Moonlight : The bloody hybrid

Chapter3 : Shadows Of The Past

William and Sedrick sat in the carriage, the only sound the distant calls of birds echoing through the forest, a melancholy serenade that underscored the tension between them. The air was heavy with tension, thick with unspoken words and unresolved emotions. Neither of them wanted to break the silence, as if the weight of their feelings and blood relations had rendered them speechless.

William, as the king, felt the burden of responsibility acutely, his duty to his throne and his people warring with his loyalty to his uncle. He gazed at Sedrick, his eyes taking in the gaunt lines of his face, the sunked eyes that seemed to hold a deep sadness.

"I rushed here as soon as I heard the news about your latest escapade, uncle," William finally said something, his voice laced with disappointment. He sat across from Sedrick, his gaze fixed intently on his uncle's face.

Sedrick remained silent, his eyes fixed on a distant point outside, his expression unreadable. William's eyes narrowed, trying to decipher what was happening in his uncle's mind. "You know I will have to remove you as leader of the throne's special defense forces, don't you?" William continued, his tone firm but laced with a hint of regret.

Sedrick turned his gaze to William, his eyes looking onto the king's with an intensity that commanded attention. "You cannot do that, Your majesty," Sedrick said, his voice low and even, yet laced with a hint of authority that few dared to wield when addressing the monarch. "At least, not without hearing what I have to say first." He paused, his eyes never leaving William's face. "Whatever decision you make after listening to me, I will accept it."

William's eyes narrowed slightly, intrigued by Sedrick's words. He knew that his uncle was one of the few people who could speak to him in such a manner and still keep their heads attached to their shoulders. He nodded slightly, gesturing for Sedrick to continue. "Very well, uncle. I'm listening."

Sedrick's expression remained calm, but a hint of tension crept into his voice. "I did what was necessary, William. I protected the kingdom, even if it meant going against your orders."

William's eyes narrowed, a mix of frustration and curiosity. "You protected the kingdom by slaughtering an entire pack and torturing a girl? How does that work, uncle?" Sedrick's jaw clenched. "She's not as innocent as she seems, William. She's one of them, their blood. Anyone associated with that pack will face my judgment."

William's voice rose. "Do you even know her name?" Sedrick hesitated, his eyes darting away. "That's not relevant." William's skepticism was evident. "Then how do you know she's part of that pack? Did you find the mark of that pack on her?" Sedrick's uncertainty was palpable. "No...no markings. But I know she's one of them. I'm certain of it."

William's tone turned incredulous. "Certain? You're condemning her without evidence? That's not like you, uncle." William's gaze pierced through his uncle's facade, seeing the pain and turmoil that lay beneath. Sedrick had become more than just an uncle to him; he was a surrogate father figure, helping shape William into the ruler he was today.

This made the situation even more agonizing for William, as he struggled to balance his loyalty and affection for his uncle with the need to address Sedrick's dangerous behavior. He knew his uncle needed help, and the only place he could receive it was at the silvermist temple, where powerful mages resided. William had established a connection with these mages and trusted their expertise. He hoped that their intervention could help Sedrick find redemption and peace.

William shook his head, his voice filled with regret. "I'm sorry uncle. I should have intervened when I first discovered your...extracurricular activities five years ago. Instead of avoiding the issue, I should have tried to help you."

Sedrick's smile was tinged with sadness. "So, you think I'm insane?" William's eyes welled up with tears as he gazed at Sedrick. "No, uncle. I think you need help. That doesn't mean you're insane. You're struggling with something, and I want to support you."

Sedrick's smile faltered, and for a moment, William saw a glimmer of vulnerability in his eyes. "You really think help can fix this, William?"

William nodded, his voice firm. "I know it can, uncle. The silvermist temple has powerful mages who can help you. Please, let me help you." Sedrick's eyes locked onto William's. His gaze was intense. "I'll do whatever you ask, nephew, but let me kill the girl. It's the only way to end this.

William's expression was firm. "I cannot let you do that, uncle. This is wrong." Sedrick's face twisted in a snarl, but then, suddenlt, his expression changed. "Okay," he said, his voice flat. William's eyes narrowed, wary of his uncle's sudden capitulation. "Okay, then. You'll be escorted from here. I'll inform mother of this new development."

Sedrick nodded, his eyes gleaming with a calculating intensity. He banged on the carriage door, summoning the footman to let him out.

Sedrick bowed slightly to William, his smile tight-lipped. As he exited the carriage, his heart raced with a sinister intent - to dismember Ethel from limb to limb. He scanned the surroundings, his eyes locking onto Ethel, frail and helpless, suspended between two guards just ten paces away. His gaze swept the area, calculating the obstacles: the guards, William and Derick. But Sedrick was confident in his own strength, convinced he could overpower them and reach Ethel. His only concern now was William and Derick.

Derick approached Sedrick, noticing his eyes fixed intently on Ethel, his fangs visible, his face contorted in a snarl. Derick could read the sinister intentions in Sedrick's gaze and knew he was about to lunge. William had anticipated this. Having already mind linked Derick to be cautious. Sedrick was notorious for his disobedience and lack of regard for authority, making him a formidable and dangerous foe.

Willaim had already summoned the mages beforehand, anticipating Sedrick's treachery. Just as Sedrick lunged for Ethel's throat, a sudden, piercing pain shot through his head, making him stumble. He fell to one knee, his hand clunched his temple, his heart racing like a wild animal. The sound of chanting filled the air, growing louder as three mages emerged from their hiding place. Their voices wove a hypnotic spell, drawing Sedrick's consciousness away like a receding tide.

As Sedrick's eyes fluttered closed, the mages approached him, their long robes rustling against the damp earth. They lifted him effortlessly, their hands moving in unison like a well-rehearsed dance. Ethel watched with a mix of horror and relief as they placed Sedrick's limp form into a carriage. They disappeared into the darkness. The carriage wheels creaked, and the horses' hooves beat a rhythmic tattoo on the ground as they sped away into the night.

Moments later, William's ornate carriage glided smoothly onto the scene along with Derick. The guards gently placed Ethel into the carriage, where two girls, dressed in fine silk and adorned with delicate silver broaches, waited to attend to her. They sat on either side, their soft hands wrapping a warm, woven blanket around her shivering frame. The blanket's familiar scent, like fresh lavender and sun-dried linen, offered a comforting embrace.

Outside, the night air was filled with the thunder of hooves, the creaking leather, and the panting of wolves. The sound of the guards in wolf form running alongside the horses echoed through the darkness, their paws pounding the earth in a rhythmic cadence. The carriages rattled over the cobblestone streets, the horses' snorts and whinnies mingling with the wolves' soft growls, creating a symphony of sound that accompanied them towards the palace.

As the carriage swayed, the maidens held Ethel steady, their gentle whispers and soothing touch trying to calm her racing heart. The king's carriage, with plush velvet seats and golden accents, seemed a world away from the danger that had just unfolded. Yet, the memory of Sedrick's snarling face and the feel of his hot breath on her skin lingered, refusing to be shaken.