The Alpha King's Nemesis-Chapter 197: More Than You Bargained For ()

Zariah and Caedmon had not gone so far into the woods when Zariah sensed that they were being trailed.

However, Zariah said nothing of it. She just carried on walking in silence, enjoying the serenity of the evening.

They had been out all day, as most of Zariah’s days had been recently spent entirely with Caedmon and it was only at the late hours of the night they would part ways.

Since she had decided to figure Caedmon out in a month, Zariah had dedicated much time and all the patience she could afford into it.

"Do you still feel so full?" Caedmon asked Zariah.

He had chipped in a random question here or there and Zariah had provided him answers to his questions just to keep the conversation going.

Zariah was certain Caedmon could tell they were being trailed, however he acted perfectly normal like there was no such thing and Zariah played along.

’What could he be after exactly?’ Zariah thought to herself.

However she had absolutely no inclination of what Caedmon could be planning, not even after all the time she had spent with him.

Caedmon stopped walking all of a sudden and Zariah passed a questioning look to him.

"Zari... I think I might need to head back to the town. I was to meet with a few Ethereal Alphas downtown and it completely skipped my mind." Caedmon said to Zariah.

"The meeting was urgently called and I have given my word to be present already. I hate to cut our day short like this, I would not do so if I had another way." Caedmon said in a guilty tone.

"The Ethereal Alphas are meeting in the human town? How come? There is the Ethereal Palace where they can have whatever deliberations, why meet outside?" Zariah asked Caedmon with a raised brow.

Caedmon nodded slowly, placing a hand on Zariah’s shoulder.

"I know it sounds suspicious, to be gathering without the Alpha King’s permission however given the situation of things across the domain and the... rumours involving the Alpha King..." Caedmon trailed off.

"You know those dreadful rumors cannot be true. Without a doubt, Askel detests rogues...who amongst us does not? Even so, he is not a killer. He would never do such a thing, slaughtering rogues unprovoked." Zariah said with a frown.

"I completely agree, I have known Askel for a short time also. Be that as it may, it is a fact that the Alpha King has had many events where he was unable to contain his bloodthirst, even as a prince."

"Many can attest to having witnessed him acting extremely savage, something beyond ordinary and everyone knows his strength is just unreal... even for the Alpha King. There is definitely more to this, the rumors are not completely baseless." Caedmon told Zariah.

"What are you saying?" Zariah asked in a displeased tone.

"Yes, they may be sorely exaggerated, but the Alpha King has done nothing to refute them and has not even showed up in any gatherings by his council for the past weeks."

"It is becoming concerning and the rumors turn even uglier by the day, that is precisely why the Ethereal Alphas need to gather to deliberate and know the best way to get past this."

"We cannot do it with the knowledge of the Alpha King... especially now that he is hardly seen." Caedmon explained.

"Look Zari, I know this may not be comfortable or easy for you to hear, knowing what Askel is to you and I would not say it to you if I could help it, but as an Alpha, I also need to face the facts."

"Protecting the people of the Ethereal Domain is our priority and you Zari, you are Crimson Alpha, ultimately, we will look to you for the final decision, you cannot afford to be sentimental."

"You have only known Askel for a few months, you cannot know him well enough to vouch for him...I hope you can stay out of this, just as you have done so far."

"If Askel is innocent, naturally we will find out the truth...no one wishes harm to the Alpha King on account of some mere rogues, he is our leader. But we must provide an explanation to the people before the panic escalates." Caedmon said in a low tone.

Zariah was quiet for a moment, just studying Caedmon’s eyes before she nodded slowly.

"I understand. Do what you have to do." Zariah said to Caedmon, stepping back from his hold slightly.

Caedmon breathed a quiet sigh, brushing Zariah’s hair away from her face slightly.

"I will come find you much later." Caedmon assured Zariah.

Zariah watched Caedmon leave, her hands clenched tightly underneath her cloak.

"Is it truly that the Ethereal Alphas have begun doubting Askel, or is it just you attempting to sow discord in his time of difficulty and vulnerability?"

"What are you truly after? Why must you attack Askel’s credibility at this time? What does your King want from him? Could it be Askel is the ultimate target this time around? Could it be the changes made to fate have made him the victim?" Zariah murmured to herself, rage surging within her veins.

Zariah did not get to ponder over it for too long, it was not long after Caedmon had left that a low growl sounded from behind Zariah.

Zariah froze up, her fists clenching even tighter.

"What do you hope to prove by this, Caedmon?" Zariah murmured,

Her muscles grew taut and Zariah leaped out of the way, just as the first rogue lunged at her.

Zariah whirled around, not surprised to find she was already surrounded by four mangy looking rogues.

’Four...or more...’ Zariah thought as she reached out with her senses.

However, Zariah was still in recovery, her senses were not as keen and Caedmon knew that...he knew...

"Whatever you want, I should give it to you, this time, I will give you everything once again...but it will be far more than you bargained for." Zariah muttered.

Zariah stretched her hand out, summoning her blade.