Flameless

Flames IV: Thalen's World

Thalen's POV

I reached the courtroom, a familiar large-framed door facing me. I looked to my side and met Eira’s emerald eyes. I smiled and gave her a light pat on the head before pushing the door open.

The familiar scent of smoke mixed with fragrance hit my nose. The air was thick — as usual. The chandelier and ancient decorations of the courtroom always gave me goosebumps. The walls lined with paintings of dragons, wolves, and silver flames, to the marble floor… everything about the room was magnificent.

I turned to look at Eira again. This was her first time in the courtroom. The air here was always thicker, so anyone without enough power couldn’t stand it for long without suffocating. For that reason, I rarely came with an escort.

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“Come in,” I said to the person peeking behind the door.

“How did you know I was there?” a familiar soft voice said.

I smiled and turned. There she was — Nyam.The pup of our pack. I bent down to her level, smiling. Her vibrant blue eyes always reminded me of hope and a bright future for this power-obsessed world we live in.

I opened my arms, gesturing for her to come in for a hug. She rushed toward me, wrapping her hands around my neck. I loved her as though she were mine. Everyone in the pack did.

“You were breathing too loudly,” I said, separating from the hug with a smug smile.

“Ah!” she exclaimed, covering her mouth with her tiny hands.

I couldn’t help but laugh.

“You’re too dramatic,” I said, standing.

“Why does—” she began, but a sharp knock cut her off.

We both turned toward the door.

“Your mum has been looking for you, little one,” Eira said, her hand stretched out as if gesturing for Nyam to come.

Nyam turned to me, her smile brighter than ever.

“I’ll be back,” she whispered sheepishly and waved.

I just smiled and shook my head. She walked to where Eira stood and took her hand. Then she tugged Eira closer, as if wanting to tell her a secret.

“I made Uncle Thalen laugh,” she whispered with a proud grin.

Eira laughed and glanced at me before taking Nyam to her mother.

I went back to the desk where I was arranging some herbs I had gathered on my way from the palace. I sat down and started to journal.

“Nyam really likes you.” I could tell it was Eira without even turning.

“She’s a child. She likes everyone,” I said, still journaling.

“It’s different with you, though,” she said, walking closer. “It’s like she sees through your tough skin and manages to bring out that soft side you so desperately try to hide.”

“Eira,” I said sternly.

“Fine, fine. I just wanted to find out if you were okay. Your mood has been sour since we left the palace.”

“I’m fine.”

“Is there anything I need to be worried about?” she asked, her voice low.

I dropped my quill and turned to face her. I turned the chair toward the bed and motioned for her to sit.

“No, it’s fine, Thalen. That will be disrespectful,” she said, her voice shaky.

“I insist.”

With that, she slowly walked toward the bed frame and sat.

“Something’s up,” I said, my voice low.

“What is it?” she said, concerned.

“Every decision the Silvers made was layered — one motive hiding beneath another. If they wanted servants, they would have taken them. If they wanted obedience, they would have enforced it. This felt different. The Silvers never acted without reason. That's why I'm feeling uneasy because this is far from normal.”

“Maybe a lot of the slaves have been dying, so they just wanted more healthy ones that won’t die easily,” she said confidently.

I chuckled.

“What’s funny?” she asked, clearly getting offended.

“Why is me chuckling riling you up?” I said, turning to face my desk.

“You don’t know how you do it, that’s why. Makes anyone sound like an idiot.”

“Well…” I said with a shrug.

“Thaleeennn,” she whined, clearly offended.

“I’m joking, I’m joking,” I said, turning around with a smug smile. “My beta can never be an idiot.” I smiled, mockery laced in my tone.

“You’re just annoying,” she said, rolling her eyes as she got up to leave.

“You’d be the first I’d tell if anything comes up,” I said in a serious tone.

She turned to me and nodded slightly, as if affirming what I’d said. Then she left.