by J. K. Jones
Honestly, he should have expected this sooner.
Of course, the Silvercrest Howlers would come for him. It’s about time, considering everything he’s done. Ryu let his guard down, allowing himself to believe that Micah was strong enough to protect him.
He should have known better.
Micah couldn’t protect him before and he sure as hell can’t protect him now. Deryn has always been a thorn in his side. Since the day Micah laid eyes on Ryu and fell madly in love, Deryn has sought to destroy them.
Ryu glares at him, heart filling to the brim with spite.
Who gives a fuck? They all deserve each other. The only reason he was here was for Amaya and if Deryn wants an early death then so be it. He grips the dagger, mind racing on what to do next. These men could surely kill him, throw his body in a ditch and call it an accident.
Although Ryu was a skilled fighter, going up against Deltas and Betas would be challenging, especially since they were all trained by the same Sensei.
Ryu smirks, it’s been at least a few days since he’s been in a good brawl.
“They are marked.”
They all whip around fast.
Micah stands with several other wolves flanking him, his expression a chilling glacial glare. The wolves jump, most of them bowing deeply, Deryn included.
“You threaten Ryu.”
Deryn keeps his head lower. “Byakuren—this man—he stinks of another Alpha. I could not allow such an offense to continue. I—we only wish for your happiness. For years, you have known my heart as well as your own. I care for you, have since we were children. My brother. My friend. He ridicules you in the worst way possible. He makes a mockery out of our ways and our traditions. I am wrong in threatening him—but he doesn’t deserve you!”
“To deserve,” Micah responds coldly. “What is it that I deserve? To attack Ryu is to attack your Alpha.”
“Forgive me,” he prostrated himself. “I am wrong for doing that. You know this man has caused my family unspeakable pain. It is because of him, my brother, Markus is fatally crippled. He has been maimed for life.”
“I’ve done no such thing,” Ryu spits back passionately. What a bald-faced lie! To tell something so horrid. How could Ryu hurt someone he doesn’t even know! “What a lie! To come up with such nonsense, I did not think Deryn was capable.”
Micah stares at him. “Explain yourself.”
“Alpha,” Deryn continues. “During the battle against The Filthy Claws, my brother Markus was thirteen when he was situated in the Silvercrest regiment. One night, while my brother was on watch, Ryu spoke to the traitorous Bloodhound bastard Kenyon. To which, we later learned of their comradery and Ryu’s deception. Markus had listened to their conversation, however, before he could leave Ryu maimed him, cutting off his ear in a rancorous tussle.”
Ryu goes pale.
He swallows thickly several times, eyes widening. Dear God—he remembers that night. The foolish child soldier had sought to gain an early victory by killing the rival pack leader Kenyon. Ryu had to act. If he did not hurt the soldier to throw Kenyon off his tracks, then all would be lost.
He needed to show Kenyon that he was on his side.
Or else risk exposure.
Fuck—this was very bad. If Deryn wanted retribution he would be in his right to claim it. An eye for an eye. If Micah agreed, then Deryn would claim his vengeance and since he granted it to one, Micah must grant it to all.
The list of people who Ryu wronged has grown endless. Surely, there were many men lined up around the block waiting for his punishment.
“Brother,” Micah says softly. “I know Markus. He fought very bravely. I will see that all is right again.”
Ryu feels utterly betrayed. Again.
He stares wildly at Micah, trying to understand why he is siding with someone who attacked him. Ryu tightens his grip on the dagger, jaw clenching. If this is how things are then so be it. He was so stupid thinking it would be different.
“However, threatening Ryu is threatening me. Are we not the same? Are we not one?”
“Byakuren—”
Micah cut him off with a wave of his hand. “You should know better.”
“I deeply apologize.”
“What good is having my soldiers turn against their people? Ryu did what he thought was necessary.”
Ryu’s breath hitches.
He remembers it all too clearly, the carnage, Kenyon’s eyes flashing with hatred as deep as wells. It was frightening to see his oldest friend gone so far, sunk so low into madness that he couldn’t see how deranged his plan was. Ryu sought to save Kenyon from himself. He disobeyed Micah—his Alpha— to save his friend, but it all ended in despair. Everybody knew that. To suggest otherwise would be asinine.
“I’m not saying I condoned what he did. As you are all well aware, I was against it. I forbade anyone from acting without my say-so. However,” Micah says calmly. “Ryu has been exiled and punished severely for all his actions. Let it rest.”
Deryn nods slowly. “You have my word.”
Micah gestures for him to stand, clasping his forearm. “There has been much war as of late. I trust you with my life and now I will need to trust you with my Second. Do not disappoint me.”
“Yes, Alpha,” Deryn nods.
Micah turns towards him. “Are you alright?”
Ryu hates this.
The part where he plays the damsel in distress, the weakest link in the pack. Of course, he’s not okay! Deryn is out for blood! And Micah damn well knows that.
“Fine,” Ryu growls out, he spares Deryn a scathing glare before storming out of the room.
Fuck—that could have gone worse. What the hell was he going to do? He doesn’t want to think about it. Ryu keeps walking, fast and furious. He couldn’t stay here. Too many people want him dead. He needs to find a way out quickly.
He rounds the corner running headfirst in Randolph.
Chapter 8
Randolph hugs him tightly.
“You naughty shit,” he chastises happily the second the room is cleared. “I thought you were dead!”
Ryu laughs richly, hugging his old friend tightly. “Close enough.”
“What happened?” Randolph strains. “Micah’s lips are tighter than a whore’s purse strings! He won’t say anything! Now, you’re back! And his Second?”
“It’s been a whirlwind,” Ryu replies. “Come, I’ll tell you over breakfast. I’m starving.”
They walk to the breakfast pavilion, both of them strolling, catching up. It’s been a long time since he’s seen his friend and there is much to discuss.
Randolph pats his back affectionately and together they sit while breakfast is served. “I love the new get-up. Leather. Nice.”
Ryu shrugs, it's easier to wash the blood off.
“And your sword! What’s it called? A fine piece of work.”
Ryu frowns, the name is there on the tip of his tongue—but he can’t remember. He shrugs, but it bothers him immensely. What is the name of his sword?
“You know,” Randolph takes a sip of his tea, “when I heard you came back, I thought it was a dream. I mean to think our Kuroi Kage has finally returned.”
Ryu stiffens.
For years he fought viciously against the wars between the Silvercrest and the Filthy Claws. Even though both sides were his kinsmen. He still remembers the look on Kenyon’s face when he was on the other side, not fighting with him.
During the wars he too won tremendous victories, his skill shifting into his black wolf, as well as fighting with his Katana earned him the name: Kuroi Kage. Together with Micah’s white wolf they were an unstoppable force.
However, that was so long ago.
Ryu only remembers the sting of ice water as it filled his lungs or the vicious jeers of the Silvercrest Howlers gunning for his head on a spike.
“Not anymore,” Ryu says, his voice measured.
“Nonsense,” Randolph replies easily, his eyes soft. “You will
always be Kuroi Kage to me.”
Ryu turns away, body prickling in annoyance. That was the thing with catching up with old friends, they could never let the past rest. Ryu was done with that part of his life. Once Amaya was cured, he would be gone, on his way to somewhere else.
Where—he wasn’t sure yet. Something kept telling him he was supposed to be doing something now. Still, he couldn’t figure it out. After his body’s natural healing took place, he should have had his memories returned. He couldn’t help but feel like he was missing something monumental.
“The wolf that took me in,” Ryu says. “Filcher I think his name was. How is he? His wife and child?”
“Oh,” Randolph replies. “Doing very well, actually he was requesting an audience with you as soon as you woke up. He’s the one who begged Alpha to release you.”
“I wouldn’t mind seeing him,” Ryu answers, thoughtfully. It might be good to speak to him to find out exactly what he was doing there. Maybe he has some answers? “I find my memories are a bit hazy…. I don’t know what happened.”
“When they brought you in you had a nasty head wound,” Randolph states, eating his food. “It is to be expected. It’s only been a few days, allow yourself to heal, Ryu.” He looks at him closely. “You look tired.”
Ryu eats his food quietly, not wanting to respond.
“I’ll never forget the first day I saw you,” Randolph continues. “Scrawny, scrappy, dirty kid with more grime than anything else. And of course, that soulless shit Kenyon,” Randolph scoffs. “You guys were a pair.”
Ryu doesn’t want to go down that road.
Kenyon is dead. Has been for many years following the war. It still pained him to think about his old friend, even if Kenyon hated him until his dying breath.
“How Zy?” Ryu changes the topic.
“He’s good.” Randolph lights up easily. “An Alpha expecting his first pup with Francesca soon.”
Ryu nods dispassionately.
Zy always was the ambitious type, no wonder he married Francesca, the daughter of the Midnight Nightstalker’s Alpha. Such an alliance would bring good fortune and peace to the Silvercrest Howlers.
They finished breakfast quickly, Randolph catching him up on all the clan affairs. Ryu nods appropriately and hums when he needs to, but his thoughts are elsewhere.
A servant comes forward, whispering frantically in Randolph’s ear. His face hardens and he turns to look at Ryu. “It seems Micah plans to punish Deryn.”
Ryu frowns.
“He insulted you?” Randolph raises his eyebrows.
Deryn always insults him. This is nothing new—what is, is Micah finally noticing.
“I see the rumors are true, are you fully his Second?” Randolph asks doubtfully.
“No.”
“Then you must not allow him to do this.”
Ryu sighs deeply.
Pack matters always exhausted him, for starters he never cared for them. It was too tiring to keep up with all their petty rivalries. “If Micah decides it is just.”
Randolph levels him with a hard look. “I know you do not care about these things. You never have, but have you forgotten where Deryn hails from?”
His blood runs cold.
“Where are they?”
“In the gardens,” Randolph says quickly. “Deryn is to be caned.”
-
Disciplining other wolves is common.
As Alpha, Byakuren took it with unfailing seriousness. Those within the ranks would lose respect if their Alpha did not act and punish those who defied him.
With even the slightest offense Micah would oftentimes publicly humiliate the wolf, usually utilizing torture or maiming. So much so, that most wolves did not dare to defy him.
However, Deryn was different.
Not only because he was Micah’s friend and ally, but he was a Sergeant in the Alphas regiment. Deryn and Trmon made up a few of his most trusted advisors.
No one was above the law. But Deryn’s original clan was the Thunder Hunters. If Micah disciplined him too harshly, they might see it as a slight against them and all the years of peace may fall to ruin.
Ryu sprints towards the gardens, his mind racing with thoughts of what could happen if Deryn decides to alert his pack and cause another war.
By the time he gets there a large crowd has already gathered.
Micah stands tall, chest bare, muscles rippling in the morning light. He wears the same silk light blue pants he wore this morning, his skin covered in a thin sheen of sweat.
His eyes are flat black, gazing down at the man in front of him.
Deryn is kneeling, face down, neck slightly bared in submission. “Alpha, I have wronged you and for that, I must receive my punishment.”
“You will be punished. For each word spoken against my mate.”
Micah clenches his jaw.
This cannot be easy for him. Yet, Ryu still doesn’t understand why. What’s the point of doing all this, to begin with? Men have always sneered at him, called him a worthless Omega. Why bother taking offense? Ryu is perplexed by the whole thing.
He did maim Markus.
So, Deryn is not wrong to want to exact retribution, but things back then were so complicated, and he couldn’t possibly understand the importance of secrecy. Ryu acted without thinking, hoping that Markus would run away after being hit a few times. However, the child had been tenacious, and he had to gravely wound him before Kenyon took it upon himself.
He moves to step forward, but Randolph grabs his arm tightly. “Too late.”
Someone hands Micah a cane.
Deryn is then tied to a wooden pole, arms constricted with rope. He stares ahead, his eyes steady on the skyline.
“Not bad,” Randolph whispers to him. “Caning is not too bad; a minor inconvenience and he should be healed within the hour. Of course, Micah wasn’t going to hurt one of his best fighters a few hours before they set out.”
Ryu doesn’t respond, keeping his gaze on Micah.
“It’s a good enough punishment that people know not to mess with you anymore,” Randolph says quietly. “Watch yourself, Ryu. Deryn does not take slights easily.”
Doesn’t he know it?
Micah takes the cane in his hand, flexing his fingers around it. The air stills around them, everyone watching closely.
Alpha disciplining his subordinates meant the wolf had done something to personally offend him, which was considered a grave offense. . Most of the soldiers would rather die than face such humiliation. However, minor offenses were not so bad and usually over within the hour.
For what Deryn did, pulling his hair and calling him a slut, would have been punishable by death. Yet, due to their relationship and Deryn’s connections, it would be unwise to provoke him further.
Micah chose the diplomatic route.
Which was expected of him as Alpha. He would punish Deryn, but not too severely, making his displeasure known without causing a rift between the Silvercrest Howlers and the Thunder Hunters.
The sound of a gong rang out.
Micah's eyes change, flashing a yellowish glow.
He swings hard and fast, slamming the cane against Deryn’s flesh. The sound booms across the gardens, everyone watches in deadly silence. Deryn’s face twists, but he clenches his jaw not making a single sound.
Fifty cane strokes.
By then his face is covered in sweat, which makes his curls hang in ringlets against his forehead. Deryn is panting harshly, blood seeping from his mouth.
Micah shows no signs of fatigue, he merely stops, handing the cane to one of the servants before walking away, Trmon following closely behind.
Deryn is taken off the pole, but not before sending a murderous glare across the garden over to Ryu.
Chapter 9
Ryu goes to find Micah. By the time he does, Trmon and Micah are both in a heavy discussion. Ryu doesn’t hesitate to barge into the Alpha’s chambers.
“You—” Trmon cries in disbelief
.
“Take me with you,” Ryu says, determination steel in his veins.
Micah regards him closely, before waving Trmon off. He bows deeply, shooting Ryu a cold glance before leaving the room. They say nothing for a long time. Ryu takes in the slope of his mouth, fixed thin lines of his lips, and sweat gathering on his toffee chest.
He is breathless, body heaving up and down, muscles bugling from the strenuous activity. Ryu feels desire spike through him, but he keeps his face neutral.
Micah is very attractive.
However, Ryu would never kiss a snake. Not ever again.
“It seems I will have no choice,” Micah says, sitting down on the edge of his bed. The silk pants he wears look soft in the afternoon light. “Deryn told me what happened.”
“Of course, he did,” Ryu scoffs. “Did he tell you I attacked him? That I provoked him?”
Micah sighs deeply. “He told me the truth. That he went there to hurt you.”
That’s very surprising.
He expected Deryn to lie, to twist the story into something unfathomable. Not tell the truth. For as long as he’s known him, Deryn has always been a selfish individual, for many years they had their differences. Ryu cannot understand what he would gain by telling the truth.
“Why would he do that?” Ryu demands. “To gain more brownie points?”
Micah is quiet for a long time. He looks to be deep in thought before he speaks again.
“Relax. We leave at dusk.”
Micah walks out of the room, leaving Ryu momentarily stupefied.
-
For the rest of the evening, he does nothing.
Ryu keeps to himself, locking the door of Micah’s bedroom and meditating. He needs to make sure he’s at his optimum strength before they embark on the journey.
It would be long and arduous.
The Master of the Moon is said to be an old monk, residing in the mountains just beyond the Outlands. Such areas were dangerous and unhabitable. Beyond the clans, there was nothing, a barren wasteland of monsters and evil creatures of the night.
Ryu doesn’t know what horrors were there waiting for them, but they need to move quickly and quietly. He studies the map, making sure he knows the fastest routes to get them there and back safely.
