Redeeming Kahlan

Chapter 5

In the grand council chamber, the Alpha King sat at the head of a long, polished table, surrounded by other members of the council. The atmosphere was tense as they deliberated on a problem that had arisen at the borders. A recent surge in rogue werewolf attacks had been causing havoc among neighboring packs, and they were at a loss for a solution.

Odin started. "Your Grace, the rogue attacks are escalating, and it's putting a strain on our resources to contain them. We must find a way to stop this before it spirals out of control."

"I agree, Odin," the Alpha King concurred. "We cannot allow this chaos to continue. We need a swift resolution."

As the council deliberated, the large doors to the chamber creaked open, and a figure draped in moonlit robes entered the room. All eyes turned toward the unexpected visitor.

"Forgive my intrusion, Your Grace, and esteemed council members. I bring a solution to your predicament."

It was Milicent, servant of the moon goddess and unarguably the most feared woman in all of Silverbrook.

"What brings you here, Milicent, and how do you claim to have a solution?" the Alpha King asked disinterestedly. "Is the moon goddess finished with you?"

The whole council burst into laughter, all except Milicent, of course.

"I am still a humble servant of the Moon Goddess, and I have been sent to aid you in your time of need." Milicent started.

"The rogue werewolf attacks are a result of a dark force that seeks to disrupt the balance of the moon's influence. To quell the unrest, you must perform a sacred ritual under the light of the full moon."

"A ritual? What kind of ritual is this, and how do we perform it?"

It was Jonas, another member of the council.

"The ritual involves invoking the blessings of the Moon Goddess to dispel the darkness that has taken hold of the rogue werewolves. It requires a bond that is strong and pure, one of destined mates."

Now the Alpha King was puzzled. "Destined mates? What do you mean?"

"Your grace and your bond with the woman who is the mother of your child hold the key. She is your fated mate, chosen by the Moon Goddess herself."

Looking to see that she had arrested the attention of the entire council, she continued, "When your hearts are in perfect harmony under the full moon, the ritual will channel the goddess's power to quell the unrest."

The council members exchanged surprised glances, and Odin spoke up.

"Your Grace, if what the servant says is true, then it means the solution lies with the woman who is the mother of your child."

The Alpha King was thoughtful. "That woman is Kahlan. How can her presence aid in this matter?"

"Your fated bond is more profound than you realize, Your Grace. The bond that connects you two transcends mere emotions. It is a bond forged by destiny, and it carries great power in the eyes of the Moon Goddess."

It was Caelia who spoke up next. "What do we do then? How do we proceed with the ritual?"

"Your Grace, when the next full moon graces the night sky, take the woman who is your mate to the sacred grove at the heart of the forest. There, under the gentle glow of the moon, you must open your hearts to one another, allowing the Moon Goddess's blessing to flow through your bond."

"If this can bring peace to our dominion, then we shall perform the ritual as you've instructed," the Alpha King said, rising from his seat.

As the servant of the Moon Goddess departed, the Alpha King's mind was consumed with thoughts of the revelation that Kahlan was his fated mate. Filled with determination, he immediately called for a nearby guard.

"Bring Kahlan to me immediately. I need to speak with her."

"At once, Your Grace."

The guard swiftly left the council chamber to fulfill the Alpha King's command. However, when he arrived at Kahlan's chambers, he found the room empty.

The guard at once returned to the throne room. "Your Grace, Kahlan, is missing. She is nowhere to be found."

The Alpha King quipped furiously. "What do you mean they are missing? Find them now!"

The guards scoured every corner of the palace, searching for any sign of Kahlan, but their efforts yielded no results. The Alpha King's frustration grew with every passing moment, and he demanded answers.

"Bring Desiree before me immediately. She may know something about Kahlan's whereabouts."

A few moments later, Desiree was brought before the Alpha King, her hands trembling with fear.

Desiree began quivering nervously. "Your Grace, I swear I know nothing about where Kahlan is. The last time I saw her was this morning when she laid in bed."

"Do not lie to me, Desiree. I know you are close to her. Tell me where she is," the Alpha King bellowed.

Desiree became frantic: "I speak the truth, Your Grace. I have no knowledge of her whereabouts. Please believe me."

The Alpha King's anger boiled over, and he became convinced that Desiree was hiding something.

The Alpha King went cold. "If you won't tell me the truth, then you are of no use to me."

With a swift gesture, he gave the order, and his guards closed in on Desiree, ready to carry out his command.

Desiree began pleading profusely. "Please, Your Grace, I swear I know nothing!"

But it was too late. The guards carried out the Alpha King's orders, and Desiree's life was taken before she could utter another word.

The Alpha King sounded the order. "Search the kingdom for Kahlan. Leave no stone unturned. I want her found immediately."

The guards bowed and dispersed, following their orders diligently. Orders were screamed around the palace as the guards began moving in different directions.