Deryn's Choice
1267 Words
LYALL’S POV:
I made my choice. I chose to stick by Deryn’s side. But that still didn’t make being here any easier. Emory could kill me in an instant if he wanted to. I am strong, sure...but not like him. He does the cruelest things with no hesitation. There are bodies he is the cause of that no one ever found. I sighed as I got lost in a spiral of my thoughts. I had to stay. I chose to do what was best for the kingdom. To stay here and gather intel about Emory’s plans moving forward. And that is what I planned to do. Besides, if it got too dangerous, Deryn would pull me from my mission without a moment's hesitation. I had to trust him.
Emory walked through the packhouse quickly snapping me back into reality. “Lyall, meet me in the boardroom. We need to discuss some things.”
I nodded and followed him as ordered. As I walked into the boardroom, I closed the door behind me for some privacy. “What is on your mind, Alpha?”
“I am glad you asked. So, we need to start moving this war into action. And to do that, I need allies.” He sighed as he contemplated where this thought was taking him. “I am a man who is not afraid to admit my faults. I am not a people person, Lyall. But you are. I need you to find a list of like-minded packs, and to find a way to sway them to join us.”
I tensed up a little. Surely if I did that, that would be considered a betrayal to Deryn. But if I didn’t agree, he would know something was off. “Of course, Alpha. How do you suppose I do that, though?”
He laughed a little as he tapped his fingers on the table. “I don’t know, you are a smart man, Lyall. I am sure you will come up with something.”
I nodded in understanding. “Okay, how many packs are you looking for to join you?”
He smiled as he stood from his seat. “As many as you can get.” He said walking out patting me on the shoulder. “You have a week to do so. Don't disappoint me.”
I sighed as he walked out of the room and into his private office closing and locking the door. I started to drown in my thoughts again as I pondered on what I should do. I walked out of the boardroom quickly and into my office at the end of the hall. I shut the door and locked it as well needing some time alone with my thoughts.
I sat at my desk quickly and pulled my cell phone out of my pocket and texted Deryn. “Emory wants me to be the one to gather the packs for his army. I need to know how you want me to proceed.”
As I sent the text, I immediately deleted it. I was trying to play this as safe as possible under the current circumstances. It wasn’t long before I received a reply. “He is moving quickly to start a war. How long did he give you to do so?”
“One week,” I said ensuring to delete each text as quickly as I could read or send it.
“That isn’t a lot of time. It is getting too risky for you to be there. And I don’t like the idea of you in a situation to gather an army to fight against us.” He replied a bit too quickly.
“I know, that is why I messaged you to see what you wanted me to do. I will do whatever you ask, just give the word.” I texted as I grew more and more nervous with each passing moment.
This reply from him came so much quicker than the last. “I think it is time to pull you from this mission. That is if you are still on my side.”
“Of course. When do I leave?” I asked curiously.
“Tonight. When Emory goes out for his evening drinks.” He replied.
“Okay, see you tonight,” I answered as I deleted all the texts I had received and sent.
DERYN’S POV:
I sighed as I sat in my office thinking. Emory was moving way too quickly. He seemed ready to rip the throne from us. But, I couldn’t let that happen. I silently wondered if pulling Lyall right now was the right decision. Emory was bound to find out when Lyall was officially recognized into my pack. It would outrage him beyond comparison. It may even force him to act sooner. Emory never was a man to think things through. But what I did know, was it was time to tell Leo and Shilo who the spy was so we could ensure he had a safe retreat tonight.
I pulled my phone out once more and decided it was best for Leo and Shilo to meet me here instead. “Come to my packhouse. We need to talk.”
I sat back at my desk patiently waiting for them to come. It came without saying that I expected Leo to bring Adria. After all, this concerned her too. A few minutes went by, and my door opened as the three of them stepped in.
“What is it you need to talk about, Uncle Deryn?” Shilo said as he sat on top of my desk.
“Things have gotten a bit...complicated. It became too risky for our spy so I am pulling him from his mission. He will become a member of my pack tonight. Emory is gathering an army and he wanted him to be the one to gather packs he can consider allies. He gave him a week to do so. So we don’t have much time. My pulling the spy can cause him to act quicker. But I felt as though I had no choice. I do think, however, it is time to tell you who it is. I will need your help ensuring his safety as he makes his way to us.” I explained as they all exchanged confused glances.
“Who is it, Dad?” Leo asked as he leaned against the wall.
“Lyall,” I said quickly as I watched them.
“How do you know he can be trusted?” Adria spoke up as she scanned the room. It was nice to see her finally coming out of her shell.
“Lyall has been a close friend of mine since we were kids. Before Lycansbane even came to be. He, Nolan, and I were always together. I would trust him with my life.” I responded as I remembered how truly close we used to be.
Leo watched me cautiously. “What do you need us to do?”
“I need you, and Shilo and Adria to come with me to mine and Lyall’s meeting point to ensure he gets out safely,” I answered already thinking of a way to get him out.
Regardless of what happened tonight, I would ensure Lyall was safe. I leaned back in my chair as everyone sat down so we could discuss a plan to get him out. I couldn’t help but hope this didn’t backfire. I hoped I made the right decision. Lives were in my hands, and I was determined not to fail.
- Writer
