MATED TO THE SECRET ALPHA
Chapter 81: Who Is Ryder?

Chapter 81: Who Is Ryder?

In other words, Ryder shouldn’t be able to know that as well, but if he did, then that would imply he had been hiding something from her, or worse, that he had connections beyond their pack that she knew nothing about.

A thread of unease began to weave its way through her thoughts, and she fixed Orion with a piercing gaze. "Tell me, Orion, exactly what did Sharp Fangs say about this crystal mountain?"

Orion’s expression remained neutral, but a hint of caution crept into his voice. "He mentioned that the crystal mountain was located in a remote region in the West Wood Pack, accessible only through a treacherous pass. He also said that the mountain was guarded...by monsters."

Orion’s lips pressed into a thin line. They needed protection and access. They needed werewolves to lead the charge and pave the way for their people to mine with ease.

This wouldn’t have been a problem had the Dark Snow Pack had the rights to barge into another pack’s territory. It was a delicate situation, one that required diplomacy and strategic alliances.

But unfortunately, other pack’s alliance with the Dark Snow Pack was impossible for obvious reasons – the Dark Snow Pack was notorious for their brutal tactics and complete disregard for the ancient laws that governed the werewolf world. They were, in essence, outcasts.

The only tradition they paid little respect for was the Alpha coronation ceremonies. And the reason Alpha Snow hadn’t completely disregarded that, was something only he knew.

And that’s why Orion needed Reana’s pack to act as a mediator. "We’re willing to do whatever it takes to acquire those crystals, Luna Reana. And I think your pack would benefit greatly from an alliance with us."

Reana remained silent, sipping her wine while her mind twirled with thoughts. How did Ryder know about the crystal mountain that was supposedly in the West Wood Pack?... Was it related to his hunter past?

And the... glasswork? What did that mean? What kind of glasswork required crystals? Reana’s curiosity was piqued, and she leaned forward slightly, her eyes locked onto Orion’s. "Tell me, Orion, what exactly do you plan to do with these crystals? What kind of glasswork are we talking about?" She asked, her tone polite but firm, demanding a clear answer.

Orion waved at Butler Charleston, who nodded and hurried away. Shortly, he returned with servants carrying trays covered with red silk, and boxes.

When set down and opened, Reana’s eyes dazzled at the most precious things she’d ever set her eyes on - gorgeous jewelries, glass vases, and delicate ornaments. There were even crystal shoes for women.

The glasswork was exquisite, with intricate patterns and colors that seemed to dance in the light.

Orion gestured to the collection, a small smile playing on his lips. "This is what we mean by glasswork, Luna Reana. We’re not just talking about simple trinkets or decorations. We’re talking about creating objects of beauty and power."

He picked up a delicate glass pendant, holding it up to the light. "This, for example, is a sought after piece in the Southern Islands, worn by Misses and Madams of high society." Orion’s voice was smooth, his eyes glinting with a hint of pride. "A few pieces made their way into the Kingdom of Eldrida through the black market and have become highly prized among the noblewomen there."

He set the pendant down, his gaze meeting Reana’s. "We believe that with access to the crystals, we can create even more stunning pieces, ones that will be coveted by the elite across our entire world. Perhaps, that way, we might finally be able to return to our home." Orion’s gaze clouded over with a hint of pain and longing.

Reana frowned at the mention of home. Thousands of years ago, the Southern region was cut away from the Kingdom of Eldrida, severed by the Emperor’s decree. The memories of that ancient betrayal still lingered, a wound that refused to heal.

The people of the Southern region - Southern islands and Mainland, had been forced to forge their own path, to survive in the shadows of the kingdom’s disdain, to fight monsters and rogues with little resources to survive on.

But even though it had been thousands of years and their ancestors had long been buried, the descendants longed to return to the kingdom. They heard fairytales of the lives the people of Eldrida lived. A life with no monsters, abundance of resources, and easy winter seasons.

The stories spoke of grand cities with towering spires, of fertile lands and sparkling lakes, of a people who lived in harmony with the land and with each other.

Just like everyone, Reana’s heart ached with a deep longing as she thought of those stories. She had always dreamed of seeing Eldrida for herself, of walking its streets and feeling the warmth of its people. And now, Orion’s words dangled the promise of return, of redemption, like a tantalizing carrot on a stick.

But she knew better. It was not as easy as Orion made it out to be. But there was no harm in trying. Their life in the South was already a death sentence. And the coming winter would undoubtedly erase many packs.

Who knows what next year’s winter will bring? With the arrival of Nightwing monsters, who could guarantee that more powerful monsters wouldn’t emerge from the shadows?

The thought sent a shiver down Reana’s spine. She looked at Orion, his eyes burning with an inner fire. Maybe, just maybe, this was their only chance at survival. "I’ll need time to think about it."

Orion smiled, "Please, do, Luna. You can take as much time as you need."

Reana nodded, "So, about the farm produce...?"

"Right. It would take at most a week for the inventory to be restocked. I hope it’s not too much of an inconvenience for your pack," Orion said, his eyes locked onto hers, his expression sincere. "But I assure you, the wait will be worth it. Our farm produce is of the highest quality, and I’m sure your pack will appreciate the gesture."

Reana gave him a faint nod, relief washing over her. Now, her pack would have enough food to last the winter.

After the successful deal, Reana and her group were supposed to return to the pack the next day, but Orion enticed her with staying to witness the coming of age ceremony.

"It’s an experience you won’t want to miss," Orion said, his eyes glinting with excitement.

Out of courtesy and her own curiosity, she obliged.

On their way back to her room, Mirian, walking behind her, spoke up, "I didn’t think the deal would go through so smoothly."

Reana slowed her pace, turning to face Mirian. "You mean...?"

Mirian’s expression was cautious. "I don’t know, it just seemed too easy. Orion didn’t even negotiate the terms." Reana’s eyes narrowed, her mind racing with the implications. Had Orion been too accommodating, or was she just being paranoid?

Reana’s lips curled almost imperceptibly. If Mirian could see it, how could she not? Her belief that Ryder was behind this, that he was not just a benefactor to Orion seemed more plausible by the minute.

Who is Ryder?

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