“What did you find, Efraim?” It was Axel’s first question when he entered the room.
The Special ability was Axel and Efraim’s last hope in winning the war. Which was why they had been contemplating for it. To be able to hold out contra Crimson Red, whose strengths were enhanced in an unlawful way, they knew they had to do something.
Had it not been for Efraim’s resolution to match the enemy’s strength with forbidden special ability, the war would’ve been a losing battle. Even with Axel’s tactics and plan to outsmart them.
“You will not believe how I almost went crazy for a simple question…” Efraim smiled, as if a miracle happened while he was out deciphering what the book meant in activating the forbidden ability. “We have what it takes to activate it, Axel. We are protecting ourselves.”
A battle was not exactly for protecting themselves, but it was the least of his concern. Axel did not fully understand what Efraim said.
“Enlighten me, Efraim. What answer did you come up with?”
“The ability will activate if it’s for fulfilling its purpose, Axel. And the purpose of the ability was to protect the wolves. That said, we could use it during the war.”
Axel tilted his head. It made sense, but at the same time, it didn’t.
“How are we going to use it, then?”
Efraim might have figured out the mystery. But how exactly were they going to activate it? Because if those requirements were the only thing needed, the weslyeian wolves, together with his, should have been able to activate it when they were attacked in the mountain.
“A ritual.”
Axel’s eyes reflected curiosity. “A ritual?”
He read the book. There wasn’t a single page that mentioned a ritual. Or did he miss it?
“It is forbidden, Axel. It is in every book that if we are to meddle with the balance of nature, a ritual is compulsory.”
In ancient times, a ritual was one of their traditions. It was written in every book of their history. In which the tribe would have to do a ritual, and offer a dance, to be able to communicate with the Goddess. But no one actually perform that these days. Especially, when none of the existing wolves today have knowledge in carrying out a ritual.
Except the Wesleyeian wolves, of course. They were the only tribe alive to know their kind history. Afterall, they existed to make sure it will not be forgotten.
“Then we shall do it tonight, Efraim.”
It still wasn’t proven true. But they had to do every option possible. Otherwise, their plan and training would be for a naught. If they wouldn’t take what they could get now, they will get themselves killed. The worst case scenario was that this war would expand August’s land, and he’ll be deemed a King who had defeated the three allied Kingdoms alone.
And Axel had not lived up to this day just to make that happen.
“I also plan to do so, Axel. Which was why I informed Edward.”
“Edward? He’s not participating in the war.”
Axel asked Edward for a favor to ensure their victory, but he did not ask for his assistance in the war. Nor Edward had ever said something about taking part on it. As far as he knew, he was just lending a hand.
“Is he not?” Efraim’s brows creased. “But he told me the other day that he plans to back us up if we ever fail to use the special ability.”
“Edward did?”
Axel and Edward only ever talk in a meeting. Not like they have something to discuss in private. They were civil. Edward never made it clear, but Axel was sure he wasn’t going to the actual battlefield to list himself as August’s enemy, especially when his own was a spy.
That would put Edward’s female wolf in danger. That would put their pack in danger.
Axel and Efraim further talked about the ritual and what will happen thereafter, before he announced it to the pack. But as the outcome was still uncertain, Axel chose, again, to be dishonest with the Western Border. Temporarily.
Later that day, as what Axel and Efraim planned, the Weslyeian and Western wolves gathered in an open space in the forest to perfume a ritual. Edward, who was called out by Efraim, came too, with two hundred of his men. Increasing their numbers. It was also then Axel had confirmed that Edward was participating.
“You didn’t tell me you’d participate.” Axel said, while looking at his men who were busy placing the torch around the area.
“Well, Surprise, Alpha.” Edward responded with a chortle.
“Won’t you endanger your pack if you’ll boldly participate?”
“You clearly said we’d kill every single out of them. There is no harm.”
Indeed. But still, unless this ritual would be successful, there will be no other way to guarantee that. It’d be seventy-thirty that they’d win. They were on the thirty percent.
“You’re not bad at all.” Axel commented, before turning his head to the Eastern Border’s leader. “You were unlikeable at first. But I have to admit you’re capable.”
“You are, too.”
“What? You didn’t think I’m capable?”
“No. I meant, you’re not bad at all.”
Axel raised a brow, before he returned his head in front. “I understand why you’re holding back. I’m beyond beautiful things you can call me.”
Touche. Edward thought as his eyes followed Axel. This was not the picture he had in mind when he asked for an alliance. Initially, he wanted to spy on them like he did to August, but now, after the countless meetings of planning together, after knowing each other, the time had brought them… closer.
Edward smirk. “Does this mean we’re no longer in a ceasefire?”
“Obviously.”
Because they were already past behind the baseless hostility.
The two Alphas, who hated each other at first, had found a connection linking them together. Not only because of the benefits, but because of their shared common function. The recent events, and the long days of preparation for the war that wasn’t even theirs to deal with at the beginning, has changed them.
Especially Axel, who were known as a strict and independent Alpha.
“Alright then.” Edward started walking. “But just because we’re in good terms now, doesn’t mean I’m letting you off the hook. You owe me thrice, Axel.”