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Chapter 127
Chapter 127
CHAPTER 127 – The Bait
Rhea
“Me?” The word leaves my lips barely above a whisper.
The Council members exchange glances with one another, their expressions grave and determined. Cade stiffens in his chair, his jaw clenching visibly even from across the room.
“Yes,” the Head Council member confirms. “You are our best chance at drawing him out, getting him to listen before we take action.”
The very idea of being used as bait to lure Aron makes my blood run cold. Even without our bond, I know exactly what would happen if he found me.
“I don’t think that’s wise,” Cade interjects, his We’ve discussed other options.”
ice tight with restraint. “Offering her as bait would put her directly in danger.
The Head Council member raises his hand. “Not as bait, Councilman. As an incentive. A reason for Aron to meet with us, to negotiate.”
“And if he refuses to negotiate?” I ask, my voice steadier than I expected. “If he just takes me and leaves?”
“That won’t happen,” another council member, Alexander, assures me. “We’ll have protection in place. You would never be alone with him.”
I look down at my hands, now trembling slightly in my lap. They don’t understand. They don’t know what Kael is capable of –what lengths he would go to reclaim what he believes is his.
If they use me, he will come and he will take me.
The council chamber falls silent.
“You’re asking me to face him again.”
“It isn’t like we’re giving you to him, Rhea.” The man leans forward and says, his hands clasped in front of him. “More like a bargain, a way to lure him in. But you’ll be safe and protected. Our warriors will assure that. Once he arrives here, we’ll negotiate terms and if he agrees to those terms, which he won’t have a choice, then we’ll go ahead accordingly. And if he ⚫ doesn’t, we’ll go with the option of killing his wolf further.”
I bite my lip and glance over at Cade. He’s watching me intently, his eyes searching my own for any hint of hesitation or fear.
“What kind of terms?” I ask them, wanting to know, wanting to be sure.
“The northern territories must be returned to the heir’s of the Alpha’s he had killed. Simple as that. His pack will remain his, but nothing more.”
He won’t agree.
I know already.
Kael would never surrender what he’s taken. Not willingly.
“And you will—” I pause before continuing. “Kill his wolf if he doesn’t agree?”
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He nods, “That is how it will go. Then we have no choice but to eliminate the threat.”
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The bluntness of his words sends a chill through me. They intend to kill him–to kill Kael. Despite everything, despite what he’s done to me, something inside me aches at the thought.
“How would you even accomplish that?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper. “He’s stronger than any Alpha I’ve ever known.”
The Head Council member exchanges glances with the others before answering. “We have our methods. The Council has existed for centuries, and this isn’t the first time we’ve dealt with… unusual situations.”
I remember the witch who severed my bond with Aron, how easily she’d done it with just a few words and herbs. If the Council has access to that kind of power…
“You would use witchcraft,” I say, not a question but a realization.
A tense silence follows. Magic is rarely discussed openly among wolves. It’s considered dangerous and forbidden.
And then another thought crosses me.
Catelyn.
Ezra.
How they had killed my wolf. How it was so painful and how it left me completely hollow. The agony of having my wolf ripped away from me, the emptiness that followed–it was a suffering I wouldn’t wish on anyone. Not even Kael.
I bite the inside of my cheek, forcing myself to breathe. Forcing myself to focus.
“He deserves it.”
Does he?
I don’t know. I don’t know anything anymore.
Cade shifts beside me. He doesn’t speak, doesn’t interrupt. He’s just waiting for me to react.
It’s been nearly a week since my arrival here. I’ve heard whispers of their plans but today I’ve known the true reality of their
intentions.
“But if he agrees,” I look up at them. “If he agrees to giving the territories then you won’t be taking these measures. Right?” My hands curl into fists, my heart beats fast and my wolf remains quiet.
“We wouldn’t. It’s a chance that we’re willing to give to him. We have to. As a Council, our goal is not to eliminate or take power from wolves, but we are also there to protect the innocent wolves of the packs, to protect the ones who cannot defend themselves.” The man says, looking at me.
“And if I agree to be bait, when will this happen?” I question them, still unsure, still hesitant. “And where?”
The Head Councilman leans forward, resting his elbows on the table. “We would need a week to prepare. The meet would take place at the old temple grounds near the border between north and south territories.”
“The temple grounds?” I frown. “Why there?”
“It’s considered neutral ground,” Selina explains. “Sacred to all wolves. Even the most aggressive Alpha would think twice before shedding blood there.”
I’m not convinced Kael would care about sacred ground or ancient traditions, but I keep that thought to myself.
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“And how would you get him there?” I ask. “He won’t come just because you invite him?
“No,” the Head Councilman agrees. “But he might come for you”
“So I have to be there?”
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Cade interrupts, “No,” He looks at me and shakes his head. “You will stay here, under protection. He’ll be surrounded with the best warriors of the council, and if he declines the offer, he’ll be taken down immediately?
Which then they’d poison his wolf.
I close my eyes briefly, trying to sort through the chaos of my thoughts. Part of me wants to refuse, to have nothing to do with this plan. But another part knows that Kael must be stopped, that the bloodshed in the north must end. And everything else he has done to me.
It needs to stop.
“Okay,” I say finally. “You can use me to lure him out. But I’ll stay at the Council. I don’t want to be near him.”
“That would be best.” They agree with nods.
The meeting ends, and the council members begin to file out of the chamber. Cade stays by my side.
“Rhea,” he says softly. “I understand this is a lot to ask of you.”
I meet his eyes, finding concern and compassion there.
“No, it’s not,” I admit. “It’s the right thing to do. Kael has to be stopped and it’s not like I’ll be there.”
“Yes.” he nods. “You’re very brave.”
I’m not sure I feel brave.
“I’ll escort you back to your room,” Cade offers.
We walk in silence. There are guards at my door and he has made sure of it. And then, before he leaves, he hesitates. He turns and faces me, his expression unreadable.
“Thank you, Rhea,” he says. “For doing this. For helping the Council and for putting an end to this madness.”
I nod again.
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