Whisper of the Wood

Chapter 3

The start of a new week and Alistair was ready for it to end. He left his room on the upper levels of the castle to meet with Ethan in the gardens, choosing the best route to steer clear of Sasha and the other warriors in the dining hall. Of course it was a futile effort since Ethan had arranged to meet Sasha and her little brother for a small lunch at a cafe in the city, though not too far from the castle gates. It was supposed to be an opportunity for Alistair to apologise, Ethan thought it best somewhere away from the castle residents. It meant Sasha was less likely to go off the rails and lecture him.

As Alistair walked through the castle halls he seen images of the garden flash through his mind, a message from Ethan to meet by the moon goddess fountain. Perfect he thought, as it was hidden away in the queitest place. But before he reached the staircase, someone called out from behind him ... 'Alistair, I need you'. It was his older brother Alec, they were extremely close as children but when Alec was of age they saw less of each other. Only 2 years separated them and if it wasn't for thier deep blue eyes, one would wonder if they were even related.

Though similar in height Alec bore wider shoulders and a more muscular form, a desirable trait for the next in line to lead the Royal Pack. He also had straight blonde hair that he chose to keep short, having a much closer resemblance to thier Uncle Grayson. Alistair on the other hand took after his father, much leaner in appearance with dark curly hair. But the thing that set them apart the most was the dark shadows looming under Alec's eyes. The years he spent training to be the next alpha had taken thier toll and his short temper was well know among the pack.

'How can I be of assistance?' Alistair replied in a bemused manner, giving a mocking bow to the future king.

'Drop the act' Alec growled as he eyes turned a deeper shade of blue, he was furious. But Alistair knew it wasn't at him, there was something else that was bothering his brother, but he knew Alec would never open up. Alistair never stopped watching over his brother, even in the years the spent apart, to him thier bond was special. He gazed into his brothers eyes, remembering the loneliness he felt during that time and greatful that his brother finally sort his help, even if his brother was in a foul mood. Without realising he called out like a whisper in his mind 'then talk to me'.

Alecs eyes returned to thier usual shade and not breaking eye contact, he willed his brother to follow.