LOVE ETERNAL

FINDING-A-SOLUTION

Sir Klaus Montfort was the oldest member of the Grimstone Pack, as well as one of the oldest elders in the entire Southern Conclave. He witnessed leadership transitions across three generations, with Ethan being the current leader.

In his prime, Sir Klaus was known as a formidable warrior, known for his participation in numerous battles and his significant contributions to many great victories for the Pack and the entire Southern Conclave. He was highly revered for his vast knowledge and enormous experience, and even the Alpha treated him as a near equal.

However, half a century ago, Sir Klaus abruptly withdrew from active service, becoming indifferent to the Pack’s worldly affairs. Some speculated that he had grown weary from witnessing too much, while others believed he felt he had paid his dues. Regardless, Sir Klaus remained aloof and unconcerned.

Thus, when he stood up to speak, everyone was taken aback. Many believed that the threat to the Pack’s fate and safety compelled him to act. His words were trusted and unchallenged, serving as a reference point for all - given the belief in his wisdom and authority.

“This issue should be a curse, but the solution would depend on the nature of the curse, and most importantly, the reason behind it,” Klaus explained.

“So, what do you suggest we do?” Ethan asked, his voice filled with expectations.

“The way forward, I would like to suggest,” he counseled, “is to find a seer, just like our predecessors did, that can give us a reason behind the curse, and its nature as well.

“Do we all agree with this?” Ethan asked the entire council, trying to be diplomatic in his approach, although he did not really need their opinion to make his decision.

“Yes, we agree,” they all chorused in unison.

“Then, so be it!” Ethan concluded.

“Sir, Klaus, we would leave the part of finding a seer to you, and we would assist you with everything you need to extend the invitation,” Ethan declared. With his deep connections and vast experience, it was natural for Klaus to know the right seer to choose for the task, Ethan reasoned.

“Yes my Alpha!” Klaus replied, his thoughts seemingly distant from the gathering, lost in contemplation.

“And one more thing,” Ethan commanded with a stern voice, “This needs to be treated as top secret, until we have a solid footing on it.”

Ethan nodded towards Arnold, signaling for him to take over the proceedings of the meeting. As he went back to his seat, his mind drifted with varying thoughts - considerations of strategy, the weight of responsibility, and the lingering anticipation of a fruitful end to the current debacle.

“We will end today’s deliberation here. Any other information will be communicated to you all accordingly,” Arnold announced, signaling the closure of the meeting.

They all arose, as they waited in reverence for the Alpha to depart, then they all dispersed in silence, each one preoccupied with their own thoughts and worries.

. . .

“What could be the problem? Is he okay?” Adrienne paced up and down the waiting room of the Royal Stronghold, her fist clenched, her brow furrowed, and her eyes betraying her deep concern.

He had been gone since the evening of their camping trip, and it was noon of the next day, and she had not heard a word.

Upon seeing her worried look, Ethan’s mischievous grin widened as he stealthily crept up behind her, his fingers poised to tickle. “Look at that worried expression,” he teased in a playful whisper, delighting in her startled reaction, as he began to tickle her. The ensuing laughter filled the room, echoing joyously against the walls.

“You got me worried?” Adrienne queried, lightly tapping his chest while feigning annoyance, although she was secretly glad to see him so cheerful. “It’s your work to get worried over your subjects and not the other way round” she teased.

Ethan pulled her into his embrace, and she laid there, feeling at peace.

“I’m glad you are safe,” she whispered softly.

Ethan nodded, struggling to compose his anxious feelings.

“What about the meeting?” she inquired, “what happened?”

“Not much, it was just an exaggerated ruse, everything is under control.” Ethan replied unconvincingly, trying to make her not to worry.

“Hmm,” she murmured, her attention drifting away from the topic. Her focus was now on him, as she relaxed into his embrace, finding solace in his presence, which was all she needed for comfort.

The door opened, and a young lady walked into the visiting area. Once she saw Ethan, she quickly ran to him and kowtowed reverently.

“Good day Sir,” she greeted.

The love-struck duo immediately turned around at the sound of the voice, disentangling themselves from each other’s embrace.

Ethan looked at her without saying a word, and simply nodded his head to acknowledge her greeting. Adrienne gently held her up.

“What is your name,” she asked.

‘Audrey!”

“I am Adrienne”

“I know,” Audrey mumbled softly.. Who did not know her - Adrienne the selfless? A girl with a heart of gold, who was the Alpha’s one and only true love, and also the proposed candidate for the position of Luna of the Pack. Everyone in the Pack knew her, especially the ladies, as she was their role model.

“Wow! Am I that popular?” Adrienne teased, turning around to wink at Ethan.

“Hope there is no problem?” she asked, trying to make Audrey feel relaxed.

“I heard the emergency bell yesterday, and since then, everywhere has been so quiet, with lots of strange speculation flying around. I was terrified, so I came around to ask Sir Arnold what the problem was, and if there was anything we could do to help,” she explained shyly.

“Oh, how kind of you,” Adrienne said, hugging Audrey tightly. “What would you do without your caring subjects?” she giggled, teasing Ethan.

Ethan smiled “It’s fine, There is nothing to worry about.” He was touched by her concern for the Pack, and her innocent demeanor reminded him of his love - Adrienne.

Adrienne hugged her tightly. “We are now sisters in service,” she said, “and our task is to assist our dear Alpha in worrying for the Pack.”

Audrey squirmed, uncomfortable being put in the spotlight, partly out of fear and reverence for Ethan, whose domineering Aura was difficult to breathe under.

“Don’t be scared,” Audrienne consoled, understanding her plight, “I will take care of you from here on out” she said, trying to exude a font of motherly grace.

Seeing the drama unfolding before him, Ethan couldn’t help but be amused. This would really be the case of one baby taking care of another, as they were both naive and innocent girls from humble upbringings.

Audrey smiled shyly, fidgeting with the belt of her gown.

The door of the visiting lobby swung open, and Arnold hurried in, with brisk footsteps. Upon seeing him, Adrienne said, “Sir Arnold, you have a visitor.”

Ethan smiled stiffly at her, acknowledging her presence, and then turned to look at his visitor - Audrey.

“It’s fine sir,” Audrey said, “she has already attended to my queries. I will be leaving now, as I have some errands to attend to.”

“I will be heading home too, I just wanted to make sure you’re okay and also find out what happened,” Adrienne chirped in, before Arnold could reply. She kissed Ethan’s cheek, her cheeks blushing. Then, she took Audrey’s hand, and they both scurried away.

Ethan nodded at them and turned his attention to Arnold.

“I’m afraid we need to talk,” Arnold said, his tone indicating seriousness.

“Okay…” Ethan said, signaling Arnold to continue with his report.

“The search for the seer has been suspended,” Ethan reported.

“You can't be serious!” Ethan exclaimed, visibly angry. “You of all people should know how important it is for us to quickly gain a strong footing on the situation. And our major lead is being halted?”

“Moreover, what gives you or anyone the right to make such a decision?” he asked furiously, his brows furrowed, eyes blazing with anger, and jaw clenched tight.

“We didn’t make the decision,” he replied cautiously, “I’m afraid it was made for us.”

“Sir Klaus Montfort is unconscious.”