, My Lady, yes.” Flora stood straight, and looked back to her grace, Sophie, who was behind her. “But this is a good sign. The Alpha’s ways are now changing. If we are to gather more ally, the whole Kingdom will sure to take benefit.”
“Changing?” Sophie chortled. “He’s preparing for a war. Do you think that’s a sign of changing?”
Sophie knew Axel as a very fierce Alpha. He was cruel. Harsh. Cold. But at the same time, his love for his pack was real. And Sophie was getting a hint that maybe the reason Axel wasn’t fond of alliance was because he was afraid of betrayal.
Perhaps, it was his trust issue reacting to the smallest possibility of being betrayed.
Sophie thought so that she refused to believe he was changing. Not that she strongly disagree, nor she was doubting his ability to change. But she knew Axel, she spent time with him enough to memorized his patters, and to predict what he was thinking.
“Do you think all these efforts was because of his love for war, My Lady?” Flora asked, chuckling. “Then maybe David isn’t his real father but Ares.”
Sophie laughed at Flora’s joke. It fitted the topic that she would’ve agreed if Ares was real and not a myth. There were similarities. Their names both started with A. Ares was a God, Axel was godly looking. Ares loved war, so did Axel.
Shaking her head, Sophie held Flora’s wrist. “Leave the rest to the gardener. How about we visit the base to see how the preparation is going?”
Sophie actually didn’t want go because she wanted to see the male wolves’ training. She instead wanted to see the healers who were chosen help in the war. She wanted to see the differences in their healing prowess. Sophie was aware it had different colors, depending on the rank, but she have never seen it herself.
And she would love to, now that she had the opportunity.
Flora couldn’t do anything but come. Afterall, despite acting like each other’s friend, she was Sophie’s servant.
Flora stop watering the flowers, and went to the gardener who lived near the Palace, to asked him to continue what she was doing. She changed her slighty dirted servant dress into a clean one, with a different color, before they deserted the Palace.
“You know, Flora…” Sophie trailed off as she gazed outside to see the view they’re passing to.
It was a wide land dominated with green grass. The tip dancing along with the rythym of the wind. It was a simple scape, nothing compared to the view of sunsets, sunrise, or the view of the stars and moon in above every night. But it was actually…. mesmerizing.
“One of the Council wanted our guild to be chosen as the healers that would participate in the battlefield.” Spohie continued. “It’s an opportunity, right?”
Though Axel had already decided she wouldn’t come, she had her doubts. Axel would permit the others, but not her. Technically, it wasn’t a bad call. Whether or not she come along, it would benefit the group. But she felt bad about thinking they’d go there without her, who brought them together.
On top of that, who would serve as their backbone?
“It’s dangerous, My Lady,” said Flora.
“I know. But we’re healers.” Sophie turned to Flora. “We served as the warrios’ shield.”
“My Lady, you have to accept that there are much competent wolves who can take the role. The group you establish is still not ready for that.” Flora sighed. “Forgive me for saying this, but it is a war, you are talking about. I think the Alpha’s decision was for the better.”
“But we could go as a healer that would help them lessen the work. You said so yourself, Flora, it’s a war. The number of healer should be at least half of the warriors in the battlefield.” Sophie countered. “So, I’m thinking about pursuing the Council.”
“Without telling the Alpha?” Flora’s brows creased.
“Yes…” Sophie breathed hard. “But it’s not like I’m going to hide it for a bad intention. I just wanted to prove that we, low ranked wolves can be of help, too.”
Flora smiled faintly. Though, she fully understood Sophie’s point, Sophie wasn’t looking in a wide angle that would help her analyze the situation rationally. Sophie had a point. Allowing them to help would boost the other Omega’s confidence. It would help them realize that that their purpose in the pack was more significant and meaningful, and that they could contribute more.
On the other hand, they were unexperiened wolves. Healers whose prowess was not that great. They lacked practice and awareness, both in experience, and knowledge. So, how would they help without even being the basic healer?
Besides…
“I don’t think it is advisable to hide things from him, especially when you just fought because he was not honest with you.” Flora’s tone was calm.
Flora wanted to make Sophie understand, without making it look like she was scolding her.
Sophie bit her tongue.
Right. Sophie inwardly realized Flora’s point. They did fight because he was hiding things from her. What difference would it make if she’ll do the same?
Sighing, Sophie slowly turned her head outside the window. “Do you think he’ll change his mind if I pursue him?”
Flora, who read Sophie’s expression, let out a small smile. “There’s another way, My Lady.”
–––
The Alpha proceeded with his plan to use Edward’s connection. He wanted to have the advantage to make sure they would win the war, so even if he hated the idea of actually asking him for a favor, the Alpha bended down his pride.
They were just planning to do something to strengthen the bond. The favor would be a good start of that.
A few knocks from outside the door caught Axel’s attention. He was just currently checking the health condition of the chosen wolves.
“Come in.”
Axel stopped what he was doing. He closed the folder, and rested his back on the chair. His eyes went to the door, to wait who would show up. He wasn’t expecting anyone today. He was just supposed to finished the piled up work in his desk.
“Greetings, Alpha.”
Came from the door was Hansel. He bowed down to the Alpha, before saying his report. “Rebecca’s mate had just arrived, Alpha. He’s on the conference room, now.”
Axel’s lips pursed. Edward was quick to react. He was expecting his arrival tomorrow, but Axel came a day earlier. Axel nodded his head, before he stood up from her seat. He’s facing Edward to ask for a favor, so he took a minute of his time to locked his bad temper. Starting this day, he should not let his hostility against him win. It would be a ceasefire, just until August’s attack.