As promised, Alpha Elijah declared the freedom of the Netherlands Captives, sending shockwaves through the werewolf community.
The announcement sparked chaos, with werewolves protesting and growling in discontent. However, they dared not challenge their Alpha, fearing his wrath.
Princess Ophelia's face turned beet red with rage.
"How dare you order the release of our enemies and captives without my father's permission?" she spat, her voice venomous.
Alpha Elijah's eyes narrowed, surprised by her tone.
"Maybe I've been too lenient," he thought. "She thinks she can speak to me without respect."
Elijah's authority asserted itself.
"Watch your tone, woman! I am the Alpha," he declared. "I don't need permission to make decisions.I had singlehandedly fought alone against the Netherlands. Your father didn't support of the war believing we have no chances with the Netherlands. I fought and brought victory against the Netherlands. I get to decide their fact and not even your father, the king can stop me. The Netherlands Captives have earned their freedom. There will no enemies between the Netherlands and wolfland ever again."
Ophelia's anger boiled, but she knew better than to push Elijah further.
The Netherlands Captives, meanwhile, erupted in jubilation.
"Freedom!" they cheered, tears of joy streaming down their faces. It's been six miserable moons since their captivity.
Without hesitation, they gathered themselves and prepared to leave.
"We must depart before the wolves change their minds," Kaida Emberwood urged.
As they exited the Blackwood territory, the captives felt the warmth of freedom.
"We'll find Aria," they vowed. "And ensure her safety." They can only do that while in Netherlands where there magic is stronger.
Back in her premises, Ophelia seethed.
"Father will not be pleased," she muttered. "Elijah's weakness will be his downfall."
Elijah watched Ophelia storm off, his mind focused on Aria's rescue.
"I'll do whatever it takes," he vowed. "Even if it means facing the king's wrath. If it calls for war then I'll be ready."
The fate of Aria and the Netherlands Captives hung in the balance.
.
.
After Aria's disappearance, Elijah became a shadow of himself. His once strong and confident demeanor now radiated anger and desperation. He showed no mercy to anyone, fueled by his determination to find Aria.
Unofficially, he dismissed the traitorous council members without the king's permission, replacing them with loyal pack members. His borders were strengthened for war, and soldiers trained daily.
Princess Ophelia, sensing Elijah's growing disdain, realized her stay was no longer welcome. The Alpha gave her no attention, no regard. His eyes seemed to bore into her soul, filled with hatred.
She knew she had to leave before Elijah's anger boiled over. One night, he might kill her.
Despite her fear, Ophelia's love for Elijah remained unwavering. She desired him as her mate, the only Alpha great enough to be Wolfland's king. His strength and warrior's heart made him the perfect partner.
"I'll bear him children as great as he is," she thought.
Ophelia informed Elijah of her departure, but he barely acknowledged her. A simple nod was his only response.
On her journey back to the king's palace, a strange figure stood before her.
"I am Malakai, a great warlock of Netherlands," he introduced himself.
Ophelia's disgust was palpable, but Malakai's words caught her attention.
"My magic helped Elijah defeat Netherlands," he said.
Intrigued, Ophelia listened.
Malakai's eyes gleamed with cunning.
"I can help you with your heart's desires," he said.
Ophelia feigned indifference.
"What heart desires? I don't have such," she replied.
Malakai's smile grew.
"I can give you Elijah's heart," he whispered.
Ophelia's interest piqued.
"I don't want him dead," she clarified.
Malakai chuckled.
"You want him as yours. You want his heart, but he has someone else in his heart already. Someone atrocious. An evil that will spark war in Wolfland. I can make Elijah love you as he would Aria."
The mention of Aria's name ignited Ophelia's anger.
"How?" she asked, curiosity getting the better of her.
"Why are you helping me?" Ophelia inquired.
Malakai's expression turned sinister.
"I have Aria, and I want her for myself. But Elijah won't stop searching. I need Aria to hate Elijah, to believe he's abandoned her for you. Only then can she be useful to me."
Ophelia's unease grew.
"You have her? I don't want trouble. I know nothing of magic, but I know it has consequences."
Malakai reassured her.
"Love potions have no aftermath."
He handed her a small red bottle.
"Pour three drops into his drink. He'll be yours forever."
Ophelia took the bottle, her hands shaking. She hid it in her pouch, beneath her garment.
Malakai smiled, satisfied with his plan.
"I'll wait until Elijah comes to the Wolfsburg palace for the All Alpha meetings," Ophelia thought. "Then, I'll make him mine."
As Malakai departed, his strange smile hinted at a larger scheme.
****
Aria had lost count of the days spent in the Amazon cave, held hostage by Malakai's dark magic. The cave's extravagant interior, complete with a warm bath and a large mirror, seemed ironic, given her captivity.
Malakai's occasional visits left her uneasy. His smile, accompanied by an air of sinister intent, made her skin crawl.
Her legs were bound by magical shackles, preventing escape. Werewolves guarded every corner of the cave, their eyes fixed on her.
A female werewolf attended to her needs, providing food, drinks, and fresh clothes daily.
Malakai appeared, his red hair with white streaks framing his unsettling features. His eyes, one violet and one black, seemed to bore into her soul.
"Do you see anything in the mirror?" he asked, his voice laced with impatience.
Aria shook her head.
"No."
Malakai's anger flared.
"The child of Prophecy should be able to use this mirror. Open your inner eyes, Aria Moonflower!"
Aria's confusion deepened.
"The mirror just shows my reflection," she replied.
Malakai sneered.
"What do you see in the mirror?" Aria asked, curiosity getting the better of her.
"I can't use it, dummy! Only you can," Malakai snapped.
Aria sensed the sinister intentions behind Malakai's words.
"Your eyes...they're different," she observed.
Malakai's gaze narrowed.
"A gift from my purpose of birth," he said.
Despite his handsome features and powerful build, Malakai's aura repelled Aria.
"I need you to concentrate on that mirror. It's your only assignment. You can't stay here forever!" Malakai urged.
"I don't want that for you. You're young, with a bright future. You should be out there chasing love and good things, not locked up here."
Aria saw through his deception.
"You don't mean any of that, traitor! You led the werewolves on an unfair war and killed millions of my people , my family, our Netherlands, and you think I'll believe you? I won't, and I don't ever will."
Malakai's expression turned cold.
"Fine, I'll grant you a few days off to go to the outside world and be with the one you love. I'll do that to prove to you that I don't hold you hostage. I'll do that, I promise, Aria Moonflower, daughter of Warlock Silvermist."
Aria's skepticism wavered as Malakai removed her shackles.
He led her out of the cave, into the bright sunlight.
The blue sky, green trees, and chirping birds revitalized her.
She knew Elijah would be overjoyed to see her. Together, they would defeat Malakai and shatter his sinister plans.
As they walked, Aria hid her true intentions.
Malakai's motives remained unclear, but she vowed to uncover his secrets.