Heart of Blue Crescent: Aurora and Rowan

Chapter 11: Future Security

As the party was winding down, Lucian, Alaric, and Magnus gathered in a corner, chatting quietly. Lucian’s expression turned serious as he spoke, "Even though we’re celebrating now, we can’t ignore the threat. We don’t know how many rogues are still out there. We’ve killed most of them, and the ones who escaped are likely badly injured. Without proper treatment, their survival is uncertain, but we can’t afford to take this attack lightly."

Alaric nodded, his face thoughtful. "You’re right. That’s why I’ve come up with a solution and sent a draft to the Council. I’m waiting for their response."

Magnus, clearly surprised, leaned forward. "When did you manage that? You’ve been at the hospital all day with Isolde, and you didn’t even sleep! What’s the plan? Why didn’t you tell us?" Lucian looked at Alaric, equally curious.

Alaric smiled slightly. "Calm down. Yes, I was at the hospital, but there was plenty of time while Isolde and Aurora were sleeping or during their checkups. I’ve been thinking about how we can control the rogue threat or at least keep an eye on them. This is something I discussed with Lucian before, but back then, it was just an idea. After the recent attack, it’s become crucial. I still shudder to think what could have happened if the Moon Goddess hadn’t protected Isolde."

Lucian’s eyes widened as he remembered. "Is this the plan that involves working with the human world? Those security gadgets?"

Alaric nodded. "Exactly. You know how fascinated I’ve always been with the human world, even during my college days. I chose Human Studies as my major—something almost no one else does. Humans may lack our enhanced senses, but they’ve developed advanced technologies to compensate. We’ve only recently adopted things like cars, but they’ve been using them for ages."

The others smiled, remembering Alaric’s obsession with human technology. His eyes always lit up when he spoke about it. As they exchanged amused glances, Alaric checked his phone and suddenly his face brightened. He looked up and said, "We need to move to my office. Now."

Lucian took a spoon and tapped it against his champagne glass, grabbing everyone’s attention. "The party is officially over," he announced. "Those who wish to continue may do so, but we have some urgent matters to attend to." As they prepared to leave, Luna Elara mind-linked Lucian, asking what was going on.

"Nothing to worry about, darling," Lucian replied. "It’s just Alaric being enthusiastic about the human world. We’re heading to his office. You carry on, but it’s better to stay in the pack house for Aurora’s sake."

The three men made their way to Alaric’s office, and on the way, Lucian mind-linked Ethan, asking him to join them. Once inside, Alaric quickly opened his laptop and showed them an approval from the Council. "They’ve approved the plan," he said, "but they need an official request signed by both the Alpha and Luna."

Ethan looked confused. "What was the request?"

Magnus, still curious, added, "Yeah, that’s what I’ve been asking him!"

Alaric leaned back, explaining, "You all know about security cameras, right? Although we’ve never used them, they could be incredibly useful for monitoring our territory with minimal effort. I know we usually rely on our senses, but what’s the harm in adding an extra layer of security? Since no one in our world has ever used them, I needed the Council’s permission. I sent them a detailed proposal, and after doing their research, they agreed there’s no harm in installing them. Now, we just need your approval." He looked at Lucian.

Ethan frowned slightly. "How do we even monitor these cameras? And how do we install them? You know we can’t let humans into our world—it’s dangerous and against our laws. I know you’re an expert on the human world, but do you know how to get these things working and how to teach others to use them?"

Alaric’s eyes gleamed with excitement. "Good questions, Ethan. Luckily, we have a human who’s already part of our pack—Matthew, Elisa Moonshadow’s mate. He’s an electrician and knows how to install and monitor security cameras. He’s been with us for a month now, helping with human transactions, but we haven’t had much work for him due to his strength limitations. Now, he’ll lead our security team, if you all agree."

Lucian nodded thoughtfully. "I think we can trust him by now. He’s already taken the oath and clearly loves Elisa, even without a wolf. It must be hard for him to adjust, but he’s handling it well. They’re a rare couple—the first like them in recent history. Elisa is one of our elite warriors, and we always thought her mate would be someone as strong as her, but it seems the Moon Goddess has blessed her with incredible strength and speed to protect him."

Magnus, still impressed, shook his head. "I still wonder when you found the time to think all this through, execute it, and even talk to Matthew! We can’t even mind-link him—that’s one downside. Even Elisa can’t. We all have the same 24 hours in a day, but you managed to take care of Isolde and the boys and do all this? How?"

They all laughed at Magnus’s remark, but there was truth in his words. Alaric was one of the main reasons for the growth and prosperity of the Sapphire Claw pack. They were lucky to have him as their Beta. Not only Lucian but also the neighboring Alphas knew of Alaric’s talent. Some tried to sow discord between Lucian and Alaric, but their friendship was stronger than the petty talks of others. Alaric exuded the aura of an Alpha, and though he was officially the Beta, many still recalled the prophecy that an Alpha would be born in the pack. The prophecy had emerged before Caspian Silverclaw's birth, at a time when Luna Elara wasn’t even pregnant. This prophecy had stirred both curiosity and unease in Lucian and Alaric. They had once been eager to uncover the truth, but as time passed, the mystery faded into the background, forgotten or set aside for the sake of their own peace of mind.

As Alaric explained the workings of the security cameras, the others listened intently, asking questions and making sure they understood the technology. Once everyone was on the same page, Lucian drafted the official request to the Council. After proofreading the document, Elara knocked on the door. Lucian briefly explained the plan to her, and she quickly agreed, signing the document alongside Lucian. They then entrusted the document to Ethan, who, along with some of his men, left immediately to deliver it in person, as the council still believed in traditional methods.

Isolde and Astrid, seated in the pack house dining area, noticed Ethan heading out with a determined expression. They exchanged worried glances, wondering what might have happened. Until now, they had assumed it was just a "boys' thing" and hadn't interfered, even when Elara went upstairs. But now, their curiosity was tinged with concern. Just as they were about to mindlink someone, they saw all the men, along with Elara, coming down the stairs laughing. Their worries evaporated instantly. When they asked what had happened, they were informed about the new security measures. The group laughed at how they had been so worried just from seeing Ethan’s urgency.

Magnus then remarked, "Ever since his first mate died in the rogue attack, he’s been extra cautious about rogues and deeply concerned about the pack’s security. The Moon Goddess was kind enough to give him a second chance mate, so he's always on high alert when it comes to safety."

Their laughter faded as memories of that dark day came rushing back...