Moonbound: The Rogue's Second Chance
Chapter 161: WELCOME ESTEEMED GUESTS

Chapter 161: WELCOME ESTEEMED GUESTS

The wood groaned under the weight of the walking men. Silas was at the forefront and Darius was closely behind him. The red-haired man glanced back to see the same blank expression that was on Riven’s face. Behind Riven were two of his selected men and behind them was Cedar.

The whole house was illuminated by numerous candles. Iris had done a lovely job with the decor and the staff. Everything was going according to how Darius hoped. Still, it was too early for any sort of celebration. These people had only just arrived.

He rubbed the back of his neck and stepped next to Silas on the second floor. The man nodded to him and then looked back at the people coming up. To their left stood a well-meaning man who had his hair slicked back and his hands placed firmly behind his back.

Once everyone had come up, the man bowed and ushered them to the dining area. They all dutifully followed and sat down. Darius still sized up Riven. The man looked to be around his age with curly brown hair, but what caught Darius’ attention was his attire. It still bore the warm orange and reds that symbolised Dawnbreak, but the delegate had worn armour.

It irritated Darius. This was supposed to be a peaceful mission, not something that would be interpreted as a threat toward his people. He swallowed and then took a seat. It unnerved him that he was out of the loop with the happenings of Kaldora.

"Welcome, esteemed guests," Darius began with a small smile on his face. "We must thank our benevolent goddess for bringing us all together."

Every man bowed their head and said their thanks, and then all eyes returned to Darius. He cleared his throat and continued. "I am Alpha Darius Hawthorne, as we all know, and today Ironshade welcomes Dawnbreak with open arms."

He looked from every man and then went on with his greeting. "Today, we will share a meal and remember that first and foremost, we are all children of Lunara."

"Indeed we are," Riven spoke.

Darius nodded. The other man had a frosty edge to his voice. He spoke carefully and enunciated all of his words. Darius unfolded the napkin and placed it on his lap and drew his seat closer.

"Thank you for your hospitality," one of the men that came with Riven said. The man was sitting directly opposite Darius and had said, "I am Sergeant Andrew and right hand to our excellency, Sir Riven Caldric."

Cedar on the opposite end hummed and then nodded. "I do hope the journey has not worn down our lovely guests?"

Andrew smiled, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. "It was long but bearable. We’ve seen many forests and ridges I would not mind not visiting again for a while."

Darius narrowed his eyes slightly and then pushed his plate forward, the staff had brought it too close to him. His mind wandered and he thought about the blonde haired beauty he had not been able to speak with in so long. It was a solo plan that he crafted not to speak to her until the brunt of this mission had been completed.

Not when Ryker and quite possibly Silas were watching him so closely, this was a sensitive time in Ironshade’s history and he would rather that the goddess spit on his face than to ruin it.

Silas leaned forward slightly, his eyes scanning the Dawnbreak men. "You didn’t encounter any trouble on the road?"

"Not trouble," Riven replied, his tone deceptively mild. "But we did hear some... howls. Feral ones."

A beat of silence followed. Darius’s eyes narrowed just slightly, but he kept his expression neutral. "The outer ridges are still being cleared. My scouts have been working on rogue sightings."

"Ah," Riven said, voice dipping into something unreadable. "That explains the unease in the wind."

Darius didn’t bite. "You and your party are safe within Ironshade, I assure you."

"I don’t doubt that," Riven replied with a tilt of his head. "Though one must always remain prepared."

The tension between the two men was quiet but unmistakable. Cedar, sensing the shift, clapped his hands softly and leaned back.

"Iris has ensured the kitchen brings out the best of Ironshade tonight," the elder said. "Perhaps we can allow the flavours of the land to speak while our words find their rhythm."

Darius allowed himself a small smile. He knew Cedar well enough to recognise his subtle steering of conversation.

Platters were being brought in now, heaped with roasted meats, dark vegetables drizzled in oil, and small bowls of spiced grains. Goblets were refilled with red wine, and warm bread was passed down both sides of the long table.

Darius took a sip of his wine and looked down the table. He couldn’t see Serena from here. He wondered if she had managed to keep her head low for the evening, or if she had wandered again. He prayed Livia was keeping her in check.

Across the table, Riven reached for the bread, broke a piece, and placed it on his plate. "Ironshade is a quiet place. I imagine your people enjoy the stillness."

"We’ve found strength in it," Darius answered evenly. "It may not be bustling like Dawnbreak, but we value what’s ours."

"As you should," Riven said. "Still, some would call isolation dangerous."

Darius gave him a slow nod. "It can be. If one forgets why they chose it in the first place."

Cedar laughed, loud and genuine, breaking the tension in the room. "There he goes with his riddles. Always so philosophical when he’s in a room with fine wine."

Laughter followed from both ends of the table, even a quiet chuckle from Andrew. The tension eased just a little, though Darius remained alert.

Silas leaned toward him slightly. "Careful. The Dawnbreak wolves know how to poke a fire before they throw in a log."

"I know," Darius muttered under his breath. "I just hope this fire doesn’t turn to smoke before the moon’s out."